Come early to eat
before the meeting.

Upcoming Chapter Events:

Feb 2 (Sat) – Ground Hod Day ride weather permitting.  Deb & Rich Rice 724-452-5730.

Feb 16 (Sat) – 2008 Anniversary Party at the Sheraton in Cranberry.  Social at 6:30 p.m.; Dinner at 7:30 p.m.

Feb 17 (Sun) – Chapter P gathering.  Lv. King’s at 7:45 a.m. Deb & Rich Rice 724-452-5730

Feb 23 (Sat) – Wood Carving Festival Ridgeway, dinner at Lumberjacks. Dan & Loretta Mitchell 724-898-3667

Feb 27 (Wed) – Runway  Dinner   6:30 p.m.  Dan and Loretta Mitchell 724-898-3667.   Meet at restaurant.

Mar 1 (Sat) – First Aid Class Cranberry Municipal Building.  Phil Pirozzi – 412-380-9720

Mar 2 (Sun) – Chapter D bowling challenge.  Mars Bowling Alley.  2:00 p.m. Dinner to follow the challenge.

Mar 13 (Thu) – J-Barn dinner ride  6:30 p.m. at restaurant.  Dan & Beth Hildebrand – 724-352-3190.

Mar 15 (Sat) – Chapter I visit.  Lv. King’s at 3:30 p.m.

Mar 22 (Sat) – Church Brew Works in Lawrenceville Dinner Ride.  5 P.M. at rest.   Dan & Loretta Mitchell 724-898-3667.

Mar 28 (Fri) – Mama Rosa’s  Dinner ride.  2630 Old Butler Plank Rd.   6:30 p.m. at restaurant.  King Kone ice cream after dinner.  Deb & Rich Rice 724-452-5730

Debbie’s Desknotes
By:  Deb Rice   C/D

Hello everyone and welcome to February. I was sitting thinking last night trying to come up with an article idea and I got to thinking about the upcoming anniversary party and the theme “The Fabulous 60’s.”  Well, I got to thinking what I was doing in the 60’s and where I was doing it, and I thought of a story that you might get a chuckle from.

I was 9 years old and living with my mom and dad in Lawton, Oklahoma in 1968.  My dad was army, SSG-1, and he had been stationed at Ft. Sill since 1965.  That summer he bought a mini-bike, you remember them, fat tires, box seat, pull cord start, high handle bars? If I remember right, he bought it at Montgomery Wards.  It was orange and white and after my first ride, I was in love with it.  Our house sat at the edge of the housing plan, with a huge field behind it.  In the middle of the field was a creek, but during summer in Oklahoma, it was often just a dry bed.  On the other side of the field to the right was the military airfield, where we would watch planes and helicopters fly in and out all the time (Do you think that’s where I learned to love planes?).  To the left side of the field was the hospital where my dad worked in the records department.

My maiden name being Clatworthy, everyone called my mom and dad, Mr. C and Mrs. C.   Everyone loved my mom and dad and all my friends hung out at my house. Now, let me tell you about my dad.  He was a jokester and a prankster.  Boy, the stories I could tell you about him.  He could tell you things with a straight face and you would believe him with your whole heart.  One time he had all my friends thinking that Evil Knievel was coming to our house for dinner.   When we first got the mini-bike, I rode behind him, but eventually that summer, I rode on my own .

This one day my dad had the bike out and asked me if I wanted to ride with him.  I said ok and jumped on. Back then we rode without helmets, true southern rebels I guess.  Like I said, I jumped on and we headed out across the field.  He had it cranked up pretty fast and we were zipping across the field.  He turned his head sideways and yelled over the engine, “I think today we’ll jump the creek!“  Well, my 9 year old brain was terrified!!! I thought for sure we would crash and die and I would never see my mom or friends again.  I yelled back that I thought that would be an awful idea and I wanted to go back to the house right now.  Well, he kept heading towards the creek, faster and faster, all the time with me pleading for him to please stop.  We got closer and closer, all the time me wondering what to do.  Finally, I could stand it no longer, thinking my life was about to end, I bailed.

Yep, that’s right, back flip right off the back of that bike.  Back side over tin cups…rolling along…kicking up dust….in the field.  By the time I stopped rolling my dad had turned the bike around and was at my side.  He looked like he didn’t know whether to yell at me or cry.

  After checking me out to make sure I was not hurt, he told me to get back on and we’d go back to the house.  I looked at him like he was nuts.  He promised that he was never really going to jump, he was just joking and he would behave himself and never do that again. 

I’d like to say that my dad never again got one over on me, but I’d be lying.  But we talked and laughed about this near disaster for years.

Following this article is a picture of me in 1968 with my mom and dad.  Sorry that the quality isn’t terrific, but it was the 60’s.  We had a lot of fun in Oklahoma, in fact that was where my dad and I wanted to stay when he retired.  But my mom was from Mars, Pa. and after being away from home for so long, she wanted to move home. The rest is history and I guess had we stayed there, I wouldn’t know all you wonderful people today.

So, I’ve rambled on long enough.  I hope you’ve enjoyed my story and that you too have happy memories of the 60’s.

Happy Valentines day to you all………..Deb

No February Gathering

Because of the anniversary party on February 16th, there will be no February gathering.  The next scheduled gathering will be March 27th.

From the A/D’s Desk
By: Ken Frederick

GWRRA’s motto is “Friends for fun safety and knowledge.”   We all like to have fun and as a group we do a pretty good job of it.  The other 2 parts aren’t quite as exciting.  With knowledge of what our bikes can do, how to handle them, what road situations to look for, or knowing what the other biker might do, we become safer bikers ourselves.  Look into getting the riding levels that Phil has talked about.  Take a CPR course, that knowledge can’t hurt.  As for safety, don’t forget about the “Brownie Bites”, those little safety checks that don’t take much time but are often overlooked.  When you see a PLP(parking-lot-practice) on the schedule don’t just blow it off.  It will be another reminder or refresher of those little things that may have slipped our minds.  Knowing that everyone has a little more knowledge and knows a few more safety tips will lead to a more relaxing ride. Happy riding with “Friends for fun, safety and knowledge” in Chapter D.

Thanks

 Hello all....me again...Deb Rice

Just wanted to take a moment to thank our two new staff members Linda and Ray.

Linda Cochran has graciously offered to take the position of Sunshine ,or sender of the cards and flowers . Her coming out of the blue and saying yes at Januarys gathering was music to my ears.

And to Ray Feather, who said yes to being our Historian in January after I jokingly suggested it to him.  It makes my heart sing to see relatively new members stepping up to fill positions.  We look forward to seeing your work and we really enjoyed the pics you took at the Christmas party.

Thanks to all my staff for your hard work over this past year , and I look forward to being with you again this year .

Just a Few Reminders
By:  Deb Rice

Please remember to send your mileage totals to Brownie in time for him to get some stats ready for us. He thanks you and I thank you.

Time is running out for you to get me your 60’s pictures for the anniversary party.  Please either drop them in the mail or bring them to Januarys gathering. Thanks to those that have already gotten them to me.

District raffle tickets are available from Ken at this time. Sorry Ken that I forgot to announce this at the Christmas party. The tickets are for all cash prizes this year.

The Ride for Kids cash stands at $407.00.  A donation from the Coene’s of a Longaberger basket has been made for January’s gathering along with a small Steelers item.  If you have an item you would like to give for future gatherings, please see me.  We need something nice for the Anniversary party.

Carol MacDonald sent a card to the chapter at Christmas time.  She wrote: “Life is great down here-Miss all of you - Take care-Merry Christmas and Happy New year to all….Carol.“ We miss you too, Carol. I also received a card from Melissa and Jarod Eason, GWRRA Executive Directors, wishing Chapter D Happy Holidays.

From our Chapter D "Couple of the Year"
Dan & Beth Hildebrand

Dan and I feel very honored that we were asked to be the COY for Chapter D this year.

We attended our first ride scheduling meeting on Saturday, January 19th.  There are a lot of great rides planned for this year and we are so glad that we got involved with a group that loves to ride.  We are hoping that the weather will cooperate and all the rides will go as planned.  Have a safe and wonderful riding season.

Humor of the Month…"Doctor, I want you to evaluate my 13-year-old son."

"Okay," said the psychologist. "He's suffering from transient psychosis with an intermittent rage disorder, punctuated by episodic radical mood swings, but his prognosis is good for a full recovery."

"How can you say all that? You've never even met him!"

"Didn't you say he was 13?" asked the psychologist.

January Gathering

  Well, the new year is off to a cold start.  This has to be one of the few gatherings we’ve had where there weren’t any guests or new members in attendance.  After leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance, Deb started her second and final year (so she says) as director.  I think we can all agree that Deb has done an outstanding job as director and I’m sure this year will be just as exciting.

Deb introduced our 2008 Couple of the Year (COY), Dan & Beth Hildebrand.  Dan & Beth are a great addition to the long history of Chapter D’s COY’s.

If you attended the Christmas dinner at Tanner’s in December, you will have noticed that there was a lot of food left over.  The chapter donated this food to the Zelienople Meals on Wheels.  Deb read a thank you card from RuthAnne Frederick thanking the chapter for the donation.

Deb read the list of people who are on our injured reserve list, which reads like an NFL football team’s injured reserve list.  This list included Larry Plowman, Bob Messenger, Wanda Buck, Phil Pirozzi, and Pat Main.  Cathy Shantz had gall bladder surgery last month and was at the January gathering.  Welcome back Cathy and we’re glad you’re doing fine.

Deb mentioned that she had gotten some feedback from some members that the Christmas dinner at Tanner’s in New Castle was a bit too far removed, especially since it was on a Friday night.  The staff will strive to have the Christmas dinner for this year a bit closer to home.

Phil Pirozzi presented Rider Ed level I patches to John Tubridy and Joe Wakefield.  Joe also received a pin for 60,000 safe miles.

Brownie’s Bytes this month focused on checking your tire pressure before going on that first ride this year whether it be in the Spring or on a particular warm day before the regular riding season begins.  Brownie also made a plea for everyone to send in his ending mileage for 2007 so he can work up the chapter statistics for the anniversary party.

The chapter did not have a 50/50 drawing this month so Deb urged the chapter to donate to her monthly donation bid for the Ride for Kids.  Deb will donate these funds to the Ride for Kids in August on behalf of the chapter.  Jim Shantz won the Longaburger basket donated by Chris & Linda Coene.

From the Chapter Educator’s Desk

Riding Gear

This month when I started to write this article, I gathered all the information I could about riding gear and how the proper gear protects you in the event of an accident. Yes I know none of us are ever going to need protective gear because we will never have an accident. Wrong answer. It’s just a matter of time before a dog runs out in front of you or maybe a deer.  Or how about that car that pulls out in front of you because they didn’t see you.  What about the gravel in the curve that you didn’t expect to be there? I am sure most of you have encountered many hazards along your travels.

Just ask those of us in the past year that have had accidents or near accidents in our chapter what the two most important factors that saved our members serious injuries are. Their answer will be training and proper riding gear.

By now everyone should know what to look for in riding gear.  For example a good, quality leather is hard to beat for jackets-gloves-chaps and over the ankle boots.  Textile products work well if they have a sufficient amount of armor built into them.  Don’t dress for style and comfort only.  Dress for the fall.  You can have comfort and protection in every piece of riding gear you have, chose carefully.

Instead of going into great detail about riding gear, I thought it might be best to show you what can happen without the proper riding gear.  Below is a web-site.   Please look at the site.  It has several movies so take the time to watch them.  There are also safety tips and at the end you will see actual accident victims.  If this doesn’t convince you about the need for safety gear I don’t know what will.  If any of you need information on safety gear let me know.  I will be more than glad to talk to you and send you information to help in your selection.

Here is the web-site:

http://home1.gte.net/res0ak9f/bike.htm#Safety

I found this web-site on the GWRRA Rider Education section on the message board.

First Aid Class

This year we will be having a first aid class at the Cranberry Township Borough Building located on Rochester Road.  The date is March 1^st.  The class is about 4 hours long and starts at 10:00 a.m.  The cost is $5 to cover the cost of materials.  Thanks to Chapter P who set up the class and invited us to join them.  If I get enough interest I may be able to set up a second class if necessary.  If you haven’t signed up for the class feel free to call or e-mail me and I will put you on the list.

  Phil Pirozzi, Chapter Educator

Levels Program Presentation

Last Call for the Anniversary Party

If you haven’t sent in your reservation for the anniversary party, please reconsider and join us on Feb. 16^th at 5:30 p.m. at the Four Points Sheraton in Cranberry.  A flyer was included in the December & January newsletter and is still available online at www.codynparker.com/Downloads.  The cutoff date was Feb. 2^nd, put if you plan to attend, please contact Linda Eaves at 724-524-1500 ASAP and let her know.  Arrangements can be made to get your money to her, but we need a final headcount no later than Feb. 9^th.

2008 Ride Schedule

The 2008 ride schedule has been completed and is posted on the chapter’s web site.  A hard copy schedule was available at the January gathering and can also be downloaded from our website.  Debbie may still have a few copies left so check with her at the next gathering.  As the year progresses more rides may be added to the schedule.

Membership Renewals

  If you renew your membership in the coming months or have done so recently, please notify Deb that you have a new expiration date.  The chapter is charged with keeping this information up to date.

Your Newsletter

The National membership enhancement committee is examining all submitted newsletters from competing chapters to see who has the best newsletter.  This contest is being conducted nationally.  Deb feels that our newsletter stands a good chance of competing with the big dogs so we are sending a hardcopy newsletter to be judged.  Winners will be announced quarterly.  We will keep you informed of the results.

Bowling Challenge

Don’t forget the bowling match-up between Chapter P & D on March 2^nd at the Mars Bowling Alley.  Get those shoes and bowling balls cleaned and shined so we can take back the winning title.  If you remember, Chapter P took it from us last year after a pretty successful winning streak on our part.  Actually, it’s not about the winning, but having the “fun” in GWRRA’s motto.  See you on the lanes.

Trike conversion parts from 1992 two-toned teal GL1500 & 2003 Candy Red GL1800.  Contact Ray Vaupel at 412-364-9245.

  Hartco seat, nearly new, fits 1500 green velour, $260 obo

Men’s light brown leather coat size 50, “UNIK” brand with removable liner, matching leather chaps, $100 obo

Women’s light brown leather coat size XXL, “UNIK” brand with removable liner, matching leather chaps, $100 obo.  Contact Ken Frederick at 724-452-7066.

  2000 SE Gold Wing Trike (blue) with 2001 C.S.C. trike conversion.  CB radio, auxiliary fuel tank, power-trac rake, trailer hitch, many extra lights, lots of chrome, well maintained, excellent riding condition.  123,961 miles.  $14,000.  Contact Tom Banks at 724-946-2183.

  Trike conversion parts from 2008 Gold Wing.  $300.  Contact Tom Banks at 724-946-2183.

  Riding Apparel – 1 Sierra Sports Rainsuit, red & black size XL  $20.00.
2 woman's red pullover FrogTogg tops  $5.00 each, sizes S-MD & L-XL.
2 red FrogTogg suits in carry/storage bags, both XL, $10.00 each.
Call Linda Cochran 724-378-4921 or e-mail jnl301@earthlink.net or see me at a gathering.

National News

  Wing Ding 30 - We would like to hear from you with suggestions on how to bring the nostalgia back into Wing Ding.  Last year we tried Rodeo games and they were not well attended.  We are looking for exciting new ideas and feel you are the best audience to go to.

Who would know more than the Members that put on rallies and attend rallies?  Please send your ideas to: mnordeoff@gwrra.org.

Regional News

Prospective Officers - There may be some of you that will not agree with what I have to say; but, I believe that we need to be cultivating our prospective volunteer leaders now.  Our organization is run wholly by volunteers who do a lot of traveling, whether it is to other Chapters, District Rallies, attending fun shops, workshops and knowledge enhancement days.  Most of the time, expenses come out of their own pocket, never asking for the expenses to be reimbursed.  These are the members who are either thinking about or want to be our volunteer leaders and instructors.

I believe that we need to invite these members to a Horizon’s Program where they can then decide if being a volunteer leader is what they really want to do, or do they just want to be an active member of this great organization.  The Horizon’s Program is a one and a half day training program showing what our organization expects of its volunteer leaders, it is geared not only toward the current Chapter Director, but a member that is thinking of becoming a Chapter Director or staff member.  The Horizon’s Program is broken up into different modules.  These modules describe the different aspects of our organization which are very beneficial to our prospective officers.

A lot of our volunteer leaders have only been active in the organization for a short period of time. Most of our older members currently have the “been here, done that” attitude.  They feel that they have earned the right to become “WUZZERS”.  But, we all need to remember that some of the “WUZZERS” are now ready to step up again and help lead our organization.   If you currently have a very active ‘WUZZER” in your Chapter, approach him/her and ask if they would consider volunteering again as a member of your staff.  Our “WUZZERS” are full of information and ideas. Please recycle the “WUZZERS” in your Chapter.

If you have a member of your Chapter that shows enthusiasm and you think he/she may be an ideal candidate as a future Chapter Director, Assistant Chapter Director, etc., then contact your District Trainers and see if there is a Horizon’s Program scheduled that this candidate may attend. Remember, our organization’s future depends upon its volunteer leaders.

District News

Condolences - The District sends their condolences to Joe and Donna Crytser, ACD’s of Chapter “N”, on the loss of Joe’s brother on November 22nd.

Cards can be sent to: Joe & Donna Cryster – 1366 Pine Glen Rd. – Pulaski, PA  16143

The District also sends condolences to Don & Donna Lloyd of Chapter “O” on the recent loss of their 44 year old son.  Sympathy Cards can be sent to:  Mr. & Mrs. Don Lloyd - 1230 Philadelphia Street - Indiana, PA  15701

The District sends condolences to Bill & Peg Zortman, of Chapter PA “I”, on the loss of Bill’s mother in December.   Please keep them in your prayers also.  Cards can be sent to:  Bill & Peg Zortman  -  9176 Route 322  - Reynoldsville. PA  15851

Get well wishes - The District sends get well wishes to Evelyn Smith of PA Chapter “N” who had bladder surgery on the 9th of January.  Please keep her and anyone else that is not feeling up to par in your prayers and thoughts.

Other Chapter’s Events:

Jan. 19 – Chp I Anniversary Party.  Roseville Grange
Feb. 9- Chp N- Butterfly Garden Party, Grantham’s Landing.  Sandy Lake, PA
Feb. 9- Chp L - Rockin Thru Times Dance.  Whitehall, PA
Feb. 16- Chp D  - Anniversary Party.  Fabulous 60’s.
Feb. 16- Chp K – 21st. Anniversary Party.  Enola Sportsman Association.
Mar 1- Chp N- Spaghetti Dinner & MeatBall Sub Dinner at the Masonic Lodge.  Sandy Lake, PA
Apr 26- District Staff Meeting- Arena Restaurant- 4407 Bus Rte 220 N, Bedford, PA

Rally Logo Contest winner for 2008 is: Linda Mathias, NE Region B, PA Chapter “Y”.  Our congratulations go to Linda.  You all did a Great job and we hope you will participate again in 2009.

Keystone State Rally:  The rally fliers are out & available from your CD, AC/D, and/or from the district’s web page.  One major change this year is “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.

This year our “CASH BONANZA” gives you 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.  The tickets will sell for $5.00 each and we are asking ALL the chapters to support this fundraiser for 2008.  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.

Food Drive – This year the West End Food Pantry in Johnstown has been selected as the organization we will be supporting with a non-perishable food drive as part of our Keystone State Rally. 

!!!!!! ATTENTION EVERYONE!!!!!!

Cowboy Week-End

Chapter "N" is hosting a Cowboy Week-End Feb. 23, 2008 and everyone is welcome.  You get a room with a bottle of       Champagne and 2 cowboy hats, Hospitality Room, Steak Dinners for 2 Saturday Night at 6:00 pm, reserved tables for Saturday evening, entertainment Hospitality Room Saturday     Breakfast for 2 Sunday morning at the Quality Inn - 6467 Sterreptania.   This is close to Presque Isle, Erie, Pa.  Fairview, Pa. 16415

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

Youngs Custard (Rt 68 3mi W. of Zelienople)

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

Zanotti Motor Company - (724) 283-5419- www.zanottimotor.com/

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