Staff Meeting April 16, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. at King’s, Rt. 19 N, Cranberry TWP. Come early to eat before the meeting.		Gathering April 23, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Domenico’s Ristorante 20550 Rt. 19 N. Piazza Plaza Cranberry TWP., PA. (724) 776-6455 Meet in the back room. We can arrive as early as 5:30 p.m. to eat before the gathering.

Upcoming Chapter Events

April 4 (Sat) - Dinner ride to Circle Restaurant in Deerfield, OH. Leave King's at 9:00 a.m.
April 8 (Wed) - Dinner ride to Carmody's Lounge, 2620 Nicholson Rd,Sewickley, PA. Meet at restaurant at 7:00 p.m.
April 19 (Sun) - Dinner Ride to Breezy Heights Tavern, 714 Washington Pike, Avella, PA. Meet at King's at 11:00 a.m.
April 26 (Sun) - Chapter P Mall show at Robinson Town Center Mall.
April 29 (Wed) - Rocking Chair Ride. Meet at King's at 11:00 a.m.
April 30 (Thu) - Ice Cream Ride to King Cones Castle, 566 Evans City Road, Butler, PA. Lv King's at 6:00 p.m. or meet at King Cones at 7p.m
May 3 (Sun) - Tionesta Bike Blessing at Word of Grace Church, 703 German Hill Rd, Tionesta, PA. Leave King's at 9:00 a.m.

Coene’s Considerings
By: Chris & Linda Coene

Aprilil…WOW! It hardly seems possible, it is time to RIDE!

We have a lot of great rides scheduled so we are really hoping to see you all soon on the road. I do have a few things I need to go over with you just to refresh your memory on these.
1) All rides leave punctually at the appointed time. Most are 9:00 am from King's but be sure to verify in case your ride has a different schedule.
2) Some days are purposely left empty. Many requests were received to leave time for some of the impromptu rides that Chapter D used to have so often. To answer these requests we left a few Saturday and Sunday dates free so we could do just that. Be at King's at 9:00 am on those dates and see who shows up. You may be alone or you may have a dozen Bikes show up, but it will be a free ride time. What the group decides, they do that day.
3) Some rides do not have assigned Ride Captains. Please step up and volunteer if it sounds like something you would like to do. We have a few people we can always count on to lead if needed, but they need a rest sometimes also. The rides without a Captain will be indicated on the ride sign up sheet.
4) If you do not sign up but schedules change and you want to ride, just show up at the assigned time. If you know ahead it is nice to call the ride captain in case they have dinner reservations somewhere, but we always manage. Just Ride!
5) Please take the time to look your bike over before a ride. It only takes a few minutes to stay safe. Remember, the Ride Captain has the right to not allow someone to ride with the group if there is an obvious problem.
6) If you are new to our organization or your bike and would like some help, let the Road Captain know ahead. They can put you in a front spot so you can get additional help. Also let them know if you do not have a CB so they will buddy you up with someone that will keep you up to date via hand signals.

I also want to express both Chris and my gratitude for all of the people that have stepped forward to help us with the transition to our Directorship. We really appreciate all of the help we have received. Almost all positions have been filled. We have only 2 positions we need to complete. These are listed below. Remember, we want to keep Chapter D one of the largest and most active in the area, so we need your help. The positions we still need are listed below. Please let us know if you are interested. Remember, everyone is a Volunteer. If you take a position, any position, you can always quit if it is not what you expected or if there are changes in your situation.

Assistant Chapter Director:

The status and role of the Assistant Chapter Director is very important to the chapter. They must receive final approval from the District Director. This gives the Assistant Chapter Director official officer status.
The choice should be made with the thought in mind that the Assistant Chapter Director may be the next Chapter Director. Anyone accepting the role of Assistant Chapter Director should be willing to step into the Chapter Director position upon completion of the Chapter Director's tenure.
Your Assistant Chapter Director should be heavily depended upon, and considered almost as you would a "partner" in the operation of the chapter. The Assistant can do many things that the Director would normally do, including conducting Meetings and if need be, staff meetings in your absence.

Membership Enhancement Coordinator:

Duties & Responsibilities
- Develop & maintain a Membership listing from the Chapter sign in sheet 
- Be responsible for the sign in sheet at Chapter Socials (make sure everyone signs) 
- Check Membership expiration dates 

Work with Membership data
- New Member list (monthly) 
- Potential Members (monthly) 
- Expired Members (monthly) 
- Full Area Report (January and June) 

Complete contact data column on New Members, Prospective Members and Expiring Members List 
- Return complete list to Region Membership Enhancement Coordinator 
- Send copy to District Membership Enhancement Coordinator 

Serve as liaison to the District Membership Enhancement Coordinator 
- Promote involvement from the Membership 
- Encourage everyone to be involved 
- Be a mentor to the new Members 
- Promote changes positively 
- Help keep the politics away from the Membership 

You may be asked to: 
- Send welcome letter to new Members 
- Follow-up with a phone call
- Gather or write article for monthly newsletter 
- Work with Chapter staff to promote Chapter activities and events. 
- Serve on the Chapter Couple of the Year Committee 

Ride Safe and Have Fun!

Quote of the Month...A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul. - George Bernard Shaw

From Our 2009 Couple of the Year
By: Jim & Cathy Schantz

Jim and I attended our first Couple of the Year meeting in Bedford on March 14th and 15th. Of course we were hoping for a nice weekend to give us an excuse to take the bike out of the garage. But as the month of March will go, the bike sat in the garage. We checked in at the Quality Inn and joined other couples for dinner at the Arena Restaurant. We started the evening with a few games (which I can say I AM NOT A GAME PLAYER), but of course Jim and I were selected for the Dueling Wed Game. The only thing Jim and I had going was that we were married the longest on the panel. But I can tell you the longer you are married the more you think you are right. So as you can guess Jim and I did not do so well. And the next embarrassing moment was a race. A race you may say, not so bad until you hear the objective. The objective was for each couple to get dressed. I had to dress in men's clothes and Jim in women’s. I must say the men's selection was easier. I had to put on a t-shirt, flannel shirt, bib overalls, tie, hat and a pair of rubber shoes. Now for Jim, bra, dress, belt, pantyhose, high heels, and hat. (I never knew a bra could be worn in so many different ways). We had the 2nd best time; 1 minute 13 seconds. And yes there are pictures out there! Sunday morning was breakfast with our new best friends and then off to class. On Sunday we had to introduce a neighboring couple and had to tell them about ourselves. It was an interesting weekend filled with fun.

On another note, I would like to introduce our friends in Chapter D to each other. Many of you we have met and many we have not. We would like you to share an interesting fact about yourselves. Maybe you got a new bike or trike, tells us about your vacation (snowbirds this one is for you), how long you have been a member of GWRRA, or something about you that we might not know. So if you have anything you would like to share, send an email to cj1976@consolidated.net or give us a call at 724-443-8976. I would like to pass this information on in the newsletter each month. Thanks for your help.

From Our Chapter Educator
By: Ross Brown

A senior participant of Chapter D said this about his new motorcycle, "You just think about it and it does it." Hmmm…. That struck me as very deep and profound. "Just think about it." Is it really that easy? 

Well, yeah it is! It really is that easy! Or at least it ought to be. All it takes is practice, confidence, and relaxed smooth gentle inputs and it is that easy. The relaxed part is key. Ever notice when you're riding along totally relaxed -your grip on the bars is loose, just enough to keep the throttle open, arms relaxed no tension at all - how the bike just seems to float under you. Just the slightest push on the bar initiates a turn. How great that feels! The Wing is just an extension of your mind. Ahhhh…. Then something happens to disrupt your revelry, you suddenly tense up and the Wing becomes a 1000 lb. unwieldy barge in swift current. Riding suddenly becomes a chore. Your arms, back, and neck ache from the tension. You start making mistakes. Lean angles that minutes ago were a joy can no longer be achieved. You run wide in turns. Time to stop!

So how to acquire the skills to stay relaxed? Education and practice… Take a rider course. No matter how often I do the ERC I'm always glad I did, and practice what you've learned. 

We have an ERC course scheduled for May 16. Come out and take part. You'll be glad you did.

Christmas Dinner & Anniversary Party Date Changes

If you have one of the original ride schedules, please update the dates for the Christmas Dinner and Anniversary Party.

The Christmas Dinner will be held Dec. 12, 2009.
The Anniversary Party will be held Feb. 13, 2010.

The location will still be the Knights of Columbus Hall in Wexford.

Meyersdale Maple Festival Ride
By: Mike Ammerman

It’s official. The 2009 riding season is underway. We lucked out and stayed warm and dry. The day started with sunny weather at King’s and quickly turned cloudy soon after leaving King’s. We had three bikes and two cars, which is about what we had last year. Yours truly didn’t get quite as cold as last year. No hugs from my co-rider.

After having the traditional pancakes and sausage meal prepared by the Meyersdale Loins Club, we mounted up and headed home again via Seven Springs, Rt. 31, Rt. 711, Rt. 30, etc... We wanted to make sure we arrived home the same way we left...nice and dry. The rain did arrive, but not until much later in the day.

The next scheduled ride is Aprilil 4th to the Circle Restaurant. Phil will be leading this ride.

March Gathering

It seems like such a long time since we last met for a gathering. Chris started the gathering by welcoming new members, John & Paula Morabito. Other guests included Moon Negley (Cheryl Snatchko’s friend), Marty & Karen Miller (Chp P’s Directors), and Andy Lucas.
Chris gave us an update on Tony Guerrera’s condition and said he has had a defibrillator attached to his heart. Other than the pain from the stitches, Tony said he was doing okay. The doctors won’t allow him to drive for awhile.

Mike Ammerman spoke about the MS Ride in June and mentioned the sign-up sheet for anyone wishing to help with the ride. Linda Eaves spoke about the Ride for Kids and made a plea for help with visitations to other organizations to help get the word out about the Ride for Kids to increase the number of participants on the ride. Ross Brown spoke about the ERC (experienced rider course) on May 16th. Ross is also trying to set up a first aid course and asked who would be interested. This may be a short notice course if Ross can arrange a time and place.

Phil Pirozzi presented Brownie with the jewelry box he made for the Ride for Kids raffle at our anniversary party, which Brownie had won in absentia.
Roy Kinkead is still handing out the district raffle tickets. The chapter has been charged to sell 200 tickets and Roy still has quite a few books left. The chapter benefits monetarily from the sell of these tickets. It is each members responsibility to help sell these tickets since it benefits the chapter as a whole. Please see Roy at the next gathering to get your tickets.

Andy Lucas presented Chris with a certificate of thanks for the chapter’s help with the Vintage Grand Prix last year. Andy asked for volunteers for this year’s Vintage Grand Prix on July 19th. The Gold Wing chapters will have the midnight to 6:00 a.m. security shift (Saturday night/Sunday morning).

“Brownies Bites” dealt with our initial check of our motorcycles prior to taking that first ride of the season. Brownie related his experience of coming across a motorcyclist who failed to make sure his brakes were in working order before making that first ride. Needless to say, this particular motorcyclist experienced an embarrassing upset at the end of his driveway because of a locked up rear wheel.

Marty Miller mentioned the combined Chapter P & D Mall Show will be Aprilil 26. Those who wish to meet for breakfast prior to the mall opening are asked to be at the Eat-n-Park in Robinson at 8:30 a.m. This is where Chapter P has their gatherings.

Chris spoke about the games the chapter can participate in at this year’s District Rally.

Theresa Brown won the cutting board Phil made for the Ride for Kids raffle. John Morabito won the 50/50 drawing. Colleen Powell, Ross Brown, and Nancy Montini won lottery tickets. Linda Coene won tickets for next month’s 50/50 drawing.

Olive Garden, Allegheny Grill, &  Chapter N Visit
By: Mike Ammerman

Well, the 2009 riding season is officially, or somewhat official, under way. Although we didn’t have anyone ride their bikes to the Olive Garden for the first dinner ride of the new year, we did have two couples show up on their Gold Wings for the Allegheny Grill and Chapter N visit. The two couples who ventured out on their bikes were Tom & Marilyn and Phil & Dar. It doesn’t surprise me any because these two couples put a lot of miles on their bikes. I should say I did take mine out yesterday (March 18) when the temperature was 72. It felt so good to be back on the bike after what seems to be a very looooong winter.

We had four couples who traveled to the Olive Garden for the first dinner ride of the season. Monroeville is pretty far off the beaten trail for most everyone and we didn’t expect to have a large turnout. At least it gave Phil & Dar and me, Dar, & Cody a chance to dine with our friends in our own backyard for a change.

Three couples traveled to the Allegheny Grill for a late afternoon lunch before moving onto a visit with Chapter N in Sandy Lake. In addition to Tom & Marilyn and Phil & Dar on their bikes, Chris & Linda rode sweep in their truck. It was a beautiful day for a ride and there are at least two of us that were sorry we didn’t ride the bike. By the time I met everyone at Chapter N’s gathering, I had already put over 200 miles on the van because of a prior visit to Chapter Q’s Peoples Games.

So folks, the riding season has officially started. We still have some cold weather to contend with, but here’s hoping we see more warmer than colder days ahead.

MS Escape to the Lake

The volunteer sign-up sheet for the MS ride this year is filling. There are new volunteers each time the sign-up sheet is available and I encourage everyone to help with this worthwhile cause in the fight against MS. At the end of the day on Saturday, it’s rewarding to gather with our fellow Gold Wingers during dinner and afterwards to bask in the fellowship and camaraderie knowing that we did good that day.

For those of you who helped with the ride last year, there is a website you can access that has pictures of the two day event. The website address is http://buckeyes.smugmug.com/gallery/5135616_D3mcG. The majority of the pictures are of bicyclist, but pages 13, 14, and 114 contain pictures of Gold Wingers. If you are in one of the pictures, you can download it or have it printed and the proceeds go to the MS Society.

Humor of the Month...Single vs. Engaged vs. Married!!

Sipping her drink, the single girl leered and said, "Last Friday at the end of the work day I went to my boyfriend's office wearing a leather coat. When everyone had left, I slipped out of it and all I had on was a leather bodice, black stockings and stiletto heels. He was so aroused that we made passionate love on his desk right then and there!"

The engaged woman giggled and said, "That's pretty much my story! When my fiancé got home last Friday, he found me waiting for him in a black mask, leather bodice, black hose and stiletto pumps. He was so turned on that we not only had sex all night, he wants to move up our wedding date!"

The married woman put her glass down and said, "I did a lot of planning. I made arrangements for the kids to stay over at Grandma's. I took a long scented-oil bath and then put on my best perfume. I slipped into a tight leather bodice, a black garter belt, black stockings and six-inch stilettos. I finished it off with a black mask. When my husband got home from work, he grabbed a beer and the remote, sat down and yelled, 'Hey, Batman, what's for dinner?

Letter to the Bank...

Dear Sirs,

In view of what seems to be happening internationally with banks at the moment, I was wondering if you could advise me correctly...
If one of my checks is returned marked 'insufficient funds,’ how do I know whether that refers to me, or to you?

Thanks to Marilyn Banks for this short and to the point letter.

Match up these military terms with their civilian meanings: (Answer)

Anniversary Party Pictures

As you recall, Ray Feather took pictures at the anniversary party of couples in front of a green backdrop. Ray has posted these pictures on his website. He has done a terrific job of photographic magic because we are all sitting on the beach. Ahhh, I can almost smell the ocean.

Ray’s website is http://web.mac.com/featherphoto/Site/Welcome.html. Check them out.

Marilyn’s Tech Corner for the Ladies
By: Marilyn Banks

Hi Ladies. Sorry it has been so long since I have written an article but during the winter months I'm not around the "men talk" as much and my usual sources were not readily available. But to my delight I had an inspiration after last week's Gathering. Thanks to Brownie and his talk I entered into another realm of technical knowledge. 

Brownie was relating an experience he had recently when he saw a biker lay his bike down and went to assist. His talk to us was about "calipers". Now I'm sure we have all heard of calipers in one sense or another but his talk was pure inspiration to me. Apparently the bike that needed assistance had a problem with his calipers that froze-up. (I'm not sure about you other ladies but personally I think a man's frozen calipers are a real problem.) According to Brownie if the calipers get moisture in/on them over the winter months that can cause them to lock-up.

Curious person that I am, I of course asked my husband to explain calipers to me. After a lengthy explanation, my eyes glazed over and I asked for the condensed version. So here is what "I" heard. Apparently when you put on the brakes there is brake fluid that goes thru the brake lines and then we have stuff about pistons and squeezing again. (Same old story). Anyhow, the calipers squeeze the brake thingy and that makes the wheels slow down. That all makes total sense and of course I see the value of making sure your calipers are in good working order.

So ladies, within the next few weeks you need to go to the garage where your husband is working on getting the bike ready for the riding season to start. Tell him you've come to check his calipers. He needs to get it up for you and then ask him to bend over and show you his calipers; because according to Brownie you have to "retch up" to feel them. If they are locked-up you need to take a rubber mallet and bang them loose. When your husband looks shocked tell him it is okay - it should only hurt for a little while.

Until next time ... keep the equipment humming.

Rich & Deb’s Afghan
By: Chris & Linda Coene

Many people have asked where we had the afghan for Rich and Debbie made. I actually ordered this on-line at:
http://www.customcre8ions.com/

The service was great! Even with a flood and storms that knocked out their electric for several days, I got it on time.

Click to enlarge!

From the Staff

We want to thank Deb & Rich for their leadership of the Chapter these past two years. They did a terrific job. We’re going to miss Deb’s “Tall Texas Tales” and her monthly newsletter articles.

Thank you Deb & Rich for a job well done.

Brain Teaser • “I never was, am always to be. None ever saw me, nor ever will. And yet I am the confidence of all who live and breathe on this terrestrial ball.” Hint: It never comes. (Answer)

Trike conversion parts from 2003 Candy Red GL1800. Contact Ray Vaupel at 412-364-9245.

1984 Midnight Blue 1200 Gold Wing Aspencade, 45 accessories (chrome, Hartco Seat etc.) costing over $3,000, 93,000 miles, asking $3,250, Have purchased a GL1500. Contact Gary White at 412-767-4712

From the District Director:

It’s hard to believe that February is here and gone and March has arrived. At any rate, DaylightSavings Time arrives on March 8, 2009 and Spring is on the way, so lets get ready to RIDE!

Make sure your bike/trike is ready for the season,do that maintenance now so that you are ready to ride when the season arrives. Also make sure you and your co-rider have done your winter maintenance and are ready both physically and mentally to start the riding season. Being prepared means Fun and Safety instead of Pain and Damage.

Keystone State Rally: Planning for the 2009 Keystone State Rally is almost complete and as in years past we will be looking for help and participation from ALL CHAPTERS. This is the only way our Rally will be a success and everyone can enjoy it. SO REMEMBER WHEN SOMEONE ASKS YOU TO HELP JUST SAY “YES.”

The Rally Registration form has been sent out to all the Chapter Directors, Assistant Directors, and appears on the PA web page as well as being included in this month’s newsletter, so Register early and avoid the rush.
Just a reminder that again this year as last year “TO COMPETE IN ANY RALLY EVENT, YOU MUST BE FULLY REGISTERED FOR THE RALLY “, EX: Bike Show, Light Show, Chapter Competitions, Hospitality Room and COY Competition.

No full registrations will be sold at the rally!

You should have received your new listing of Hotels/Motels and Campgrounds in the Johnstown area. These have been sent out to the Chapter Directors, Assistant Directors, and appear on the PA web page at www.gwrrapadist.org.
Rally Raffle Tickets: This year our fundraiser will again be a “CASH BONANZA” with 40 chances to win. There will be (2) $1,000.00 winners, (2) $500.00 winners, (4) $250.00 winners, (10) $100.00 winners and (22) $50.00 winners.

Your Chapter Director has received the tickets and should have already distributed them to EVERY member of the Chapter. This is the only way the tickets will be sold. There is no reason why EVERY CHAPTER cannot sell all 200 tickets if they put the same effort into selling the District Tickets that they do in raising money for other charities.

The tickets will sell for $5.00 each and we are asking ALL the chapters to support this fundraiser for 2009. In addition, 50% of the net profits will be divided among the 24 chapters based on the number of tickets each sold to do with as they see fit. So the more tickets the chapter sells the bigger their percent of return in the final distribution.

Food Drive: We have selected the West End Food Pantry in Johnstown as the organization that we will be supporting with a non-perishable food drive as part of our Keystone State Rally.  We will be looking for support from ALL OUR CHAPTERS to make sure this very worthy event is a real success. You folks did a Great Job last year and we are hoping for the same this year.

Upcoming Events: PA ALL CHAPTERS EAST – 6/6/09 at Evansville Lake, Lake Rd., Berwick, PA 18602. Hosted by Chapter “H”
PA ALL CHAPTERS WEST – 7/24 & 25 at Sparrow Pond Family Campground & Recreation Facility, Waterford, PA 16441. Hosted by Chapter “G”. Fliers for both of these events are available on the District’s web page. Plan now to get out and support these events. If we work together, both events will be successful.

Evelyn and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our Gold Wing friends from across the great state of Pennsylvania for all your help and support over the last two years and we are looking forward to seeing many of you on the road this riding season. In addition we would like to wish all of you a HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY AND A HAPPY EASTER.

“Ride Safe & Ride Proud”
Chuck & Evelyn Stone PA-District Directors

District Educator & MAD Coordinator

Hello to All
By the time you read this, we will have gained the hour that we lost last Fall. Does that mean that Spring is almost here. One thing for sure it is getting closer every day, and, that means closer to riding season, right? Our weather, here in Northeastern PA, has been quite cold, with a few days a bit warmer.

I was in the Southeastern part of the State last week, and was not at all surprised to see about a dozen bikes on the road. However, when I arrived at home, my car was a dirty mess from the winter dirt on the road. Sure, would not have liked to have cleaned those bikes. But, maybe the ride was worth it. If, you decide to take a ride, please dress for the ride, as temperatures change very quickly, also, roads have suffered the winter ware. Lots of obstacles to look out for, and, please be sure your bike and you are prepared for the ride. You may be a bit rusty from not riding all winter, even though you may feel up to riding. Keep all these things in mind, and be prepared.

Be Safe, Mae

National News:

New Recognition Program Phoenix, AZ – Melissa Eason, Executive Director of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA), announces a new Recognition Program for the Association. The program will begin January 1, 2009 and run through December 31, 2010. It will be open to all Members of GWRRA. This program is designed to say thank you to all GWRRA Members for sharing GWRRA with other motorcyclists. For every two new households you recruit, you will receive a $5 gift certificate that could be used for Goodies, Membership Renewal, or for Wing Ding Registrations. There are no limitations on how many certificates you can receive but they are non-transferable and only valid for one year. This program will run for two years and then be re-evaluated.

We have brought back the Hanger Tags to help our Members take part in this program. The HangarTags, for those who are not familiar, are cardstock, pre-addressed forms that you can fill in a potential Member’s information, and they can receive a FREE copy of Wing World magazine or even join GWRRA right then and there. Or you can simply place the card on someone’s antennae, if they are not near their Gold Wing and they can fill in the information and mail it in later. Make sure you add your information, so you can get the recruiter credits! All you have to do is e-mail or call Customer Service, and they will be more than happy to send these great recruiting tools to you. Call 800-843-9460 or in Phoenix 623-581-2500 to get more information or to receive your Hangar Tags NOW!

From the Region Directors:

On behalf of Patty Hoffman, our Region Trainer, I am pleased to report some fantastic news regarding Leadership Training in Region B, our region logged a total of almost 4,332 training hours in 2008 and we lead the association with THE MOSTHorizons programs with 8 during the year. That is an unprecedented feat that has not happened in many years. Congratulations to each and every one of you who have been a part of this success. Let’s show Patty & Don Hoffman how much we appreciate their steadfast dedication and support to our Region training efforts.

Regards,
Lorraine & Earl Knight

Get Well: 

The District sends get well wishes to the Region
Trainer, Patty Hoffman. Patty under went major surgery on February 23rd and will be unavailable for a minimum of 6 weeks. Let’s pray for her in the hope that everything goes
well and that she has a successful speedy recovery.Cards of encouragement and cheer can be sent to: Patty Hoffman, 382 Otterbein Road, Stoystown, PA 15563.

Thank You: Pat Cole, District Newsletter Editor would like to thank everyone for all the nice get well cards and thoughts sent to her since she fell in January and broke her arm. She is healing nicely and getting some use back in her arm. Thanks again everyone.

Chapter Events:

From the Northwest Assistant District Directors,
Dana & Danise Hartle

Knowledge is Power
The title is an old adage but it could not be truer. If you think back on the most difficult things in your life it most likely can be attributed to a lack of knowledge. A problem arises and is beyond your learned life skills. You start to worry about what to do and how to do it. You question whether the approach you are going to take will get you the outcome you desire. You may call upon friends for guidance but most likely you will make the decision independently. You then wade forward into the unknown questioning yourself because of your lack of knowledge and uncertainty of the path you are taking.

Now this may work for you in your personal life but if you are holding a position of leadership within GWRRA it is a recipe for disaster. First of all there is no reason to make decisions without knowledge. There are many great resources available to you. There is your staff for you to discuss the issue with and they will give you different thoughts to consider. You have the wealth of knowledge of those who came before you. Seek out the older members of the chapter and past leaders. They may be able to guide you with an approach that worked well with your chapter in the past. The GWRRA Guidebook has lots of information for you so that you can run your chapter in accordance with the association's ideals. Lastly you have the District staff to turn to when you still aren't sure. Now the other Assistant District Directors may be really bright and have the information immediately for you but Danise and I are double checkers. We may have the correct information but most likely than not, I will be checking with folks a whole lot smarter than me. Why you ask? Because we want to give you the correct knowledge so you can be powerful as a leader.

As I stated at the District Meeting in March, the chapters who seem to get themselves into the most trouble are those that quit following the GWRRA guidelines. They feel they can do it better than an already established set of principles that the founders gave us to operate from. It then moves away from the association and starts to resemble any motorcycle club. (Oh No…I used the word "club" in my article) When that happens, all you have left are individual ideals which most likely are not compatible with each other. 

So I encourage you to lead your chapter forward with the knowledge resources available to you as outlined above and leave behind those feelings of self doubt. You will have the power that knowledge gives you to make your chapter a very successful group. Friends for Fun, Safety, and Knowledge can thrive.

Answers: Brain Teaser: - Tomorrow • Match Up: 1-E; 2-D; 3-C; 4-B; 5-A;

Misplaced that flyer or form you picked up at the last gathering?
Want to print out the newsletter or ride schedule?
If so please go to our "Flyers and Forms" page.

Thank you to the folks who support GWRRA Pennsylvania Chapter "D".

Francis J. Craig Agency, Inc. (724) 935-5753

Lutzs Leather (724) 843-6220 - Lutzs Leather

McMahon's Cycle Sales - (724) 846-6251

Youngs Auto Sales & Service - (724) 728-3374

Your The Star - Karaoke and DJ Services
Bob and Ruth Messenger - (724) 495-1653

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