Rocket City Wings Huntsville, Alabama -- Chapter B, Region A Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge January 2009

The Sky is Falling ... The Sky is Falling ...
  -- From the Chapter Directors

We are all going to drown from rising waters as a result of global warming!  We are going to roast from the hole in the ozone layer!  Guns are intimidating criminals and making them mad so we need to take them away from everyone!  We are experiencing a twenty-year drought!  Floods are rampant in the west and taking homes from millionaire actors!  The homeless is a plight on the nation!  And the list goes on and on and on...  If you listen to the nay sayers, the Chicken Littles of the world, you can get really depressed.

So are things really all that bad?  I for one don't think so.  Every morning we wake up and the sun is there to greet us (and glisten on our chrome).  We have enough food for our families and enough left over to share with friends and those in need (and we really need some DQ).  We are still the most productive country in the world and the most innovative (after all look at all of the different places that we can think to mount lights).  We still have extraordinary resources available in reserve when we need to call on them (can anyone say "Gold Book").  We can move faster and go further than any other nation in the world (just twist that throttle a little harder).

So why on earth am I talking about this?  I keep hearing about people panicking and canceling plans because of the Chicken Little news media.  We are bigger and better than that.  We are the ones that will recognize a fallen acorn for what it is.  A potential new tree!

Until next time, smile at those you don’t know, hug those that you care about, and kiss the one that you said, "I do" to.

John & Elizabeth Griswold

The HOPE of Christmas

How can I describe the Christmas Party?  Fun, different, heartwarming, exciting and a bunch of other words that I won't bother with right now.  To be very open and honest, when Tammy first suggested that we invite a couple of guests from the Hope Place to our party I somewhat dismissed it thinking that they probably would not want to attend.  Then, when I heard that she had successfully invited more than just a "couple" of women to attend, I started to panic a bit.  Not because I did not want them to attend, but because I was afraid that I might say or do something that might in some way offend them.  And for those of you that have known me for a while you also know that I am absolutely lousy at remembering names (this is the guy that got his own daughter's name wrong for the wedding toast).  But thanks to loving contributions of many individuals the true spirit of Christmas shown bright that evening; the women of Hope Place were welcomed and they could relax and forget their problems for at least one evening.  The smiles gleamed all around; on the women, on the children, and on the Chapter-B members.

When it came time for our traditional dirty Santa, I was getting a little worried.  People kept going to the tree and opening gifts -- no one was stealing (buying) gifts!  How were we going to raise money for Hope Place if this continued?  Well, let me tell you things picked up during the later play.  According to our Master of Ceremonies for Dirty Santa, Don Grundt, the following were the big exchange items.

According to Don everything else was in the low dollar range.  But then we had some special cases, such as Miss Anita purchasing the Country Cruisers* gift certificate for a flat $80 dollars after all of the exchange had been completed.  Then there were some additional straight cash gifts bringing our GRAND TOTAL to $1,000 dollars (even) for Hope Place!

John Griswold

2009 Couple of the Year

It is with great honor and privilege that we announce our new Couple of the Year for 2009 -- Richard and Sue Chapman.  Sue and Richard bring joy into our lives with their smiles and their love for each other and for Chapter B.  Please join us in thanking them for their many contributions.

Richard & Sue Chapman

The Passing of an Era

I want to take time to note the passing of an era.  I could be talking about the change of location of the Mississippi Rally or the change of District, or Region or even National leadership, but I'm not!  No, I'm talking about the retiring of a staple almost as constant as Richard Petty is to Nascar or Bear Bryant is to collegiate football or Davey Crocket is to pioneering.  Our newsletter editor, Don Grundt, needs to focus more time on his loving wife (some good advice that all us gents could pay heed to), and has deemed it necessary to retire from the news-room.  Personally, I am very bummed to see him go, but I can also understand his reasons.  Please join me in thanking him for his many, many, many long hours (and years) of dedication.

Looking forward to 2009 with Chapter B
  -- From Mrs. Chapter Director

What a year 2008 was!  John and I would like to thank everyone for the support we have received from you all.  Now we are starting 2009 with new friends and old.  Each year seems to get better than the previous and this year promises to continue the trend; starting with our New Year's Day ride.  Then with colder winter weather we move inside for a few weeks to enjoy each other's company.

Don't forget that at Snowball we all want to go to cheer on Tammy and Steven while they go through the Couple of the Year selection process.  We will also be getting some very good training from our own Roy and Anita the Alabama State DD.

Our District Trainer, Frank Teasley, is continuing to advance the Alabama District training opportunities this year.  Starting the last weekend in January and lasting through February will be the Horizon Leadership series.  Frank is also organizing more sessions for the rally that are well beyond the normal.

Chapter-B never runs out of new and fun things to do.  And why is that you might ask?  That is because we have such good friends and active members that enjoy getting together.  So for John and I we look forward to January and all of the following months with our many friends of Chapter-B.  You are a true representation of the GWRRA motto, "Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge".

Love you all,

Elizabeth Griswold

January Jump
  -- From the 2008 Couple of the Year

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooood Morning Rocket City!
Gooooooooooooooooooooooooood Morning Beautiful People!

January is just around the corner - It's time to JUMP into another great year.  Lots of new things are in the brew, new folks are coming into GWRRA, new ideas are popping up, and we are all jumping for warmer weather.  To "JUMP"-start your year, we are presenting you with a new Couple of the Year.

13 December, AL-B Christmas Party:  It was a party to remember.  As our year of fame and fun comes to a close, we are so honored to be your Couple of the Year for 2008.  However, we have great news, our chapter has got an even better couple selected to be honored in 2009.  Everyone, welcome, Richard & Sue Chapman ~ a true couple to the core.  They started out as best friends, got married, and now they are Couple of the Year.  How does this phenomenon occur you might ask?  Well, it's simple... you get out, you have fun, you help the chapter, you volunteer, you visit other chapters, and you just try to do good things.  It's so easy, even a caveman could do it! (hee hee).  Well, it's really not hard.  It's just a natural process of enjoying GWRRA life.  We have so many wonderful couples in the chapter, but unfortunately, we can only select one at a time.  We have some great individuals in our chapter that aren't part of a couple per se, but they do wonderful things for the chapter.  I hope someday we can honor them in the same fashion, but for now, I'd like to personally thank those individuals who work as hard as a couple to make our chapter a great chapter.  Richard and Sue are truly wonderful people.  They have some of the biggest, kindest hearts.  It's obvious they like to have fun.  They are always goofin' off and playing around.  Honoring them as our Couple of the Year for 2009 is going to be great.  To be frank, we honor all of our couples every time we go out into the community and have fun or do good deeds.  When we all ride together, we ride as a family.  To focus on one particular couple is a reflection of what our chapter is all about.  They represent our chapter as ambassadors to the community, to other chapters, and to the general public.  We put them upon a pedestal because they keep the chapter's best interests at heart and try to be individuals of good reputation and integrity.  Most of all, we want to show them that we love them because they love GWRRA and love their fellow members.  Their hearts of "Gold" don't stop at Goldwings.  They help out in a lot of ways that members may not see.  They help some "homeless" folks sometimes when there is no where else to go.  Their spirit of friendship far exceeds their intentions.  What they do reverberates throughout the chapter life and affects many.  You may not see a lot of their actions and generosity behind the scenes, but just know that they are absolutely, positively good people and I'm proud to have them as friends.  This whole chapter is the best thing that has happened to Steven and me in a long time.  Being your Couple of the Year for 2008 was the biggest blessing and highest honor bestowed upon us.  We have appreciated every single gesture and offering of friendship you have showed us.  Being Couple of the Year is better than being President of the United States I think.  I know one thing for sure; I wouldn't trade this year of honor for nothing in this world.  Steven feels the exact same way.  We love you all very dearly.  We are proud to have you as not our friends, but as our true family.

It's not just FRIENDS FOR FUN, SAFETY, AND KNOWLEDGE; it's friends for LOVE too!  Be safe during the holidays, we want to ride with YOU again AFTER the Holidays.     

Long live Goldwingers! Roll Out Goldwingers!
It's not about the destination, it's about the journey.
Aspire to inspire before you expire.
Don't Worry (Chapter) "B" Happy
Steven & Tammy Hollingsworth
"Shake Your Tail Feathers!"

2009 Rider Education Interest Survey
  - From the Chapter Rider Educator

Please NOTE: This Survey can be taken online on the website.

Are you interested in participating in the following events in 2009? If yes, please indicate preferable month.

ERC is a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course; the remainder are GWRRA courses and seminars.

We need everyone's input so we can arrange for instructors and dates, times and places. If you have not filled out a 2009 Rider Education Interest Survey, please consider sending me an email or calling me soon to indicate courses you want to take in 2009.
Jim Robinson 256-506-7836

Jim & Carol Robinson

January Juggles
  -- From the Ride Coordinators

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooood Morning Rocket City!

AL-B Christmas Party
-- 13 December

I wanted to start talking about the Christmas party first.  For the first time in a long time, I'm not dreading the holidays so much.  Some amazing things have happened lately and the big buzz right now is about our super successful Christmas Party.  If you missed it, boy did you miss some cool stuff.  We met and decided that the charity that we would support this year using our Dirty Santa proceeds was HOPE Place. Since the inception of the chapter, I believe we raised more money than ever before playing Dirty Santa. ($1,000)  A BIG, BIG thanks to you all.  I am so proud and honored to be a part of such a wonderful group of people.  Your generosity touched many hearts and made such a huge difference.  Your contribution to our community is a small representation of what GWRRA is all about. Not only do we ride and play together, we serve together.  You are amazing!  We had special guests all the way from South Carolina that came to visit us and participate in our holiday fun.  That's the cool thing about being part of GWRRA, just about anywhere you go, you have friends meeting regardless what state you end up in.  They might be friends that you just haven't met yet, but once you show up, it magically happens.  I really enjoyed my new California friends when I went out there on business.  My goal is to have close friends from every state.  Goldwingers are some of the best people around.  The more places you go, the more you find.  I'm convinced that without Goldwingers in the world, this world would be a little grim.  Your small token of love and actions during the Christmas party gave those women not just HOPE, but dignity that a lot of them haven't had in a long time.  The challenges they face are huge but the little bit of friendship and respect we showed them will be more paramount than you could ever imagine.  The task to teach these women to begin to love themselves not only begins with self-respect, but receiving respect as well.  Your gestures of love from our chapter family, gave them a glimmer of how good life can be and for a few hours they were a part of that.  I hope those few hours taught them a simple lesson:  Not everyone is bad.  WE are the BEST example of GOOD people.   

GWRRA District Cruise
-- 29 November - 5 December

Just before we had our Christmas party, about 38 GWRRA members took off on a cruise to Mexico.  Well, what happens in Mexico stays in Mexico, and to be honest, what happens on the ocean should be kept a mystery.  If you hang out with a bunch of crazy, zany GW folks, they only get worse on a cruise.  We had such a great time.  We acted just as crazy and no one ever even noticed... cause on a cruise, everyone is acting crazy and having a good time.  We fit in perfectly with "that crowd".  There was so much laughter and relaxation.  If you haven't been on a cruise, you need to seriously consider one.  The staff treats you sooo good.  You are spoiled by the first night on the ship.  We were on the Fantasy (Carnival Cruise Line); my fantasy was to just stay on the Fantasy forever.  Even good things must come to an end.  If you ever go on a cruise, you really must take Jake Lawyer with you.  He can be the life of the party and not even have a drop of alcohol.  I won't say that we didn't have a couple of drinks, but we mostly drank the tooty fruity kind so as we can get all the Vitamin C supplements you need while sailing.  I heard something about Vitamin C keeps sea sickness away????  I dunno.  At least on a ship, you can drink responsibly.  We took in some good shows and casino time.  The ship's cruise director was a hoot; Big Tex was his name.  He was better than most comedians.  The Captain was funny too.  Evening the dining staff had a few tricks up their sleeves.  At one point, I think they served Dian Gulley a rubber chicken!!!!  It took her a little while to chew it up but she managed to finish all of her dinner courses.  Bill Gulley had a birthday on the ship.  Talking about getting spoiled! I overheard him say, that from now on, he's planning on having a birthday at least once a year!!!!  Preferably while on a cruise too.

Although we won't always get the service as we had on the Fantasy ship, as GWRRA (Gold Wing Restaurant Raters Association) representatives, we've had some top-notch meals at places like Ding How II, Oh Bryan's, Longhorn, and PF Chang.  The greatest challenge was to not eat too much.  We've had some very nice visits at our weekly dinners.  These are great to stay in touch especially during the season when folks don't ride as much.  Everyone has got to eat, so you might as well eat with friends on Tuesdays & Thursdays, right!?  Of course!

Nashville Nights Ride Report
-- 7 December

1 Honda Element, No bikes, 2 people
Attendees:  Hiram & Lisa Bass (husband & wife)

This is not the best ride report because only Hiram and Lisa made it all the way to Nashville.  I'd like to make an honorable mention that Greg & Renee Dempsey and Steven and I made it to the meeting point.  Sometimes I guess it just works out that way.  Lisa told me that she and Hiram had a great time and took some photos of the holiday décor.  They were a little disappointed that no one else got to make it but after taking into consideration, a lot of people were just getting back from the District Carnival Cruise and all the rest were sick or both.  Unfortunately, during this time of the year, participation can be down a little.  Tis' the weather warrants more colds, sinus infections, respiratory problems and the list goes on.  Some of us got sick before, during and after the cruise.  The good news is, although, the trip to Nashville was a little slim, we've had some great participation for the dinners on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Like I said, people have gotta eat, right!?  It's that time of the year when our families who have waited patiently for us to end our riding season so they can see us again, get their chance to slice out some time to do family holiday things.  Lots of folks travel away or have family to come in.  Although, it's the time of the year for folks to slow down a little, for others, things tend to keep on truckin'.  Sometimes there isn't a ride on the schedule but anyone can drum up an impromptu ride.  All you need is two bikes (or Trikes) and you have a group.  More bikes just make it merrier.   

Impromptu Ride to Harmony Safari Park location
-- 14 December

Attendees:  Jake Lawyer, Steven and me, Greg & Renee Dempsey, David Lyle for a total of 3 Bikes and 2 Trikes. 

Well, most of us know all about the Harmony Safari Park down in Clouds Cove, but some of our newer members do not.  Those particular two would be Greg & Renee Dempsey.  They have heard so much from the rest of us about the Park that they wanted to know where it was.  What better way to give them directions than ride our bikes over to it.  So we did by the way of Gurley, New Hope, Owens Cross Roads, and finally to the Cove (Clouds Cove that is) we made it.  Now they know where it is, they will be able to take their grandkids by there sometime.  I sure hope they remember to call us so we all can go too!!  ;-)  For adults, it's just as fun.  The camel and the zebra really like Jake.  Honestly, they like anyone who comes through with corn.  Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for another trip to the Safari coming up this Spring.  Maybe there will be some new babies in the park.  For David Lyle, this was his first group ride with the Chapter.  He did pretty well until he heard wheels squawking and squalling.  Shhhhhhhhhh... don't tell Kathy, but it was Jake.  He was playing on his Trike.  After Steven explained to David that Jake likes to play a little, David was able to relax a little more.  We took some back roads into some back woods country.  Enroute to New Hope, we tried some back roads that ended up being a little damp.  As you all know, we've had a little bit of rain (OKAY, a lot of dang rain) but some areas get a little more damp and stay that way.  We drove through a little "flood" area, maybe a couple of inches, but then we arrived at where the river swooped over the road.  We opted to stay away from that and had to do a Roy-turn in the middle of the road.  We made it back safely to continue on with our ride.  So, beware when you are out and about and it has rained a lot, keep your eyes peeled for flood waters.  I'm pretty sure these bikes have a lot of comforts and appeal, but they don't have floaties.  After a fun-filled ride and a little reminiscing on my part (down in the Cove where I grew up), David had to depart a little early to go to a birthday party, but we ended up the ride having a nice dinner at El Olmeca Mexican Restaurant in Big Cove. 

Chapter B's 26th Birthday / Anniversary Party
-- 18 December

Attendees:  Richard & Sue Chapman (2009 Couple of the Year), Steven & Tammy, Greg & Renee Dempsey, David & Angie Lyle, Jim Robinson, Betty Werman, Roy & Anita Fosnight, Marty & Lisa Knapp, Jake & Kathy Lawyer and their grandkids, Jasmine & Nathan. 

We had a great time.  There was PLENTY of cake and sweet goodies, and some great barbecue and fixin's.  We owe a great big ole thanks to Greg & Renee for letting us use their club house.  It was so homey and comfortable.  It was only missing a coffee pot and Greg (the sweetie he is) took off to his house and brought theirs in just for us to have after dinner coffee.  We enjoyed the company of some new GWRRA members, but they are some old friends of mine.  My girlfriend from High School, Angie,  and her husband, David, got a Goldwing awhile back, and they've since joined GWRRA and are hoping to get out and ride with us some.  Their first event with us was the Chapter Birthday party.  Although they have only met a few of us, they are looking forward to meeting the rest of us.  I think they will fit in just fine; they already enjoy harassing me a lot, so they've got a great start on being a GW member in Chapter B.  It's hard to believe that Steven and I have only been in Chapter B for approximately 2 years but it feels like we've got a lifetime of friends.  Chapter B has been in existence for 26 years.  That's amazing.  It only happened because there were good people that started it, and good people that keep it going.  In 26 years, Chapter B has done phenomenal things.  Each one of you should be very proud of what the chapter has accomplished.  It's a great organization, but the people of Chapter B are the prime joys of our life.  It's easy to promote GWRRA when you believe in it so passionately.  Everyone is here because they want to be and they are strictly volunteers.  No one is forced to do anything that they don't want to do.  That's the beauty of it all, everyone wants to be here.  I'm truly looking forward to retirement someday in the far, far future just so I can go ride and hang out more with GW folks.  I hope we are around to celebrate 26 more years.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHAPTER B!  YOU ARE THE BEST! 

Ride down to the Alabama Sheriffs' Boys' Ranch with Chapter-S
-- 20 December

Attendees:  3 Bikes, 1 Trike, 1 Hot-Rod Mustang:  Roy Fosnight, Steven Hollingsworth, Greg Dempsey, and me.  In a car was our very own, Hot-Rod District Mama, Anita Fosnight and granddaughter, Amber, in the Mustang. 

Well, after everyone checked the weather forecast which stated the rain wouldn't move in till around 4 pm or so, we all cursed each channel's weather forecaster on the way down to Russellville.  We ran into a downpour that seemed to never end.  We got a little soaked.  We didn't have anywhere to pull over to put on rain gear (that we had) ~ that wasn't needed when we left Huntsville.  Greg commented that he really enjoyed his new Tulsa windshield.  He said he was glad he already had it because in the downpour, as most of you know, the water sheds a little better.  It's those rainy events that you appreciate a lot of gear and accessories.  Well, we finally caught up with the convoy of angels carrying food and gifts for the Boys at the Ranch.  A little wet, but with a high spirit, we made it to the Ranch.  We enjoyed a good group mix of chapters and I played a little pool with my new friends, John, Chris, and Anthony.  We also met Lucas and Chase along with Kayla.  There were some other young folks but I didn't get to meet all of them.  A big thanks goes out to the House Parents who manage the Ranch with great finesse.  Thank you, Amy & Gene.  I think it was a successful ride; the gym area was covered with all kinds of food and a few TVs as well.  The Boys Ranch is in desperate need for furniture, TVs, food and various household items.  If you would like to help them out, their address is 165 Ranch Circle Danville Alabama 35640.  The mission of the Alabama Sheriffs' Youth Ranches is to provide Christian, family-style residential homes for Alabama's needy, neglected, or abused, school-age children in an atmosphere where they may grow spiritually and physically into productive, responsible, and happy adults. The Ranch is a charitable, nonprofit organization that relies totally on donations from concerned individuals, churches, civic clubs, corporations and foundations.  I wish I could bring them all home with me, but unfortunately, I don't have enough room.  As with anyone in need, charitable donations can range from food to money or things in your garage that you never knew you had that someone else really could use.  Think about them this Spring when you are doing your Spring cleaning.  Between the Ranch and the HOPE place, we can find a good use for the stuff you never use anymore.  ;-)

Well, we've juggled a lot of schedules during the month of December to fit in time for the chapter and our families, but juggling a calendar to be with friends and family is not such a bad task.  There's nothing I'd rather be doing.  January is going to kick off another month of juggling.  Before you know it, Spring will be here and we'll be juggling time to go to rallies.  We've got a few folks that are getting really good at their "juggling acts".  Before you know it, they could apply for jobs at the circus.  However, they wouldn't have as much fun as with us.  No matter what you are juggling, be sure to juggle in lots of FUN.  You've always got the FRIENDS, so all you have left to do is work on KNOWLEDGE and SAFETY.  Safety is what you practice everyday.  Knowledge can be acquired in February 2009.  Be sure to check out the district website for some upcoming Horizons training.  I promise, it's worth every minute of it.  You'll have fun in spite of yourself.  Frank & Linda Teasley are wonderful instructors.  As always, be safe, we want to ride with YOU again after the Holidays.     

Long live Goldwingers! Roll Out Goldwingers!
It's not about the destination, it's about the journey.
Aspire to inspire before you expire.
Don't Worry (Chapter) "B" Happy
Steven & Tammy Hollingsworth

"Shake Your Tail Feathers!"

Health Watch
Prayer Concerns

Please send us any news of individuals that should be added to the health watch.

Serving for Freedom

Atticus "Daniel" Fisher

• SPC Fisher, Atticus Daniel
• TF Eagle Assault
• HHC 5-101 AVN
• APO, AE 09355
  
  
• Serving in Kandahar, Afghanistan
  
  
• Tammy Hollingsworth's brother

Heather Knapp

• Air Force
• Ramstien Airbase in Germany (Just reassigned from S.Korea)
  
  
• Marty & Lisa Knapp's daughter

Randall Southerland

• Army
• We will get you details about his assignment as soon as we can

District News
  -- From the District Director

We sure hope all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We have had a great year and hope the New Year will be even more fun. We hope all get to spend time with their families and friends and hope all of you eat too much; I don't want to be the only one miserable.

We attended the Region A staff meeting and got to see a bunch of friends and hear some of the latest things that is happening in Region A along with an announcement that a new Officer's Guide will be out in February. We also had a District Staff meeting in Bessemer and with the help of Frank and Linda Teasley went to a restaurant we had never been to before (I know that is hard to believe but it is true). We will discuss most of the topics that were covered at the officers' conference following Snowball.

We are starting something new this year and are really looking forward to it. The Alabama Couple of The Year Selection will be Saturday morning prior to Snowball. So far we have had mostly positive comments on the change and hope to make it easier on the couples. Please come and show your support for the folks who will be in the selection.

Please remember that Freedom isn't Free and remember our folks who are in Harm's Way, be they Military, Law Enforcement, EMTs or Firemen.

The next time you think about riding, call a friend, they are probably thinking the same thing.

Please have a safe and fun Christmas and New Year Holiday.

Roy & Anita Fosnight Please Ride Safe and Often

District News
  -- From the Assistant District Director - Central

We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and are looking forward to a Happy New Year. It has been busy over the holidays but we are looking forward to 2009.

If anyone is like me, I really could do without winter. The days are short and the weather has not been fit to ride. However, there are other things to take up some time.

Begin by planning to attend the Snowball Rally on January 17th.  Lots of activities and the Couple of the Year for the Alabama District will be chosen. Officers conference to follow.

Plan your chapter Fun Days. Make your arrangements for District rallies and for your trip to Wing Ding.  If these are not in your future then just take a trip. Take a day or weekend and just ride.

Gail and I are looking forward to this year. We have some new ideas and information to pass along at Snowball. We hope all can attend and wish each of you a safe and Happy New Year.

The more you know the better it gets.

Robert & Gail Brown

District News
  -- From the Assistant District Director - South

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

Corky and I have been on the road quite a bit this past month visiting many of you out there while we celebrate this year's Holiday Season.  We have been to at least four Christmas parties, a large number of Chapter Gatherings, the Region A staff meeting conducted in Fort Gaines, Ga., and the District Staff meeting in Bessemer, AL.

Once again, this year, my health had taken a turn for the worse and we didn't ride our two wheelers to many functions.  However Gail Brown suggested, just being safe, that I consult with my family Doctor because of my past history with a damaged Aortic Heart Valve, Endocarditic, and Bronchitis.  Well I did and he chewed my bottom out real good for taking sooooo long to come in and see him!!  A few shots and a lot more pills and I'm back on my bike again.  Thanks to Gail and my Dr.

January's calendar starts off hot and heavy, as all of our Chapters resume their regular schedules and rides.  Please don't forget to plan in your calendars the Alabama District Rally in Pelham Civic Complex, Pelham, Al, March 26-28.  Our District staff has devoted a lot of time and energy into making this the best one yet.  And it will be, if you all attend and make it that way, K?

I hope to see as many of you Southern Alabama CD's, ACD's, Finance Officers, Rider Ed's, Chapter Couple of the Year representatives and just about anyone who would like to attend at the next scheduled Snowball Run on January 17, 2009 in Montgomery, Al.  "It's FREE admission and year bar.  Head Pins for those first timers are only $4.00 each.

Looking forward to seeing you all soon, by for now and have a safe and prosperous Holiday Season. 

Remember, "Keep the Rubber down, It Works Best that Way".

Ron & Corky Alexander

Every Member Matters
  -- Membership Enhancement Coordinators

A positive recruiting program will bring adequate numbers of new members with new ideas into the chapter to revitalize our activities, bring the decline to and end and cause the Chapter, District and the Region to grow and prosper into the future. 

Successful membership retention does not happen without some effort. 

Remember, we owe it to our GWRRA friends to get them involved.  Each Chapter must establish a program that assures that each new member is made to feel welcome even if they do not attend the first few meetings after becoming a member.  This should include things like a welcome phone call or a welcome letter.

We must never forget that our most effective recruitment and retention person is a Happy Chapter Member.  If members are happy, they will talk about it to their friends and co-workers and the end result will be that a friend comes to the next meeting or ride and they will want to join in the FUN.

Melissa Eason, Executive Director, introduced "EVERY MEMBER MATTERS" as GWRRA's slogan for 2009.

Remember, January 1st, two new programs began.

Members who renew for three years not only take advantage of $15.00 savings, but now have the opportunity to win a prize for renewing.

As a Thank You for helping the GWRRA family grow, they have the Find-A-Friend Program, Recruiter of the Year Program and also a new Recognition Program. 

We have lots of good thing being offered to us in 2009.

Happy Recruiting!

Dewey & Alice Cole

January Jingles
  -- From the Rally Vendor Coordinators

Hellllllllooooooooooooooooo Alabamians!

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way; oh what fun it is to ride on our Goldwing ALL the way, hey!  Dashing through the traffic on an 1800 (or 1500, etc.) horse-powered Golden Sleigh (bike), over the hills we go, and around the curves we sway, laughing all the way.  Oh what fun it is to ride and sing on our Golden sleigh! Hey!  Okay, okay....I'm not a music writer, and you really don't want to hear me sing that tune out loud.  I just wanted to get you in a jingle spirit.  I'm sorry if it didn't work.  Regardless, I hope you are having a wonderful time enjoying all of the holiday spirit and festivities.  Just around the corner, Santa will come scootin' in on his sleigh and eager Reindeers on their way.  I hope you get lots of SAFETY CHROME for Christmas.  We all want you to be "safe" (wink, wink).  If you find that you didn't get enough chrome, to be safe that is, no fear.  Alabama's rally is coming up soon and we'll have some top-notch vendors there to serve up the prettiest and shiniest chrome you'll ever see.  As one of the earlier rallies, we can jump start you with some new chrome and pump you up with some good ole down home hospitality.  I hope to see you all there.  Don't forget your Sunday Best clothes.  Southern Hospitality is the theme, but we are just looking for folks that want to have a good time and show off some good manners.  Ya'll come.  We promise a good time to all.

29 November - 5 December, GWRRA District Cruise

Well, we are always looking for good vendors and most things you buy anymore are MADE IN CHINA or MADE IN MEXICO, so we all decided to cruise on down to Mexico to search for some genuine Mexican vendors.  Well, I don't think your bike needs a sombrero, or any burritos, so we didn't have much luck in that area, but we gave it a good shot.  Next stop:  Taiwan or China.  Bring your chopsticks!!! Well, back to the Mexican scene, the old cliché fits well....what happens in Mexico stays in Mexico, and to be honest, what happens on the ocean should be kept a mystery.  If you hang out with a bunch of crazy, zany GW folks, they only get worse on a cruise.  We had such a great time.  We acted just as crazy and no one ever even noticed....cause on a cruise; everyone is acting crazy and having a good time.  We fit in perfectly with "that crowd".  There was so much laughter and relaxation.  If you haven't been on a cruise, you need to seriously consider one.  The staff treats you sooo good.  You are spoiled by the first night on the ship.  We were on the Fantasy (Carnival Cruise Line); my fantasy was to just stay on the Fantasy forever.  Even good things must come to an end.  If you ever go on a cruise, you really must take Jake Lawyer (Chapter B) with you.  He can be the life of the party and not even have a drop of alcohol.  I won't say that we didn't have a couple of drinks, but we mostly drank the tooty fruity kind so as we can get all the Vitamin C supplements you need while sailing.  I heard something about Vitamin C keeps sea sickness away????  I dunno.  At least on a ship, you can drink responsibly.  We took in some good shows and casino time.  The ship's cruise director was a hoot; Big Tex was his name.  He was better than most comedians.  The Captain was funny too.  Evening the dining staff had a few tricks up their sleeves.  At one point, I think they served Dian Gulley a rubber chicken!!!!  It took her a little while to chew it up but she managed to finish all of her dinner courses.  Bill Gulley had a birthday on the ship.  Talking about getting spoiled! I overheard him say, that from now on, he's planning on having a birthday at least once a year!!!!  Preferably while on a cruise too.

To emphasize a little more on the safety part of Safety Chrome, it'd be a good idea to throw in a little KNOWLEDGE with it.  Always be SAFETY conscious.  During the holiday season, there can be a lot of irresponsible drivers in cars, and people seem to always be in a hurry to go shopping or just be somewhere.  So, always double check and slow down.  It's better to get there late, than not get there at all.  To highlight on the KNOWLEDGE, be sure to check out the district website for some upcoming Horizons training.  I promise, it's worth every minute of it.  You'll have fun in spite of yourself.  Frank & Linda Teasley are wonderful instructors.  As always, be safe, we want to ride with YOU again after the Holidays.     

Long live Goldwingers! Roll Out Goldwingers!

Steven & Tammy Hollingsworth

2009 Alabama District
  - Snowball Run & District Couple Selection

January 17th, 2009
9:00am till 1:00pm

Quality Inn & Convention Center 2705 E South Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36116

For Reservations,
Phone 1-866-535-5392
Group Code: Gold Wing Group

FREE ADMISSION & YEAR BAR
Head Pin available  @ $4.00 each

Check the temperature before you leave home.  Awards will be presented for longest distance, coldest temperature on a Wing, Valkyrie, and in a car.

Grand prize, door prizes and 50/25/25.
Refreshments on site
Join us for fun and games, door prizes, awards for the rally pin contest winner, recruiter of the year and Joe Sellers Member of the Year award.

Remember, the Officers Conference will follow the Snowball activities, and will begin at 6:00pm.  All CDs, ACDs and Chapter Rider Educators are expected to attend (All others are welcome).  See you there!
We'll do financial reports Friday evening if you can be there!

Contact Roy and Anita Fosnight:
Phone 256-721-9151 / Dir ecto r*Al abam a-gw rra:org

2009 Alabama District Rally

January 2009 -  AL-B Ride Schedule

• Unless otherwise indicated, all rides will leave from the ride meeting place at scheduled time.
• As a courtesy to all members, it is important to be ready to leave at the departure time.
• All bikes should be fueled and bladders emptied ahead of time.
• We plan a variety of rides.  Time and money might make it hard to make all events.  We hope this variety will give you an opportunity to pick and choose, and at least enjoy some of them.
• If the weather is bad--come in your car.
• If you have a CB, you will find us on Channel 1 (unless noted otherwise by the ride leader).

• We need your ride suggestions!!
• We need any and all of your ideas!!
• You can be part of the Ride Committee!!
• If you want to help...
  Please e-mail us at Rid eCoo rdin ator *Roc ketC ityW ings:org

January - 2009

February - 2009