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GOLD WING ROAD RIDERS ASSOCIATION SOUTHEASTERN “REGION A” ‘HEADQUARTERS OF THE “A” TEAM’ |
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Region "A"-News
APRIL 2010
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The Official newsletter of Region "A" |
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Region "A" Directors
Bob & Nancy Shrader
9333 Rolling Circle
San Antonio, FL 33576
352-668-3164
regiondirector@gwrra-regiona.org
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The 2010 Region “A” rally season is officially underway! We just returned from the just-concluded Florida District rally in Kissimmee and it was fantastic. Bill and Gina Berry along with the Florida District staff hosted a great rally in the teeth of two days of horrible weather and still produced a winner. It rained all day both Thursday and Friday but the vendor area was located just steps outside the host hotel (the Radisson World Gate Resort) so many folks ventured out despite the rain. There were lots of fun activities inside the hotel to keep everyone else occupied and the game prizes were good. Total attendance was announced as 1,353; an excellent figure especially considering the weather. A new 2010 Gold Wing was raffled off to a lucky winner (a lady from Ft. Myers, FL) to support the Florida Rider Education mission. All in all, a fantastic rally and we look forward to the upcoming Alabama District rally in Huntsville, April 1st through 3rd.
As mentioned above, the Alabama District rally is rapidly approaching. Roy and Anita Fosnight along with their staff have worked really hard to make their rally a big success. It is themed as “2010: A Gold Wing Odyssey”. The host hotel is the Huntsville Marriott. Nan and I are planning on riding if the weather is decent; if not then we’ll be in the car. We have so enjoyed the many District rallies we’ve attended over the years that we wouldn’t miss one and it really does not matter how you get there. We say this, because we want to encourage as many folks as possible to consider attending at least your own District rally. The costs are generally affordable and the fun and good times you have are worth far more than the money spent. Come on out and support your District at rally time!
We’d like to thank our Region “A” Leadership Trainer, Dave and Sharon Aikens together with the District LT and their instructors for the great job they’ve been doing getting the Officer Certification Program implemented throughout the Region. This was no small undertaking and we appreciate the hard work at the Region and District level that has gone into locating venues, scheduling the classes and preparing the materials for these important events. So far, the vast majority of the feed back we’ve received has been positive and we are encouraged to see the great turnout of officers and members in attendance. We appreciate your dedication to GWRRA.
Things are going along smoothly for our upcoming Region A rally at the Lakepoint Lodge in Eufaula, AL. Pre-registrations are up substantially from last year and we’re looking for a great attendance. Jim and Sue Jackson are lining up a selection of good vendors and Nan is planning a pajama party that promises to be real fun. You’ll also be treated to a seated meal prepared by the Lakepoint Lodge staff. While our host hotel (the Lakepoint) has been sold out for some time, we have a good selection of over-flow hotels in the Eufaula area and the campground still has openings. It’s still 6 months away, but we’re looking forward to the rally and hope you join us for the first GWRRA at the newly rebuilt Lakepoint Lodge. The dates are September 16th-18th, 2010. See ya there!
District Directors please remember to send us verification that each of your respective chapters submitted their IRS 990N forms and copy me on your 990EZ forms along with documentation of your approved activities pursuant to our obligations under IRS code 501(c)-4. Call us if you have any questions and thanks for your cooperation in this important matter.
The next District rally in Region “A” after Alabama is South Carolina in Charleston, April 28th through May 1st. They will host a 4-day rally which promises to be really neat. We’re looking forward to “Doin’ Charleston” and hope you’ll join us.
Nan and I hope to see you at a GWRRA event soon,
Bob & Nan |
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Region "A" Asst. Region Directors
Jim & Sue Jackson
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It’s finely Rally Season in Region ‘A’ and the Florida District kicked that off during March. Congratulations to Bill & Gina Berry and their outstanding Florida Staff for a great weekend in Kissimmee, FL. The Happy-Rally drew approximately 1350 delegates and about 40 vendors. Sure wish Mother Nature had cooperated with some warm weather instead of the monsoon season for Thursday and Friday. Even with the rain the rally inside facility was large enough to accommodate all the delegates with dry fun during the wettest part of the day. Sue and I had a great time and we didn’t win a thing again, but some lucky lady certainly had a great weekend winning the new Gold Wing.
The next Rally on the Region ‘A‘ Rally schedule is the Alabama District Rally in Huntsville April 1-3. District Directors Roy & Anita Fosnight and their Bama-Jamming Staff have the red carpet ready to roll out when you arrive at the Huntsville Marriott. After all the theme for the Rally is 2010 Gold Wing Odyssey and the hotel is located very close to the Space & Rocket Center. Some of the “Special Events” include a Cash Grand Prize, Talent Contest, Bike Show, Bike Parade, Poker Run, Chapter Challenges, Banner Contest, Dinner, and much more. Hope to see ya in Huntsville.
Looking a little further down the road the South Carolina District Rally will be coming up in May and their theme is “Doin Charleston Southern-Style” so put this puppy on your May calendar of things not to miss.
Yep, it’s Rally Season in Region ‘A’ and it’s time to enjoy the GW Family.
Jim & Sue |
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Region
“A” Educators
Chuck
& Anne Reed
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Co-Riders are “People” Too . .
In years gone by, it was not uncommon to hear a Rider tell the Co-Rider to “get on, sit down and shut up”. As I tell the people attending my Co-Rider Seminars, those days are gone forever.
Co-Riders, whether they are “newbies” or “veterans”, should feel comfortable riding behind you and one way for them to be comfortable is to be briefed prior to getting on the motorcycle. Hmmmm, briefed. With my Co-Rider, even if we are just going 4-5 miles to a Chapter meeting, I will tell her which way I am going, any potential trouble spots, such as very busy intersections, and to help look for parking spaces when we arrive at our destination. My Co-Rider, even though she has logged over 250 K miles as a Co-Rider, which pales when compared to some of the mileage Co-Riders have chalked up, is my second set of eyes and ears, and I really like for her to be aware of what we doing. Veteran Co-Riders know what to do, how to get on and off, where items are stored on the Wing (rain gear, 1st Aid kit, etc) and how to ride as a Co-Rider. But, what about the new Co-Riders? Most of them really have no idea what to do or how to ride as a Co-Rider. So, what can the Rider do, to help the new Co-Rider learn the ropes, so to speak?
It would be a good idea to brief the passenger and explain things to them. For example, they should never get on or off the bike, without the driver telling them to do so. The Rider must have the motorcycle under control. Both feet on the ground, bike at a complete stop and both hands on the handlebars. Then the passenger can mount or dismount, they should try to keep their weight centered on the bike and not to “pull” the bike towards them but, rather, push themselves towards the bike. They can move about, just not suddenly. If they need to change position, have them inform you they need to move so that you are ready for the movement and can maintain control of the bike. Ask them to NOT help you through the turns. Don’t lean in anticipation and don’t lean in the opposite direction. Simple ride behind the driver. Explain to them that no matter what happens, they are to keep their feet on the passenger floorboards or pegs, and never, ever, try to touch the ground with their feet to try to hold up the motorcycle.
There are, however, 4 jobs they need to do and they are:
1. They are to wave at all motorcycles coming from the opposite direction.
2. They are to wave at all policemen who are on their feet.
3. They are to wave at all children that show any interest what so ever.
4. They are to demonstrate to the world that they are enjoying themselves at all rest stops.
I have a few personal rules also. The only thing I want to “show off” is that riding a motorcycle can be safe AND enjoyable. I wish to challenge myself with the task of trying to shift gears without the Co-Rider being aware that I am shifting gears. And, I want to start and stop with the Co-Rider never quite sure if we have started to move or if we have come to a full stop.
There is so much a Co-Rider can learn by attending a Co-Rider Seminar every chance they get. No matter if they are newbies, veterans or somewhere in between, they can always learn something new and will always be able to refresh things they know. And you, as the Rider can assist your Co-Rider to enjoy the ride by letting them know what is expected of them and what they can do to help. You will both have what we all ride for and that is F U N . .
And, as always, always be watchful for the unwatchful . . .
Excerpts of the above are with the compliments and permission of Ken Cook, Chapter Educator, Chapter B, Georgia.
Chuck & Anne |
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Region "A" Membership Enhancement
& Chapter of the Year Coordinators
Bob & Karla Greer
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OLDIE
but GOODIE
As the new riding season arrives so will the first time visitors to your Chapter Gatherings. Make these visitors feel special when they attend your monthly gatherings.
Here are a
few ideas that others have suggested. v
Have
a designated person at each meeting to greet visitors v
Have
them complete the Sign-In Sheet (get address & phone #) v
Give
them a copy of the New Member Orientation Guide v
Give
them a copy of the Chapter’s latest newsletter v
Give
them a copy of Wing World v
Take
their picture for the next issue of your Chapter newsletter v
Sit
with them or seat them with someone who is knowledgeable about GWRRA, the
Chapter and all the terminology and acronyms that will be used during the
meeting v
Answer
their questions and explain to them: o
What
is a 50/50 o
What
are Door Prizes o
What
is a Poker Run o
What
is a Maintenance Day o
Etc.
??? v
Introduce
them as first time visitors v
Tell
them about GWRRA Membership and encourage them to join v
Call
them up the following week o
Tell
them how glad you were that they visited o
See
if they have any questions o Invite them to the next couple of rides & events
Oh, by the way. Make sure guests that come back the second and third time are not ignored. Include and welcome them as a part of the Chapter family. Get them involved.
The more we all get involved, the more FUN we will have.
Bob
& Karla |
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Region "A" Medic First Aid Trainer/Coordinator
Eldon (Buddy) Shirley
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WHAT A RALLY Just returned from the Florida District Rally and had a great time seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Got a chance to sit in on one of the MEDIC FIRST AID classes that Tina Prince was putting on at the Rally, Tina and her husband Rex are one of the biggest assets to Region “A” as a Trainer and Coordinator for the Florida District. They have almost taught 200 students since the first of the year great job.
Mississippi has taught 70 students since the first of the year and Alabama has purchased their second set of Dummies so their program really starting to take off. Georgia and South Carolina are getting their schedules set up to kick their season off. Get with your chapter and district Educator and schedule a MEDIC FIRST AID class lets get our members and friends trained and keep them riding safe.
Ride Safe and Ride prepared
Buddy |
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Steve & Tammy Hollingsworth
Region "A" Couple of the Year
2009 - 2010
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Hellooooooooooooo, REGION “A” and
the rest of the USA!! Two down, many to go! We've just returned from 2 rallies already this year! We've had so much fun. For starters, we kicked off the rally season by joining Florida in celebrating some Wing Magic! It was great but we could have stood to do without some of the rain. Bill & Gina Berry did an absolute wonderful job along with their team of Magic Makers. Regardless of the rain, the rally-convention was fantastic. We had fun with judging collages to Couple Of the Year selection and everything in the middle. Although we didn't win the Goldwing, we will have memories of a lifetime from Florida.
Returning from Florida donning new rain suits, which I have to add that we used all the way home, we took a weekend off then we headed out to the March Madness at the Region H rally-convention in Marshall, Texas. We almost didn't get to go as I came down with walking pneumonia and was out of commission for over a week. On Wednesday when I went to the doctor, she gave me the okay to travel as long as I rested a lot. We went straight home and packed leaving Huntsville at 11 pm to head over to Marshall. Region H's Directors, Harry & Joan Dollarhide did a superb job along with their team putting together a fun rally. The weather was not ideal but we finally had one great day of sunshine. There was no rain like Florida, but rain or not, Region H knows how to have fun too. We participated in some trophy races and our team won once. We helped them out with their Couple Of the Year selection and had a blast doing it. There was some technical difficulty with the final summation of the scores but Fred & Mandy Mew, 2009-2010 Region H Couple Of the Year, did a fantastic job of entertaining us with useless facts and funny jokes until we got the scores in with a winner selected. We were honored to be asked to be a part of their Region H Couples Reunion, "where are they now". We met Region H's very first Region Couple Of the Year. It's such a pleasure to know that some folks continue in GWRRA and stay heavily involved even after they serve as the ambassadors. I sometimes wonder, what will we do after we serve as Couple Of the Year. We've found that there are just so many things to do. There is a lifetime agenda and I have my infinity calendar marked!!!! Region H had some inside and outside vendors and of course, we found things to buy. To complement some of the things we bought in Florida, I had to get some items in Marshall, Texas to go along with them. We made a ton of new friends, got reacquainted with some old friends and formed some meaningful relationships. Although this was Harry & Joan's first big rally-convention to plan, they made putting on a Region rally-convention look like child's play. Everything seemed to go very smooth and everyone looked like they were having a good time. I know we sure did. We thank Bill & Gina & their team along with Harry & Joan & their team for a great, great time. Friends, Fun, Food….this is why we love to go to rallies. Okay, I'll admit it, I like going for the Flash too…the flash of JEWELRY!! A girl's gotta have her way to deal with an obsession. Thank goodness for Goldwing Conventions!
As special as it was for us, it was even more special for the couples who were selected as Florida's District Couple Of the Year and Region H's Couple Of the year. A big congratulations goes out to Denis Turcotte & Darla Williams (FL-2E) as Florida's new District couple and Louisiana's Steve & Faye Alexander (LA-D) as Region H's couple. We had the pleasure to get to know these fine folks and they will do an outstanding job as ambassadors.
When I mention great rallies, I must mention the greatest…that would be Region "A" Rally-Convention. Region "A" Rocks! Don't forget to register for the Region "A" convention. And just so you know, I'm not sharing my room so don't forget to get your room! ;-) So, take some good advice, make your first priority to register for the Region "A" convention. After that, the rest is just as easy. Just Do It! We want to see you!!!!
Just before I go, you should have already registered for Alabama District Rally-Convention which is coming up this weekend, 1-3 April. If you haven't, just come on over and we'll get you signed up for a good time. The theme is 2010: A Wing Odyssey.
We
hope you can join us! You
won't regret it cause FUN really is contagious!
Steven & Tammy |
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We
have a Classified Section on
the Region "A"
Site where
you
can post your items,
with a picture, that you have for
sale.
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