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

A Time of Humility
  -- From the Chapter Directors

This has been a challenging time, a strange time, a time where humility has been forced upon me.  After 25 years working for my employer, I found myself on the short line of a company-wide layoff.  You discover all kinds of things about your friends, your family and especially yourself when you are faced with unemployment.

Simple things that I had taken for granted were all of a sudden changed into absolute luxuries.  Something as simple and as basic to GWRRA life as going out to dinner with my chapter family became a financial risk.  Faced with the uncertainty of when I might find employment again, all types of expenses became subject for serious review.  A casual trip to the grocery takes on a completely new light.  The first question becomes, to which store should I go to find the best prices?  As you are pushing your buggy and start to reach for an item, the question comes forward, is this really necessary and is it too expensive.  Even something as basic as TV cable is questioned for its necessity.  Facing realities such as these has forced Elizabeth and I to be a bit reclusive since the middle of January.

Unemployment put a severe damper on many of my normal gifting activities.  My son-in-law's Birthday provides an example.  We usually try to be very generous to our sons-in-law.  After all they are both very good and honorable young men, who are both more like sons to me than they are in-laws.  We were forced to give Brian a very, very simple gift and a card that Elizabeth had made.  We also normally are very generous to our local fire department (the rescue squad came to our house and were very nice one night when I thought I was having a heart attack).  This year we were only able to give half of what we normally offer.

I know that this has been a very trying and hard time for my loving bride.  She does not handle unemployment well (at least my unemployment).  But she has been supportive in ways that she may not even realize.  I want to especially and publically thank her for her efforts at the last chapter meeting.  It was probably very therapeutic for her to serve as the master of ceremony.  That evening I was filling out a very long and detailed set of paperwork in preparation for a job interview the next day.  It took me approximately 5 hours to complete that task.  I can only remember one time in past where I had more paperwork; when I applied for a security clearance (about 20 years ago).  I guess that I will probably have that fun again pretty soon.

Through it all, I was very surprised and almost embarrassed at how my friends stepped up to help.  I got phone calls on a regular basis asking how we were doing, many actually joined in the job hunt.  They seemed to be eager to get my resume' into the hands of individuals that would make a difference.  It was actually through the actions of one of my old-time friends, that I got a new job (I start March 2nd).

So what was the most humbling of everything?  For a person like me it was experiencing the extraordinary in-flow of support from my wife, family and especially my friends.  I am sure that I don't have the words to thank each of you correctly.  So I simply and humbly say, Thank YOU!

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

Chapter Couple Notes
  -- From the Chapter Couple of the Year

Here we are at the end of February already.  Although it's been cold and riding has been limited we made sure to fill the time with Friends, Fun, Safety and Knowledge.

We have been gaining so much knowledge through the leadership classes this month.  Frank and Linda go out of there way to make the classes fun and interesting.  So much so that not only is Alabama is #1 for training in Region A but Region A is #1 in GWRRA.  Way to go!!  Even if you think you would never want to be an officer, take the classes.  It's a great way to get more involved and you can use the techniques in your everyday life as well.

We have gotten the chance to visit several Chapters throughout Alabama, making some new friends and visiting old ones.  I must admit we got lost on the way to Chapter M.  Not only did 4 GPS's not know where we were going, we were late from the get go because Phenix City is the only city in the state of Alabama that is on Eastern Time.  The Chapter members finally came to get us and although their meeting had been over for an hour they were kind enough to have another meeting in the parking lot.  We had the best time riding and eating ice cream, lots of ice cream.

This is a very important month for Alabama GWRRA members... it's RALLY TIME.  If you haven't pre-registered you still have time.  The rally season starts with the Florida Rally followed by the Alabama Rally, March 26-28.  Richard and I plan on going to as many rallies as possible this year so if your interested just give us a call, we'd love to ride with you.

Four wheels move the body.  Two wheels move the soul.

Richard & Sue Chapman

Coming Attractions (Events)

March

On the 7th we will visit Chapter-Y for their Fun Day.  Their theme this year is "Golden Oldies" of the '50s & '60s.  So the women folks break out those old poodle skirts, and guys roll up that pack of cigs in your tee-shirt sleeve.

The evening of the 8th we will celebrate with Avery as he retires.  He is getting some well deserved relaxation.  We can expect him at even more chapter events.

Assuming the weather will give us a break ... on the 14th we will have a Left/Right/Straight ride.  These are always fun.  If you have never been on one, you will not want to miss it!

The next morning we will have a Relay for Life Yard Sale.  I believe that it will be at our traditional location, Gander Mtn on North Parkway.  Come out and sell some of that stuff that you have been waiting to sell at your own yard sale.  And hey ... you can't beat the location; you may even want to visit Gander Mtn.

On St Patrick's day we will be having our monthly Birthday dinner at the new Santa Fe Cattle Co located in Owens Crossroads.

On the 21st (the weekend prior to the Rally) we will be riding up to the Amish Country in Tennessee.  A very beautiful area to explore on your motorcycle (just watch out for the Amish Vehicle exhaust).  Maybe this time we will not have a gully washer open up on us like it did a couple of years ago.

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".

April

The first weekend in April may be when we reschedule our Miss Bobo's trip.  For those of you that did not plan on attending the past try, our Miss Bobo's trip was cancelled by Miss Bobo's.  I guess our reputation must have preceded us.  Not really, they had a bunch of snow in the Lynchburg area and cancelled the entire day's reservations.  So watch the schedule on the website and pay attention to the forum (4M) as I am sure that we will post announcements regarding the reservations.

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

John & Elizabeth Griswold

Reflections & Reminiscing (Events)

February

February was a busy month for lots of folks (especially me).  Unfortunately I didn't really get to attend much this month so my information is second or third hand.

Many thanks to my loving wife for conducting the chapter meeting in February.  I hear that it was a big success with lots and lots of fun for everyone to enjoy.  Special thanks to Tammy for the decorations, flowers for each woman and candy for the guys.  Additonal thanks to Steven, Tammy, Richard and Sue for the game.

There was a multiple-day trip to the coast over Valentine's Day weekend.  I tell you our Chapter-B folks will do some amazing things just to get some fresh shrimp!!!

We celebrated Tammy's birthday with some good geese at the Edo Japanese Restaurant in Madison.

And another trip that I didn't get to make this month was Cathedral Caverns.

If you missed the fun last month, please join us this month.

John & Elizabeth Griswold

Congratulations Horizons Graduates!

Special congratulations to our Chapter-B members that have just completed the full Horizons leadership training series.  Ask them about how much fun these classes really are.

Richard & Sue Chapman

Greg & Renee Dempsey

Jim Robinson

Chapter Staff

We are looking for a new Newsletter Editor for Chapter-B.  If you are reasonbly well informed regarding the use of Microsoft Office and are willing to learn some new fun things regarding the web, please give us a call or send us an email.

256-722-9128
Dir ecto r

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! 98489

Health Watch
Prayer Concerns

Marty Knapp - on the road to recovery following an emergency appendicitis.

Roy Fosnight - recovering from an ankle injury cause by attempting to turn into Dairy Queen too quickly on a wet road.

Bill Smith (AL-X) - recovering from heart surgery.

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
  -- District Director

We are having a Rally in Alabama!!!

We are having the rally at Pelham Civic Center on 26-28 March. We will have food, ice cream, vendors, seminars, chapter line dance competition and a District challenge, a lighted bike parade, and a bike show. There will be a lady from Chapter-Y that will be doing a class on scrapbooking. Robert & Gail will be giving First Aid and CPR classes. We would like to say THANK YOU to all who preregistered so we can have this rally. We are asking that each chapter please bring at least 5 door prizes. Visit the district website for all competition requirements.

Our new District Couple, Tammy & Steven Hollingsworth, have been busy visiting some chapters and they have only a few more to go before they have visited all chapters in the state. So don't be surprised if they call or show up at your chapter gathering.

We have taught a module in 3 of the 4 leadership training classes this year that Frank & Linda Teasley have put on. We would like to say THANK YOU to them. Alabama has set the pace for training in Region-A for hours. Most chapter directors, assistant chapter directors and treasurers, Chapter Couples of the Year, chapter members and district staff members have taken classes. We are very proud of Alabama.

We visited with Chapter-L and Chapter-T for their chapter gatherings.  We are trying to visit as many chapters as Roy's work will allow. Remember that each member is a member of all GWRRA chapters.

Chapter-J is having their Bike Show Feb 28 at McFarland Mall from 9am - 2pm.  Chapter-Y is having their Golden Oldies fun day March 7 at Gardendale Civic Center 10am - 2pm.  264872

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 Dir ecto r*Al abam a-gw rra:org

District News
  -- Assistant District Director - Central

Well the weather is getting a little warmer and the Alabama District Rally is soon to take place. I do not know about you folks but I am ready to get out on the bike.

I want to thank everyone that has taken advantage of the Leadership Training that Frank and Linda Teasley have been having. The classes have been interesting and the information can apply to GWRRA as well as our personal and professional lives. This is what I call dedication from our members.

Alabama has some of the best and most dedicated members. The members not only support their chapter but also the District. They have stepped up to the plate so that this rally can and will take place. We Thank You for that. We know that if something needs to be done during the rally all we have to do is ask.

As the weather improves get out and ride. Make plans to visit other chapters and enjoy being with fellow members. We have heard that "IT" is making the rounds and was reported to be at Mardi Gras parades in Mobile. Watch for him. He may be on the way to visit you!

Gail and I Thank You all for your dedication to this organization. You are not only friends but part of our extended family.

Robert & Gail Brown The more you know the better it gets Ass tDir ecto r-Ce ntra l*Al abam a-gw rra:org

District News
  -- Assistant District Director - South

Hello Fellow Wingers:

My very first thoughts, this month, go to all of you out there who sent your prayers and best wishes to me and Corky during our time of need.  I'm sure they made a difference for me, as my open-heart surgery went flawlessly and almost painlessly as well. 

My dilemma began on Feb 4, Wed afternoon as I completed my regularly scheduled 6 month check-up because of my Endocarditic infections from last year.  It turned out that my Aortic valve had deteriated to the point of being almost non-existent.  My blood was pumping back and forth in the heart, rather than in one direction----out.  My lungs were filling with fluids and I couldn't even watch TV without getting tired!!  A Catherization showed that not only was my valve gone, but I also would need at least two by-passes, maybe even four.  THEY KEPT ME !

I had only one day to think about what I was going to be exposed to in the next few days, because I was scheduled for surgery on 6 Feb, Friday morning.  Shew, quick, huh? 

6 hours, a new Pig's Aortic valve and three by-passes later I was all fixed up again.  All my Dr.'s were impressed with how well I tolerated the operation, went through the recovery process, and began my rehabilitation.  So much so that they let me go home a day earlier than expected.  In and out in four days.  Great huh? 

I left the Hospital at about 4:00pm, went to our new Tractors Supply store and picked up a few things for the farm and then attended the Chapter U gathering at The Golden Corral.  Boy was I hungry?  I might add here that there were a few people there in disbelief!  But I honestly felt great with no pain to speak of, until I cough!!  Ouch.

100% better.  10 days later and I have been looking for things I could do that are within my restrictions.  Not Much.  I can hardly wait to see my Cardiologist on my follow up appointment to talk him into letting me get going.  It may take a little longer to be able to ride again.  After all, they did split me in half!!!  But I feel great and ready.

For those of you out there who suffered during your similar surgery, I can only say I'm sorry.  Mine was no worse for me than having my teeth cleaned!!! 

We are, as always, looking forward to seeing ya all again soon.  Please make every attempt at getting your Chapters to consider attending the District Rally.  Only you can make it happen, K??

Remember, "Keep The Rubber Down, It Works Best That Way"

Ron & Corky Alexander Ass tDir ecto r-So uth* Alab ama- gwrra:org

District Rider Education tid-bits
  -- District Rider Educator

Monthly Rider Education Reports - Chapter Educators and Chapter Directors without Chapter Educators, please forward a Rider Education Activity Report, N.6 form, immediately after your monthly chapter get-together.  Every chapter needs to send a monthly rider education report.  Only 7 reports were received for January 2009.

Parking Lot Practice Facilitator training -  Plans are underway for conducting PLP facilitator certification training beginning in the very near future.  Educators and CDs watch for more information soon. Members interested in becoming certified might consider sending a N.22 form, PLP Facilitator Application/Renewal Form to your District Educator.  More information about Parking Lot Practice Facilitator training is available at the GWRRA International Rider Education website.

Seminar Presenter training - Members interested in becoming certified to present seminars might consider sending a N.15 form, Seminar Presenters Application to your District Educator.  More information about Seminar Presenter training is available at the GWRRA International Rider Education website.

Updating Master Levels -  Members no longer renew annually.  That includes members at the Master Level. The only thing members, including those who have earned the Master level, need to do now is remain current. This means that if any of the original qualifying courses, e.g., First Aid, CPR or Rider Course, are about to expire the member must submit the update to the District so the database can be updated. As long as the member stays current they are good to go.

Alabama District Rider Education Weekends -  Plans are under way for weekends filled with training opportunities.  Both classroom and riding courses will be presented in one place during one weekend.  Plans include conducting CPR, First Aid, Co-Rider, 2-up and individual ARC/ERC and Trike courses at the same place so everyone can receive all the training required for Level IV in one weekend.  Stay tuned right here for updates.

It's almost time to start riding again.  Time for motorcycle tune-ups; consider T-CLOCS as a guide to the tune-up.  Time for rider tune-ups; consider a rider course such as ERC or TRC.  Contact your Chapter Educator for information on tune-ups of both kinds.

Please remember that YOU ARE INVISIBLE to car drivers.

Jim & Carol Robinson Rid erEd ucat or*A laba ma-g wrra:org

Retention Phases
  -- District Membership Enhancement Coordinators

Retention of members will keep GWRRA strong.  The Retention process starts when an individual or a family joins.

Rick & Madalena Buck described the retention process in three phases:

The Honeymoon is the 1^st phase.  This phase is normally a short period that covers the time-frame when a member joins GWRRA to the first time they attend their first gathering.  Chapter Directors or Membership Enhancement Coordinators need to make this contact as soon as they become aware of new members.  A phone call is the best way to contact a new member.  You tell them who you are and why you are calling and inform them on what the chapter has planned and invite them to the next event.  Be sure and let the new member know when and where your chapter meets.

Chapter Life is the 2^nd phase.  This is the time period when the member's expectations are either fulfilled or left unfulfilled resulting in a unhappy member who is not likely to renew their membership.  Communications is critical during this phase.  A Chapter that has fun will normally have good retention.

Decision Time is the 3^rd phase.  This phase covers the last 60-90 days of a membership.  By this time a member has made up their mind whether they want to remain with GWRRA or move on.  In some cases a member does not realize their membership is getting ready to expire and a reminder from the Membership Enhancement Coordinator is needed.  Again, communication will help this process.  Remember,

Every Member Matters!

Happy Recruiting,

Dewey & Alice Cole Mem bers hipE nhan ceme nt*A laba ma-g wrra:org

District News
  -- MED / PR Coordinators

February is almost over which means riding weather is coming soon. We did have a few decent days this month to ride and enjoy and tease us with anticipation.

Last year we had all Couples of the Year to send a brief article telling us about them to include in the District Newsletter. This year we want to do the same so we can introduce all our new Chapter Couple of the years to the other chapters. Just tell us how you met and about your motorcycling experience over the years and then what brought you to GWRRA.  E-mail these to us at kla ssyk lean *bel lsou th:net and we will get them in the newsletter.

March is a month full of activities. Chapter-Y fun day is March 7^th, the Florida Rally is the 12^th - 14^th and then our District Rally is the 26^th - 28^th. We hope to see you at one or all of these events.

We do want to remind everyone to look for the Couple of the Year seminar schedule at the Alabama Rally. We want everyone interested to learn more about this excellent GWRRA program.

All monthly submissions for Chapter of The Year should not only have your Ride schedule but how many people and what percent of the chapter participated. So please include this. If you have any questions please let us know.

Ride Safe & see ya soon

Lynn & Lyn Edwards MED *Ala bama -gwr ra:org

Wing-Ding 2009

Click for More Info ...

March 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

March - 2009

April - 2009