16^th Annual Veggy Open, 2012

July 25^th, one by one, the mass of members began to arrive. Gilly and T Wally were in the day before to meet/plead with the EPA & Nevada Fish and Game to allow Aquaman another chance to roam around Lake Mead. It took our life savings, but mission accomplished!

8 time, Freck, Red, K, Griggy, Spidey, Narky and Hazmark arrived and made their presence known at Bally’s. This Veggy was unusual as we had 5 rooms. Each guy got their own bed the 1^st night. Spooner, I mean Scooter, was very disappointed.

The first night is always kind of a blur, but I think we had a good time. Gilly and T Wally played community in a holdem tourney and for the first time did not cash. We gamed at Bill’s, Bally’s and Paris and held our own. We enjoyed the live band at the Indigo Lounge and called it a night. Fortunately, we all had signs taped to our door, so it was easy to find our room.

Thursday morning came early, some members only getting a few hours sleep. Scoot spent from 7:00 am till 7:45 am trying to get his rental car. The workers must have been London grads, not very bright. 10 of us took off for Callville Bay, Lake Mead. We rented a 44’ patio pontoon boat with slide, bbq and a jet ski. Narky and Spidey were the captains as they maneuvered the boat with precision. Mankind could not have a better day. We beached it twice, hanging in our flotation devices with the Earl of Mead & tried to catch 2 footballs from the killer slide. Only Da Big Guy achieved this difficult task. He solidified his brawn status.

It took 4 guys, 2 lighters and 45 minutes to get the gas grill going. Not sure if it was the 50+ beers before noon or just a bunch of cerebral Wheeling grads who could not figure it out. Once lit, T Wally cooked brats, spicy Italian sausage and hot dogs for all. Condiments were cut, macaroni and potato salad were served and we all chowed down. The atmosphere on the 44’ boat, pristine water, sun, natural rock surroundings and 10 of the finest was second to none.

During the day, a few guys napped/sun bathed on the top deck, others on the couch on the main level. Although nobody used the shower, some guys actually used the bathroom…………………….not Aquaman.

It was a long day in the 110 degree sun, and definitely a good time had by all!

We arrived back at Bally’s around 6:00 pm. Roar, Felipe, Travy, Sniffy were waiting for us. Travy & Sniffy were feeling no pain after enjoying the 5+ tequila shots at the margarita bar.

We gathered in 1 room for the traditional shirt/shot ceremony. 14 of the finest in 1 room was a sight to see. Scooter reached a new level with the 2012 Veggy Open shirt, quite possibly the best ever. He justified his position as a long time executive council member. He was so proud, he motioned to exempt himself from all Veggy Open $7.00 fees……..motion denied!

We enjoyed authentic Mexico tequila in Battista shot glasses, smoothest tequila most have ever tasted. Spider approved the tequila. Scooter had custom shirts made up for Spider, Captain America, Aquaman and Captain Coupon. Very cool/funny shirts from a founding father of the Veggy Open. He secured his position for another year.

Scooter was also honored with a custom made 8 time champions hat. Not sure he felt the love, but 8 time loved himself!

We had reservations at Battista’s Italian Hole in the Wall. To see 14 guys jaywalk across Flamingo road was a sight to see. We stopped at Stage Door on the way, $1 Michelob’s were calling our name. If you look in the dictionary for the word bar, Stage Door will have its picture. We all felt like Stage Door was a 2^nd home to us.

Battista’s was active, loud and happening. The patrons were in awe of the 14 Veggy Open well-dressed studs. Nothing we can’t handle, we kept our composure. As we were waiting for our table, a well-kept 40ish  lady in a revealing red dress had her sights on our group. In the words of Travy,  “can you blame her, she is only human.”

It was interesting to say the least, as she told us she was recently divorced from a lawyer and advised all of us to never marry a lawyer. Spider, I think Jodie was the exception to this lady’s lawyer bashing!

We enjoyed a great Italian dinner with a variety of meals. I never saw Veggy Open members drink so much wine at dinner.

On the way back to Bally’s, we stopped for a cold one or two, three… at Stage Door. We were on a first name basis with the bartenders and security guards, they loved our attire.

Once at the casino, Smithers wanted to throw the dice at craps, so we followed this Peoria legend to Bill’s casino. Hazmark and Wally let the good times roll as they held the dice for 10+ minutes. If they could have hit just one “puppy paws” they could have retired for life.

Smithees finally got his chance to roll. It was not long or pretty, as he lasted a minute or two…. the story of his love life! However, we all finished ahead and had a great time. Members split off, some solo, some community. There was quite the dancing entertainment at the black jack switch tables, a sight to be seen. Travy was WIU (not Hoffman) smart and dominated 3 card solo. He loved the color purple as his pockets were full of these beautiful color chips.

With a 5:15 am lobby meeting, most members were toes up before midnight.

Friday morning came early for the 11 qualifiers for this year’s Veggy. We headed to Tuscany Golf Club in Henderson, a handpicked course by 8 time. The 3 foursomes looked like walking zombies. Red, Smithers, Roar and Wally were first to tee up, the most talented of all players. Smithers led the group as he carded a 42 on the front 9, the rest of the group not too far behind. Freck, 8-time, Travy and Narky were in the rocking chair. 8-time exploded on the first hole with a 10 and was never in contention. Freck, a 2 time champ, was putting the pressure on with a 45. Travy, quite possibly with the sweetest swing, had to play in thongs and just never got a grip.

Gilly, Spider and HazMark rounded out the field, not necessarily in a good way, although Gilly is definitely a gamer.

It was a tough course, tough greens which resulted in tough scores.

However, once all said and done, there was a man deserving of his 2^nd Veggy Open Championship. Not Roar, Wall, Spider, Hazmark or Narky like most of you expected, but Dr. Smithers who spanked the course with an 83. Red was 2^nd with a 93 followed by Freck, Gilly Scoot, Travy in the mid 90’s. Da big guy set a high course record with a 154.

We enjoyed the 19^th hole before we headed over to Gloria’s for the traditional lasagna lunch. It was a packed crowd at Gloria’s, in a good way. The Reif family was well represented with Mr. Reif, Chris, Connie, Shari, Lynn, and 3 grandkids who joined us for the best lasagna/sausage/meatballs on Earth. As always, the atmosphere at Gramma Glo’s  was just the best. Lots of food, drinks, dessert, conversation and the best company anybody could bond with. Over 20 of the finest, an awesome get together.

Before the lunch ended, there was the traditional transfer ceremony for the new Veggy Open Champion. Freck, a gracious champ, delivered the Henricks Cup swiftly, with a few poignant words. This was a departure from 8 time’s 30 minute speech, mostly about himself.

Smithers signed the Cup and expressed his gratitude for his supporters and vowed to display the Henricks Cup throughout the Peoria beltway.

Gilly took center stage with words profiled by a professor. He spoke about the 1 year anniversary of his mom passing away, along with Freck’s and Vinny’s mom passing away as well. Many in the room were teary eyed. He also read a poem he wrote for T Wally’s surprise 50^th that never got spoken at this event. Laughter, tears and high 5’s engulfed this eloquent presentation. We all know our buddy Gilly is one of the finest.

Lunch was over and it was time to head back to Bally’s. 1/2 the members napped, the other half gamed or hung out at the pool. The consensus was to head back to Stage Door for $1 beers and dreamsicle shots, not a bad choice. The female bartender had quite the outfit on…or off. We dined on the $2.50 beer/hot dog combo at Stage Door, didn’t even need a coupon! After this, we headed to Bill’s for gaming. Black Jack Switch , 3 card poker and Pai Gow was good to the Veggy Open Group.

Hazmark and Da Big Guy had an idea, 2 brawns, so u know it might not be the best. Why not stay up all night and catch that 6:00 am flight, no sleep, mega cold ones under the belt. Hazmark achieved his goal! After Bill’s, Hazmark, Narky, Travy, Spider and T Wally enjoyed the dueling piano bar at Paris. Great music, great tunes, lots of fun. From here, Hazmark, Narky, Spider and Wally dominated the dance floor at Bally’s Indigo Lounge. It was quite the sight, not necessarily a good one. Wally and Spider called it a night, but Haz/Narky stayed on target to complete their mission. They strolled/stumbled to and from Ellis Island around 3:00 am for the $3.99 breakfast and then Hazzy went straight to the airport. Hazmark made the all-rookie Veggy team. He even mastered page 64 of the GP book, giving HLM a run for the money! A welcome addition to the group; we hope he becomes a regular.

Saturday morning we said our goodbyes to Roar, Travy and Griggy; Travy on his way to London to enjoy the summer Olympics. Wall and Roar were roomies, enjoyed a nice Cuz bonding. Travy and Wall were able to spend some time talking business, sipping tequila and pondering the future. Griggy missed his 2 beautiful kids and was ready to go back to the reality of being a daddy.

Sniffy and Red left early for a round of golf. These 1-2 VO finishers wanted a rematch. Not sure you will find more competitive Leathernecks than these 2 Gaylord’s.

Freck, Spider, K, Scoot, Narky and Wall enjoyed a good ole fashioned breakfast before heading to Planet Hollywood’s Pleasure Pool. We had reservations for the best cabana at the pool. We chose Vodka for our bottle service and enjoyed the $500 Bloody Mary’s/Screwdrivers.

Searching around the pool, we were the oldest group, maybe by 20+ years. As you can guess, we may have been the best fit/looking as well. The sights were interesting to say the least. We witnessed a guy in a skimpy green body thong that showed every inch of him. This guy was definitely good for our self-esteem. Then there was the Canadian who was getting married and his future wife packed him a tight fitting bikini for his swimsuit. We actually enjoyed socializing with the Canadian and spent some good quality time hanging with him.

We watched the Olympics in our cabana, enjoyed the fruit plate, played a few rounds of Euchre and enjoyed the 110 degree weather. There were a variety of adult blow up toys in the pool, the younger generation is not shy about anything. It was quite an experience, very funny people watching.

To our surprise, there was a 3:00 pm bikini contest. By chance, Smithers and Red were done golfing and joined us in the cabana. K Codo was all in as well. It was quite a sight as these girls strutted their stuff for the $1000 1^st place prize. Our Wheeling babes, Kim, Collette, Kathy, Kathi, Marianne, Celeste, Sharon, Maureen, Theresa, Patty and Carolyn would have put these girls to shame! Wheeling girl’s rock!

Friends of Bree, one of the finalists, came to our cabana to gather our support. Scoot told them the only way we will support Bree is if they hang on our 2 best looking guys and pose for a picture. These girls chose Gilly and Sniffy (they obviously were drunk)….. we yelled and screamed for Bree and Bree won!

The cabana, water, atmosphere at the Pleasure Pool was an experience none of us ever had. It was a long day, a fun day, and we headed back to Bally’s. Before going back to the room, Scoot, Freck, Gilly and Wally, wet swim suits and all, decided to play community Paigow. It was a good table, lots of very funny conversation.

Keep in mind what we must have looked like after 7 hours of cabana service, feeling no pain, not a shiny dime among us.  After playing for 10 minutes, the dealer looked at all 4 of us and said “ I think all 4 of you have been friends for 20 years. I can picture all of you watching your favorite cartoon character on a Saturday morning.” He read our shirts out loud, Captain America, Captain Coupon, Aquaman and Chicago Bear. The rest of the table was busting a gut. We told him some of our friendships actually went back over 35/40 years. We did well at that table and headed back to the room.

K, Red, Wall, Freck, Gil and Scoot had dinner at Le Berger Brasseire in Paris. Quite possibly the best and most expensive burger/fries any of us have ever had and worth every penny. Lots of food, only Freck could finish his dinner.  Our bartender Lala took good care of us and Daylen Green, brother of NFL Washington’s Darrel Green helped serve us. Looking at all our bodies, he thought we were former NFL players. We developed a bond and enjoyed our football conversation. As Chicago fans, he respected that we knew our football. It was a great dinner enjoyed by all.

After dinner, what was the consensus? $1 beers at Stage Door! Then we gamed at Bill’s/Bally’s and most called it a night. There are always a few night owls that go to 1, 2, 3….am, but an early night for most members.

By Sunday morning, our 50+ year old bodies were pretty much shot. We all met at the Sports Book to say goodbye to 2 of the most prestigious Leathernecks, K and Sniffy. Sniffy had a cold Peroni in front of him and bought a round. Not what we needed, but we indulged. These 2 WIU grads said their goodbyes, leaving only 5 of the finest left.

Gramma Glo met us at Bally’s and we headed to Arizona Charlie’s for the traditional Sunday brunch. Don’t even think about pulling out a few greenbacks for this brunch, the Reif family always graciously picks up the tab. It was a special brunch, 8 of the Reif family, friends Lynn, Ruth and Shirley, Gloria and VO members. Sad to say, only Germane was missing, but her presence was definitely felt by all.

After brunch, we attended a memorial service honoring several loved ones who passed away in July 2011, including the elegant Germane Reif. It was quite an emotional experience; especially hearing several of the Reif family members speak. Not a dry eye was in the place, a very touching event. The beautiful portrait of Mrs. Reif was awesome. From the family speeches, tears and laughter were plentiful. It was an honor for us to be there, a very poignant day for all. We said our goodbyes to Gilly and all the Reif family and headed back to Bally’s.

A final stop at Stage Door, we met a die-hard Arizona Cardinal fan who guaranteed his Cardinals would be in the Superbowl. He obviously was taking advantage of the dollar shots/beers. Da Bears all the way!

Scoot, Freck, Red and Wally decided to play community Paigow before calling it a night. We were actually ahead and were 1 card off a multi thousand dollar payday. Red had a 6 card straight flush and the person next to him, HLM, had his card that would have given him a 7 card straight flush. It was still a nice hit, but 1 card would have been even better. We all cashed up a couple hundo and called it a night.

Monday morning, Scoot and Freck took off early; Red and Wall gamed until they went to the airport for their 6:00 pm flight. At the airport, Red and Wall enjoyed some nachos, cold ones and reminisced about our college days/life in general, it was a nice ending to the 16^th annual Veggy Open.

As we come to a close, a few thoughts come to mind. The friendship we all have is 2^nd to none. I know 14 members were in Veggy this year, but we have 14+ more in our circle of friends that we value their friendship just the same.  We are grateful for the bond we all have. The Veggy Open mission statement hasn’t changed in 16 years, good, clean fun among friends. Let’s cherish this all the days of our life.

Although every Veggy Open member acknowledges that family comes first, our motto is “Life is precious, spend time with friends while you can.”

Mark your calendars for the 17^th annual Veggy Open, July 24-28, 2013.

Yours in Veggy,

T Wally Wilson

See Pictures Here