1. Art and Diseño

The N2 Buzz
February 2015
Gold Wing Road Riders Association
FRIENDS FOR FUN, SAFETY, AND KNOWLEDGE
Texas District South Central Region H
Chapter N2
Humble, Texas
Monthly Gatherings—4th Saturday, 6:00 p.m.
American Legion Hall
307 Charles Street, Humble TX
2015
Page 2
Chapter N2
INSIDE THIS ISSUE...
Monthly Meeting/Ride Location Map
Chapter N-2 Staff
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Texas District Staff
Dates to Remember
News from the Chapter Directors
First Place winners from January
Potluck
News from the Assistant Chapter
Directors
Mid-Winter Roundup
Second & Third Places for Appetizers/Salads
& Desserts
News from the Chapter Educator
MEC Spotlight
News from the Chapter Events Coordinator
Social Dinners / Words of Wisdom /
Participation
News from By the Book
News from Region H MEC
This and That / Kudos to
Calendars
News from Deputy Director—Bill Gray
The Ideals of GWRRA
Members Business Cards
2015
Chapter N2
Page 3
Chapter N2 Staff - 2015 (www.gwrra-n2-humbletx.com)
Chapter Directors
Randy & Sharon Rainwater
Asst. Chapter Dir.
George & Linda Stich
281-360-4577 / 281-794-1909
281-812-0997 / 832-264-2005
[email protected] /
[email protected]
[email protected] /
[email protected]
Chapter Educator/MAD Coord.
Kenny Shults
281-642-4619
Treasurer
Robin Smith
832-434-2991
[email protected]
Newsletter Editor
Sharon Rainwater
281-360-4577
[email protected]
Ways N Means
Randy Rainwater
281-360-4577
[email protected]
Scrapbook Coordinator
Karen Frazier
281-615-1365
[email protected]
MEC
Steve & Linda Seligman
2015 Couple of the Year
Chapter N2 Email Address
[email protected]
Events Coordinator
Billie Fleming
832-630-2293
[email protected]
Website
www.gwrra-n2-humbletx.com
Camping Coordinator
Rex & Ann Nix
713-231-4604
[email protected]
713-305-0225 / 281-844-6207
[email protected]
[email protected]
February 2015
Birthdays
Web Master
Brad Rodger
281-687-3267
[email protected]
March 2015
Birthdays
Adrian Summers
2/9
Mike Morgan
3/7
Robin Thacker
2/20
Marie Rabalais
3/20
Wedding Anniversaries
Wedding Anniversaries
Mike & Robin Thacker 2/5
Joel & Shannon Benoit 2/9
Ricky & Karen Frazier
2/17
GWRRA Anniversaries
Jerry Barnett
2/2009
GWRRA Anniversaries
Rex & Ann Nix
3/2000
Bubba & Carolyn Tice
3/2002
Ricky & Karen Frazier
3/2005
Gary & Marie Rabalais 3/2011
Kenny & Diane Shults
3/2011
2015
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Chapter N2
Texas District Staff - (Texas District Website - www.gwrra-tx.org)
District Directors
Mike & Robin Thacker
281-686-8892
[email protected]
Assistant District Directors
Tom & Dawn Sprague
858-755-6071
TxADD2@gwrra-tx-org
District Rider Educators
Lynn & Cindy Harris
386-846-8521
[email protected]
Couple of the Year 2014/2015
Cliff & Gillian Allen
972-207-7557
[email protected]
Membership Enhancement Coord.
Steve & Donna VanGlider
210-391-9495
[email protected]
Vendor Coordinator
Kenny Shults
281-642-4619
[email protected]
Newsletter Editor
Tom Sprague
858-755-6071
[email protected]
Chapter of the Year Coord.
Robin Thacker
281-687-8548
[email protected]
District Treasurer
Diane Shults
713-562-3994
[email protected]
Webmaster
Tom Sprague
858-755-6071
[email protected]
District Leadership Trainers
Cliff & Gillian Allen
214-886-5798
[email protected]
Couple of the Year Coord.
Steve & Donna VanGilder
210-391-9495
[email protected]
DATES TO REMEMBER...
2015
3/19-21
3/26-28
4/16-18
4/30-5/2
5/14-16
6/17-20
6/18-20
7/16-18
9/3-6
36th Annual Florida District Gathering of the Wings, Kissimmee, FL
LA District Convention, Lafayette, LA
Region H Convention, Marshall, TX
TX District Convention, Temple, TX
Alabama District Convention, Eufaula, AL
Reno Rendezvous, Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, NV
GWRRA Georgia Gold Wing Dynasty, Dillard, GA
South Carolina 31st Annual District Convention, Anderson, SC
Wing Ding 37, Huntsville, AL
Entertainment Coordinator
Kenny Shults
281-642-4619
[email protected]
2015
Chapter N2
Page 5
NEWS FROM THE CHAPTER DIRECTORS
Randy & Sharon Rainwater
Chapter N2 - Humble, TX
Even though the weather has been a little gloomy for
January 2015, Chapter N2 has started off 2015 with a
buzz. Due to the rain, we had to cancel our annual
Polar Bear Ride, but we replaced it with a lunch at
Olive Garden in Humble with 25 people. Our group
picture is on the N2 Website to witness the smiling
faces.
We had to cancel the No-Meal Ride due to the nasty
weather and we decided that everyone needed a break
after starting the New Year. Also it gave a lot of our
members time to take down their Christmas decorations inside the house.
The Chapter N2 Breakfast at Humble City Café always brings in a big crowd and the weather was good
for riding, so we had 27 people and 7 bikes for this
event.
We had 15 people go to the Texas Mid-Winter
Roundup in Temple, TX and, again, the weather was
rainy and cold. Actually we woke up to ice on the
vehicles as we were going to the Frank Mayborn
Convention Center. We completed the necessary paperwork and attend several seminars and had a mass
swearing in ceremony for all new staff members present presided by Mike Thacker, Texas District Director. Following is a picture of Mike and Robin Thacker being sworn-in. You’ll have to ask Mike what
script he was reading from...ha-ha!
Mike and Robin Thacker hosted their annual Weiner
Roast at their home and we had 47 people and 10
bikes. Chapter C, M2, and Z were present and we all
had a great time and the weather was great for sitting
by the fire and solving world problems. If you didn’t
go, you missed out on the honey bees swarming to
the jalapeno jelly over a block of cream cheese. We
didn’t really bother them, since they said that they
received an invitation from the Humble Bumble
Bees.
Steve Seligman and I did an impromptu ride of 187
miles and stopped for lunch at Florida’s Kitchen in
Livingston, TX. If you haven’t been there, we need
to resolve that problem and go back soon.
Our Social Dinner was hosted by Adrian Summers at
Don Lencho Mexican in Huffman, TX. We had 19
people and 1 bike turn out in the middle of the week
and everyone enjoyed visiting with one another and
also had some great Mexican food also.
Wow-wow-wow, is all I can say about our January
2015 N2 Chapter Gathering. We had 46 people and 2
bikes, with Chapters C, G, M2, and Z in attendance,
along with Greg and Dee Eames (recently moved
from Rochester, NY to New Caney, TX), and Scott
and Angela Haden from Lufkin, TX. George Stich
had contacted Scott by phone in 2014 and had invited
Scott to any of our meetings or rides. All Scott said
2015
Chapter N2
Page 6
(Chapter Educator, cont.)
when he came into the meeting room was “Where’s George.” He was probably a little overwhelmed by the
buzz of the N2 members for the rest of the evening. I broke into a conversation between Scott and Ricky Frazier concerning GL 1500s and Ricky was setting up a time that they could get together to look at Scott’s 1500.
With January 2015, we started having an Open Planning Meeting at 5:30 pm just prior to our Monthly Gathering at 6:00 pm on the fourth Saturday or each month. Actually the Open Planning Meeting will do two things
for the Chapter (1) it gives your staff more time to concentrate on chapter improvement during our monthly
Staff Meeting, (2) it gives us more time during our Gathering to discuss upcoming major events rather than
spending time on ride specifics and calendar review. Our event calendars will be updated on the Texas District
Calendar, included on our webpage, included in the Monthly Newsletter, and you will receive weekly reminders via a weekly email.
N2 is off to a great start for 2015, but you better hang on because your 2015 Staff has some fun plans in the
making.
Remember “Bee Seen in 2015.”
Please send your articles, pictures, recipes, etc. to Sharon Rainwater. Let’s make this newsletter
a group effort and the “best” one around!
2015
Page 7
Chapter N2
NEWS FROM THE ASSISTANT CHAPTER DIRECTORS
George & Linda Stich
Chapter N2 - Humble, TX
We had nine Chapter members with over 40 events.
It isn’t always easy nor convenient for us to attend
Chapter events, but rest assured, we love to have you
attend as many as possible.
Randy has initiated a Planning Meeting @ 5:30 pm
prior to our monthly gatherings @ 6:00 pm. This
gives our members an opportunity to have some input
into our future activities. The participation of each
and every one of our members is of utmost importance in keeping our Chapter thriving and promoting the FUN and the Love of Riding we all enjoy.
We have an awesome Chapter and it’s all because of
our members!
CHAPTER PARTICIPATION...
As an expression of appreciation from the former and
current Staff and MECs, we want to thank everyone
for their participation in 2014 Chapter events, conventions, seminars, gatherings, etc. At January’s
gathering this past Saturday night, we were able to
present several members with a token of appreciation
for their participation within our Chapter.
Most Chapter Gatherings Mike & Nancy Morgan
11
Most Chapter Events/Conventions *Randy Rainwater
1st Place
50
*Steve Seligman
2nd Place
49
*Ann Nix
3rd Place
47
THANK YOU!
MID-WINTER ROUNDUP
It was COLD and WET at the Mid Winter Roundup
in Temple on January 10th, BRRRR. There was a
very good turn out in spite of the weather with 12
attendees from Chapter N2. Opening ceremonies began with Jack Wagner speaking and giving the Oath
of Office to our very own Mike and Robin Thacker
as new Texas District Directors. Woo Hoo!! Mike
stumbled over a few words, but managed to get
through. The day passed quickly with breakouts of
several categories: Rider Ed, Treasurer, MEC’s,
CD’s and ACD’s, LTP’s, MEP’s, COY’s, CHOY’s
and other acronym’s. The new officer’s were given
their certificates and sworn in as well. It was very
positive and enthusiastic!
The District Team was really PUMPED about the
District Convention in Temple April 30th thru May
3rd. Suggestions and ideas were requested with several comments being made by participants. Plans
that had already been made were discussed. The
Team is really focused on building up the number of
attendees, obtaining vendors, promoting seminars,
classes or events that would be most advantageous to
GWRRA members. Come on TEXAS, I know we
can have a bigger and better convention this year
2015
Chapter N2
Page 8
(Mid-Winter Roundup, cont.)
with your support for the District Team and their efforts to provide you the opportunity to come out and have
FUN! Let’s encourage them and rally round them to make this the best Texas Convention ever. Remember,
TEXAS is your State, let’s show everyone how to have FUN! Lest we forget, KENNY & DIANE WILL BE
COMPETING FOR DISTRICT COUPLE OF THE YEAR!!!! Come on out and show your support!
2015
Chapter N2
Page 9
NEWS FROM THE CHAPTER EDUCATOR
Kenny Shults
Chapter N2 - Humble, TX
We all have friends who ride different bikes and
might ride with us at some point. If they are riding
with a passenger and there bike isn’t equipped
properly, it is our responsibility to tell them about the
law. It might save them some money and maybe a
life.
Well my friends, it’s a new year and I find myself
as your Rider Educator. This is a new position for
me and I only hope I can do as good of a job as Jim
and Lynn. I would like to thank both of them for
their contributions. We have learned so much from
their life experiences and knowledge and I know
who to turn to if I need technical expertise.
I thought I would start out with my first article by
talking about the new motorcycle law that took effect on January 1, 2015. This Law is called Malorie’s Law ( House Bill 3838 ) named after a young
lady who was killed in a motorcycle wreck three
years ago. She was a passenger on a bike that didn’t have footrest and hand holds and this is what
the law pertains to. It is written like this:
An operator may not carry another person on the
motorcycle, and a person who is not operating the
motorcycle may not ride on the motorcycle, unless
the motorcycle is:
1) designed to carry more than one person; and
2) equipped with footrests and handholds for use
by the passenger.
It is a class B Misdemeanor and carries a fine up to
$2,000 and possibly 180 days in jail. As Goldwing
riders this is not a concern, because they are designed for passenger safety and comfort.
I would like everyone to keep in mind that anyone
who rides a motorcycle anywhere in the United
States has the responsibility to know the laws of the
state they are riding in and to abide by them. Helmet
laws and laws like this one might be different from
state to state. So as we travel across this country, we
need to find out what laws apply to us and those who
ride with us. I will end by saying: (Knowledge is
safety and always ride safe!)
2015
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Chapter N2
MEC SPOTLIGHT
Steve & Linda Seligman
Chapter N2 - Humble, TX
We are Steve and Linda Seligman your Membership
Enhancement Coordinators (MECs). Most of you
know us but we will reintroduce ourselves. Linda
and I joined GWRRA and TX-N2 in March 2005
when we bought our first Goldwing 1800. We rode
the red 1800 as a 2 wheeler until June 2006 when
we converted it to a trike. In 2013 we bought another Goldwing 1800 which is blue. So, we are the
proud parents of 2 1800’s – Red and Blue. (Steve
keeps asking for a white one – so he can be patriotic). Linda and I have held many positions in chapter
TX-N2 – scrapbook coordinator, newsletter editor,
meeting coordinator, treasurer, Assistant Chapter Director and Chapter Director. We stepped down as
Chapter Directors at the end of 2012. We decided to
be just a member (JAMs) but that did not last
long. In early 2013 Linda accepted the role of Chapter of the Year Coordinator. We have now accepted
the role of MECs and are very excited.
MEC is a very important position in the chapter – we
are responsible for member recruitment, member retention and making sure the chapter has
FUN!!!!!!!!!! Some of our duties are:









Develop and maintain a Membership listing for
the Chapter from the Gathering sign-in sheet
Provide support for the Chapter Director.
Coordinate seminars concerning the Leadership
Training Program and Membership Enhancement
Program
Work with the Chapter Director and Team to promote Chapter activities and FUN events for the
Members.
Work with Membership data from Area Report
(New Members, Prospective Members, Expiring
and Expired Memberships, and Unassigned Zip
Codes).
Serve as liaison to the District Membership Enhancement Coordinator making sure the District Membership Enhancement Coordinator is
made aware of any changes to the Chapter Membership Enhancement Coordinator information
(new Coordinator, email address, etc…).
Promote changes positively to help keep politics
away from the Membership.
Be a mentor to New Members (explain the benefits of GWRRA, the terminology, Chapter Life,
etc.
Promote involvement within the Membership



and encourage everyone to become involved.
Gather and/or write articles for Chapter Newsletter.
May be asked to serve on the Couple of the Year
selection committee.
May be asked to serve as the Chapter of the Year
Coordinator.
In the months to come, we will provide the chapter
with news about upcoming conventions, events
(chapter, District, Region and International), training
opportunities and great ways to have fun with our
chapter and other chapters. We will also be making
ourselves more visible at meetings, sharing ideas and
basically having FUN!!! So, if you any ideas as to
how to make the chapter grow, bring old members
back into the fold or how to just have fun – please let
us know.
Remember – MECs Rock!!!!!
2015
Chapter N2
Page 11
NEWS FROM THE CHAPTER EVENTS COORDINATOR
Billie Fleming
Chapter N2 - Humble, TX
Mardi Gras 2015
Mardi Gras season starts February 17th this year. Mardi Gras is celebrated by parties, parades, bead throwing,
King Cake, and many other established traditions.
Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday”, reflecting the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods
before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season.
Did you know the first Mardi Gras celebration was actually in Mobil, Alabama? In 1703, French settlers in
Mobile established the first organized Mardi Gras celebration. Of course, you can’t think of Mardi Gras without thinking of New Orleans. The first Mardi Gras parade held in New Orleans is recorded to have taken
place in 1837. The tradition in New Orleans expanded to the point that it became synonymous with the city
and has been embraced by residents of New Orleans beyond those of French or Catholic heritage. Mardi Gras
celebrations are part of the basis of the slogan, Laissez les bons temps rouler…“Let the good times roll.”
Mardi Gras is a fun crazy time and I don’t know anyone who can have more fun or be crazier than N2. So
come on everyone, get your Mardi Gras on and be at the February Gathering with your favorite mask. There
is sure to be a couple of Mardi Gras prizes and you might be the winner. Don’t miss the fun, be at the Gathering in February!!!
2015
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Chapter N2
CHAPTER N2 MONTHLY
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SOCIAL DINNER
6:30 p.m.
FEB Steve & Linda Seligman
Wed., Feb. 18 - (Mo’s BBQ - 8321 FM 1960 Rd. W, Humble TX 77338)
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Kenny & Diane Shults
George & Linda Stich
Robin Smith
Mike & Robin Thacker
Gary & Marie Rabalais
Steve & Billie Fleming
Jerry Barnett
Renzo & Donita Nardi
Rex & Ann Nix
Marty & Donna Uphoff
Alternates: Jim & Lynn Flournoy, Ricky & Karen Frazier, and Bubba & Carolyn Tice
George’s Words of Wisdom…
By George Stich
If money is your hope for independence,
you'll never have it. The only real security
that a man will have in this world is a reserve of knowledge , experience, and ability.
January 2015
RIDE/EVENT PARTICIPATION REPORT
DATE
1/01/2015
1/04/2015
1/10/2015
1/17/2015
1/21/2015
1/21/2015
1/24/2015
EVENT
#OF BIKES #OF PARTICIPANTS
New Year’s Day Lunch - Olive Garden 0 bikes
Chapter Breakfast - Humble City Cafe 7 bikes
25
27
Mid-Winter Roundup - Temple, TX 0 bikes
Thacker Weiner Roast
10 bikes
Impromptu Ride - Florida’s Kitchen 2 bikes
Social Dinner - Don Lencho Mexican - Huffman, TX 1 bike
Chapter Gathering
2 bikes
15
47
2
19
46
2015
Chapter N2
Page 13
BY THE BOOK
Gold Wing Road Riders Association
Jack Wagner, Region H Trainer
GWRRA Region H Newsletter
February, 2015
“By the Book” articles are intended to help familiarize GWRRA Volunteer Leaders and Members with the policies, procedures, and information contained in the GWRRA Officer’s Handbook (OHB). A copy of the Officer’s Handbook can be
found at the following Internet website: www.gwrra.org/oconnect/officerhandbook.html Please feel free to reprint these
articles in Region, District, or Chapter newsletters.
The Last Resort
If you are taking the time to read By the Book, this article will probably sound like preaching to the
choir. However, we have had some Chapter Directors announce that they were going to close their
Chapter–frequently without involving the District Director or anyone else in advance. Chapter closure is not the Chapter Director's decision to make. There have been times when it seemed evident
a Chapter would close, only to see it continue to not only survive, but to begin to thrive when the
District became involved and some changes were implemented. It is imperative that the District
team be involved before any announcement of Chapter closure is made.
Considering Chapter closure is a serious situation for GWRRA and its Members. Chapters are the
very heart-beat of our Association. All Chapter closures can usually be prevented if the following
proactive steps are taken.
This checklist is to help Officers considering the closure of an established Chapter. Officers involved in the closure of a Chapter should carefully review and consider all of the following questions
and suggestions. It is imperative for the benefit of the participating Members that all resources are
utilized to keep the Chapter active.
Has the reason for closing the Chapter been explained to all Chapter participants? It is important that they are aware of the situation and the reason the health of the Chapter is in
jeopardy. Chapter participants can offer valuable suggestions and possible solutions to the
problem.
Have all Chapter participants been involved in attempting to save the Chapter? Many times a
problem-solving meeting or series of meetings of concerned Chapter participants can yield
viable solutions to save the Chapter.
Have alternatives to closure been discussed with all Chapter Participants? They need to
have a clear picture of the reason for closure and the alternatives that are available to keep
the Chapter active.
Have key individuals within the Chapter been contacted for their input? Key individuals may
have ideas or solutions that may not be expressed unless contacted directly for their input.
Has the Chapter Director explored all alternatives within the Chapter to keep the Chapter active? Do not leave any stone unturned. It is very easy when frustrated with a problem to give
in. All alternatives must be considered for the good of the participants.
2015
Chapter N2
Page 14
(By the Book, contd.)
Has the Chapter Director involved the District Director? The District Director can many times
lend support and offer additional ideas, suggestions or alternatives.
Has the District Director contacted and discussed the closure with any of the Chapter Participants? Many times, direct contact from the District Director can carry more weight and solve
some problems that were unable to be solved at a local level.
Has the District Director met with Chapter participants in an attempt to avert the Chapter closure? At times, this might be advisable to allow the interested Chapter Participants an opportunity to work directly with the District Director to solve the problem.
Has the Region Director been consulted regarding the possible Chapter closure? Here
again, the Region Director, with his/her experience, might be able to offer additional ideas,
suggestions or alternatives not previously thought of at District level and below. Have all alternatives to closure been exhausted? The Chapter should not be closed until all alternatives
have been exhausted. No alternative should be left untried just because we feel it probably
wouldn’t be successful.
If your Chapter is struggling, or if you hear of a Chapter talking about closing, please contact your
District Director immediately.
REMEMBER:
Chapter participation is an important and invaluable benefit of GWRRA Membership. It is through
Chapter participation that the GWRRA Member truly develops “FRIENDS FOR FUN, SAFETY AND
KNOWLEDGE.”
The more you know, the better it gets!
Jack Wagner
Region H Trainer
2015
Chapter N2
Page 15
2015
Page 16
Chapter N2
SUPER BOWL PARTY
BOWLING WITH M2
Sunday, February 1
3:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 15
1:00 p.m.
Marty & Donna Uphoff’s home 112 Spring
Lake Dr., Montgomery, TX
AMC Diamond Bowl, 267 N. Forest Blvd, South of 1960 just
off of I-45 1:00 p.m.
Chapter Social Dinner
Wednesday, February 18
6:30 p.m.
Ride...No Meal Stop
Saturday, February 7
9:00 a.m.
Meeting at the Valero gas station at Northpark and Hwy. 59.
Randy Rainwater leading the ride.
Steve and Linda Seligman have chosen Mo’s BBQ, 8321 FM
1960, Humble, TX. Ya’ll come!
Training Day
Saturday, February 21
10:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
American Legion Hall
Sweetheart Dinner
Hofbrau Steakhouse
Hwy 1314 East of Hwy 59
Sunday, February 8
5:30 p.m.
Training sessions are being discussed at this
time and will be announced later.
Chapter N2 Planning Meeting
GAME NIGHT
American Legion Hall
BYOM at 6:00 p.m.
Games start at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, February 13
@ the American Legion Hall
Saturday, February 21
5:30 p.m.
You are invited to join us for a short planning meeting, before
our monthly gathering at 6:00 p.m. Come with ride ideas and
restaurant suggestions. We want to hear from YOU!!!
Chapter N2 Monthly Gathering
Chapter J Gathering Visitation
Beaumont, TX
Valero -Northpark & Hwy 59
8:30 a.m.
Saturday, February 14
@ the American Legion Hall
Saturday, Feburary 21
6:00 p.m.
Potluck after the meal with a Mardi Gras and Cajun food
Kudos to..
Mike & Robin Thacker - for serving Texas as the Texas Chapter Directors
Mike & Robin Thacker - for hosting us at their annual Weiner Roast
Chapter members - for your participation in the January “Soup” Gathering
2015
Chapter N2
Page 17
2015
Chapter N2
Page 18
2015
Chapter N2
Page 19
NEWS FROM BILL & DEA ANN GRAY
DEPUTY DIRECTOR NATIONAL
Hear Ye, Hear Ye Newsletters are the life blood of communication for our members.
Newsletter editors are one of the most valuable (and many times least recognized)
team members in GWRRA. For the record, I applaud each and every one of you!!! The
time and effort it takes to pull information and pictures together month after month is
sometimes a daunting task. Newsletters should be distributed monthly at no charge to
ALL members both non-active and active within a chapter. The newsletter gives officers, team members and all members an opportunity to "talk" about rider education,
safety, events, trips, anniversaries, calendar, etc.. National, Region and District activities should be represented as well. Editors need help! Everyone has a story to tell and
a picture to share. If I could suggest only one thing that would improve nearly all newsletters, it's proper identification! First, GWRRA or Gold Wing Road Riders Association
should be prominent with our current logo. Second, Chapter name, initials and/or logo.
Third, District and Region letter designation and/or logos. Last, include the month and
year distributed. I've read newsletters that are one page and some that are thirty, forty
and even fifty plus pages. Some are very informative and some are well, let's just say
less informative. Several important questions regarding the newsletter: First, if I am a
non-active member, is there enough information to interest me in wanting to associate
with the chapter? Second, is the date, time and place of the chapter gathering in a
prominent place? Third, are there interesting and informative articles by each team
member? Fourth, is there a chapter activity calendar and does it look busy? Does the
calendar include District, Region and National events? Fifth, does it include awards
and recognition of members? Last, does it have plenty of activity photos? As you can
see, the newsletter can play a major role in the life of a chapter! Hard copies should
be available at every chapter gathering. Copies or links to the newsletter should be
emailed to EVERY member assigned to your chapter on the ARL. This should also include all Chapter Directors in your District as well as all District Directors in your Region. Don't forget the Region Director and as a Deputy, I like to read them as well. Social media can certainly be used as a supplement to link your newsletter and chapter
activities but NOT as the sole vehicle of communication for the chapter. Good reading,
writing and riding!! Bill & Dea Ann Gray Gold Wing Road Riders Assn. Deputy Director 918-231-9371 cell
Chapter N2
Page 20
GWRRA Region H Newsletter
THE IDEALS OF GWRRA
Jack Wagner
The most important ingredient for a successful Association is the Member. Where do we find them and how do we
make these people interested enough to want to become one of us? Before anyone can be successful in “selling” GWRRA, they must first sit for a moment and determine the reason they joined. Each of us had our own reasons – it may
have been the emphasis on keeping each other safe when riding, the 'G-rated' family atmosphere of our events or that
we know the best places for food and desserts. In most cases the motorcycles brought us together and it’s the relationships and ideals of GWRRA that keep us together. Let's take a closer look at these ideals:
PROMOTE SAFETY - This will help us continue to enjoy our hobby. We can also enjoy the fact that we are doing something to protect others by teaching them safe riding practices. We are saving lives!
PROMOTE FRIENDSHIP - Among ALL of the motorcycling public. What better way to enjoy our way of life than to make
friends and share with them?
PROMOTE THE POSITIVE IMAGE OF THE MOTORCYCLE RIDER - We must always keep “our best foot forward”.
PROMOTE FUN - This is the glue that holds it all together!
PROVIDE A MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE - GWRRA will provide a money-back guarantee to any Member that is of the
opinion the Association has failed to live up to their expectations.
It really does boil down to “Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge”, and we back that up with a money back guarantee!
Remember our Motto “Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge”
Jack Wagner
GWRRA Region H Director
[email protected]
405.359.7892
2014
Chapter N2
Page 21