Hemmings Motor News in Bennington, Vermont will never be quite the same after 23 of the Cruisin Buddies rented a bus from Coachmasters and Ken Finch to attend the gala event honoring the Hobby Heros of 2002. One of those Hobby Heros is our own President, Nick Diorio. Nick won this award after our article "The Little Club That Could" was submitted to Hemmings via their website.

Each year Hemmings Motor News honors five recipients who support the collector-car hobby and their communities by making a $1,000 contribution to the charity of their choice. Nick decided to donate his award to Danielle’s House to assist in their efforts to house loved ones of patients while requiring care at local medical facilities. If you would like more information on Danielle’s House you may call 607-724-1540 for more information.

We all had to stay out of Nick’s way for the last few weeks as we desperately wanted to surprise him in Vermont. It’s a good thing that Nick has that CRS syndrome, because we slipped many hints by accident! Nick was truly surprised as all 23 members paraded up the road to the event tent carrying the Cruisin Buddies Banner and tooting horns to get his attention. The look on his face was truly priceless as it sunk in who was making all the racket! Fortunately for Nick – we have all of this recorded on video tape – the movie will be released soon!

The Pistonettes did their rendition of "Little Nash Rambler" to honor Nick after he received his award. Their performance was enhanced with the help of the audience tooting more of the Cruisin Budies horns distributed in advance with the word also provided for anyone who was brave enough to participate. Our thanks to the Hemmings staff for allowing us to abuse their publisher Jim Mennetto by throwing him in the middle of "Seven Little Girls – Kissing and Hugging With Fred." He was a good sport and sings quite well! Needless to say – our own "Fred" was quite relieved that he was not in the backseat with the Pistonettes AGAIN!


Hemmings Motor News Sign	Hemmings Motor New Building	Hemmings Gas sStation	Hemmings Motor News Bus

Hemmings Motor News Publisher Presents Hobby Hero Award to Nick Diorio	Nic Diorio's Acceptance Speech	Nick Diorio and Emma Lalinski show off their Hobby Hero Award	Villa Capri winners from Scranton also received a Hobby Hero Award
Publisher of Hemmings Motor News - Jim Mennetto performed with the Pistonettes!
			Thank you to Hemmings Motor News for their hospitality and generosity to the Cruisin Buddies Car Club

Special thanks to Paula Kamperman and Jane Farrar of Hemmings Motor News
who went out of their way
to make sure that Nick Diorio was surprised for this event
and assisted in the coordination of the Pistonette's appearance.
Your help ensured a memory not soon forgotten by our car club.

Photos Courtesy of Fred Sperry, Steve Bronson, Don Haus, Joyce Hawley and Andy Pandich – Thank You ALL for your "Picture Perfect" talents!