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Gentlemen Car Club
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New Location for 2023 | Mighty-Mig Welding Welding & Fabricating Don Sell, President 4922 Torque Rd. - Loves Park, IL 815-633-6577 (shop) 815-633-6577 (fax) | Cruise Night's |
ATTENTION CRUISERS: NEW LOCATION FOR 2023!!
Gentlemen Club's Cruise Night moving to Farm & Fleet in Rockton
Gentlemen Club's Cruise Night moving to Farm & Fleet in Rockton
Special Announcement from Joe Locke! -- We have had a long-standing monthly Cruise Night with the Gentlemen Car Club at the Meadow Mart Shopping Center in Loves Park for many years. We thank the ownership and merchants for the hosting us all that time. But unfortunately things are changing and we will be moving our location for the 3rd Thursdays of the month.
We are being welcomed by one of our monthly Wednesday Cruise locations the Buccifero Family McDonalds location in Rockton with the cooperation of the Farm and Fleet right next door. The event will still feature the Gentlemen’s efforts to support the VetsRoll program.
We also want to thank Ron and Mary from Doc’s Diner for providing food outside at Meadow Mart Cruise over the years. I as of this time do not know the status of the Doc’s Diner Car Show usually held on a Sunday in August. I will keep you all updated on that!
We hope everyone will help make it a huge turnout at the first event
Thursday April 20th from 5-8 pm in Rockton!
Cruz'n for Dre!
Members of the GCC participated in a
drive-by cruise
for Dre as part of a
"Make-A-Wish"
for the young car enthusiast.
-- July 18, 2021 --
Cruise'n at Speedway Auto Mall on a beautiful Saturday -- 7/17/2021
A day at the drags!
Members of the GCC
enjoying "Glory Days"
at the Byron Dragway.
July 17, 2021
“Gentlemen Car Club
Ladies in Red”
at the
Meadow Mart Cruise Night,
6-17-2021.
6-17-2021.
'Trunk Lunches' give more opportunities to cruise and socialize
'Trunk Lunches' give more opportunities to cruise and socialize
With most of the cruising season throttled by the COVID-19 pandemic, the idea of ‘Trunk Lunches’ provided members of the Gentlemen Car Club an opportunities to get their classics out of the garage and on the road, doing what the GCC does best, cruise and eat! Here are photos from a couple ‘Trunk Lunch’ cruises that members of the GCC took part in this year. Click on photos to enlarge.
GCC president wins "Traveling Trophy"
The annual club picnic was held at the home of Pat and Dan Rusk despite having to abide by COVID-19 regulations.
It was a 'bring your own food' event that also featured the usual fun, games and bonfire.
Club president Butch Kosinski took home the coveted "Traveling Trophy". Everyone is wondering what Butch will add to the trophy for the next unsuspecting winner.
Gene Smith also won bragging rights in the bean bag toss.
A big thank you to Pat and Dan for their wonderful hospitality!
Ladies
of “GCC Threads and Treads” aid local veterans
Prior to the final meeting for 2019, held Oct. 8, the ladies of “GCC Threads and Treads”
presented 70 handmade quilts to Vietnam2Now Chaplain Bob Theroux. The quilts
were distributed to 5 different counties and 52 facilities starting the day
after Thanksgiving. The ladies of “GCC Threads and Treads”, are (from left) Barb Watermolen, Nancy Parker, Lou Bauscher, Sue Bauscher and Jeannie
Dzielak.
Business is 'Zooming' for club directors and officers
The officers and board of directors of the Gentlemen Car Club have been "Zooming" right along despite the shutdown on many events this Summer.
At left is a screen shot of the latest Zoom meeting (the sixth of the year) held Tuesday, July 28.
Plans are currently underway to be able to hold annual elections yet this fall, albeit via electronic participation.
'Trunk Lunches' have been the key club functions this Summer, along with a scattering of Cruise Nights that are happening in the area.
Amid pandemic, GCC gets in some much needed cruising
2020 has not been the best year for gathering with friends. But thanks to an idea by Tim Bauscher, some activities are still allowing club members to get a break from the threats of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tim has organized a couple of "Trunk Lunch" cruises where participants meet up, cruise the countryside and stop for a picnic lunch along the way. All with social distancing and masks. Recently Bill Abels guided the group on a "Trunk Lunch" cruise to Rochelle to the train hub where they were able to observe the many trains the come in and pull out of Rochelle.
Trunk Lunches - The ideal way to beat the COVID shut in syndrome!
COVID-19 puts the brakes on club's 2020 activities
With the COVID-19 pandemic that has hit the nation, the effects on car club activities has been devastating. Directors of the Gentlemen Car Club have suspended all club meetings until further notice as well as the monthly cruise nights at the Meadow Mart Shopping Center. The directors also have cancelled any 50/50 activities that they normally participated in at other local events. They encourage club members to participate in area events, but only if they feel comfortable in doing so. The also recommend wearing masks and practicing social distancing where possible.
Pin-Up night highlights August Cruise Night
The August edition of the Gentlemen's Club cruise night will feature a 'Pin-Up' night. The fun-filled evening will happen August 15 with prizes for the best dressed. Drivers and their guests are encouraged to dress in the time period that reflects the year of your vehicle. So gals, dig out your 'peddle pushers', saddle shoes, poodle or mini skirts and floral dresses with padded shoulders. And guys, get with the Fonz look and slick back that hair (ala 50's), or maybe the 'preppy' look? Perhaps a pair of plaid bell bottoms (60-70's), or even grab that fedora (20's-40's).
Club spends weekend in Two Rivers, WI
Club spends weekend in Two Rivers, WI
The Gentlemen Car Club spent the weekend of June 28-30 at the Lighthouse Inn on the shore of Lake Michigan in Two Rivers, WI. The Club's annual road trip coincides with the Cool City Classic Car Cruise and Car Show that the club participated in. The event began with a cruise from Manitowoc, WI to Two Rivers, WI. (approx. 5 miles). Some members experienced the live music, food, beer, etc. at the end of the cruise in Two Rivers while most exited at the hotel and watched the remainder of the cars cruise by. Saturday the group participated in the car show that featured over 400 vehicles. Photos of the event.
Scenes from Two Rivers - 2019
Three members win trophies at Rock and Bowl
Eric Beck receives his trophy at the Rock and Bowl Car Show held 10/6 at Don Carter Lanes in Rockford. Other club winners were Randy Lapp and Dick Watermolen. CONGRATULATIONS!!
Gentlemen Club sponsors Cruise Night for Vets Roll
Members of the Gentlemen Car club pose for a picture in front of one of the buses that were used for the 2018 Vets Roll trip to Washington D.C.
The club is a generous sponsor of the yearly event that offers free trips for veterans to historic places in Washington D.C. and other points of interest along the way.
The trips are sponsored by Finnegan RV Sales and Service, South Beloit, IL.
Ladies from Gentlemen Car Club create quilts for veterans
Women from the Gentlemen Car Club spent time during the summer to create 36 quilts that they present to Vietnam2Now Chaplin Bob Theroux at the October club meeting. The quilts will be delivered to veterans in 52 nursing homes and assisted living facilities in a five county area.
The women began the project in June and have met sometimes 2-3 times a month to complete the project. They also attached labels to each quilt indicating that they were made by the Gentlemen Car Club's 'Threads and Treads'.
The quilters included (seated from left to right) Sue Bauscher, Carol McGowan, Nancy Parker and standing (from left) Lou Bauscher, Barb Watermolen and Jeannie Dzielak.
Club winners at Neighbors Bar and Grill car show
Bringing home hardware at the recent Neighbors Bar and Grill car show in Loves Park. From left are Barb and Dick Watermolen, Lou and Bill Bauscher and Sue and Tim Bauscher.
A road trip to Pontiac
The annual "club get-a-way" featured a trip to Pontiac, IL including Rt. 66 Museum, the Art Museum in addition to a special tour of the Pontiac-Oakland Museum thanks to Dick Watermolen.
Club members enjoy Florida get-together
The Florida contingent of the Gentlemen Car Club got together this past week for a gathering in Sarasota. Club members (aka: Snowbirds) come from various parts of Florida to meet up and share stories.
Soon they will be heading back to home turf for the first club meeting of the 2018 season, April 10 at the Loves Park VFW.
Soon they will be heading back to home turf for the first club meeting of the 2018 season, April 10 at the Loves Park VFW.
No trip is complete without 'story time' around the ye ol campfire!
Members of the Gentlemen Car Club took an overnight trip to Northwestern Wisconsin, including crossing the mighty Mississippi into Minnesota.
More scenes from the overnight trip!
Eight club members attend Stateline Classics show in Durand
Rusks take home
"Best Rat Rod" award
at Durand show.
Gentlemen Car Club voted "Best Community Service Unit" at the Young at Heart parade May 27.
The award was presented by Loves Park mayor Greg Jury. Club members from left include Mike Parker, Nancy Parker, Dan Rusk, Tim Bauscher, Sue Bauscher, Steve Larson and Ted Hartman.
Gentlemen Club at Tires & Tacos Car Show
Club members took part in the Tires and Tacos Car Show held Sunday (June 10) at Community of Christ Church, 6103 Forest Hills Rd.
Busy Month of May for the Gentlemen CC
Despite the rainy month of May, the Gentlemen Car Club found enough dry weather to take the annual season kick-off drive to New Glarus and Monroe, WI., attend the Machine Shed Cruise Night, take a trip to White Pines State Park and participate in the annual Young at Heart parade in Loves Park.
The skies also broke up enough for the club's monthy cruise night at Meadow Mart Shopping Center, May 18.
Now lets all hope for a more seasonable Summer with lots more activities on the calendar.
Check out some of the event photos below.
Cruise Night Honors Vets Roll
Over 100 cars took up parking spaces at the Gentlemen Car Club's Cruise Night to pay tribute to the annual Vets Roll program that is spearheaded by organizer Mark Finnigan of Finnigan RV in South Beloit. The Gentlemen Car Club hosts a Cruise Night at the North Second Street location in Loves Park on the third Thursday of each month (April through September)
2016 Cruise to Okee Bay
Ten couples enjoyed a weekend cruise to Okee Bay and Lake Wisconsin July 8-10. (Click for more photos)
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2016 Club Picnic (7/3/2016)
Club members take time away from Food & Fun for the official picnic photo of 2016.
Obviously some where more enthused than others. LOL
Cruise night at the Meadow Mart
Over 100 cars joined the Gentlemen Car Club and Vets Roll organizer Mark Finnegan at cruise night to support 'Vets Roll'. The clubs hosts its cruise night on the third Thursday of each month between April and September. (Click here for more photos) |  |
Winners at Stateline Classics Show in Durand - 2016 (6/19/2016)
| Taking home hardware at the Stateline Classic's Fathers' Day Car Show in Durand were Ted Hartman, Mike Parker and Dan Rusk (standing in for his wife Pat). |  |
Gentlemen Club start the 2016 'Cruise Season' in usual fashion
It's official -- The 2016 cruise season is officially here! The Gentlemen Club got the cruise season underway May 11 with its annual cruise to New Glarus and Monroe. Despite cloudy weather the club took to the roadways for a drive to the New Glarus Brewery for some liquid refreshments before heading back to Baumgartner's in Monroe for their delicious Rib dinner. |  |
Edward's Apple Orchard
| Taking a break! Members of the Gentlemen Car Club pose for a group photo during their visit to No word on how delicious the |
Visiting 'Full Circle' restoration shop
| Club members pose during their cruise to Madison Saturday. They were given the opportunity to tour the Full Circle restoration shop in Madison. The cruise also included lunch at "Quaker Steak and Lube" in Janesville. |
Four members bring home awards from Durand (2015)
Four of the nine Gentlemen Club members that attended the 19th annual Stateline Classics Fathers Day Car Show held June 21 in Durand received trophies. Mike and Nancy Parker's 1960 Chevy Impala convertible took home "Best GM" while Gene Smith, Dave Scales and Dan Rusk each received "Top 25" awards. Over 250 vehicles were on display. At right, Dan, Gene and Mike display their awards in front of the new mural, depicting the more that 150 year history of the community. The recently installed mural is on the south side of the historic Yale Building of the village's downtown square. This is a 'must see' if you are in the Durand area! |  |
2015 contribution to ‘Vets Roll’ continues Gentlemen’s Club trend!
The Gentlemen’s Car Club donated over $12,000 for the 2015 "Vets Roll" program. The check was presented to Mark Finnegan during the club's May 2015 Cruise Night at the Meadow Mart Shopping Mall in Loves Park.
It was the second straight year for the club to provide a substantial amount to the program that helps send 200 WWII, Korean War and now Vietnam Veterans along with 'Rosie Riviters' on a 4-day, all expense paid trip to Washington D.C. The trip included stops at the Wright Patterson Air Museum and supper at the Officers Club in Dayton, Ohio. The “honored guests” visited Arlington Cemetery, WWII Memorial, Korean Memorial, and Viet Nam Memorial before heading home Wednesday morning.
Last year the Gentlemen donated $10,295.10 for the 2014 ‘Vets Roll’.
The money was raised by donations from businesses, 50/50 sales, free will offering, and quilt raffle. “Many of the club members worked hard to help raise this money’, club president Tim Bauscher said.
“This trip was a heartwarming experience to have spent time with the men and women that put their lives on the line so that we have a better life and freedom,” Bauscher added. This was the third straight year that he has participated as an escort.
Tim's wife, Sue, and fellow Gentlemen Club member Mike Parker have also served as escorts on the trip. In all, 148 escorts were needed to provide assistance to the veterans.
The trip is organized by Mark and John Finnegan of Finnegan RV in Beloit. Participants on the 2014 trip and included veterans and “Rosies” from throughout the U.S.
Photos from the 2014 Stateline Classics Car Show in Durand, June 15
Cruise to Marseilles and Pontiac -- Sept. 14 & 15
Perfect weather greeted the Gentlemen's Car Club 'cruisers' for a trip to Marseilles and Pontiac Saturday morning, Sept. 14. The first stop was at the Gulf War Memorial, in Marseilles, to honor the many service men and women that gave the ultimate sacrifice in order to preserve our freedom. From there it was on to Pontiac were a trip to the Rt. 66 museum along with other museums were on tap. The trip ended with a trolly ride to see many of the sights of the town and then lunch before heading home amidst a few showers. In all, it was a great weekend of travel, sight-seeing and comradery for the members that were able to attend. |  |
Gentlemen Club help celebrate 50th anniversary of Guilford H.S.
Eleven members of the Gentlemen's Car Club displayed their vehicles during Guilford High School's 2013 homecoming celebrations, Sept. 15. The cars were part of the school's 50th anniversary celebration. They were on display during the frosh soph game and the first half of the varsity contest. Click here for photos of the event. |
Gentlemen attend Meltdown Drags at Byron 7/20/2013
2013 Cruise to Volo
Enjoying conversation and shade! (Click here for more photos)
Club member featured on website
We all know that Dave Scales' beautiful red Austin A40 Dorset is an attention getter. Dave's car drew even more attention at the Beloit Autorama this year when it caught the eye of Marty Densch of 'Cars in Depth' website. Now Dave's 1948 gem is featured on their website with story and photos: http://www.rokemneedlearts.com/carsindepth/wordpressblog/?p=10632Check it out!!
Club Window Placards are available
Thanks to club member Red Dzielak, Gentlemen Club members can display a professional looking window card each and everytime they go to a cruise/car show. (No more writing the same information week after week) These professional looking, laminated cards have the Gentlemen logo along with your name, town and custom info about your car. If you are interested contact Red at redjelik@aol.com with your specifics. There is a $4 charge for each card, to cover the materials. These will be a nice touch when a group of club members are all present at an event!
Illinois now offers expanded-use antique license plates
Have you wanted to purchase an antique license plate for your "classic" but didn't want to be under the restrictions of the plate. Now Illinois drivers have a choice. Recently the state has introduced the Expanded-Use Plate that restricts your drives from Jan - March and from Oct. -Dec. just like the regular antique plates. But from April to Sept. you can drive without restrictions. Visit the state's website for more information. http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/vehicles/license_plate_guide/antiqueexpand.html
SEMA Action Network -- Working to promote legislative solutions for the Auto Hobby!!
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, Jun 13 at 7:00 PM -
8:00 PM
Thursday, Jun 15 at 5:30 PM -
8:00 PM
Friday, Jun 16 at 11:30 AM -
4:00 PM
Sunday, Jun 18 at 8:00 AM -
3:00 PM