This is the time of year that we often reflect on the events of the year and give thanks for our many blessings and friends. For our family personally, it began with a double miracle. Our second granddaughter was born very early at one pound, 15 ounces and our daughter's life was saved during that miracle birth. Our granddaughter, Rebecca, is now right on the verge of walking and her mother is doing very well. Our other daughter is now "in the family way." Don't you just love that saying! She is expecting our third granddaughter in the spring. Our chapter family has had many blessings and wonderful events as well. Through your efforts, the chapter had the first successful Fun Day in a few years. That is no minor task. There have been numerous fundraisers supporting both Relay for Life and Ride for Kids. As one of the signs of significant change and well worth mentioning, our very own Roy & Anita Fosnight took over the reins of the District leadership. As a result there have been lots of very positive changes; such as the upcoming Couple of the Year selection at Snowball. None of this says that what was done before was bad, but there are always improvements and refinements that can be made. Just like the birth of a new child is exciting and an extraordinary blessing to a family; one of the most exciting changes for the chapter is the addition of new members. They bring new energy and ideas to our chapter that is almost always fun to experience. We have been blessed with quite a few new members that are very active. I for one am very enthused over the prospect of seeing what changes they will bring to our chapter family. During this season take time to count your blessings and note the wondrous changes that have taken place in your personal life. Until next time, smile at those you don't know, hug those that you care about, and kiss the one that you said, "I do" to.
|
| Yes | Month | |
| Experienced Rider Course (ERC) | ___ | ____ |
| Advanced Rider Course (ARC) | ___ | ____ |
| Trike Rider Course (TRC) | ___ | ____ |
| Trikes with Trailers Rider Course (TTRC) | ___ | ____ |
| Trailering Course (TC) (For 2-wheelers) | ___ | ____ |
| Sidecar Riders Course (SRC) | ___ | ____ |
| Parking Lot Practice (PLP) | ___ | ____ |
| Co-Rider Seminar | ___ | ____ |
| Road Captains Course | ___ | ____ |
| Group/Team Riding | ___ | ____ |
| Motorcycling for the Mature Rider | ___ | ____ |
| Motorcycle Crash Scene Response | ___ | ____ |
| First Aid | ___ | ____ |
| CPR | ___ | ____ |
ERC is a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course; the remainder are GWRRA courses and seminars.
| _________________________ | ________________ |
| Name | Phone number |
At the November meeting, 14 participants filled out a Rider Education Interest Survey. The list below shows the number of people interested in the listed courses:
Motorcycle Crash Scene Response 10
Road Captains course 6
Group/Team Riding 6
Motorcycling for the Mature Rider 6
First Aid 6
CPR 5
PLP 5
TC 5
ARC 4
Co-Rider Seminar 3
ERC 2
TRC 1
TTRC 1
I want everyone's input so I can arrange for instructors and dates, times and places. If you have not filled out a 2009 Rider Education Interest Survey, please consider sending me an email or calling me soon to indicate courses you want to take in 2009.
Jim Robinson 256-506-7836
Jim Robinson
DECEMBER Countdown
-- From the Couple of the Year
It's a new month; it's a new nation. I'm still a spring chicken. {And NO, I'm not bragging} My point is... usually with the end of the year approaching, things wind down, close up and postpone till the following year starting in January. I'm just not ready to give it up yet. Let the good times keep on rollin'. Everyone likes to "spring" into action during the Spring months, but now is just as good of time as ever. It's time to plan for next year. Your first official event I suggest {sweetly suggest} is that you attend the Officer's Conference in Montgomery, Alabama. Not because you are an officer or you want to be an officer but because you really, really, really would like to go support your chapter Couple of the Year. See... I knew you'd see it my way. To start your new wonderful year off, it will make you feel sooo good to go and support us at the Snowball Conference. Okay, okay, okay, okay... I confess. I just want to see all of our friends out in the audience rootn' & tootn' us on with our selection process. For some reason, seeing you and your smiles, it gives me that warm fuzzy feeling and it brings out the "FUN" side of me. In your presence, I can be the clown I am; I can be myself.
I KNOW, I JUST KNOW, all of you are thinking that the true test will be to see if Tammy can quit talking after 5 minutes!!!!!!!! I can! I just know it! {Pssssssst... it's Steven you gotta worry about; shhhhhh... don't tell him I said that}.
I just want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your love and support throughout this year. The motorcycle got us here, but by all means, it is truly the folks that keep us coming back for more. I look forward to the upcoming year even more now because of our circle of friends keeps growing and we keep having so much fun. Making new friends is truly wonderful but keeping up with the old friends is just as important.
Sometimes old friends go out of their way to just make you feel special. For example, our friend, Jake Lawyer, recently went on a trip with us and he felt compelled to change the Park sign to honor me. He changed his name to Tammy Lynn, Jr. and had the park to repaint their sign. He said that he'd get my name out to the public for them to come support us at the Couple of the Year event. Boy, he wasn't kidding!
GWRRA friends are truly the best. If you are clueless about what I'm talking about, then you must live in a dungeon. GWRRA friends are more than friends, they are family.
So, to all of MY & OUR Family, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas! God Bless and I love you all from the bottom of my toes to the top of my sequined hat(s).
Long live Goldwingers!
It's not about the destination, it's about the journey.
Aspire to inspire before you expire.
Don't Worry (Chapter) "B" Happy
Steven & Tammy Hollingsworth
AL-B Couple of the Year, Ride Coordinators, and
District Vendor Coordinators
"Shake Your Tail Feathers!"
December Dreamers
- From the Ride Coordinators
Gooooooooooooooooooooooooood Morning Rocket City!
We live in a grand city, don't we? It's hustling and bustling all the time. I remember when I used to turn down on my street and I never stopped... I just popped my bike upon two wheels and headed home... now... I have to wait for a line of traffic... we are pert-near-it in the country and it feels like the city. Okay, I'll come off my step stool. My point is still a point. That is... we live in a great place. We are Americans and we still have our freedoms, we wake up every morning ~ breathing. That's the first good thing. The second, no one stole our bikes in the middle of the night, and third, we still have a lot of territory to cover in our riding adventures. The sky's the limit. When we get done with Alabama then we can explore our neighbor states. For now... we still have a lot of Bama to cover. I'm working on some plans for next year to make next year's adventure better than this year's! {it even involves an out-of-state visit (go figure)} Steven is working on fixin' the bikes up with some chrome, so we'll be safe on our trips. {wink, wink} I'm taking notes and getting names... of the restaurants, that is. IF we are going to travel together, we gotta end up eating somewhere that we've never eaten before. As much as I love to ride, I still get hungry. There are about 3-4 main attractions for next year being planned. Keep your eyes peeled on the ride schedule, you might find something you'll like.
For cooler weather in November, we had a couple of darn good rides. Fall Creek Falls was absolutely wonderful. Sewanee Loop was absolutely breathtaking. Just before that, we had a sneak peak into the Fall wonder when we traveled up to Buck's Pocket on an impromptu ride. No matter where we ride, it seems we always have fun. I know here lately, just riding period, I have fun cause all of the drivers seem to be laughing at me. They must be thinking something like "look at that crazy fool; I bet she's cold!" What they don't know is I am just as comfy as ever. I know those people in cars just don't truly realize what a wonderful and exhilarating experience riding a Goldwing is. For me, it is an altered state of mind. Riding through the countryside regardless of the season, it's truly magical. For the month of November, the magic only grew more colorful.
Fall Creek Falls Ride Report
Attendees: Marty & Lisa Knapp, Greg & Renee Dempsey, Betty Werman, Tammy (<-that's me), Dennis Greer, Hiram & Lisa Bass, Bob Caryl, Bruce Shelton, John & Elizabeth Griswold, Roger & Peggy Allen and Faye & Jimmy Williams for a total of 8 Bikes; two Trikes and one hot rod van.
We started out with a quick breakfast at Hardees and then the journey began. It was as if Fall unfolded in front of our eyes. The leaves were immaculate greens, rosey reds, yummy yellows, and fiery oranges. The sky was a heavenly blue hue, painted and dabbed with soft whimsical clouds. If I'd not known better, we could have been in Montana. It was one of those rides for reminiscing and thinking about what you've done in the past year and what you hope to do in the upcoming year. The symphony of leaves falling reminded me of how carefree I feel when I'm on my bike when it's such a nice day. Sometimes when I go down a hill, I take both hands off to fly for a few seconds... it feels so dreamy and even if for a few seconds, I can carry that feeling farther into the miles. Driving through the country roads, with all of the leaves trickling down, it kinda felt like that with both hands on the handlebars. It was like time stood still and I floated through the scene just cutting the air in half with my breath, stopping sound, until I finally had to go through a curve, reminding myself that I was lost in the moment. I had quite a few moments like that. I guess if you can have "senior" moments, you can have "dreamer" moments. I must have gotten lost in the moments quite a bit cause someone rustled me out of my grand stupor to mention that they thought I wasn't plugged in cause I wasn't talking {okay... have you caught your breath after that huge gasp?!} {you didn't hear me wrong, I wasn't talking... as much} Well, for once I evaded getting the J-4-Genius cause I was indeed plugged in... my brain was just on another channel. The ride was captivating and the scenery was enchanting. It was really neat how after the leaves fell, they seem to float across an invisible layer of water across the roads. At one point after we had reached the park, ate at the lodge, then headed over to the waterfall, I noticed not only were the leaves floating across the pavement, so was Roger Allen's wallet. Earlier in the date the boy lost his toboggan, then he lost his wallet. I thought to myself when I first saw it, I said surely that wasn't a wallet but it was. All the way home, I kept my eyes peeled for falling leaves, wallets, gloves, toboggans, and runaway deer. Riding bikes in the fall really requires a lot of concentration, y'know. ;-) The waterfall was spectacular and breathtaking. After a wonderful day at the Falls, we headed home. With nightfall looming in the distance and dusk just around the next bend... {wait a minute!!!! I've heard that somewhere before!!!!} ... anyways, with dusk came the settling of the sun down into its burrow of luscious colors along the hillsides. It seemed as though the sun was dipping its eyes for a catnap and with that it bid us goodnight. Although those moments are forever lost, it's memories like those that just make you want to go ride. Now folks, that was a mere glimpse into why we Goldwingers ride. It's therapeutic and tantalizing. For me, it's much more... I just have more people to pick on and aggravate. That's what I do, I do it well and I live for any ride just to harass someone. If you don't believe me, ask Steven and Roy.
Sewanee Loop Ride Report
Attendees: Greg & Renee Dempsey, Tammy, Faye Williams (my co-rider), Steven, Richard & Sue Chapman, and Joye Williamson for a total of 3 Bikes; one Trike and one silver bullet (car).
First of all, it felt like Deja vu. Probably because it's the same general direction as Fall Creek Falls. We took some of the same roads. Almost ditto for the last trip report, the Sewanee Loop was only different because most of the leaves were gone AND we saw some snow. We are moseying on down the road, sprinkling leaves brushing by our helmets, and woe and behold, we saw snow sleeping peacefully among the pine trees, across fallen logs, and perched on country fences. It was like a mere blanket of diamonds resting amongst a sunny but chilly day. With Goldwings glistening in the sunlight, I felt no chill just childlike wonder, accepting the scene as it unfolded before my eyes. Just a dreamer's acceptance that no two roads traveled are the same. Even if you do travel the same road twice, it is a reminder that Mother Nature doesn't carve her mark of beauty for a permanent stay but only paints these mystic scenes in what seems like a vapor of color to evaporate away. For the lucky Goldwingers that got to ride that day, she smiled extra pretty for us. For those who must have been sleeping in their cozy warm car!!!! {that'd be Miss Sue; Richard couldn't sleep cause he was driving}, they missed the first hints of snow. Some even thought it was fake. If it was fake, them good ole boys that like to toilet paper houses around Halloween, must have worked an ALL-nighter cause it was quite a bit of snow. Not a blizzard by no means, but it was magical enough. Well, although Miss Sue was warm and cozy, the rest of us were not doing so bad ourselves. We all had electrics (either Synergy or Gerbings), and we were just fine as frog hair split five ways... with the exception of Joye... I think she was fine as frog hair split only four ways. She didn't have electrics but she was pretty content with the temperature being that she came from good ole warm Florida, she enjoyed cooler temps. I think by darkfall, she might have gotten a little chilled but she was wrapped up as cozy as a "Jake with a bucket of ice cream". Well, she never once complained. I think she enjoyed it, but I don't see any Gerbings or Synergy suit in her near future yet. If you haven't met Joye, she's a "joy" to be around. All I have to say is "JOY" to the world for the Goldwingers are the best!
After Breakfast (2 November) Impromptu Ride Report
Attendees: Greg & Renee Dempsey, Jeff & Stephanie Brownback, Betty Werman (my co-rider), Jake & Kathy Lawyer, Steven & I for a total of 3 Bikes, 2 Trikes
Buck's Pocket, here we come. We get up to Jim Lynn's Overlook Area at Buck's Pocket and it's just a hint of what we are to expect of our upcoming rides to Fall Creek Falls and Sewanee Loop ride. The colors were exhilarating. The air was crispy clean. The company was fun and frisky. There are just certain people that if you get them together, look out! It's going to be a Zany day. We explored the pathway up to the peak of the overlook and enjoyed the grandeur of the landscape. At one point, Greg Dempsey appeared to be interested in the concept of Letterboxing {for more info on letterboxing see www.atlas.quest.com } and he informed me that there was a letterbox at the bottom of the canyon. Being such a good sport he is, he let me know that he would direct me to the box as I went falling through the tree limbs and jagged rocks. I opted to stay on the trail that day, for good reason of course. We all just continued to enjoy the pleasant mountainous surroundings. Apparently along the trail, some of the "nature lovers" enjoyed more than just the landscape... just by the trail's path were a pair of lost drawers. You really never know what kind of experiences you will have if find yourself hiking a trail but obviously someone was trying to get into "Buck's" pocket. {HEY! I don't care who ya'R, that's funny!}.
After this, we went over to the recreation area of the park... {hey, someone needs to tell the guy who lost his blue briefs that the recreation area moved}.
Back to the adventure. Being the jovial Goldwingers we are, the AL-B Motley Crew decided to test out some swings in the playground. Some took this task more seriously than others. While some were in a little up in the air about the whole affair, others like Miss Betty just took it nice and slow and enjoy a little Fall swinging. If you don't recognize the legs in the air, that would be Jake Lawyer. Yes, he has a wild side that we never see of him {smirk, grin, chuckle}. Needless to say, every single one of us participated in some form of playground amusement.
For a few moments, the playground took us all back into Time's memories to when we had no worries but were mere children with only once concern: who could swing the highest and jump out without breaking our necks. Fortunately, we snapped out of it before heading home. After what seemed like a full day of play, we realized it was just a wonderful afternoon having fun with our friends. Life is good. With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to our new friends... the swing, teeter-totter, the Pelican, the Elephant, the Lion, the Pig, and the Grasshopper. No, we didn't go off to see the Wizard at Oz-land... for goodness sake, they were just swings... nothing but swings. Good gracious. Quit acting like we are a brood of kids. It's not like we stood out like a sore thumb in the park. It was just a group of mature, adult Goldwingers having a nice day of riding.
Bowling Night (22 November) Event Report
Attendees: Betty Werman, Steven & I, Avery Howard, Lisa & Hiram Bass w/ nephew Royce, Richard & Sue Chapman, Joye Williamson, Rich & Nancy Follett, Jimmy & Faye Williams, and Marty & Lisa Knapp. No bikes, just cars.
Well, it was a wonderful night. Bowling was fun, as usual. However, quite a few adults were a little disappointed. We were beat by a 2.75 year old. Mr. Royce will be 3 years old next month, but this month, he was making his mark in the bowling alley. Royce was very confident and with his beginner's luck, quite impressive. His attitude and poise was to be reckoned with. He carried himself very well, and was focused and dedicated. He was in fact a team player and very spirited; he encouraged all of the "taller" people by giving them high-five's. In error, we forgot to bring bubble wrap to the occasion, but thankfully, Sue Chapman didn't need it. We really like this bowling alley because there was no step up to the lanes, therefore, Sue didn't have any mishaps. By the end of the night, Rich & Nancy, Hiram, Steven, Jimmy and Sue were shining bright. I think they even showed that 3-year old a thing or two. Granted, they all did it without bumpers and a ramp. Word is, I think I heard Royce whisper in Aunt Lisa's ear, "next time, me and Uncle "H" are gonna get'em, and I ain't using any bumpers or ramps". For some friendly competition, don't miss the next bowling night!
Quote for the day: A fallen leaf is nothing more than a summer's wave good bye.
With that, I say good-bye, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Valentines, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Easter, Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, 4th of July, and Halloween.
Long live Goldwingers! Roll Out Goldwingers!
It's not about the destination, it's about the journey.
Aspire to inspire before you expire.
Don't Worry (Chapter) "B" Happy
Steven & Tammy Hollingsworth
"Shake Your Tail Feathers!"
Health Watch
Prayer Concerns
Robbi King (Fosnight's Daughter)
- Robbi had emergency surgery a few days ago. She has finally gotten to go home, but she still needs your thoughts and prayers.
Serving for Freedom
Atticus "Daniel" Fisher
- SPC Fisher, Atticus Daniel
- TF Eagle Assault
- HHC 5-101 AVN
- APO, AE 09355
- Serving in Kandahar, Afghanistan
- Tammy Hollingsworth's brother
Heather Knapp
- Air Force
- Ramstien Airbase in Germany (Just reassigned from S.Korea)
- Marty & Lisa Knapp's daughter
Randall Southerland
- Army
- We will get you details about his assignment as soon as we can
District News
-- From the District Director
We have had a really good time with a lot of people this month. We have received several pin designs for the rally and are looking forward to seeing everyone at Snowball. The Couple of the Year get together turned out to be very informative and a good learning experience for all who attended. Thank you to Lyn and Lynn for the fun time.
We had a Plaque Grab at the new Greenbrier off I-565. The Alabama plaque and the Region A plaque were available for a new home. We had a good showing for both with members from Florida, Georgia, and of course Alabama for the Region, Miami got to take Region home. Chapter B got the AL plaque.
Snowball is just around the corner and we will need everyone's financial statements. We would like to do as many as we can on Friday night, so if you can be there please let us know. While you are there Friday, you can help us decorate or stand around and laugh at us.
We would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The Holiday season is for us, the most fun time of the year. We are blessed with our families being close and getting to see eyes light up on Christmas morning, we wish all of you that same joy. 130711
Please remember that Freedom isn't Free and remember our folks who are in Harm's Way, be they Military, Law Enforcement, EMTs or Firemen.
The next time you think about riding, call a friend, they are probably thinking the same thing.
Please have a safe and fun Christmas and New Year.
| Roy & Anita Fosnight Please Ride Safe and Often |
Thanks to All
-- From the Assistant District Director - Central
Time stands still for no one. That has been true for this year. It seems that we were just beginning 2008 and now we are looking at 2009. Gail & I have been able to attend Wing Ding, Region A Rally, several District Rallies and many chapter Fun Days. At all of these events one thing is true. It is the members of GWRRA that make these events possible.
From the planning to the day of the event, many members are involved. During the rally or fun day the members are asked to undertake a multitude of tasks which they do because they are a part of this organization. We have asked many of you to help with the Alabama District Rally, Wing Ding and the Region A Rally. You, the members, have stepped up and been there when we asked. You have represented Alabama with pride.
We would like to just say THANK YOU to all the Chapter Directors, their staff and the Chapter members for all you have done this past year. It is your dedication and hard work that makes chapters fun and continue to thrive. Without you Alabama GWRRA would not exist. Always remember that the District Staff is here to serve YOU. If you have any questions or if we can be of any help just call or e-mail. Once again a big THANK YOU to all of the members in Alabama.
The More You Know The Better It Gets
| Robert & Gail Brown |
District News
-- From the Assistant District Director - South
Hello Fellow Wingers;
Corky and I would like to take this time to say Happy Holidays to all of you out there. We have once again, driven many miles seeing as many of our friend as we can. The month is not over quite yet, as we still have many places left on our "Go to List".
Our travels this month have left us with the realization that cooler weather and hunting season is upon us! We have noticed a larger number of deer on the roadways this month. Because of the cold and we are wearing big bulky gloves, our reaction time is a little bit slower than normal. So please plan those facts into your ride to help make it a safe and fun one, K?
If we do not get the opportunity to visit with you this year, we hope to see ya's next year. The first chance we have is the Snowball Run scheduled for January 17, 2009 in Montgomery, Al. What a great time to visit and learn more about our great organization, the GWRRA.
In addition, those of you honored as your chapter Couple of the Year can come up and see the 2009 District Couple of the Year selection process in action. It may help you make your decision to participate in the fun and friendship involved. Corky and I truly cherish our time as our chapters Couple of the year.
Corky and I bought our Wings to ride on not rub on, and our list of places to visit is large. We are going to Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park up near Tuscaloosa, Al this Saturday, 15 Nov, for their Annual Trade Days event. What a wonderful place to find great gifts for door prizes, etc. Then on Sunday, 16 Nov, we are taking a mystery ride with Chapter U Dothan, Al. If you have an event scheduled, please let us know the details and we will do everything we can to attend. Corky and I attend as many as four different Chapter gatherings on a monthly basis and visit many more as our time allows.
OK, once again, have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. I'm sure Corky and I will too. Be safe.
Remember, "Keep the shiny side up and the greasy side down"
| Ron & Corky Alexander |
MAD about the End
-- Motorist Awareness Division District Coordinators
Well this is it my final newsletter article as District MAD Coordinator, I've been doing this now for a little over 2 years and it has been fun, disappointing and Maddening. It's been fun meeting and working with the great people in our district and I thank all of you for your aid and support. Disappointing because I never saw the idea of a Motorist Awareness Ride in take form or shape though we were very close this last May which the motor of all spring storms saw fit to pass through. Maddening because of the senseless deaths that continue to plague not only our members but all motorcyclist because "They don't see us" Like it or not though car drivers on the road share the road with some of the greatest people I know and I am speaking of all motorcyclist. I am speaking of the Harley rider and the Hayabusa rider and even the moped rider we are all brothers in arms of this great sport called motorcycling. It doesn't mater if your ride across country or just across town each and everyone you meet will almost to the person wave or give you a friendly nod. If you are broke down on the road almost each one will stop and give you an assist and if necessary go out of their way to do it.
I would like to give my thanks to Bill and Diane Gulley who gave me a chance to serve the members of the district of Alabama and to Jim Lee our Assistant DD for nominating me when the job became available. Thanks to Leo and Kathy Mechler for his continuing support of rider education and leading the effort in the district and to Frank and Linda Teasley for coming down to Mobile and giving a second Road Captains course, it was funny to see folk's face when he told them the same things I preached over the years as Chapter Educator. I want to thanks Roy and Anita Fosnight for asking me to stay on as District MAD and I hope I did a good job for you and I appreciate the job you do and are doing. Last but not least I want to thank Doris for her support and understanding that this was a labor of love and without her love I couldn't have done it. Thanks to you the members of GWRRA Alabama District for letting me serve you. Thanks to God for letting me be born in the best state in the United States and for putting the trees and the highways and all the sights between in all the perfect places for me to see across this great land. Thank You my friends and God Bless
As always
Ride Safe, Straight and Aware
| Freddy & Doris Wheeler |
District News
-- District Trainers
Greetings fellow riders, as we were told when we were children, the older you get the faster time seems to go. We must really be getting old because this year has gone by faster than any in recent memory. This has been an extraordinary year for Leadership Training in Alabama. We conducted 6 seminars this year with a total participation of over 150 people. Included in this was the first Advanced Leadership Skills class offered in the District. This year was a learning experience for not only the participants but for all of the instructors as well. We welcomed six new instructors this year as well as two new Senior Instructors. With these new instructors comes a wealth of not only GWRRA experience but life experience as well. To those of you who attended our seminars this year, a big THANK YOU. You have shown your dedication not only to the GWRRA but to your chapters as well. You have invested one of the most important assets you have, your time, to help make the chapter life experience more enjoyable for not only yourself but for those around you. For those of you who have not attended, please make plans to do so. If you have any doubts about whether or not it is worth your time, talk to someone who has attended and get their opinion. Judging from the responses we received from each class you will get a favorable answer.
Next years first half schedule is now posted on the District website along with the electronic registration form. Please take time to read over the schedule and make plans to join us. We will begin the last weekend in January and end the last weekend in February. If you can only make part of the schedule during this time frame we will offer the classes again in August. Even though these classes are titled Leadership Training, they are also geared for the JAM's out there who just want to get more out of their chapter life. Never think that you have to be in a leadership role to attend, all members are encouraged to participate.
With the year coming to a close very quickly, we would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and we hope your year has been as enjoyable as ours.
We hope to see all of you out on the road,
| Frank & Linda Teasley |
Merry Christmas 2008
-- Membership Enhancement Coordinators
We would like for all the Chapters in 2009 to have a Membership Enhancement Coordinator. Their job would be to call or send a note to past members or members who do not attend anymore and invite them to participate again. Also to inform all the new members of activities the Chapter has planned and to check with the members who have expiring memberships.
In the December issue of Wing World magazine, Melissa Eason, Executive Director, informs us of several new programs beginning in 2009. GWRRA is offering a Recognition Program to say Thank You for all your time sharing GWRRA with other motorcyclists. For every two new households you recruit you will receive a $5.00 gift certificate that can be used for Goodies, Membership Renewal, or for Wing Ding Registrations. There will be no limitations on how many certificates you can receive, but they are non-transferable and only valid for one year.
Also beginning in 2009 Members who renew for three years not only take advantage of $15.00 savings, but now have the opportunity to win a prize for renewing.
Another program being offered in 2009 is the Find-A-Friend. For the first new Member, you will receive a Find-A-Friend Council Pin. Then, for every five new Members you will receive a 5-heart bar to hang from the pin. When you reach 25 new Members, you will receive an Emerald Hanger Bar and, at 26, you reach to Hall of Honor. When you reach Hall of Honor you will receive a pin, patch and a certificate.
We have lots of good things being offered to us in 2009.
Happy Recruiting!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year,
| Dewey & Alice Cole |
District News
-- MED / PR Coordinators
We had a great get together with four couples who will be in the selection process for Couple of The Year, at our Snowball Conference in January. We enjoyed seeing the enthusiasm from all who attended.
The new Couple of the Year (for 2009) from every chapter should be chosen at your December meeting or Christmas Party. This will give them the opportunity to come to snowball and observe the selection process. It also gives them plenty of time to begin building a resume by attending events and courses that are important to the selection process.
Lyn and I will have a Couple of the Year course at our Alabama Rally next spring in Pelham. We encourage all new couples to attend this. We will explain and answer questions about what the Couple of the Year program is all about and the fun of being a part of it. Please make plans to attend.
We have certainly been on the go over the last month. The happiness Lyn & I get from going and doing with all our GWRRA friends is very special to us. To see all our old friends and to make new ones is a very big part of what the GWRRA is. We wish each one of you a very special Thanksgiving and thank you for the love and support you have given to us.
Please get your new couples selected at your chapters by December and we again encourage you to come to Snowball and see your new Alabama Couple of the Year selected.
| Lynn & Lyn Edwards |
District Couple of the Year
Hello Everyone,
We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Hope all your Holiday wishes come true. The following was taken out of the Couple of the Year Manual, witch can be found on the G.W.R.R.A. website.
AN HONOR OR A RESPONSIBILITY?
At the Chapter level, being selected a Chapter Couple of the Year is an honor bestowed on a deserving couple who has shown dedication and commitment to their Chapter. Being selected as Chapter Couple of the Year is just like being presented an award.
The responsibility comes if and when a couple chooses to participate in the District Couple of the Year selection process.Being selected as District,Region or International Couple of the Year brings with it the expectation that the couple will represent the association as Ambassadors and spokespersons, with particular emphasis on "spreading-the-word" outside the association.Additionally, when a couple participates in the selection process at the District level, they make a commitment, should they be selected there, to participate at the Region level, and then, if chosen again, at Wing Ding for the International selection. The Couple must realize that if chosen at the District level this could lead to a four-year commitment.
Ride Safe
| Terry & Barbie Cleveland |
2009 Alabama District
- Snowball Run & District Couple Selection
January 17th, 2009
9:00am till 1:00pm
| Quality Inn & Convention Center 2705 E South Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36116 |
For Reservations,
Phone 1-866-535-5392
Group Code: Gold Wing Group
| 9:00am | - | Couple of the Year Selection |
| Following | - | Games until 1:00pm |
| 3:30pm | - | Finance Class |
| 6:00pm | - | Officers' conference |
FREE ADMISSION & YEAR BAR
Head Pin available @ $4.00 each
Check the temperature before you leave home. Awards will be presented for longest distance, coldest temperature on a Wing, Valkyrie, and in a car.
Grand prize, door prizes and 50/25/25.
Refreshments on site
Join us for fun and games, door prizes, awards for the rally pin contest winner, recruiter of the year and Joe Sellers Member of the Year award.
Remember, the Officers Conference will follow the Snowball activities, and will begin at 6:00pm. All CDs, ACDs and Chapter Rider Educators are expected to attend (All others are welcome). See you there!
We'll do financial reports Friday evening if you can be there!
Contact Roy and Anita Fosnight:
Phone 256-721-9151 / Dir ecto r*Al abam a-gw rra:org
2009 Alabama District Rally
Join us for some down-home
Southern Hospitality!
March 26-28th, 2009
Pelham, Alabama
Grand Prize: $5,000
Go to
www.alabama-gwrra.org/rally/
For more information and to download a flyer
December 2008 - AL-B Ride Schedule
- Unless otherwise indicated, all rides will leave from the ride meeting place at scheduled time.
- As a courtesy to all members, it is important to be ready to leave at the departure time.
- All bikes should be fueled and bladders emptied ahead of time.
- We plan a variety of rides. Time and money might make it hard to make all events. We hope this variety will give you an opportunity to pick and choose, and at least enjoy some of them.
- If the weather is bad--come in your car.
- If you have a CB, you will find us on Channel 1 (unless noted otherwise by the ride leader).
- We need your ride suggestions!!
- We need any and all of your ideas!!
- You can be part of the Ride Committee!!
- If you want to help...
Please e-mail us at Rid eCoo rdin ator
December - 2008
| 1 | Mon | AL District Carnival Cruise |
| 2 | Tue | Supper at Casa Blanca -- 6:00pm - 7830 Highway 72 West |
| AL District Carnival Cruise | ||
| 3 | Wed | AL District Carnival Cruise |
| 4 | Thu | Supper at Applebee's -- 6:00pm - Huges Rd, Madison |
| AL District Carnival Cruise | ||
| 7 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| Nashville Nights -- 11:00am - Depart Jeff Rd/BP - BP Station located at Jeff Road and Hwy 53 | ||
| 8 | Mon | AL-E Anderson Meeting -- Fish Creel, Highway 207, Anderson - Eat 6:30pm / Meet 7:00pm |
| 9 | Tue | Supper at Ding How -- 6:00pm - 4800 Whitesburg Dr., Suite 10 |
| 11 | Thu | Supper at OH!Bryans -- 6:00pm - Highway 72 E |
| 13 | Sat | Breakfast Decorations -- 9:00am - Meet at University IHOP, decorate for Christmas party after |
| Christmas Party -- Huntsville Christian Academy at 5:00pm. Don't forget your Dirty Santa gift | ||
| 14 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| 16 | Tue | Birthday Dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse -- 6:00pm - 1450 Perimeter Pkwy (next to University Wal*Mart) |
| 18 | Thu | 26th Anniversary Party & Ride Meeting -- 6:00pm - Greg & Renee Demsey's Club House - 105 River Walk Trail, New Market AL, 35761 |
| Rocket City Wings -- First Meeting - 26th Anniversary | ||
| 21 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| First Day of Winter -- 12:07 UTC | ||
| 23 | Tue | AL-I Decatur (Point Mallard Wings) Meeting -- Tony's Country Cooking, 6th Avenue SE, Decatur - Eat 6:00pm / Meet 7:00pm |
| 25 | Thu | Christmas Holiday |
| 28 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| 30 | Tue | Supper at Red Lobster -- 6:00pm - 1818 University Drive NW, Huntsville, AL |
| 31 | Wed | End of Year Ride -- 9:00am - Drake/CB for Breakfast - Ride After |
January - 2009
| 1 | Thu | Start of Year Ride -- 9:00am - Drake/CB for Breakfast - Ride After |
| New Year's Holiday | ||
| 4 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| Rocket City Wings -- Charter 26th Anniversary | ||
| 6 | Tue | Supper at Po Boy Factory -- 6:00pm - 815 Andrew Jackson Way |
| 8 | Thu | Supper at Ruby Tuesday -- 6:00pm - 110 Tom Thrasher Drive (Next to Cracker Barrel) |
| 9 | Fri | Potluck Game Night -- 5:00pm - Wayne & JoAnn Davis' |
| 11 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| 12 | Mon | AL-E Anderson Meeting -- Fish Creel, Highway 207, Anderson - Eat 6:30pm / Meet 7:00pm |
| 13 | Tue | Rocket City Wings gathering -- Ryan's, S. Pkwy, Huntsville. Eat 6pm / Meet 7pm |
| 15 | Thu | Supper at Rosies Mexican Cantina -- 6:00pm - 7540 South Memorial Pkwy |
| 17 | Sat | Alabama Snowball Run & District Couple Selection |
| 18 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| 19 | Mon | Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday |