Dennis called the meeting to order after we had our dinner. We had 27 people present. He discussed the minutes from the previous meeting if anyone wanted them read, no one did. He shared to please let him know if you wanted to see them and he would send them to them.

  Pam gave a treasurers report and Thaw Financial report. We did not make as much on Thaw as we did in the past, however, we did not have a 50/50 and we had larger items, but less in numbers for the auction.

  Donna shared people were emailing and calling reporting on how much they enjoyed Thaw this year, and many are already planning for next year. The theme for 2011 has been announced, Mardi Gras. The committee is going to get together soon and determine location and date for 2011. The comments on the meal this year were amazing, they were really enjoying that we had a great meal this year, thank you to Rich and Tina.

  Introduction of Chapter I New Newsletter person, Sherrill Ress. We are glad to have a new view on things and Sherrill is excited about doing the letter and will do a great job. If you have anything for the newsletter, please get her the information. She is collecting anniversary dates and years for our members, if you haven’t turned it in we will be calling you.
Saturday, March 06, 2010 10:25 PM
Dinner / Meeting report
  Next we had a discussion about ride types and days. It was brought up whether to continue on a Monday night weekly, is it a dinner ride every week, riding other nights, etc. The outcome was several wanted to make sure to keep every Monday because then they know they can always get with each other on that night. Additional nights, such as Thursday, were felt could be good, possibly starting a little later, having dinner at home and then going for just a couple hour ride and going back home. It was also suggested to have weekend breakfast rides, sometimes hitting some of the church and fire departments holding pancake breakfasts and other breakfast locations.

  Another suggestion was for a weekend ride that we would have something to eat in our saddle bags (i.e. spam, sardines, etc) and when we stopped, we would take out of our bikes what we have and share with all. A Lime Ride was suggested which could be fun.

  Dennis asked for help in planning and/or leading rides. Harry and Glenn will help, but we need more help here, please look at the ride list when we get it out and see if you can figure a ride out and get it to Dennis.

  Ballots were passed for members to vote for 22 locations for possible dinner rides. The top ones will be set up for dinner ride locations. Please, let Dennis know of any ideas so that they can be used on non Monday rides.

  Talked about Touring News on line this month and some looked at the lap top brought to see it that did not have computers at home. It is hoped next time this will be printed. Those that have checked it out have found that it is a much better magazine.
  Events coming up, the Illinois Spring Break Out is March 20. Dennis shared he went last year and it was a great time, please, if you can, think about going. They support us, please support them if you can. You will have a good time.

  A trip to Weston, Missouri on April 16-18 is being planned and several from our chapter and possibly at least one couple from another chapter are looking to go. This is a Missouri rally and many of us want to go to support them. Last year the husband of the state director was killed in a motorcycle accident, and we want to show her our caring and support. It is also a good time. There are lots of things to do down there. We plan to go in cars if weather is not appropriate. The cost of the rally itself is only $20 per couple. We have found a reasonable motel. Please contact Dennis and Donna if you would like information on motel and when the group will be heading down. This is just outside of Kansas City, and the event is actually held at Weston Bend State Park.

  Region C and Region E events were discussed. If you want to enjoy GWTA you might want to attend some of these events, both of these tend to be great.

  Dennis brought up both trips that Randy Heath is planning. We didn’t have further information; Randy was not there to share any other information. We did note his date change on the Smokey Mountain trip. Dennis also shared that we can’t go on the trip around Lake Michigan; however, we hope to make it to the fireworks in Appleton, WI.

  National did make their financial goal. There is a petition to oust Ed Davis who is chairman of the board. It is felt he could have done things to have prevented the great financial problem GWTA ended up in. He approves purchases, and has not attended the Gold Rush Board meeting. He is supposed to be publishing a financial statement on a regular basis, but has not. A petition was passed for those that might want to sign.

  It was asked if anyone was willing to take charge and organize a Friday Night Potluck for Don and Kathy’s Iowa Extravaganza in August. With the date change, those that were planning to do this, no longer can commit. No volunteers stepped up to do this.

  The meeting was then adjourned until April! We will have two extra dinner nights in March, April will be rides impromptu, depending on weather.