Congrats to Dave Ransom for securing Elmcrest Banquets in Elmwood Park (just west of Chicago city limits) for our 2003 celebration! The Italian food and fine service were great. For a sit-down meal in a newer first-rate banquet hall the price - including a private dining room - was surprisingly low. I vote for a repeat!

Not casting aspersions, but some of our previous venues were less than appealing. I remember one that as I moved my feet on the floor, I prayed the squish under my shoe was one of my cigar butts and nothing organic!

And a great turnout! Gene and Becky Cooper, our North Pole reps (well Minnesota) and the Seniors attended. Nice to see the Tuckers also. As you attend our club’s many events you will see different members at various events. Seems Christmas is a good time for us all to come together.

Plus we had live entertainment! Jim Evans brought back a cast of eager, willing members and did a skit with the spirited Abingdon Players. The subject was an in-depth psychiatric analysis of a man with the MG malady of having too many cars and too many parts and the lament of his suffering mate. Complete with chorus, it was truly fun and entertaining.

Oh yes we had some gifts. Bill Mennell handed out the door prize - yes, an MG door - which was eagerly scooped up.

This was the benchmark. Great location with fine food. Great spirited camaraderie in the Christmas Spirit. Are we a great club or what?