Georgia Chapter L Region A, Georgia District

Transcription

1 GWRRA (Gold Wing Road Riders Association) Georgia Chapter L Region A, Georgia District Volume 16, Issue 12 Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge December 2016 Chapter Officers: Chapter Directors Scott & Jackie Whitener scottwhitener@aol.com From Your Directors: The End of 2016 Scott & Jackie Whitener, Chapter Directors Assistant Chapter Directors John & Cathy Rockwell roadstar50@yahoo.com Chapter Educator & MAC s Murry & Dawn Cail mcail@bellsouth.net Treasurer Leslie Kleist diamonddivadesigns@yahoo.com Membership Enhancement Coord. Jackie Whitener jacquelinwhitener@att.net Dinner Ride Coordinator Cathy Rockwell carpix7@yahoo.com Sunshine Person Miriam Mills msmdm64@windstream.net Webmaster & Newsletter Editor Dawn Cail dawngc@gmail.com GWRRA International Directors Ray & Sandi Garris Here we are at the end of 2016, seems like we just turned the Calendar over to Well, they say "time flies when you're having fun." Chapter L has been successful this year when it's measured against other Georgia Chapters. GWRRA as a whole is in a stagnant mood right now due to several factors. We have new members coming onboard but we're losing a lot of folks at the same time. Some of the issues that people are facing is that they re getting older and not able to ride as in previous years, (that's why you see so many trikes lately) and, of course, we always lose some due to their passing. Now, on the other hand, we have new members in Chapter L and are constantly seeking out others with our Invite a Friend Program. We have a lot to offer in this Chapter that is appealing to all riders looking for training, camaraderie and just safe riding groups that take riding safety as a priority. We offer training on a regular basis that includes classroom and on course riding exercises. Plus, we routinely offer two and three wheel (trike) Advance Riders Course that's open to all GWRRA members. This article started out with bad news about GWR- RA as a whole but it's turned into a sales pitch for the Chapter. I'm sold on this Chapter, it's leadership and the many things we have to offer. I encourage each of you to take advantage of its services and rider opportunities. Lastly, I'd like to wish everyone a "Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas. The holiday season is upon us once again and I for one plan to enjoy this one as much as possible. Seems like something has always gotten in the way in years past, but not this one. We're having our Chapter Christmas Party on December 8th at Red Lobster in Rome and I encourage everyone to come out and join us. We plan to have several door prizes, cake, will announce the 2017 Couple of The Year and as always have some good old fashion fun. I hope to see everyone there and also look forward to seeing you at our next Chapter Gathering. Region A Senior Directors Jim & Sue Jackson Georgia District Directors Larry & Pamela Clemmer

2 PAGE 2 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 16, ISSUE 12 Dinner Ride Recap and Upcoming Dinner Rides Thursday, November 10 th, our dinner ride was to Bella Rome at Braves Stadium in Rome. We had nine in attendance. Sunday, November 20th, we had a fantastic ride to Shoney s in Cartersville, bit cool but nice; we had four members in attendance. The November gathering was held on November 17th at Roma Mia across from the State Patrol on Martha Berry Highway, at 7pm. Saturday, December 3 rd, This will be a scenic ride through the countryside ending The Last Catch in Jasper GA for lunch. We will meet at Mount Berry Mall parking lot at 10:00am and depart at 10:15am. A secondary meeting location will be at the Hardees in Adairsville GA, Hwy 140 next to the interstate at 11:00am Thursday, December 8 th, our dinner ride has been cancelled; in its place will be our Christmas Dinner. We will meet at Red Lobster (700 Shorter Ave NW, Rome, GA) at 6:00pm for our Christmas Dinner and Social. Saturday, December 10 th, Honda & Suzuki of Rome Motorcycle Ride to benefit the Marine Corps Toys for Tots & the local Open Door Home. Registration starts at 10:00 am, kick stands up at 11:15am. Admission: One or more new, unwrapped toys or $10.00 a person. Santa will be available for pictures with the kids after the ride. Sunday, December 18 th, we will meet in the mall parking lot of Mount Berry Mall on Highway 27 (Martha Berry Highway) behind Landmark restaurant at 2:00pm, KSU 2:15pm and ride as a group to Green Leaf Grill in Mentone, Alabama. Mark your calendars and plan to join us. Cathy Rockwell Dinner Ride Coordinator GWRRA Chapter L Inside This Issue: From Your Directors 1 Dinner Ride Recap 2 MEC Article 3 Sunshine and Ticketmaster News 3 Birthdays & Anniversaries 3 Couple of the Year 4 Bead Program 5 Chapter L Meeting Recap 6 Rider Education Article 7-8 Pictures of Christmas Parade 9 Articles Needed 10 Little Known Facts about Accidents (cont) 10 Calendar of Events 11 International Article 12 Region Article 13 District Article 14 Advertisers 15

3 VOLUME 16, ISSUE 12 GEORGIA CHAPTER L PAGE 3 Hi Everyone! Looking Ahead I would like to thank all of our Chapter L members for supporting your Chapter this year. I also look forward for a fun and fulfilling It s hard to believe this year is almost over. While our Chapter hasn t growing tremendously in numbers it has in friendship. Remember to encourage each other and invite your motorcycle friends to check us out. Spend the holidays with your family and may God bless you the remaining of the year and upcoming Hope to see you at our Christmas Party. Jackie Whitener Chapter L Membership Enhancement Coordinator (MEC) Sunshine And Ticketmaster News We had 3 birthdays during the month of November. Scott Whitener on the 1st, Trey Cail on the 24th and Leslie Kleist on the 26th Ginger King and Scott Whitener won the 50/25/25 drawing. Scott Whitener was the winner of the Suck It Up game and received a goody bag. 12/2 Jim Hegwood 12/6 Miriam Mills 12/9 Jeanne Cail 12/13 Vicki Seritt Nobody got married in December!!! (That s three months in a row!!) GWRRA Anniversaries 12/20 Al & Peggy Rogers (2006)

4 PAGE 4 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 16, ISSUE 12 Couple of the Year Well it is November and 2016 has gone by really FAST. On Saturday the 5th we rode down to Fayetteville, GA for WIND DOWN. We met Scott & Jackie and John & Cathy at Berry Mall...we rode back roads to the event. A beautiful ride with good friends is always a great way to start the day. We met several old friends there and met some new friends. The lunch provided was very good (taco salads with cake and coffee for dessert). All the Couples of the Year were presented "Certificates of Appreciation" for representing our chapters this year. For most of this month we have been combatting smoke from forest fires here in northern Georgia. It has been hard to get outside...the air quality is very bad. We missed the Dinner Ride on Thursday the 10th of this month. We understand that everyone who did get to go had a great time and enjoyed the meal. On Saturday the 10th Durwood and I visited with friends at Chapter V in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We met for our Chapter L November gathering on the 17th...(our regular 4th Thursday was Thanksgiving.) We met at Roma Mia's and we had a great time. We had two birthday honorees present and they received their Birthday Goody Bags. There were no anniversaries this month. Scott and Patrick Gainey (new member) were the Good Sports who participated in the "SUCK IT UP" game...scott was the winner of the Goody Bag prize. Everyone had a fun time, as usual, at our gathering. Ginger and Scott were our LUCKY winners of the 25/25/50 drawing. Everyone agreed that Scott was the most lucky person at our gathering...he recieved a Birthday Goody Bag, he won the game Goody Bag, AND he was a 50/25/25 winner. November 29th was the Rome Christmas Parade. We were worried that it would be rained out, but we made it thru without a drop of rain. (We DID get MUCH NEEDED rain later that night.) Eight of us from Chapter L joined the Masonic Traveling Men in their unit of the parade. The Rome newspaper quoted over 100,000 people were there to enjoy the event. It was AWESOME to have that many people observe our Gold Wings and the bikes of the Traveling Men decorated for Christmas. We really had a GREAT time. We will not have a December gathering...but we will enjoy our Christmas Dinner gathering at Red Lobster in Rome on December the 8th (that will also be our Christmas Party) We look forward to seeing everyone there for FUN, FOOD, and FELLOWSHIP. Ride Safe and Ride Often Your COY 2016 Durwood & Miriam Mills We are looking for you to make an appearance at our next monthly gathering. NO DECEMBER GATHERING January 26, 2017 Fuddruckers Restaurant, 595 Riverside Parkway, NE, Rome, GA Eat at 6:00 pm. Meet at 7:00 pm. Come have FUN and FELLOWSHIP with Chapter L!!

5 PAGE 5 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 16, ISSUE 12 Membership Enhancement Many of our Chapter L members have inquired about the bead program so here is a review of how this program works. Events Recognition Program Each individual will be awarded a colored bead which is placed upon a lace and affixed to either your vest, a belt loop or possibly a large pin. Laces are maintained yearly. A new lace will start 2016, 2017, etc. Each participant in the program will be awarded a bead when attending or supporting events as listed below. You do not have to ride, you simply have to participate. National, Regional, District and Chapter events, either attending or supporting: Gold Bead: National Wing Ding, Reno Rendezvous, 40 to Phoenix, etc. Silver Bead: Regional Region A Rally, all regional events. Blue Bead: District Chilly Willy, Wing Fling, Wind Down. Red Bead: Chapter Fun Days, Plaque Attacks, Visitations, Chapter rides, Bike Week Coffee Break, etc. This program is being initiated to encourage and promote individual involvement of Chapter members and to easily recognize their support with different colored beads. We hope that you will take this program as a challenge to support as many events as possible, both enthusiastically and with regularity. Come participate with us and have some fun. I hope this clarifies any questions you may have. Jackie Whitener Membership Enhancement Coordinator Ride Safely and have FUN. Chapter L has something new!! Ever been out riding and you stop for a rest. Then another group of motorcycles stops, too. And you are trying to introduce yourself and invite them to a meeting but you don t have anything to write on and your new friends forget the information you gave them. Grab a handful of these Introduction Cards. You can write your name and address or whatever you want of the back and start handing them out!!

6 PAGE 6 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 16, ISSUE 12 Chapter L Meeting Recap Meeting called to order at 7PM Pledge of allegiance to our flag Chapter COY recognized Miriam and Durwood Mills. Our monthly GWRRA history question was presented; however, no one got the answer, including me, I forgot to write the correct response down. I ll improve. Information: There will be NO Chapter meeting for the month of December due to our Christmas Party Dec. 8 th at Red Lobster in Rome, starts at 6PM until. Door prizes, cake and much more. 2017: Dinner Ride ideas needed. Please provide to John Rockwell. May consider overnight rides as well. Scott will assume the position of Ride Coordinator in support of more Chapter rides to include several Chapter visitations that are in the works. Don t forget our Dec 18 th ride to Green Leaf Grill, KSU at 2:15PM. Christmas Parade with Traveling Men, Nov 29 th, pre-stage at Mall at 4:30PM Chapter Educator: Road Captains Course; New, Cathy & Ron: Renew, Dawn & John. Next year s training will probably include a fee due to the cost of training materials, etc., and Riders Ed being out of funds. First Aid cost forecast to be between $25.00 and $35.00?? All states will probable charge some type of fee for ARC/TRC, will advise. Please support the Rider Education Program by purchasing Rider Ed Tickets, prize to be given away at Wing Fling in Dalton GA. Look out for leaves on the roadways this time of year, check your bike carefully, and dress warm. Training begins in Jan at the Paulding County Center in Dallas, first seminar will be Mature Riding. Please welcome two new members: Pat and Patricia Gainey, we look forward to their participation. Rides: December 3 rd, we re planning a great scenic ride thru the North GA Mountains to Jasper with lunch and plenty of scenery, join us if you can. We really need your support Dec 10 Th for this year s Toys for Tots Ride is sponsored by the Rome Honda dealer, bring a new, unwrapped toy and register for the ride at 10AM. Durwood asked if anyone would be interested in a moment s notice ride, several showed interest. Durwood will coordinate any activities. MEC: New member s info cards are available for handouts if you need more. District: Chilly Willy Jan 21 st, 2017 at Buckner s, Officers Conference, Chapter S Sweetheart Fun Day Feb 11 th, Wing Fling June 22 nd in Dalton. 50/25/25 Winners Scott & Ginger Meeting adjourned at 7:45PM

7 PAGE 7 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 16, ISSUE Tips For Safe City Riding Murry and Dawn Cail Senior Rider Educators America might be a land filled with motorcycle riders and motorcycle lovers, but it most certainly is not a motorcycle friendly country. Just ask anyone who rides their motorcycle to work on a semi-regular basis and they ll tell you horror stories not just about bad, rude and dangerous drivers, but also of oblivious pedestrians and cyclists who seem to have a death wish and also appear to have it in for you. It doesn t take bravery to ride your motorcycle in the city it takes superior awareness, brains, an eye for potential hazards (not just obvious ones) and very good riding skills. Even if you put all these components together, there s virtually no way to avoid at least a small accident, if not a much more serious one. But there are those who are committed to riding in the city, whether by necessity, for the thrill of it, or both. First of all, if you choose to ride in the city whether it s for your daily commute, errands or even just to see the sights there s no need to be intimidated, but you do need to think ahead and never stop thinking throughout the ride. We ve assembled some tips for you to ride smartly and skillfully on the mean streets of your urban jungle. 1. Make Them See You We get that you like to dress in vintage black leather and denim when you ride your gorgeous café racer, but that s not a smart way to protect your hide from the oblivious driving masses. Wear bright colors, especially on your helmet and jacket. If you insist on wearing your darker jacket, try a reflective vest over it. This will have you look like a crosswalk guard at an elementary school, but it might just make the difference between life and death. 2. Stay In Open Zones Two of the advantages of riding a motorcycle are power and control. These are your assets to stay safe, not to go bonkers on the pavement. Take advantage of these by staying out of wolf packs and in the open where you can stay out of blind spots, work your way into gaps, and stay visible rather than remaining trapped in the flow of traffic where oblivious drivers won t notice you. 3. Scan And Then Scan Again Don t get mired in just looking straight ahead. Keep your head on a swivel and scan your environment your mirrors, behind you, your blind spots, etc. It s all about constant vigilance and total awareness on your ride. Save your gazing for the open road in the scenic countryside where there aren t pedestrians with a penchant for stupidity or drivers on their smartphones. 4. Always Look For An Escape Spend less time admiring the custom paint job on your tank and more time searching for ways out of trouble should trouble come to find you. Take advantage of your motorcycle s size and nimbleness relative to hulking cars. Braking hard isn t always a great solution, especially when you can thread the needle or find an open patch of grass to stay safe instead of mangling yourself and your bike when you don t have enough room to stop. Constantly look for escape opportunities when you re both moving and stationary. (Continued on page 8)

8 PAGE 8 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 16, ISSUE The Deadly Left Don t assume that the guy in oncoming traffic with his left turn signal on is going to see you. At times, they don t even see actual cars, so your slim profile isn t exactly conducive to visibility. Queue your high beams during the day and use your horn if need be to put them on alert. Watch for hand movement on the steering wheel and a head turn that usually occurs before the driver initiates the turn. Also be prepared to get on the gas and swerve or brake if you have the time and distance. 6. Running Interference You re likely the fastest one at the stop light at the intersection, and you can get ahead quickly. But think again. Fastest isn t safest when it comes to one of the most accident riddled locations the dreaded intersection. On any given day, idiots blow the light like it s their right, so be smart and let the cars and trucks run interference for you when you re moving and when you re at a standstill. The vehicles surrounding you will act as your buffer and take hits instead of you should someone ignore the law. 7. Choose Your Lane Wisely Especially on highways and freeways where traffic is fast moving and there are multiple traffic lanes. Make sure to stay to your left. Everyone on the far right or in the lane adjacent to the right will bob and weave to make their exit, and you don t want to be anywhere near that. Merging traffic coming onto the highway is also deadly because they re hell bent on getting to the left. Plus, if you re to the far left, you only really have the lane to your right to contend with rather than getting sandwiched between two sides. Just remember that some left lanes have no shoulder, so keep #4 in mind (again). 8. Watch Surface Conditions It s nearly as important to keep an eye on the road conditions as it is to watch the vehicles around you. Things can go from good to awful in a hurry. Potholes, loose gravel, rippled pavement, etc. can send you off the bike before you knew what hit you. Give yourself space and slow down in case you need to respond appropriately. It s also vital to stay back from cars that might kick up rocks and dirt, endangering you with projectiles and debris. Also, if you know of a bad area, just avoid it even though it might lengthen your ride. After all, it s not just you who has to contend with the conditions, but also the other drivers who might not be as mindful as you are. 9. Maintain Signal Discipline Unless you have auto-canceling turn signals, you have to be a bit obsessive about turning yours off whenever you can. Drivers easily assume you re turning when you re not and jump in front of you or try to swerve around you from behind possibly taking you out as they get past you. Push the cancel button repeatedly and get in the habit of doing it without even looking to see if your signal is actually on or not. It s a brilliant habit that will keep you out of trouble rather than possibly creating it. 10. Assertiveness Keeps You Safe, Not Aggressiveness We ve seen aggressive riders, or what we like to call stupidity. You might be the fastest, but you re also the least protected. Don t be afraid, however, to ride with assertiveness. Use your signals, even your hands, and move confidently when it s safe and without hesitation. Pick your safe location in the lane and own it so drivers can see you. Move up when you need to and pull back when the purposes serve your own safety. Don t feel you need to ride with the flow of traffic or occupy an unsafe spot in the lane because you don t have the assertiveness to ride well. Know the difference between trying to beat other drivers and manage your surroundings.

9 PAGE 9 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 16, ISSUE 12

10 PAGE 10 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 16, ISSUE 12 ARTICLES NEEDED! This is YOUR newsletter. It provides a great opportunity to announce any news or information you may have motorcycle related or not. Let us hear about new additions to your family or to your bike. Your fellow members are interested. Got information your fellow riders need to know about? Recalls? New safety chrome available? Local events? Got something to sell? Let us list it and get the news out bike stuff, home stuff, whatever stuff! Got family news you would like to share? Grandbabies? Recognitions? Promotions? Job change? Got pictures we can share? New gardens? Bike additions? Babies (2 legged or 4 legged)? Use your imagination. What would you be interested in seeing. We need input, input, input! Be active with your Chapter and support your newsletter. Little Known Facts About Motorcycle Accidents (cont. from last month s newsletter) 32. Large displacement motorcycles are underrepresented in accidents but are associated with higher injury severity when involved in accidents. 33. The studies have not identified any relationship to motorcycle color and accident data, but is expected to be insignificant because the frontal surfaces are most often presented to the other vehicle involved in the collision. 34. Motorcycles equipped with fairings and windshields are underrepresented in accidents, most likely because of the contribution to conspicuousness and the association with more experienced and trained riders. 35. Motorcycle riders without a motorcycle license, without any license, or with a license that was revoked are significantly overrepresented in motorcycle accidents. 36. Motorcycle modifications, such as those associated with the semi-chopper or cafe racers, are very significantly overrepresented in accidents. 37. The likelihood of injury is extremely high in motorcycle accidents: 98% of multiple vehicle collisions and 96% of the single vehicle accidents resulted in some kind of injury to the motorcycle rider; 45% resulted in more than a minor injury. 38. Half of the injuries to motorcyclists are to the ankle-foot, lower leg, knee, and thigh-upper leg. 39. Crash bars are not an effective injury countermeasure. The reduction of injury to the ankle-foot is balanced by increase of injury to the thigh-upper leg, knee, and lower leg. 40. The use of heavy boots, jacket, gloves, etc., is effective in preventing or reducing abrasions and lacerations, which are frequent but rarely severe injuries. 41. Groin injuries were sustained by the motorcyclist in at least 13% of the accidents, which typified by multiple vehicle collision in frontal impact at higher than average speed. Look for more in next month s newsletter!

11 PAGE 11 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 16, ISSUE 12 CALENDAR OF EVENTS December 2016 Sat., Dec. 3 Dinner Ride to The Last Catch, 487 E. Church St., Jasper, GA. This will be a scenic ride through the countryside ending The Last Catch in Jasper GA for lunch. We will meet at Mount Berry Mall parking lot at 10:00am and depart at 10:15am. A secondary meeting location will be at the Hardees in Adairsville GA, Hwy 140 next to the interstate at 11:00am. See the website for The Last Catch here: Thurs., Dec. 8 Chapter Christmas Dinner, 700 Shorter Avenue, Rome, GA. Meet at restaurant at 6:00 pm. Each member is responsible for his/her own meal. The Chapter will provide a cake and 15 $10.00 gift certificates. Sat., Dec. 10 Toys For Tots Santa Ride. Registration will begin at 10am at Honda & Suzuki of Rome, 2595 Shorter Avenue, Rome, GA, with KSU at 11:15am. The route is laid out and we have an approved Floyd County Assembly Permit for the ride. This ride will not have a LEO escort. We will KSU at 11:15 for a 57 mile loop returning to Honda. As we are returning we will be coming through the industrial park across the street from Honda. We will stop in the industrial park and pick up Santa. All but 5 bikes will then continue to Honda, the last 5 bikes will do a quick decoration (less than 5 minutes) and we will put Santa on the last bike (Cathy's trike) the other 4 bikes will act as escort for Santa to Honda. This event has been well publicized through the elementary schools in Floyd County so we expect a good turn out of children for Santa. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS RIDE IF AT ALL POS- SIBLE!!! Sun., Dec. 18 Sunday After Church Ride to Green Leaf Grill, 6080 AL-117, Mentone, GA. Meet at Mt. Berry Square Mall parking lot behind Landmark Restaurant at 2:00 pm. KSU at 2:15 pm. Sun., Dec. 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Mark your calendar for December 2016 Events: 1/1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 1/26 Chapter Gathering Got an idea for a Chapter Ride? Let an Officer know and we ll make it happen!!

12 PAGE 12 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 16, ISSUE 12 From GWRRA International: Fun Ahead As we approach the end of the year, the "rally season" is winding down, and in some parts of the country it's already over. Here in the Southeast, we have a few more to go but by the end of November, they'll be over except for some Officer Meetings at the Region and District levels. Nan and I were privileged to attend most of the major rallies in our Regions, A and N in We attended both Region rallies and nearly all of the District rallies. We didn't attend a single one that wasn't the product of hard work and enthusiasm on the part of the Directors and their staffs who hosted them. Each event was well planned and the delegates all seemed to have a great time. Of course, weather can and does play a part in these things and on occasion can throw a "monkey wrench" into the best laid plans. But otherwise, they were all FUN events! Attendance has declined at some of our rallies in recent years, but I think that's a result of membership issues as opposed to members just not being interested in attending. Even with the sometimes reduced attendance, the events have been largely successful and the Chapters, Districts and Regions have still done their best to produce quality events. Which leads to my next point and that is to encourage our Chapter officers to PLEASE (whenever possible) lead by example and attend as many of these rallies as you can. First of all, you'll have a great time and lots of FUN! As we all know, our members often won't attend events if the officers don't promote them and also attend. I respectfully ask you to consider listing the District rallies in your Region as well as your own Region rally in your monthly event calendars. Let's do our best to promote these events among our members while leading by example and attending whenever possible. When you attend, try to get your New Members to attend with you. There's no better way to get them really involved with GWRRA than attending these fun social events. Rallies and other GWRRA social events have been a mainstay in GWRRA since its founding. It's where you meet folks from around the country that you'd likely never meet anywhere else. Give it some thought and consider bringing the concept up at your next Chapter Team Meeting. There will be some folks who just can't do it for a variety of personal reasons, but more than you, others might think who, with some encouragement will attend, or at least consider it. If we can increase the attendance at our social events over time, I think it can revitalize and inject new life into them. We've all bemoaned the declining attendance at our rallies so let's try to turn that around. We can begin that process now, if we (the volunteer leaders) will recommit to getting more delegates to attend in Bob & Nan Shrader Deputy Directors

13 PAGE 13 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 16, ISSUE 12 From Region A: From The Directors Hello Region A,! Wow, so many things going on in the Region it is difficult to keep up with all the events and camaraderie that is generated in Region A. We have so many opportunities to make memories and have good-times. We just completed the 30th Annual Southeast Region A Rally and it was successful as expected. Thanks to each Member that elected to come out and support the Region Rally. We hope you enjoyed the Rally, the shopping with the vendors, the games, bingo, prizes and the opportunity to win the bodacious Grand Prize of the Wingers-N-Waves Grand Cruise on the Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas in the Caribbean. Wow, the lucky winners will be shipping out for 7 nights on January 22. We had so much fun during the Rally and I hope each Member attending did as well. The 31st Southeast Region A Rally for 2017 will be held at Lakepoint Lodge and Convention Center Oct 26-28, The theme will be The Region A Roaring Rally alluding to the Roaring 20 s. It will be time for ya to get out that Roaring 20 s garb which probably will be your zoot-suit or your flapper dress, slick back ya hair and jump in on the costume contest. I expect it will be a rip roaring good time. The Region A Staff and the District Staff are preparing for the annual Region Officer Conference Dec 03, which will be held at Lakepoint Lodge and Convention Center. The Conference is filled with pertinent information pertaining to the Region and District Officers. In turn, this information will be distributed by each District Director during their Chapter Director Conferences held in each District during January During the Region Rally someone asked me a question concerning Officer and Staff Positions in the Region and in particular GWRRA. The question was what is the most difficult position to fill in the structure of GWRRA? Easy question to answer. At first, I though any Officer position at any level ie Region, District or Chapter. But after briefly thinking about the question there is only ONE answer and that is the Chapter Director position. Heck, we ve had to close Chapters over the past 3-years because lack of leadership at the Chapter Director level. And some of those Chapters were very large (In access of 100/150 Chapter Members) well established Chapters because no one would consider the Chapter leadership position. This type of action just boggles my mind that a very active Chapter with 100 to 150 Members and not one person would even consider the leadership role for the Chapter. Why would so many Members just standby and watch their active Chapter close down for lack of leadership? Why would Chapter Members who have supported their Chapter for years stand idly by and watch their fun place dry up and go dormant? I don t know. I just can t answer that question. I can tell you for sure it is happening. As Region Director, I ve see it over and over again and it is just as devastating to me now as the first time I encountered it. The District Directors and their Staff are perplexed like me as to why no one will accept the leadership role as a Chapter Director. Let me share with you what the action is when a Chapter no longer has a Chapter Director to lead. The District Director and his Staff are expected to assume the leadership role of the Chapter for a period of 90 to 120 days. During this time frame the District Staff will continue to hold the monthly Chapter Gathering, publish a Chapter Newsletter, plan Chapter rides and will attempt to develop a person for the leadership role of ChapterDirector. With any luck that special person is found and agrees to lead the Chapter as the Chapter Director. That means we were successful in finding a leader and the Chapter will continue to flourish and grow. However, there are times when we are unsuccessful in finding that special leader for the Chapter Director position and the Chapter is placed in an Inactive Status until December when the Chapter is officially closed..bummer. Even while the Chapter is in the Inactive Status the District Staff continues their efforts in development of a leader to become the Chapter Director we never give up just run out of options. And when searching for leadership for a Chapter we look at every opportunity that is available to us. Case in point. We have Members on the Region A Staff that hold important Region Staff positions and accepted the leadership role of their home Chapters as Chapter Directors so it wouldn t close. Folks, that is dedication for sure and I salute them. Same thing with the District Staffs some of those District Staff Members hold the position as Chapter Director so their home Chapter will not close. Tip of the hat to them as well. Ladies and Gentlemen I must say if we don t have leadership at the Chapter level or if we can t develop it then more Chapters will close and that is a very bad thing as the fun will be dying in our/your area. I encourage each of you reading this to consider becoming a leader in your Chapter even if you have been the Chapter Director before or if you ve never volunteered for any Chapter position it may be time to consider such a moment. Being the Chapter Director of your Chapter is a great way to give back to particularly your immediate GW Chapter Friends. Check with your Chapter Director and ask them if you can help out in any way. The CD will appreciate your volunteer time and you will enjoy being involved. Please let s work to keep all our Chapter open, growing and dishing out the fun events. Jim & Sue Jackson Senior Region A Directors

14 PAGE 14 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 16, ISSUE 12 From the Georgia District: Merry Christmas We want to wish all of our GWRRA friends a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We have enjoyed visiting with each chapter this year, and yes, we realize we didn t get to all of you. We will certainly do it in 2017 our first New Year s resolution! We will be working with our wonderful District Team in setting our goals for the New Year, completing the plans for Chilly Willy and Officer s Conference, January 21st at Buckner s, and starting to work on the 2017 Wing Fling June We hope you will include these events in your goals and plans. Also, please join me in welcoming Joe and Janel Piper to the District Team as the new 2017 Georgia District Couple of the Year. Remember to add Chapter Fun Days and the Rallies in your schedule for These are fun and show that we care to support each other. We have appointed several new Chapter Directors in 2016 and they have new team members. We have new members in several of our chapters, and we ask that you please make them welcome and let them see how much fun we can have! Again, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Larry and Pamela Clemmer Georgia District Directors

15 PAGE 15 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 16, ISSUE 12 ADVERTISERS Dawn G. Cail, Owner 113 Gray Rock Drive Rome, GA info@hair4helmets.com