Staff Meeting November 12, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. at King’s, Rt. 19 N, Cranberry TWP. Come early to eat before the meeting.		Gathering November 19, 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.

On behalf of Chris & Linda and the the entire Chapter "D" staff, we wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving

Upcoming Chapter Events
Nov 8 (Sun) - Dinner ride to Spaghetti Warehouse, 2601 Smallman St., Pittsburgh, PA. Meet at restaurant at 2:00 p.m.
Dec 4 (Fri) - Christmas Dinner/Party. Knights of Columbus Hall, Wexford, PA. Social at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:00 p.m.
Feb 12, 2010 (Fri) - Anniversary Party. Knights of Columbus Hall, Wexford, PA. Social at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:00 p.m.

Quote of the Month...I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.   ~ Thomas Jefferson ~

The Mis-adventures of “Wingman” - Part 4
As told by Wingman to Renee Beck

Day 4: July 14

I just wanted to thank my mom, Reneé, for protecting me last night. The big people were going to give me to a dog last night as a chew toy….I was shaking in my blanket.

After sleeping w/ one eye open, mom got me up and put me in the bike for the trip to Cody, Wyoming thru Big Horn Mountain. When we left Sheridan @ 6:45 a.m., we headed West on I-90 then turned onto US 14 West. The temperature when we left was around 55 degrees…a bit chilly; so everyone bundled up. We also knew we were heading into the Mountains and the temperature gets a bit colder. For at least the first ½ hour, we were all alone on US 14 West. We didn't see any vehicles at all. We made a few stops to take some pictures from the scenic overlooks. The views were awesome!! Mom Reneé was having a blonde morning. Everything she did she did wrong. Ron was getting more and more upset with her. One of those dumb moments was when she went to get her helmet off the bike and the cord was still connected….it was like a bungy cord. Had to be there…..

We stopped at the Bear Lodge Resort, WY to warm up (at one point it was 41 degrees). We saw snow still on the mountain tops. Pretty impressive for July!! So far there has been no rain. We are doing good!!

We continue heading for Cody, but made a side trip to the "Montana Grand Canyon" Big Horn National Recreational Area. We were amazed at how much like the real Grand Canyon it really looks. The other interesting thing is that we didn't see anyone up there. We don't think anyone knows about it. It's the best kept secret in Montana.

We finally arrive in Cody. The weather is great! We stopped @ an Italian restaurant for lunch. After lunch we walked around town. Ron M., Mole, and Don B. had an adult beverage @ the Irma Hotel. Ron & Reneé went for a walk around town. There is a neat little store that Renee' really liked. The Trading Post…all kinds of Native American stuff.

Dave & Cathy M. ran into friends of Skip Jr. & Ron G. from Mercer, PA. It is such a small world, isn't it??

We left Cody, WY and heading for Cooke City, MT thru Chief Joseph's Scenic Highway. What an awesome road. So many twists & turns. Now, we made it through most of the day without rain. Mole jinxed us by thinking we were going to luck out today with the weather. Well, that didn't last. It started to rain. Not a torrential downpour, but a steady pain-in-the butt rain. The issue was that it is still cold and the rain just went right into your bones. When the rain let up briefly, we got behind some trailers that were almost stopped. Mole went around them; but Dave & Cathy M. didn't. They saw a Brown Bear on the hillside! How cool is that. Mom Reneé got a picture of it while we were heading down the highway. That actually made her day.

We finally got to our destination "Stillwater Outfitters". We are in the middle of nowhere. Believe it or not there is no cell phone service. Only 1 TV in the Rec room. If you are not an outdoorsman, you may not like this place, but it is dry, has heat, and running water, what more could you ask for??
The other group of big people arrived too! We are all together again! They have their own stories to tell. Once I get the scoop, I'll let you know what happened.

Whoever said "it isn't the destination, but the journey to get there" wasn't lying. What a ride it was.
The adventure will continue tomorrow.

TTFN, Wingman

October Gathering
By: Mike Ammerman

This chapter welcomed this month’s guests, Vince & Sharon Schaffer, friends of Ron & Renee Beck. If you have been following the saga of “Wingman”, you should recognize Vince as one of the members of the troop who toured the West with Ron & Renee this past summer.
Well, it looks like the chapter will be dining in the front room before retiring to the back room for our future gatherings. As with everyone else, Domenico’s is trying to cope with the economy by getting by with fewer waitresses, which means they don’t have the staff to support dining in both rooms. Please don’t let this be a determining factor to keep you away from the gatherings. We’re still the same friendly chapter and we welcome everyone, old and new members.

Chris covered our sick list, which was very short. Patty Corbett has finished chemo and will need to take a daily pill for the next five years. Patty is doing well and she and Bill are now in Florida ready to tackle their winter jobs at Disney World.

Gordon spoke briefly about his recent “Mystery Ride.” Everyone had a great time and the accommodations Sunday night were quite unique. If you are a train buff like Ross, you would have enjoyed your stay in real authentic cabooses.

Chris introduced a new District wide event, “Roll for the Dough” to promote visitations to other chapters, not only in Pennsylvania, but also in other states. The winning chapter of this year long event will have their yearly chartering fee paid for by the District. More information will follow.
Because our yearly fund raiser seems to interfere with the District’s fund raiser, we will be starting ours a little earlier than usual. We will need everyone’s support.

Don’t forget the yearly ride planning meeting on Jan. 23rd, 2010 at Chris and Linda’s residence. Everyone is invited to attend. Just let Chris & Linda know you will be coming.

Ross covered some rider education material and introduced Phil to relate his experience with hitting a deer on his way to work a few weeks ago. Phil had enough training to be able to keep the Gold Wing upright and come to a safe stop. The Wing suffered some severe damage, but Phil said he couldn’t verify whether the deer survived. Phil said the training he received at the Experienced Rider Course saved his bacon. Ross suggested we take Phil’s experience and practice our riding skills in an empty parking lot to hone them before we actually need them. Ross is working on getting an ERC scheduled sometime in May at Knoch High School.

This month’s RFK’s raffle prize was a romantic get away gift basket donated by Chris & Linda. Ron Salamone won the gift basket. Cheryl, if you’re just now hearing about the basket, ask Ron where the wine went.
Mary Vaupel won the 50/50 drawing. Lisa Williams, Vince Duva, and Don King won lottery tickets and Cathy Headland won tickets for next month’s 50/50 drawing.

November Staff & Gathering Date Changes

Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, the staff and gathering dates have been moved ahead one week. The dates are as follows:

• Staff - November 12th.
• Gathering - November 19th.

Humor of the Month...A guy is driving around and he sees a sign in front of a house: "Talking Dog For Sale." He rings the bell, and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard.
The guy goes into the backyard and sees a Labrador Retriever sitting there.
"You talk?" he asks.
"Yep," the Lab replies.
"So, what's your story?"
The Lab looks up and says, "Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young, and I wanted to help the government; so I told the CIA about my gift, and in no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping. I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running."
"But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I wanted to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security work, mostly wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals. I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired."
The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.
"Ten dollars."
The guy says, "This dog is amazing. Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?"
"Because he's a liar. He didn't do any of that stuff."

Ride Schedule Meeting - Jan 23, 2010

Don’t forget the 2010 Ride Schedule meeting at Chris and Linda Coene's house on January 23rd. Please start thinking of some new or "old' rides that you would like to see us take in 2010. Everyone is welcomed to come, but you need to let Chris & Linda know you are coming.
Bring your ride ideas. No ride will be added to the schedule without a ride leader. If you have a ride suggestion, but do not wish to lead the ride, please talk the ride over with someone who will be willing to lead the ride for you. The two of you can then discuss the particulars of the ride.
Keep in mind that we do not need a distination to do anything. A nice scenic ride is just as nice. We don’t need any fancy places to eat either.
Come and have fun. If you do not wish to lead any rides, come anyhow and offer your suggestions.
See us at a gathering if you need directions.

Thanks
Chris and Linda

New Grandparents

Phil & Darlene Pirozzi are our latest members to be added to the ranks of “Grandparents.” Phil & Darlene greeted their new grandson, Mathew Benjamin., born October 2 and weighing in at 5 lbs, 1 oz. and was 18 1/2 inches long. Mathew was four weeks premature, but after three weeks, he weights in at 7 lbs, 2 oz. Darlene said “Mathew is just a bundle that loves to snuggle, eat, burp, hiccup and pooh!”

Congratulations Phil & Darlene.

Ride for Kids Raffle
By: Phil Pirozzi

At the October gathering, we collected $85.00 for the Ride for Kids raffle, which brings our YTD total to $386.00. Congratulations to Ron Salamone for winning Chris & Linda's basket with wine, wine glasses, candles and a $25 gift card to The Olive Garden. 
Our goal is to break last years total of $1060 - so far we are at 36% of that goal. Keep up the good work guys. And a special thanks to Chris and Linda for donating the prize!

If anyone has something they want to contribute to the raffle, please call or e-mail me, or see Chris and Linda Coene. All contributions are welcome. My phone number is 412-600-0395 or you can e-mail me at felixpirozzi@verizon.net Thanks to everyone for their generous donations and participation in the raffle.

Christmas Ride for Kids Raffle
By: Phil Pirozzi

For those of you who are not able to attend the Christmas Party, you can send me an e-mail or call me to purchase your tickets ahead of time. You need not be present to win! There will be 3 items to raffle off. Remember that last year Brownie and June e-mailed us to buy thier tickets as they could not attend, and they ended up winning the jewlery box!

Tickets are 3 for $5 and 7 for $10 Feel free to contact me at 412-600-0395 or e-mail me at felixpirozzi@verizon.net

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

What a difference one week can make. As I look outside the sun is shining, what a great day for a ride, but the temperature is only in the mid 40's. I would think that is still ridable with my gerbings, but one thing is missing, the beauty. Jim and I rode last weekend up and around Moraine State Park. The views were colorful and tranquil at the same time. The season I love and enjoy most is Autumn. Jim and I enjoy doing a lot of things; some are different, but quite a few are the same. The ride to Moraine reminded us about the beauty that can be seen while riding on the bike. Besides the different shades of yellows, orange, and green that radiated from the skyline, the waters edge reflects like a mirror. The smell of autumn was in the air. We hope everyone had a chance to enjoy the beauty of nature that surrounds us while we ride. All of this is just another sign that winter is around the corner and time to store the bike for the winter months ahead. While the bikes are being kept nice and cozy in our heated garages, remember to look over the bike for next riding season. Maybe add some stabilizer, keep the battery tender hooked up, and take the time to check over the electronics, tires and brakes. I would rather check these things in the off season and be ready for the blooming season of Spring. Here are a few pictures from our ride to Moraine. I hope you enjoy. Over the next few months take the time to look back at the past riding season. A lot of rain but yet a lot of memories no matter how soggy they are. Despite the rainy weather Jim and I managed to put on 12,000 miles and still clocking. Everyone can be thankful for a safe riding season. I heard of a few accidents but all of your riding and safety training made those accidents injury free. So in our down time let everyone give thanks and hopefully we can all ride together next season and be blessed with great weather and happy memories. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

More Humor for the Month...At St. Mary's Catholic Church they have a weekly husbands marriage seminar. 
At the session last week, the priest asked Giuseppe, who said he was approaching his 50th wedding anniversary, to take a few minutes & share some insight into how he had managed to stay married to the same woman all these years.

Giuseppe replied to the assembled husbands, 'Wella, I've tried to treat her nicea, spenda da money on her, but besta of all is, I tooka her to Italy for the 25th anniversary!'

The priest responded, 'Giuseppe, you are an amazing inspiration to all the husbands here! Please tell us what you are planning for your wife for your 50th anniversary?'

Giuseppe proudly replied, 'I'm agonna go get her. 

Products You May Have Missed in Wing World

• Onboard Wheel Balancers - Mounted behind both front rotors and behind the rear wheel. According to the company, Centramatic, increased tire life by 35 to 50% and increased stability are a result of using the onboard wheel balancers. Prices range from $155.99 to $233.99. For more information access Wing Stuff’s web site at http://wingstuff.com/blog_detail.php?pid=206. Also listed in the July 2009 issue of Wing World on page 15.

• Battery Bug - A device that connects to your battery terminals and monitors the state and performance of the battery. It will determine the cranking health of your battery as a precentage. This product was reviewed in the August 2009 issue of Wing World on page 28.

• Glare Products - For the person who hates to wax his Gold Wing. Glare Products are touted to make your Gold Wing maintain its show room luster longer than other wax products. Google “Glare Products” for more information.

Christmas Dinner/Party - December 4

If you haven’t already done so and you are planning to attend this year’s Christmas Dinner/Party, please send in your reservations to Marilyn. To download the flyer, click here.

Christmas is a great time to spend with friends. We look forward to seeing everyone that can take time out of their busy holiday planning to join us.

Trike conversion parts from 2003 C&y 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

1985 Gold Wing Aspencade 1200 • Mileage: 50,500; Runs great. Since June 2009, it has a new Gel Cell Battery, a new rear tire, & has been Inspected until July 2010. Price: $2,800.00. Contact Ken Purvis at 724-321-1681 or send an e-mail to ken@purvisheating.com. Reason for selling: Moved up to a 1500

National, Regional, and District News:

From the District Director:

We sat down to write the article for this newsletter and stared at the keyboard for along time. Yes, we had notes, we knew what we basically wanted to write, but all we could think was “this is it”-- The start of a new chapter for us, and all of you. We have some pretty big shoes to fill. We thank Chuck and Evelyn for everything they have done for the Pennsylvania District. Through the years, they have become great friends.

We enjoyed working with Gordon and Pat, Jake and Cheryl, Dana and Danise, and the rest of the staff. We appreciate the time they gave us to help with the games. The events wouldn’t have been so successful without everyone’s help.

We joined GWRRA in 1997. Our home chapter is Chapter H. We were involved in many positions with the chapter as well as a Rally Events Coordinator and NE Assistant District Directors. Our motto has always been, “don’t expect someone else to do the job, if you aren’t willing yourself.” Please, find out what needs to be done in your chapter and volunteer a little of your time.

We are the proud parents of three grown children, Heather, Cyndi and Thom. Heather is the mother of our beautiful granddaughters Alexis and Avory.

The members of our staff to date are:

• Dana & Danise Hartle- NW Assistants
• Jim & Diane Heffelfinger- SW Assistants
• Al & Val Aumack – NE Assist & Vendor Coords.
• Larry & Linda Dice – SE Assistants
• John Steele- District Educator
• Mort & Ruth Smith- MED Coordinators
• Miguel & Gracy Lebron-District Couple of the Year
• Steve & Carol Daley- COY Coordinators
• Walt & Pat Cole- Newsletter Editors
• Mike & Darlene Ammerman- Web Master
• Bob & Marcy Gabriele- Goodie Guy & District Treasurer
• Clair & Ruth Matter- Chapter Visitation Coordinators

The 2010 Keystone State Rally will be held in Johnstown. The dates are August 26, 27, 28. The theme will be announced shortly. Pennsylvania will be hosting the Region Couple of the Year selection.

The Maryland District is sponsoring a fundraiser for all the chapters in Region B, the District, and the Region. They are putting together a quilt, made of squares made by members of each state in the region. Donna Strouse, Chapter H, has made a square to represent Pennsylvania. The chances are $1.00 each. The chapter keeps $.50 from each ticket, the district gets $.25 and the region gets $.25. If everyone in your chapter purchases one ticket, it would be an easy, inexpensive fundraiser for your chapter. The chapters might want to consider purchasing a few tickets also. If they should win, the chapter could then in turn use it any way you choose. The Region needs our help with this. Their share of the proceeds will help with education throughout Region B. Thank you to the chapters that have already responded. All ticket returns are due to us no later than December 1.

Pennsylvania will be implementing a new chapter visitation program in November. Stay tuned for more information on ROLL FOR THE DOUGH!!
Happy Halloween

Tom & Renee Wasluck, PA District Directors
570-474-1014 • goldwing@ptd.net
Ride safe, have fun

From Our NW Assistant District Director

Is Your Chapter Healthy or Not Feeling So Well?

With all the talk about H1N1 and working in the medical field the topic of health is front and center in my life. Danise and I had the pleasure of going to our District Staff meeting in Carlisle in October to meet the new staff and to discuss the challenges of next year. We talked at length about the health of chapters, specifically recruitment and retention. It was a very good meeting and we learned a lot.

The discussion of membership in PA chapters has stuck in my head. I have been doing some reading and lots of thinking on how I can help to grow membership by retaining our current members. This article will be my first attempt to do just that. 

There is a joke making the rounds. It has two parts. 1. "If you have the bird flu you need Tweetment." 2. "If you have the swine flu, you need oinkment". So what do we do if our chapters are lethargic and listless? Like all good medical people we need to assess what is going on.

Is your chapter constipated? They can't go. They can't go on a ride, they can't go visit another chapter, and they can't go to a social. They need something to get things moving. I would suggest prescribing a good dose of "Roll for the Dough". It is a new program that the district has provided that can be used to help motivate your chapter members to GO visit other chapters and attend their functions.

Have you checked the temperature of your chapter? Is it hot, cold, or right on target? Unlike our bodies, a high temperature in a chapter is a GREAT thing. Lots going on and high levels of excitement and participation will tell you if the temperature is high. If your chapter is normal, how can you raise the temperature? One way is to ASK your chapter what THEY want to do. What gets their engines running? If the temperature is cold, you need to have a staff meeting right now and make some changes in what you are doing. Your chapter may be on life support and you need to do some serious surgery to save the patient.

I am going to end this little adventure into modern medicine with a common problem of diarrhea of the mouth. You know what I mean. Talking behind each others back, speaking about everything that is wrong and finding nothing good, being an old stick in the mud with no excitement for the chapter life. Not thinking before you speak and hurting someone's feelings. People want to be part of a positive thinking and positive acting group. Negativity can be the death knell to a happy and fulfilling chapter life. This one is easy to fix. The old adage of "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" is the best medicine. If we can get all members to embrace this it will help.

You can't give everyone a shot of B-12 but you can B Positive in your dealings with your fellow members. It can give your chapter a shot of energy and renewed enthusiasm which will improve the health of it. I encourage you to not just do your job but to bring positive energy and fun into your chapter. We can only keep our members if they feel good about the chapter. It may take only one bad event to make them feel ill and not return. 

Dana & Danise Hartle, NW AD/D’s

Anniversary Party - February 12, 2010

Giddy-up pardners and gallop on over to the K of C in Wexford for Chapter D’s anniversary party on February 12, 2010. If you haven’t guessed, the theme for this year’s party is Western. We hope to see you in your best western gitup, but present day duds is acceptable.
A flyer will be available next month with more information along with the registration form.
So, mark your calendars and come on down, ya all, for a great time.

Recipe for a Happy Marriage

1 cup consideration
1 cup courtesy
2 cupfuls flattery carefully concealed
1 gallon faith and trust in each other
2 cupfuls praise
1 small pinch of in-laws
1 reasonable budget, a generous dash of cooperation
3 teaspoon pure extract of "I'm sorry"
1 cup contentment
1 cup each confidence and encouragement
1 large or several small hobbies
1 cup blindness to the other's faults

Flavor with frequent portions of recreation and a dash of happy memories. Stir well and remove any specks of jealousy, temper or criticism. Sweeten well with generous portions of love and keep warm with a steady flame of devotion. Never serve with cold shoulder. 

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