Rocket City Wings Huntsville, Alabama -- Chapter B, Region A Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge February 2009

That Special Day ...
  -- From the Chapter Directors

This is the month that we honor two of the most honorable presidents in our nation's history, Washington and Lincoln.  We also gather in groups all over the country to watch two groups of uniformed men wage battle on a field.  Dragging a chain up and down the length of the field all the while chasing a pig; otherwise known as the Super Bowl.  This year Shrove Tuesday falls within February.  You don't recognize that name?  Try Mardi Gras, does that sound more familiar.  And of course according to popular mythology we determine whether we will have two or six more weeks of winter based on an oversized rodent viewing its shadow.  If you follow space history, this month marks the anniversary of John Glen orbiting the earth.

But are any of those really very important?  To some they will have some value, but the really important date this month falls on the 14th.  You don't have to be married or have a "steady" for Valentine's Day to be important.  But if you are married or have a "steady" then it is crucial.

There is an ancient and familiar story about a very poor couple.  I'm sure that you will recognize it.  The gentleman's only item of monetary value was a pocket-watch that was left to him by his grandfather.  The lady's true shining glory was her long golden hair.  The gentleman sold his pocket-watch to buy his wife a hair comb.  His wife cut and sold her hair to buy her husband a chain for his watch.  Both had given all freely for the other and they appreciated the gift all the more.  Remember the ones that you love on the 14th but also everyday.

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.

John & Elizabeth Griswold

New District Couple of the Year
  -- From the Chapter Directors

Steven & Tammy Hollingswoth 2009 District Couple of the Year

Steven and Tammy will be very busy this year traveling the state and the region.  If you have time and would be interested in getting to know some great new GWRRA folks or just meeting up with old friends, please feel free to join them.  I know they would love the company.

Elizabeth & John Griswold

Hobo Stew Night
  -- From Mrs. Chapter Director

If you missed the Hobo Stew night you missed out on a wonderful evening.  It was a great way to start the New Year.  It was cold outside, the stew was hot and tasted great, and their were Chapter-B friends all around.  A BIIIIGGGG THANK YOU to Roy and Anita for opening their Garage for us and hosting the event.  Looking around the room it was obvious that everyone had a great time and PLENTY of food to eat.  I for one love the rocking chairs since that is where I spent most of my night.  We look forward to many great chapter gatherings and rides this year.  I just want to say that Chapter-B is so much more than just an organization it is a FAMILY.

Elizabeth Griswold

Coming Attractions (Events)

February

The first Saturday in February another Bowling night will be held at Redstone Arsenal lanes.  Meet at 5:00pm at Campus Corner.

The February chapter meeting should be something special based on the ideas proposed at the staff meeting.  You should definitely come; it should be a lot of fun.

For those that have a hankering for some really fresh shrimp you need to get ready for a really special Valentine's Day weekend.  Get ready for a Chapter-B Shrimp Run to Gulf Shores, departing from Madison/CB Shell at 5:00pm on Friday.  If you are interested contact Tammy Hollingsworth.

Speaking of Tammy; the Birthday dinner at Edo Japanese Restaurant in Madison this month is by special request of Tammy.  Please come and join Tammy eat some fish bait (sushi) or you can actually eat some real food, but definitely enjoy the company.

Cathedral Caverns

March

The first of March we will be going to one of my all time favorite places, Miss Mary Bobo's in Lynchburg, TN. Oh! I guess that some will be interested in a tour of the Jack Daniels distillery, but the real reason to go is the experience of Miss Mary Bobo's.

On the 7th we will visit Chapter-Y for their Fun Day.  When that is complete we will return to Huntsville to celebrate with Avery his retirement.  Way to go Avery!

And don't forget that on the 26th of March is our Alabama State Rally.  Unless you have been under a rock, you should have already heard that it is in Pelham AL.  So for any of us in Chapter-B, we really don't have an excuse (unless we are out of town or sick) to not run down to Pelham (which is just barely south of Birmingham) for one or more days.  We have lots of great seminars planned, great vendors and of course just some plain old fashion "Southern Hospitality".

As always, the most up-to-date schedule information can be found on the website -- check it often.

John & Elizabeth Griswold

Get an ATTITUDE
  -- From the Chapter Rider Educator

During the 2008 Christmas holidays I talked to one motorcyclist and read about another one who crashed motorcycles into cars in city intersections.  Both motorcyclists were well-trained, experienced, and seasoned riders.  In both cases, the CAR TURNED LEFT across the motorcyclist's path of travel IN AN INTERSECTION. 

The motorcyclist I talked to stated that the car turned left across his path about 30 yards  ahead of  him in the  intersection -- that's 90 FEET, folks!  So, obviously the motorcyclist saw the car 90 feet before he crashed.  Even beginning riders in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course (MSF BRC) routinely stop within 30 feet from about 15 mph.  So, what's wrong with this picture?  I suggest he didn't have his ATTITUDE on!  Say what?

Both of the well-trained, experienced, and seasoned motorcyclists had attended several MSF riding courses that discussed strategies to reduce the risk of crashes.  The strategies are called "S.E.E.", or "S.P.A." or "S.I.P.D.E." or some variation.  You may know that "S.E.E." is the acronym for Search, Evaluate, and Execute.  The other acronyms stand for similar words.  Both motorcyclists knew that the MAJORITY of two-vehicle CRASHES involving a motorcycle OCCUR AT INTERSECTIONS! 

We all know that several factors could have contributed to the crashes including excessive SPEED, poor visibility, road surface condition (rain, ice, snow, gravel, sqooshed possum, road markings, etc.), brakes in poor condition, poor stopping technique, inexperience, or lack of training.  Can you tell which of the contributing factors I think is the primary culprit?

You're right.  I think the crash was primarily caused by motorcycle speed that was too great for the situation.  We know the rider could have stopped within 30 feet if his speed had been around 15 mph.  But he didn't stop within 90 feet! 

I suggest that the rider wasn't riding with the right ATTITUDE.  I think his attitude included an assumption that he could stop no matter what speed he approached the intersection.  Then when the car turned in front of him, he could not stop before the collision.

Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge, I beg you to adopt an ATTITUDE when you are riding your motorcycles around cars.  That ATTITUDE includes the assumption that CAR DRIVERS DO NOT SEE YOU and that CAR DRIVERS WILL TURN IN FRONT OF YOU.  That ATTITUDE includes the confidence that you can stop before you reach a potential crash, because you SLOW DOWN BEFORE INTERSECTIONS.

So, get an ATTITUDE and please forgive me for yelling at you.

Jim & Carol Robinson

Chapter Couple of the Year

Last year was a wonderful and exciting year for Richard and I:  Our engagement, Grandson Cullen's birth, Our Wedding that so many of you helped celebrate with us and Chapter B selecting us as their 2009 Chapter Couple of the Year.

We went home that night giddy as a couple of teenagers that just won King and Queen of the Prom.  The one thing that we talked about was what huge shoes we had to try to fill.  We have had some wonderful Past Couples of the Year: Roy and Anita, Russ and Betty, John and Elizabeth, Big Dog and Alice, and Steve and Tammy. My I can't image being in any better company.

For us GWRRA is a passion and every one of you is like family to us. Richard and I look forward to traveling this year representing GWRRA, Chapter B and Couple of the Year Program.  So if you're looking for something to do, give us a call us, we would love to have your company on one of our adventures this year as Chapter B's "Couple of the Year" representatives.

Richard & Sue Chapman

February Fables
  -- From the Ride Coordinators

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooood Morning Rocket City Wingers!

It's cold... really cold... colder than a goose's butt in water.  Speaking of gooses and geese.  Have you noticed there sure are a lot of Canadian Geese lingering around here lately?  What happened to migrating South for the Winter?  DUH!.  Well, since Steven says my articles are too long, I decided to use the 4M as my medium to get the word out to the public.  Public Safety is critical especially when it involves renegade geese.  Some folks think I'm just funny and it is just mere fables that I'm writing about. So...

What is a Fable? Defined:  A fable is a succinct story, in prose or verse, that features animals, plants, inanimate objects, or forces of nature which are anthropomorphized (given human qualities), and that illustrates a moral lesson (a "moral"), which may at the end be expressed explicitly in a pithy maxim.

Okay, now that we established and defined that my stories have a moral, listen up.  I'm sure by now everyone has seen the US Air salvage photos... but look closely... you'll see what I've been talking about.  In one of my 4M entries, I clearly defined my moral:  "Don't quack up under pressure."  There's more to that story as I've mentioned in my 4M.  The Nazi geese were responsible for this crash.  They committed suicide... instead of suicide bombers, they really are more than that; they are feather dusters.  They dusted that airplane like it was nothing.  Well, obviously the pilot being the hero he was, he did not "quack under pressure"... so there you have it.

Beware of terrorists because they come in many disguises.

I gave that Nazi goose a name.  I called him Adolf.  Kinda fitting, huh?  At first he had a stance like a drill sergeant but as time flew by (no pun intended) his demeanor with the other geese and his attack on the innocent bystander, proved where his loyalties lie.  The name "Adolf" comes from Old High German for "noble wolf" (Adel=nobility + wolf). Hence, one of Hitler's self-given nicknames was Wolf or Herr Wolf; he began using this nickname in the early 1920s.  Ever heard the old fairy tale reference of a wolf in sheep's clothing... well, this fella was a goose in disguise.

You may drive by the Sparkman Center pond and see geese, but sometimes you need to take a closer look.  Oh yeah... ever wonder how geese fly in a flock and find their way South and back again... SIMPLE... it's a GPS!  Beware: these forces of nature are not to be reckoned with!

DISCLAIMER:  No geese were harmed in the making (up) of this fabrication of this fictitious Nazi character.

Impromptu Ride Report:  Ride to visit Chapter H, Athens, AL 24 January

Attendees:  Greg Dempsey, Sue & Richard Chapman and me.  One trike:  That would be ME!  The others wimp-out in cars!! 

Okay, I admit the day started off a little wet, dreary and cold.  However, I was very optimistic that it would be a good day.  Steven had to help some of our friends move, so he was driving his truck.  I did not once hassle him about the great bike ride I had.  If you ever want to see your money spent at a slower rate, visit the little gas station on the corner of County Line road and Hwy 72.  That pump was sooooooo slow.  After gas'n up, I road with Richard & Sue (lead car), me and then Greg (tailgunner car).  We arrived at LuLu's and had a wonderful breakfast.  It was a little tight.  The attendance was about more than the room could accommodate (which is a GOOD problem).  Congrats to them for being the most active chapter of the year.  Their attendance was a good sign of that.  It was also their 2nd anniversary as a re-activated chapter. So afterwards, if weather permitting and attendance present, they were going on their inaugural ride.  Well, I just like to add that my optimism paid off.  The sun came out, it warmed up and we had a super great ride.  I won't mention that Bill Leonard (lead bike) missed his turn, but that "turned" out to be a nice "witty" road.  By the way, the name of the road was Witty Road.  A notable mention:  Richard Chapman won money at Chapter H.

Impromptu Ride Report:  Ride to visit Tennessee Chapter R, Fayetteville, TN - 25 January

Attendees:  Greg & Renee Dempsey, Richard & Sue Chapman, Steven & I, and Betty..  One trike; 3 bikes.  Notable mention, all the girls rode with Miss Betty in the van.  Only one girl embraced the cool morning air; so what if I had Gerbings on! 

We start off with another brisk day.  Not wet and dreary, just cold.  Forewarned, Greg suggested we take a ride up to Chapter R in Tennessee.  Rumor had it that they were not meeting anymore.  Well, Greg bravely took on some of my optimism and said that he thought it would be a nice ride and we could take our chances.  Although it was chilly, Greg was sweat'n it.  He just knew that if there was no chapter meeting, he'd be a shoo-in for another J-4-Genius nomination.  Relief came when we entered Shoney's and Greg saw a gentleman walk in with a Chapter vest on.  Later we found out that it was their first meeting they've had in a few months.  It was a great meeting.  With new CDs, they carried out a fun and entertaining meeting.  We will definitely go again.  Notable mention:  Richard Chapman won more money at Chapter R.  Be on the lookout for Sue's new shoes!  ;-)
After breakfast with Chapter R, we took off to Lynchburg to check out some leathers at Judy's and lunch at the café.  On our way back from Tennessee, we witnessed the gathering of geese just at the state line.  You know Canadian geese all look alike, but for some reason this particular group did not seem as treacherous.  I don't think they were in the same pact as the Nazi geese but with caution we drove by and I did not quack except on the CB. 

If that don't get your goose, maybe this will.  I witnessed the 2009 Chapter Couple of the Year dressing alike yesterday!  Yes..siree... Both were wearing blue jean chaps and jackets.  My oh my... if I didn't know better, you'd almost assume they were joined at the hips like Siamese twins.  Well, that's what makes them perfect as a couple.  When you become one and dress alike, it's weird seeing them separated.  Those are not the only qualities that make a good couple.  Participation is very important.  Well, they've got a good start on that.  Everyday on the weekend, I saw them at a chapter meeting... okay..okay... there's only two days in the weekend, but it's still two days worth of participation.  They represent Chapter B very, very well.  They are also representing our favorite charity, Ride For Kids.  Again, they are doing that very well.  Between the two couples, we are planning to do a lot of traveling together where time allows us.  We recruited a few babysitters along the way too.  Our problem is who is going to babysit the babysitters!  Well, that's where you all come in.  If you ever have the chance and you can go on some of these excursions we are planning, we would absolutely LOVE to have you there.  We understand with the economic crisis, not everyone can go, but if you can, it would be great.  We would love to see everyone in the chapter show up to support Sue & Richard as well as us.  We hope you can make it but if not, we will still have rides on the schedule that you can participate in locally.  We are very fortunate that we can travel this year, but the economy also has got us in an economic-awareness mode.  Steven & I will be doing a lot of two-up riding to save on some costs.  We will do whatever it takes because we do not want to miss this great opportunity to represent our State and to continue having fun adventures.  Keep your eyes peeled for some exciting things in the upcoming months.  We hope to put on some enjoyable rides and find new activities to spice up the ride calendar.  Remember, if you have any ideas, let one of us know (Steven, me, Betty) and we'll get it on the calendar when a slot becomes feasible.  You are always welcomed to the Ride meetings. 

Steven and I have high hopes to bring Alabama chapters together more and enforce the bond that we should have as GWRRA members.  We hope to get out and visit more chapters in Alabama.  If you come along, you'll be able to experience some new ways and ideas to have a chapter meeting.  It's neat to sit in on a GWRRA meeting and see how folks do things a little differently but still accomplish it in a fun way.  We aren't focusing our range on just Alabama either.  We hope to visit our neighboring state chapters as well. 

I will affirm that Steven and I will passionately personify and embrace the concepts set forth by GWRRA and will encourage our fellow members to sustain a certain level of support and become advocates representing our motto, FRIENDS FOR FUN, SAFETY, AND KNOWLEDGE.

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!"

Grandparents' Bragging Room

As a reminder, the "Grandparents' Bragging Room" is a section of the newsletter where we want to hear about your family.

You know all of those times that you have felt guilty because you wanted to share some really neat thing that your grandchild did.  Well, now you can, and you don't have to feel guilty!

And since I brought it up ...

Rebecca Mahanna

Our Chapter's youngest member (as far as I know) turned one year old January 25th.

Rebecca Mahanna Celebrates First Birthday

Health Watch
Prayer Concerns

Please send us any news of individuals that should be added to the health watch or prayer concerns.

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
  

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

District News
  -- District Director

We had a wonderful time with everyone at Snowball. I was so glad everything went so good with the motel (I mean 2 motels), with the large banquet room (I mean the little room) and with the set up and set up and set up. Now that we have that out of the way, we had a really good time seeing everyone and at least getting to talk a couple of minutes to as many as we could.

We would like to thank the Alabama District Staff for ignoring all the problems and just getting everything going and keeping it going and for all the others who helped, offered to help and all who understood what was happening and did a great job of just shaking it off and having a good time. THAT WAS ALL OF YOU!! Anita and I thank you for taking the time out of your life and sharing it with us and all the GWRRA members. You all do a great job of supporting us; I only hope we do as good a job trying to provide you the support you need to do yours.

We would like to thank Jim McInnish of Chapter K for being a GWRRA member and for all the support he has provided fellow GWRRA members that needed help and he provided it whether they ask or not. It was a given that if Jim could help he would. Jim is this year's JOE SELLARS ALABAMA MEMBER OF THE YEAR. Thank you Jim for all you do.

There are a lot of things scheduled for 2009 and we plan to attend as many as we can. Please get out and meet with your fellow members and enjoy their Fun Days, rides around Alabama, Rallies, training, and please remember the more you know and participate the better it gets.

We would like to say a special thanks to Lynn and Lyn for a great Couple of the Year selection in spite of have to work around the facility problems. Thank you to all the couples who participated and the support you give to your Chapters and GWRRA. As I told all of you before the selection, "I am sure glad I don't have to choose".

Steven and Tammy Hollingsworth are the 2009 AL District Couple of the Year. Thank you for all you have done and will continue to do for the AL members. Please congratulate them when you see them out and about.

We would also like to thank Terry and Barbie Cleveland for all they have done to help all of us. They have agreed to stay on the Staff as the Motorist Awareness Directors, thank you both for staying on.

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.

Roy & Anita Fosnight Please Ride Safe and Often

District News
  -- Assistant District Director - Central

The Snowball Rally is now history and we have begun a new riding season. We had some chapters change directors and staff, while others remained the same. To all that are serving I want to say, "THANK YOU". It is people like you that make this organization great.

In spite of the difficulties with the hotel, the weekend was good. The Alabama Couple of the Year was selected and we want to congratulate Steven & Tammy Hollingsworth of AL-B. There were three couples that participated and each was deserving of this honor.

The Alabama District Rally is next month. Continue to encourage everyone to attend. The location provides a varied number of attractions with hotels and restaurants close by. We look forward to seeing you all there.

Please let us know if we can answer any questions or do anything for you. Know that we are here to serve you.  Thanks again for all you do.

The more you know the better it gets.

Robert & Gail Brown

District News
  -- Assistant District Director - South

Hello to all you Wingers out there;

This past Snowball Run I did something that I have failed to do in the past winters.  I checked my Gold Wing tire pressure the day before I left for Montgomery.  Guess what?  All the tire pressures were at least 15 lbs below recommended levels and the outside air temperature then was about 30 deg!  So I checked everything else just in case.  No problems there.  I guess the point I'm making here is that the checks suggested on the "T-CLOCK" inspection checklist are based on a real need?  If you don't have a checklist, try contacting your Chapter Rider Educator, he/she should be able to get one for ya, OK?

We are all guilty of jumpin' on our Wings and taking off when the desire takes us.

We think of our Wings as being bullet proof, and they are if we take proper care of them.

Now I don't make any recommendations as to how often you conduct this inspection, but it is suggested to do it before each ride.  I don't do it that often, but you can believe that I will check my tires a lot more frequently, especially now that the weather is changing so much.  We all should know that running our tires at low pressures is one of the most damaging things we can do to our tires.  Plus it puts us, as riders, at risk because of the loss of handling it produces.  It's already dangerous enough out there without US adding to the problem, don't you think? 

I mentioned the Snowball before.  What a great thing our District Staff is doing for us "Volunteer Leaders".  It's unfortunate that all of you CD's, ACD's, Finance Rep and Rider Ed's couldn't make it there.  There was a lot of new information on policies & procedures with discussion on the old and new as well.  Please watch for the announcement of the next one and put it on your calendars right then for next years, OK? 

Well it's time to go, got some riding to do!  Please ride often and safely, and try the T-CLOCK Inspection, you may find something you never thought of.

Remember: "Keep the Rubber Down, It works best that way"

Ron & Corky Alexander

Welcome
  -- District Rider Educator

Hello,

I am Jim Robinson from Guntersville.  My wife, Carol, and I joined GWRRA in 1997 and rode with Alabama's Chapter O.  In April 1998 we transferred to Mississippi and were active with Mississippi's Chapter O in Picayune, MS for the five years we lived there; Carol was the Historian/Scrapbooker and I was the Chapter Educator.  When we moved to Alabama we affiliated with Chapter B in Huntsville.  Carol is J.A.M. (so far).  In August 2008, I became the Chapter B Educator.  In January 2009, Roy Fosnight appointed me as Alabama District Educator.

After several years teaching seminars and riding courses for MSF and GWRRA, it has dawned on me that I cannot educate or train everyone by myself.  DUH!  I hope you will join me in implementing all of GWRRA's education and training programs in the very near future.

A worthy goal is to have every member of the Alabama District enrolled in the Levels Program.  But I'd like to propose a higher goal for Alabama District.  I'd like to see all our members reach Level IV.  In my opinion we need to do several things before we can reach either goal.

The first thing I want to accomplish by the time of our 2009 District Rally is to get the District Levels Program spreadsheet current and on the District website so we can all use it.  Look for that soon.

Next I want to get Parking Lot Practice Facilitators certified -- the more the merrier.  It may take several sessions across the state, but I'd like to get anyone who wants to be a PLP Facilitator certified.  Once you're certified, you can sign the PLP completion cards.  Please let me know if you're interested.

We need more certified Seminar Presenters.  I'd like every Chapter to have one.  I'd like to accomplish the certifications this year, too.  Again, if you're interested, please let me know.

Two very important programs I'd like to implement are the Medic First Aid and the Rider Course Instructor programs.  These two programs will take more out-of-District resources and coordination, but we implement them if we work together.  Again, if you're interested in becoming an instructor in either program, please let me know.

Once we have implemented all the programs GWRRA has prepared for us, we can offer all our members the training we want them to have.  I want to be able to offer everything from First Aid, CPR, PLP, and seminars to GWRRA riding courses with our own instructors, seminar presenters, and facilitators.

In fact, in 2010, if Roy doesn't fire me first, I'd like to have at least two Education Weekends.  During those weekends, as Kay Leonard suggested, and Texas District is already doing, I'd like us to conduct GWRRA's Trike Rider Course, Advanced Rider Course, Medic First Aid, and the core seminars - everything for Level IV, all in one place, all in one weekend.

As you can tell, there are plenty of opportunities for serving our members in our Chapters and in the District.  And as you can see, I cannot do it all myself.  I need your help and with your help Alabama can be a leader in Rider Education. 

When you're riding, please remember that you are invisible to car drivers.

Jim & Carol Robinson

Every Member Matters
  -- Membership Enhancement Coordinators

In the December Wing World, Melissa Eason, Executive Director, introduced 2 new programs and revised an old program in order to say Thank You to Members.

The first program is, if you renew for 3 years you will be receiving a $15.00 savings and you will have the opportunity of win a prize, because your name will be placed into a quarterly drawing.

GWRRA is also offering a payment plan for your membership renewal.  You can renew 1, 2 or 3 years by making 2 payments.  You pay ¹/₂ the first month you renew and the rest the following month.  There will not be any extra charges for paying this way.  You pay with your Credit Card and let them know you want the 2 month plan.

The Recruiter of the Year Program is open to every member.  The Member who recruits the most Members in a calendar year will win a trip to Wing Ding with a free room for 4 nights, airline tickets for 2, registration or 2, and a special plaque will be awarded to the individual at Opening Ceremonies.

In the Find-A-Friend Program, you will receive a Find-A-Friend Council Pin for signing up your first new member and for every 5 new members you sign up you will receive a 5-heart bar to hang from your pin.

The Recognition Program is designed to say Thank You for your time you share GWRRA with other motorcyclists.  For every 2 households you recruit you will receive a $5.00 gift certificate that can be used for Goodies, Membership renewal, or for Wing Ding Registration.  There is NO LIMIT as to how many certificates you can receive, but they are not transferrable and are good for only 1 year.

REMINDER:  Every Chapter needs a
MEMBERSHIP ENHANCEMENT COORDINATOR!

On your Members List, be sure and get in contact with the Members whose dues are getting ready to expire.  Sometimes it just takes a reminder.

Happy Recruiting,

Dewey & Alice Cole

District News
  -- MED / PR Coordinators

I would like to ask that our Newsletter be included in your Chapter newsletters. We will be sending a lot of information out about the Couple of the Year program and the Chapter of the Year program throughout 2009.

We want to sincerely thank Terry & Barbie Cleveland for the fine way they represented our district as the 2008 Couple of the Year they were true ambassadors for Alabama and the GWRRA.

Snowball certainly was cold but we had a grand selection process to welcome our new 2009 District Couple of the Year Steven & Tammy Hollingsworth. All the Couples in the selection process did very well and we are proud of how they represented their Chapters and the Alabama District.

Now it is time to look forward to next years selection for 2010. I have a list of all the new Couples from each Chapter and if your chapter is not on it please get me this info asap as I will want to invite them to several functions throughout the year. The first will be held at the District Rally in Pelham. We will have a Couple of the Year seminar there to cover exactly what it means to be the COY and What are the important details to concentrate on for next years selection, should they want to represent your chapter in this exciting process. Let me say though that whether they chose be in the selection or not this seminar this seminar is important.

New Chapter Couples are.

If your chapter is not represented here please get us the information on your Couple of the Year.

Chapter of The Year or (CHOY) will be a big focus this year and Lynn & I have been asked to oversee this program. We will be sending out information to help in this process next week. It sure would be fun to have one of our Alabama Chapters awarded CHOY at Wing-Ding. Please send us your Monthly reports and calendar of events as soon as you can.

Please select your Chapter MEC at your next meeting if you have not done so. The duties of an MEC along with most other info on the above programs are available on the Region A Website.

We Hope to see everyone soon.

Lynn & Lyn Edwards

February Fortunes
  -- District Couple of the Year

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooood Morning Alabama!

Steven and I are still on Cloud 9.  Saturday was so much fun.  It was just awesome.  We are really so privileged to hang out with some wonderful and deserving couples this year.  Sharp as tacks and yet warm and gentle.  Each one of us was extremely full of pride but we shared the stage not as competitors, but as friends.  Our rewarding lives took us down a path that allowed us to choose to explore opportunities or to continue on with our work at a level parallel to challenges of daily GWRRA life.

I'm not sure if any of the chapter couples really realized how fortunate they are to be selected as their chapter's Couple of the Year.  If it hasn't sunk in yet, let me just clue you in on some things.  In every single chapter around the world there are some truly wonderful couples.  Each year when it is time to honor a couple for their outstanding service and support to the chapter, it is not an easy decision to pick.  How do you choose from a broad range of WONDERFUL people?  It's not a popularity contest and folks should not be chosen just because they are well-liked but because their actions merit this status; one way to select as fair as possible is to have all couples that are previously Couple of the Years to be the ones to help select a new upcoming couple.  How do they follow through with that?  Well, you really have to look at what the couple has done for the chapter.  You have to ask the question, how much have they participated in various events and visited other chapters.  It really helps to choose someone with "chapter spirit".  So what is chapter spirit?  It's just anything you can do to show your support for your chapter such as going to visit other chapters displaying your Chapter Shirts, hats, etc.  It's showing your pride... it's like being a cheerleader for a football team, kinda-sorta.  When a couple gets out there as an ambassador for their chapter, others chapters start to recognize them, and say, "hey, that's so-and-so from Chapter such-and-such... they are really nice; we ought to go visit their chapter cause they seem like fun". 

A chapter Couple is usually the ones that take on some chapter responsibilities and really just helps out wherever needed.  One of them is to promote a chapter's upcoming Fun Day, or event that could draw potential attendees from other chapters or even other states.  As chapter couple for AL-B, Steven and I tried to boost morale within the chapter.  All of these qualities and characteristics add up to a prosperous chapter.  When a chapter couple participates, it gives the chapter a little extra "oomph" to keep it exciting and successful.  Their dedication to having fun and getting involved in their chapter and community is why they are being honored.  They stand out and shine and their love is just reciprocated with their being selected as the Chapter Couple of the Year.  It's an honor and it's a simple way the chapter can profess their love and thanks back to you.

As selected as the District Couple, Steven and I have high hopes to bring Alabama chapters together more and enforce the bond that we should have as GWRRA members.  I personally love everyone.  In the spirit of showing folks love and giving them hugs, it not only makes them feel good but it makes me feel good.  Steven and I really want the enthusiasm to grow for GWRRA.  It's such a wonderful family that more people need to experience this.  Once upon a time, we had no clue as to what GWRRA was and what it meant.  Because of where we came from and having lacked information about GWRRA, I feel as if we need to reach the public more.  It just takes minimal effort in getting the info out to the public at large to reach folks.  We are good people and we need to infuse into the rest of the world with our goodness.  I feel like I've just won a Miss America pageant and my comments sound a little like that "rehearsed" speech they always give... wanna save the world... wanna save the whales... wanna do a lot of stuff, but I bet they are just there for the free make-up, clothes and fame... I will admit, I personally like this attention we get.  I used to be really, really shy (please hold the laughter), but I have grown as an individual, so has Steven.  It's not about just getting attention; it's about getting the opportunity to be heard so you can spread a message.  I really do want to see the world change and I used to think, one man alone cannot do that... but as a small group, they can make a difference, but then a small group gets bigger and bigger till you have an association like GWRRA... I truly believe that GWRRA can make this a better world.  We touch people when we do charity work, we help people believe and dream.  We show a side of compassion that many folks are losing.  With road rage and all that nasty stuff, we can make a difference by just showing respect on the roads.  With safety and knowledge skills, we become better drivers and most of all more respectful drivers.  For Steven and me, we've become more healthy and alive.  We deflected the couch potato syndrome and become Goldwing Gypsies aka Goldwing Go-fers (go-fer coffee here, go-fer FUN there, go-fer anything to be able to ride a Goldwing).  Point is, it's more than just a Goldwing Association, it is our new way of life.  Oh isn't life just grand?  We have so many good fortunes around us:  Family, Friends, Fun, Food, Fantastic adventures, and a Future with endless possibilities.

As I looked out into the smiling audience, I noticed more than just GWRRA folks, I noticed "home-land soldiers":  soldiers of love, civic soldiers that serve our communities, and soldiers of spirit.  We are so fortunate to have such an array of upstanding citizens in our association.  They come from all walks of life.  I saw service members such as paramedics, nurses, firemen, officers of the law, and so on.  These are the folks that stay behind and fight another kind of war on our homelands.  Their families team up to support the same causes.  They courageously work to fend off misfortunes like fires, accidents, mean people, and to keep our community safe.  Each day a young life gets extinguished either by fate or foul actions of our enemies.  The soldiers that serve in foreign lands work for our freedom, but we also have soldiers at home that work for our safety and protection of our rights.  To represent our fine state is a colossal honor because we represent such good people.  GWRRA members are symbolic not in numbers but in quality.  It seems as if we attract a quality of people that goes above and beyond distinguished citizens.  If this is the type of organization we are representing, yeah, I'm (we're) damn proud of being selected as the 2009 District Couple of the Year.  Steven and I will do our best to profess through our actions the respect we have for all of you.

It is truly a shame that at District level, we can't have more than one couple.  Although Steven and I were selected, just remember, the others were selected too.  Their highest honor is to be selected as chapter couple.  They were just as capable to go forward and represent our great state.  There were three winners on that stage Saturday morning.  Each one looked extremely sharp and was just as deserving as the couple they stood by.  What they do reverberates throughout the chapter life and affects many; to be at this level representing their respective chapters is more than honor but it a great accomplishment.  Their hard work and efforts to make their chapter successful was duly noted in front of the state.  Their state recognizes them as foundation of friends working together to make a better world for everyone and to be able to share their love and spirit with a larger gathering of friends.  Steven and I may have been selected to move up a level, but this in no way reflects any less on the couples that will carry on their activities and cultivate their own growth as a couple.  They will forever be the Couple of the Year for their respective chapters.  No one can take that from them.  They own that esteemed title manifested upon them by their peers.  I will affirm that Steven and I will passionately personify and embrace the concepts set forth by GWRRA and will encourage our fellow members to sustain a certain level of support and become advocates representing our motto, FRIENDS FOR FUN, SAFETY, AND KNOWLEDGE.

Aspire to inspire before you expire.

Steven & Tammy Hollingsworth

February 2009 -  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

February - 2009

March - 2009