I would like to thank Mark Mederski and the staff of the Hall of Fame Museum for allowing the POG to hold it's 8th. Annual Penton Day meeting in their wonderful facility.
Museum volunteer Ric Stewert once again was an invaluable help in getting the Museum "Pentonized" for the event. Ollie and Al Martin, along with Scott Brogan, loaded and hauled the trailer with all of the POG supplies needed to host the event. Their hard work is only exceeded by their great attitudes, it is always a pleasure to work with these guys.
A big thanks also to Ed Youngblood, Al Born, Conrad Pfeifer and Jack Penton for their part in putting on the afternoon program which focused on John's record setting transcontinental run in 1959. The highlight of the program was when POG members Conrad Pfeifer and Rick Snyder, both members of the Iron Butt Association, presented John with the Iron Butt Association's Extreme Rider Award along with a membership in the organization, the award and membership were graciously provided by the Iron Butt Association's President, AND former Penton rider, Mike Kneebone. http://www.ironbutt.com/about/about.cfm POG film maker Ted Guthrie filmed the presentation and it can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNWwABO_csA
As always there are many more folks who contributed to this event in many ways and I just can't begin to tell you how appreciative your help is, Thanks to each of you.
I would be remiss if I didn't say a few words about The Man for whom without this all would not be possible, John Penton. What a very gracious person he is, I don't need to tell anyone here just what all this man has accomplished in his life, yet he is so humble and gracious about it all. He continuously goes out of his way to accommodate everyone's wishes, at the swapmeet on Sunday he was besieged with requests for pictures, autographs and for a few personal minutes with many folks who just wanted to share with John some of their Penton memories.
I am sure that I speak for all of you when I say, Thank You John for everything.
Paul