Celebrating the original Ford Thunderbird
from 1955, 1956, and 1957
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Recent Events
Annual
Meeting 9/12/24
Johnsburg Parade - September 8, 2024 By Liz Werth
CTCC cars carried ten Johnsburg Village Officials in the Saufen und Spiel Parade on September 8. The day was bright, the sun was warm and the streets were packed with observers of the event. Mary and Len Keil once again hosted the participants for breakfast and lunch. Their immaculate and newly floored garage served as the gathering place for both meals. The cars traveled to the parade starting point after being safely ushered out of the Keils’ subdivision by several police cars. Each vehicle was given a large bag containing candy to be thrown along the route. Several spouses viewed the parade and took pictures. At the end of the parade, the drivers were given drink tickets and they enjoyed refreshing beverages before returning to the Keils’ for a lunch of hot dogs, chili, baked beans, potato salad and chips with Mary’s wonderful homemade peach salsa. Participants included Dan Anderson, Tom & Judy Bruin (in from Colorado), Art Hahl, Len & Mary Keil, Dan & Melinda Pritchett, Lloyd & Joan Schellin, Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Len & Irene Vinyard, Liz Werth and Tom Wolfe. Karen Kelly came with her VW bug, prepared to drive in the parade, but she was not needed. Rose Kovalenko came with Karen.
CTCI International Convention Des Moines, August 2024
Our plans to drive our Retro '02 'Bird to Des Moines were thwarted after the third air
conditioner compressor burned up on a short drive August 17. We drove the Ford Escape,
arriving in Des Moines August 20. The venue was the Sheraton, same site as the 2013
Regional Convention with Bob Young as host. Wednesday, August 21 our first agenda
item was a bus tour to John Wayne Birthplace and Museum in Winterset. We toured the
modest four room house where he was born in 1907 and visited the museum where we saw
movie clips and artifacts of his life. That evening we enjoyed a welcome pizza party across
from the hotel.
Thursday we had judges training in the AM. It was presented by Bill Long and John Smith
with screen shots and a detailed manual highlighting judging sheets for Concours I and It
Touring, Original Unrestored, and Retro Touring. Slides showed authenticity points to look
for.
In the afternoon we toured Karl Kustoms in Des Moines seeing work in process. The shop
does engine work, body shop, upholstery, paint, and restoration. The bus next took us to
The Dennis Albaugh Chevrolet Collection. Every year and model Chevrolet from 1916 to 70's
is represented with 15 colors of 1957 Chevrolet convertibles and an array of 1969 Camaros
including COPO, Indy Pace Car, and every color available. Numerous Chevelles, Chevettes,
and trucks were represented.
Friday was judging. I was on Concours Team 2, interior with Bob Young as team captain.
It was difficult to find any scoring deductions, only a few Yz points for wrinkled seat covers
or mis-aligned glove box trim.
Saturday was a swap meet. Bill and Sharon [urkonle were there with a Mint Green '04
Retro 'Bird. Next item on the agenda was a CTCI membership meeting. Declining member-
ship was discussed. Brian Carron and Bob Bly gave an update on a 2025 convention
planned with Vintage Thunderbirds year '58 on in Grapevine (Dallas area), Texas.
The Awards Banquet, August 24, took place on the very day, August 24, of Jane and my
50th Wedding Anniversary so there was cake for all. There were 108 CTCI members and
spouses registered for the convention. Cars receiving trophies were shown on a projector
screen. Lloyd and Joan Schellin and Len and Mary Keil from CTCC received awards.
I was upgraded to Master Judge.
As we departed for home Sunday morning, Bob Young and John Smith were at the hotel
portico to wish us safe travels.
By Jim Wilson
Annual Picnic
It was a beautiful day for the Annual Picnic on the Schellin Farm. 29 club members came for an afternoon of fun and fellowship. Everyone gathered around in the yard and enjoyed appetizers. Later Fried Chicken and corn on the cob was served with scrumptious desserts to follow. A big “Thank You” goes out to Lloyd and Joan Schellin who were our hosts and who made everything possible that day.
Those in attendance: Lee & Gina Bakakos, Bill & Jane Balogh, Mike & Laura Cielenski, Len & Mary Keil, Karen Kelly, Rose Kovalenko, Dan Mrozek, Dan & Melinda Pritchett, Lloyd & Joan Schellin, Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Len & Irene Vinyard, Liz Werth, Jim & Jane Wilson, Tom & Alice Wolfe and Madeline Zambon.
MT. PROSPECT CRUISE NIGHT
As usual, we had a wonderful turnout at the Mt. Prospect cruise night. 26 members came out for a fun-filled evening, even those members from Indiana and Florida. We had Thunderbirds, other show cars and people who parked their cars and walked in. The weather was great, the drinks and pizza plentiful, and the fellowship remarkable.
By Laura Cielenski
Tech Session
For the 17th year the Tech Session was organized by Bob Wenderski. The day began with coffee and rolls at the shop of Mac Kedzior, owner of Kleen Werks Auto Detailing Studio in Lake Forest, Illinois. Sixteen CTCC members in attendance included Dan Anderson, Allen Bryant, Barb and Joe Esdale, Charlie Freund, Gordon Gluff, Art Hahl, Peter Hauser, Len Keil, Barry Konigsford, Lloyd Schellin, Ken Smizinski, Len Vinyard, Bob Wenderski, Jane Wilson and me. Nikki Pesavento was there to assist.
By Jim Wilson
Colletti’s
It proved to be a wonderful way to get together during the “off” months. Karen Kelly planned a mid-afternoon meal opportunity at Colletti’s. Nineteen of us enjoyed each other’s company and delicious food. Thank you, Karen, for planning this outing. In attendance were Kirk Forgue, Gordon Gluff, Gail Hascek & Mike Detty, Peter & Katie Hauser, Len (hidden in the photo) & Mary Keil, Karen Kelly, Rose Kovalenko, Marylu Kramer, Lloyd & Joan Schellin, Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Bob Sroka, Len & Irene Vinyard, and Liz Werth.
In Memoriam
Jerry Michna
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of member Jerry Michna on March 13th, 2024. Jerry & Doreen participated in many CTCC events, we will miss Jerry’s outgoing and friendly personality.
The Officers and Directors send their sincerest sympathy to Doreen and their family.
Jerry will truly be missed
Helen Hoge
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of member Helen Hoge on January 24th, 2024. Bob & Helen were together for 66 years and participated in many CTCC events along with hosting many club events.
The Officers and Directors send their sincerest sympathy to Bob and their family. Helen will truly be missed.
An Evening with Terry Evanswood by Laura Cielenski
It was a cloudy chilly day but that didn’t stop 20 club members coming out for an entertaining afternoon of delicious food, great conversation, comedy and magic. We had the Arcada Speakeasy to ourselves for a roaring 20’s lunch. After lunch we all headed around the corner to the Moonlight Theater to see Terry Evanswood perform.
Terry came out and amazed us with his illusions, magic and comic relief. A few members were even called upon by Terry to be a part of the show. A wonderful afternoon was had by all. A huge THANK YOU goes out to Bob Hoge for arranging the afternoon. Those who attended were: Mike & Laura Cielenski, Gordon Gluff and Mary Ziemba, Bob Hoge, Len & Mary Keil, Jerry & Dorene Michna, Lloyd & Joan Schellin, Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Len & Irene Vinyard and their son Jeff, Liz Werth, Jim & Jane Wilson and Madeline Zambon.