The Annual General Membership Meeting and Holiday Party of 2018 was a lovely dinner amongst the cars on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at the Wisconsin Auto Museum in Hartford, WI. The weather had been mild and there was only 1 no show! Thanks to those of you who traveled up from IL and around the state. Everyone had the opportunity to view all the 2 floors that the museum had to offer throughout the evening.
The catering was again done by MJs Market and Catering and the food was enjoyed by all. We got a short history of the museum by Dawn Mueller while noshing among the WI made 25 Kissel cars in the collection. One of the more interesting exhibits was a 1929 Ruxton behind glass, one of 20 left. Kissel Motor Car Company of Hartford, Wis., manufactured the Ruxton’s transmission just down the road from the museum. On the main floor we were treated to a large model train display. On the second floor in addition to the cars if you braved the cooler room was a 1913 #1003 Soo Line steam locomotive along with other railroad artifacts. My attention was drawn on the second floor to the red 1963 Rambler American convertible. My mom had a blue one that we traveled all over the country in when I was a kid.
The election results were announced and our new officers are Vice President – Dave Thuerk, Secretary – Ron Pace, Fox Valley Liaison – Dale Kressin, 2 at large Board members – Creston Flemming and David Burman. Thank you to all who ran and all who voted!
Besides the great conversation of our 70 in attendance and good food, the door prizes were abundant as usual and the club provided some pretty cool mugs for each attendee. Very special thanks to all of our sponsors and donors: Badger Bimmers, BMW NA, BMW CCA, Umansky North BMW, Enterprise BMW, International Autos BMW, Zimbrick BMW, Laurel BMW, Big Bear Tire, Blackhawk Farms and Road America.
We had two great silent auction items and raised $295 for the Joy House shelter for women and children. We also collected $80 and 49 pounds of goods for Feeding America of Eastern WI. I dropped all the donations off on Friday, Jan. 19, 2018 and was able to tour of the entire Milwaukee Rescue Mission which includes Joy House. They are doing GREAT work there for our community.
Thanks to all who arrived a bit early and helped get things set up. Hope you enjoy the pictures from the event that were taken by Mary O’Brien. If you missed it, make sure to attend next year’s holiday party that Tim Jason has volunteered to plan for us!
