Staff Meeting October 15, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. at King’s, Rt. 19 N, Cranberry TWP. Come early to eat before the meeting.		Gathering October 22, 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

Oct 4 (Sun) - Franklin Apple Festival. Leave King's at 9:00 a.m. Mike Ammerman, 412-795-6685
Oct 6 (Tue) - Dinner ride to Landos, 813 Woodside Ave., Ellwood City, PA. Meet at the restaurant at 7:00 p.m. Mike Ammerman, 412-795-6685
Oct 11 (Sun) - Chapter U visit. Leave King's at 8:00 a.m. 
Oct 19 (Mon) - Ice Cream ride to Glen's Frozen Custard, 400 Pittsburgh St., Springdale, PA. Leave King's at 6:00 or meet at Glen's at 7:00 p.m.
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.

Coene’s Considerings
By: Chris & Linda Coene

October, WOW! I can hardly believe the year is coming to an end so soon. 

I really want to thank everyone who has been so helpful this year. With Chris being out so long it has been great to get so much help and know there are people to count on when needed.

Speaking of Chris, he is doing great. They have released him from therapy and said he now has as much motion in that knee as the other. He still has some home workouts to do to get full strength back but they feel that will be soon. By next year we should be back in force.

But this year is not over! We are just starting the really beautiful fall weather and great colors of fall. There are still some fall rides scheduled, as well as the ability to just show up and ride with someone. We hope to make at least one ride this fall. Chris is riding now but not with me behind yet!

Dinner ride to Landou next week! I have heard that it is in the hands of the kids now and prices went up. Just a rumor but wanted to warn some of you.

The Christmas Party flyer can be downloaded by clicking here. Please signup early so we know how many to expect. You can bring the check to the October gathering, that would be great.

Please ride safe this time of year. Remember, damp leaves can be very dangerous. Also the deer are on the move at night, I almost got one with my car last week, so watch out if you are out at dusk.

Of course fall brings one more important chore, setting our staff for next year. Chris and I both are very happy with our current staff and hope all will plan on staying with us for next year. If anyone else would be interested in helping out by accepting one of the staff positions please let us know. There are several positions that we could get you started in just to learn the ropes. It is great to know how the organization functions and help our chapter just get better and better.

Speaking of keeping the Chapter up to its standards, we want to ask all to help us with this chore. If you see someone with a Wing (or any other bike for that matter) ask them if they belong to our organization anywhere and then invite them on a ride or to a Gathering. Chris and I would like to challenge each of you to bring 1 person (bike) to a function this year. This can be a new person that has never belonged to Chapter "D" or someone who belonged in the past but for some reason has not participated in any way for at least two years. If you do so you will be given a Free strip of 50/50 raffle tickets that night. If they come to a second event then your name will be placed in a drawing for a free admission for one to the Christmas Party 2010. Hope you all rise to the Challenge!

Thanks and "Ride Safe"

Quote of the Month..."If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." - Ronald Reagan

Ride Schedule Meeting - Jan 23, 2010

The 2010 Ride Schedule meeting will be 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 next year. 
1) No ride will be scheduled without a leader
2) No leader will be assigned unless they are present or have talked to Chris or I about leading the ride.
3) No ride date will be set without a "General" theme or destination. Mystery rides, progressive rides, etc. are theme rides.
4) If you have never led a ride and are apprehensive of the prospect, let us know your ride idea and we may be able to set you up with a Co-Leader. We will not schedule the ride under those conditions without a co-leader.
5) Remember, we ride Gold Wings but that does not mean we have "Iron Butts." Unless scheduled previously, all rides leave at 9:00 a.m. from King's at Cranberry mall and should return to that approximate area no later than 6:00 p.m. A lunch should be scheduled as well as "breaks" about every 90 minutes to 2 hours. If costs will be entailed such as a museum or entry fee, we need to know for the flyers. If you have a web site on the destination, even better. I will have the computer up for the meeting.
Come and have fun. You may come without leading a ride. We want your input.
See us at a gathering if you need directions.

Thanks
Chris and Linda

Roy Kinkead’s 2010 WV Ride

Roy has a new destination in mind for 2010. Instead of returning to Smoke Hole, he will be visiting Hawks Nest and Blackwater Falls instead. The date for this ride is June 25 - 27, 2010.

As with Smoke Hole, you will need to make your own reservations and let them know you are with Roy’s group.

Hawks Nest rooms are either $78.62 or $89.72 plus 12% tax. Roy has 15 rooms blocked for June 25, 2010 only. Reservations can be made by calling Hawks Nest at 304-658-5212. When you make your reservations, the code to use is GOLD WING - PGH.
Roy also has 15 rooms blocked for Blackwater Falls for June 26, 2010 only. Rooms at Blackwater Falls are $105.28 with tax. They will charge your credit card when you make your reservations. Reference GWRRA when making reservations. The phone number for Blackwater Falls is 304-259-5216.

You must contact both Hawks Nest and Blackwater Falls to make your reservations for that weekend.
If you have access to the Internet, you can visit www.blackwaterfalls.com for more information.

Ride for Kids Raffle
By: Phil Pirozzi

At the September gathering, we collected $107.00 for the Ride for Kids raffle, which brings our YTD total to $301.00. Congratulations to Wanda and Clayton Buck. They won the Maple lazy Susan with Walnut paw prints inlaid. Thanks to everyone for their generous donations and participation in the raffle.

Our goal is to break last years total of $1060 - so far we are at 28% of that goal. Keep up the good work guys.
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 412-380-9720 and my e-mail address is felixpirozzi@verizon.net

October Gathering

Please check your calendar for the October gathering. There are five Thursdays in October and we will be meeting on the 4th Thursday, October 22.

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

Summer is over and Fall has officially arrived, but let's hope that an Indian summer will arrive and give us a few more memorable rides. As I think about this past summer there have been a lot of firsts for Jim and I. We had the opportunity to lead a ride, attended All Chapters for the weekend in Erie, trip to Johnstown for the State Rally. We attended Bike Blessings, Poker Runs, MS Escape to the Lake and camping weekend with many other chapters. We had the chance to ride with several other chapters this summer. But the most memorable times we had were spent with fellow members of the GWRRA. Jim and I made many new friends not only at Chapter D but also other chapters. When Jim and I said yes to Chris and Linda to be the Chapter couple, we never thought of the opportunities that would come our way. So please look back on this past riding season and see what GWRRA has provided for you. And also think about what you can do for Chapter D in the upcoming year. So as the bike sits in the garage for the winter, get out your maps and plan a trip. Always remember that Chapter D relies on each of us no matter how small to make the chapter a success.

September Gathering

September’s turnout was a little on the light side, but those that came still had an enjoyable evening. Domenico’s is feeling the pressure of the economy and didn’t have enough waitresses to handle the back room, so we again had dinner in the main dining room before retiring to the back room to conduct business. We are hoping they work things out so the gatherings can return to normal and we can dine in the back room once more.
Chris welcomed guests Dana Hartle, our NW AD/D, Joe Crytser, Chp. N Director, and Diane Zirnsak, Chp. N Ride Educator.

Greg Scott is getting some experience with public speaking by reading the birthdays and anniversaries for the month. Good job, Greg.
Linda entertained us with some poetry on how you can tell you’re getting old. I don’t know about the rest of you, but none of that applies to me. Hmmmm. I know I was doing something, but I can’t remember what it was.

Linda mentioned the Christmas party/dinner. There is a flyer in this month’s newsletter and there will be a sign-up sheet for helpers at October’s gathering if you would like to help with the Christmas party/dinner. If you would like to participate in the gift grab bag, please bring a $10 gift and mark it for either male or female.

Dana thanked the chapter for our part in selling the District raffle tickets. Dana mentioned that all the chapters under his charge were successful in selling all the allotted tickets.

Roy Kinkead spoke about his WV ride for next year. We will not be returning to Smoke Hole, but will instead visit other areas of WV. See more info about the ride in his article elsewhere in this newsletter.

Gordon had some sad news about the passing of Mike Traynor. Mike was the one of the co-founders of the Ride for Kids.

Wanda Buck won the RFK’s raffle, which was a lazy susan made by Phil Pirozzi. Jim Deller won the 50/50 and Ron Salamone, Linda Cochran, and Ray Vaupel won lottery tickets. Ray Feather won tickets for next month’s 50/50 drawing.

Humor of the Month...A burglar broke into a house one night.. He shined his flashlight around, looking for valuables; and when he picked up a CD player to place in his sack, a strange, disembodied voice echoed from the dark saying, ''Jesus is watching you.'' 

He nearly jumped out of his skin, clicked his flashlight off, and froze.

When he heard nothing more after a bit, he shook his head, then clicked the light on and began searching for more valuables. 

Just as he pulled the stereo out so he could disconnect the wires, clear as a bell he heard, ''Jesus is watching you.'' Freaked out, he shined his light around frantically, looking for the source of the voice. 

Finally, in the corner of the room, his flashlight beam came to rest on a parrot. ''Did you say that?'' he hissed at the parrot.

''Yep,'' the parrot confessed, then squawked, ''I'm just trying to warn you.''

The burglar relaxed. ''Warn me, huh? Who in the world are you?''

''Moses.'' replied the bird.

''Moses?'' the burglar laughed. ''What kind of people would name a bird Moses?''

''The kind of people that would name a Rottweiler, Jesus.''

Injured Reserve List

Chapter members on the injured reserve list are Patty Corbett, Cathy Bertuca, and Ann Stroz.
Patty is recovering at home from recent surgery. Cards can be sent to Patty at 548 Chicora Road, Butler, PA. 16001.
Cathy is recovering at home from resent surgery. Cards can be sent to Cathy at 303 Russell St., Pittsburgh, PA. 15209.
Ann is recovering from recent elbow surgery. Cards can be sent to Ann at 201 23rd St., Apt. 1, Pittsburgh, PA. 15215
Chris Coene has been removed from the injured reserve list for his recent knee surgery.

Franklin Apple Festival Ride
By: Mike Ammerman

The weather for the next to last scheduled ride of the season was not what I had ordered. I ordered sunshine, blue sky, and temperatures in the high 60’s. What we got was cloudy, misting rain, and temperatures in the mid 50’s. We did see a hint of sunshine while we were in Franklin. Thankfully we didn’t have to resort to the raingear like another ride that I won’t mention, but the initials are G.M.R.

Although the temperature was on the chilly side, it was a good day for a ride. When we got to Franklin, the first order of business was finding a place to park. The spot we used last year was full, but we were directed across the street to the Quality Inn motel where the attendant was allowing bike parking only. And the best part was that it was FREE. We did our part with helping him by only taking three parking slots. We managed to get five bikes and two trikes in those three slots. I must say that a group of four Harleys did us one better. They only used one parking slot, but hey, they like to ride that way too.

Once we got into the downtown area, we immediately split into two groups. The women went to the crafts and the men spent the time looking at all the cars.

As an added bonus to our day, we ran into Ray & Judy Heichel, who had their 1955 Chevy Bel Air in the car show. The car was bought new by Judy’s grandfather for her grandmother. Ray & Judy had the original window sticker. Any guesses as to what the sticker price was in 1955? Would you believe $2500?

We left the festival around 2:00 p.m. and some stopped at the Franklin airport for something to eat and some continued on home.
This was not a long ride, but we managed to eat up most of the day.

The Mis-Adventures of “Wingman” - Part 3
As told by Wingman to Renee Beck

Good morning!
Day 3 Monday July 13

The day started off pretty good…got to sleep in a little…Renee woke up @ 6ish and Ron woke up around 7ish….the sun was shining….BEAUTIFUL Day for a ride!!

We packed up and were on our way by 9ish…Pulled out of the parking lot and started heading for I-90. Mole decided to go East and Ron M followed (why we don't know). Dave & Cathy M, Ron and Reneé (with me on board) and Uncle Don B headed West. We waited on the ramp for Mole & Ron M. to figure out that they were heading the wrong way. According to Mole, it's a good thing his strap on his helmet wasn't right because he pulled off onto the shoulder of the ramp then realized he was heading in the wrong direction. They backed off the ramp and joined us on the adventure west. 

We stopped in Sturgis to get some fuel. According to Ron & Reneé the place has changed a lot since they were there 5 years ago. We then got back onto I-90 and passed the exits for Spearfish Canyon and Devil's Tower. Didn't see anything, but I saw the signs for it. Hopefully on our return trip, they'll take me to see those next week. Stopped in a town called Gillette and fueled up and got a bite to eat. We got back onto I-90 West and stopped in Sheridan for fuel. We saw a HUGE DARK cloud coming our way from Big Horn Mountains. The big people decided to find shelter because no one wanted to get wet again. We drove south through Sheridan and Uncle Don B found a car wash for all of us to hide in. Within 5 minutes of getting into the car wash, the storm came through. Talk about scary sights…..They were calling for Tornadoes again…we thought we saw one forming, but it went away. That storm passed and we saw another one coming our way. The big people debated about pressing on or finding a place to stay for the night. They decided to stay in Sheridan.

We were hoping the other part of our vacation party would meet up with is In Sheridan, WY; but it wasn't meant to be. They made it to Gillette, WY. Frank D broke a throttle cable, which they repaired by switching the return cable over. Skip Jr. was ready to take his bike off the trailer and put Frank's on, but since they fixed it Skip Jr. still has to trailer…bummer…

Ron G. broke a shift linkage on the Ultra. They have to wait to 8 a.m. tomorrow for the shop to open to get this fixed. They started out well today, but ended on a low note.

So our adventure continues tomorrow.

TTFN!

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

2005 Silver Wing, silver in color, less than 3000 miles. Have cover and manual to that goes with it. Like new.
$4995.00 firm. Contact Bill Corbett at 724-679-2000

1985 Gold Wing Aspencade 1200 • Mileage: 50,500; Runs great. Since June 2009, it has a new Gel Cell Battery, a new rear tire, and 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.

Regional News:

The Region's Recognition: Our Region was recognized with two major awards. We received "Excellence in Training" Award for Region B's Leadership Training Division. We would like to congratulate our Region Trainers Patty & Don Hoffman and their entire staff, on receiving this auspicious award. 

Our region was also given an award from the Rider Education Division.

The 32nd Wing Ding: It was announced at opening ceremonies that next year's Wing Ding 32 will be held directly in the center of our country, in Des Moines, Iowa.

The Wing Ding Raffle: On behalf of the Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, every region was given a FREE 4-night hotel stay for Wing Ding 32. The hotel selected for our region will be announced at a later date. So, in order to make everyone eligible to receive a chance to have their lodging at Wing Ding complimentary, the region will hold a raffle whereby each pre-registration will receive an entry to win the hotel stay. Details about the raffle will be announced at a later date.

New Region staff appointments:
We are pleased and proud to announce that a new position has been added to our region staff. Because our region covers 11 districts, consists of multiple cultures, numerous miles, and because of the fact that we cannot be in two places at one time, we have decided (with Melissa Eason's approval of course) to take on assistant region directors. Our new assistants will help us by being our eyes and ears, representing us and the region at future rallies, meetings and gatherings. Because of these difficult economic times, we have made it our goal to bring the region to our staff and our members, rather than have them come to us. Please join us in welcoming our new Northeast Region Assistant Directors, Dave & Crystal Godin, current Chapter Directors of NJ-G and hometown members of NH-E.

Condolences: 
The District extends their deepest sympathies to the late Mae Welker's family and friends. Mae was a very great lady and is missed by everyone.

Get Well Wishes:
Val Aumack, incoming Ne Assistant, had knee replacement surgery on Wednesday. She is to come home this weekend. Cards can be sent to: Val Aumack - RR# 4 Box 4712 - Kunkletown, PA. 18058
The District sends well wishes and prayers to Dick Hetrick from PA Chapter I, who is recuperating from knee replacement surgery.

PA District Rider Educator & MAD Coordinator:
S A F E T Y I S F O R L I F E 
My first article. No one can take Mae's place. I will try to keep her programs going and provide a positive Rider Education experience in Pennsylvania.

Fall is here and with it comes a few changes is riding. First, kids are back in school. You must watch out for the kids and be watchful for parents (in minivans) running late a lot of things. They may not pay attention to their driving and that means not watching for you. In fall, leaves start to fall. Wet leaves on a road surface can be slicker than ice. The wet ones can also hide under a few dry leaves. Tire pressure, with a great impact on performance, will go down with the temperature. You really need to check it more often in the fall. This last one can kill you in two ways. Hypothermia, a reduction in core body temperature, can kill. When you are really cold, shaking cold, you are there or very close. Just a little longer until your destination can be just long enough to push you over the edge. And when you are very cold, your protective riding skills just about disappear which can also kill you. Fall is the season requiring the most caution of all. Beware.

Ride safe and enjoy, 
John Steele

From the NW Assistant District Directors

Seasons
As time passes we travel through different periods of our personal lives: the things we do, places we see, and activities we take part in. Time creates opportunities for us to enjoy moments and then that time is over before we know it and we move on.

We are ending a season and at the same time beginning a new one. Chuck and Evelyn Stone have finished their service to the district as directors and we thank them for their dedication to each of us. Tom and Renee Wasluck are starting their time of service as PA District Directors and are looking forward to making our lives in GWRRA fun and fulfilling. It is a season of change. Just as a tree experiences a renewal of life every spring when it gets its new leaves so does the district when new people step up.

This is the last month for many of the District staff. Your leaders as Assistant District Directors finish their service to their chapters in the Southwest and Southeast areas. With Tom and Renee moving to their new role there will be new assistants in the Northeast. The poor folks from the Northwest are stuck with Danise and I for a couple more years as we just finished our first year. Our District Trainers and Rally Vendor Coordinators are also finishing up the fine work they have provided to all of us in the district. 

I want to thank all of them for the time and talent they have provided to the PA District. They have served all of us well and have shown us what it means to be committed to serving as a volunteer leader within GWRRA. It has been a pleasure to have been part of your team.
A new season is upon us and new people bring new ideas. They bring a fresh enthusiasm that helps the district grow. We welcome the new leadership and encourage them to improve what those before us have built. Danise and I have talked in the past about our theme of "Building upon Success". There have been many success stories from those before us and many new ones to write.
To our old friends who are moving into the category of J.A.M.'s (Just Another Member) we will see you in our travels. To our new friends coming on staff we look forward to being part of this new team and forging new relationships across this great PA District.

Dana and Danise Hartle, NW ADD's

District Couple of the Year Coordinators:

We think that anyone who attended this year's district rally in Johnstown will agree that it was a really great rally. We are not talking only of the district staff, although they certainly did their part, but to all of the chapter members who worked hard on their costumes and event entries. Looking at this, it makes you see that it is true when they say " the more that you get involved, the more fun you will have".

That brings us to the Couple of the Year program. We only had three participants in the District Selection this year. But, they were three great couples. It was exciting to spend time with these couples and see what terrific people they are. No wonder their chapters selected them to be their chapter Couple of the Year.

Why did we only have three couples participate in the District Selection process? We had twenty one chapter couples. If you asked any one of the couples what they liked best about participating, they will tell you that it was the fun that they had and the new people that they got to meet and spend time with.

They are being selected as the chapter couple because of their involvement with the chapter and because the chapter appreciates everything that the couple has done. This is an award that they are receiving.

It is quite obvious which chapters have members getting involved and which chapters are sitting on the fence. If you want to get off the fence, have fun and in doing so, increase your membership, get involved.

The bottom line is that if you are having fun, people will want to be involved and will join you. And having fun is what the 
Couple of the Year program is all about. 

Steve and Carol Daley

District Rally 2009 Event Winners:

Congratulations to all the participating chapters! 

From Our Outgoing District Directors

Hi everyone,
Here I sit to write my article for September with the realization that this is my last newsletter article. As I look back, it’s clear that Evelyn and I have been fortunate and feel honored to have been given the opportunity to serve the membership in Pennsylvania.

Being a member of GWRRA has given us the opportunity to meet and get to know a lot of people, but serving at the District level has enabled us to know a lot of people to an unexpected depth. People that had been good GWRRA friends grew in our eyes to be exceptional friends. When the need was there they stepped up and served without hesitation.

We can’t properly thank our friends for all the cooperation and help that they have given over the last three years. Our District staff has been wonderful as well as all the members from across the state. THANK YOU! WE COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU.

As of October 1st, Tom & Renee Wasluck are stepping up as District Directors. We in Pennsylvania are fortunate to have people of their caliber. They have chosen an excellent staff and are gearing up to serve the membership through the next three years.
Don’t forget, they need the support, cooperation and ideas from the membership. Evelyn and I urge all of you to get behind your new leadership and enjoy the ride.

Evelyn and I would also like to thank our Region Director, Lorraine and Earl Knight, their guidance and patience made the job easier.

Chuck & Evelyn Stone, Former D/D’s.

Fall Riding
From a concerned fellow rider

Here it is October, already. Where did the summer go? For those of you who will be extending the riding season, please be careful. The Fall season means lots of leaves on the road and sometimes they are wet. Watch out going into the curves and don’t run through any piles of leaves. You never know what they might be hiding.

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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