Polk County Wings
News Letter
February
2008
Director Notes
As I sit here writing this, it is almost the middle of February and it is another frigid night with more measurable snow forecast to be hitting us. I am sitting here contemplating just how much more of this I can take before I go stark raving mad. I have proclaimed it, it is official, this winter sucks. The roller coaster ride of cold followed by slightly warmer weather (just warm enough to give us plenty of snow) and back again is enough to make you loose your marbles. Last year I rode at least one day in every month. This year, I can’t remember when I parked the bike last, but, I haven’t been on it since. If this weather doesn’t break soon, I may be a candidate for lock up in a looney bin. Where is this global warming they keep complaining about? I’d welcome it right now.
On a lighter note, I would like to thank each and every one of you for your support in the few months since I took over as director. I am very pleased to see that more and more people are starting to become involved in things. This is how it should be. In this way, it becomes more and more your chapter and you help blaze the trail for where this chapter goes in the future. As director, I do not plan to and should not be deciding what this chapter does. That is for the membership to decide and I am delighted to see that more and more of you are beginning to participate in whatever you feel like participating in and are reaping the rewards from that. Keep it up. This is your chapter, make it what you want it to be. It helps to make my job easier also.
If you have an idea for something you’d like to see done, an idea for an improvement or just a general suggestion, please by all means let me know and we’ll see what the rest of the chapter feels on the issue. And, to borrow a phrase, if you have suggestions, ideas, complaints, gripes, or whatever, my door is always open.
Take care, Ride safe (hopefully soon)
Dennis and Donna
FEBRUARY MEETING – Chuck’s Restaurant
This was a pretty good night, meeting went quickly again and very smooth. We were really pleased to see Don and Colleen Motz! We have missed you!
We got to meet Pat and Cindi Squier who will hopefully be getting a “trike” soon and joining us. After going down pretty hard on his 1300 they are thinking it would be nicer for both of them on the trike. If anyone knows of a great deal, we need to let this couple know!
CHAPTER DONATIONS –
The chapter has a donation of $10 per person or $20 per couple. This is not a requirement it is a donation, however, this is the money the chapter uses to run on. It is our fundraiser per se. We have had several expenses this year due to deaths and illnesses, etc. Please consider doing your part to help out in this cause.
DINNER RIDES 2008 –
Well, we had a large list of possible choices to vote on at the February meeting. Looks like we will get to see some new places and return to some of the old favorites. We will hopefully soon have weather to ride and maybe visit some of those places we would like to visit, but just wouldn’t have time in the number of weeks we have. Please note, the Memorial Day dinner, the Monday during the week of Gold Rush and Labor Day are all TBA. These will be determined by those members that are going to be there. Surprises yet to come.
POSITIONS OPEN –
We need a newsletter person again. Remember, the newsletter does not need to follow any of the past formats, it is the editors choice. Terri has some things that are going to prevent her from being able to do it. We also need a safety person and this is not going to be tough, so think about giving just a little and call or email Dennis at Phone 402-5189 or email gwtaiowachapteri@gmail.com
CALLING COMMITTEE –
Art and Tonya need at least one more person to help call. Bev has volunteered and that is so appreciated. If we can get one more, there will be very few that you will have to call when the time comes we need to put this in action. We really appreciate Art and Tonya’s help!
PIZZA NIGHTS – FEBRUARY 19, 2008
The third Tuesday of every month is Pizza Night at Godfathers in Altoona. This is a heck of a deal and lots of laughter and visiting. Everyone is welcome; yes bring family, friends, anyone you want. DO NOT PAY THE CASHIER – come to the meeting room and we will collect money in there. Need to have cash. Cost is $6 per person which includes buffet, beverage, tax and tip. If we are there when they close the pizza bar, you may box up left overs and take them home. This is a great time and a really cheap meal! We are really growing in size at these and hope to grow more, we don’t have to stay in the room, we can expand.
BUTTONS FOR SALE:
We had these buttons designed and are selling them for 2 for $5 ($2.50 each). See or call Pam Guenther, and she will be sure she has some with her for you,
(phone 264-8951)
REGION C INFORMATION
As you have probably noted through emails forwarded from Chapter I director, Barb and Tom Johnson have resigned as Region C Directors. Many of you know our new Region C Directors, Jen Lipe and Randy Nelson from Nebraska. They attend lots of events so they are no strangers, and have lots of experience with the GWTA. We welcome them in their new position and wish Barb and Tom good luck in their next journey.
REGION C RALLY -
Will be June 6-8, 2008. Recently an email was sent out with some pictures of the location. For those without email, if you want to see these, let Dennis Irvin know, so he can get them to you. Looks to be a great time at Catron Camp and Retreat Center in
Nebraska City, Nebraska!
FREEZE YOUR TUSH –
Minnesota Chapter B is having their annual winter event February 23, 2008. The theme this year is “BIKERS” and you are welcome to come dressed in your leathers. This event is $10 per person including tons of food, and crazy fun. The flyer is with this newsletter. Several of us have gone in the past and hope to go again this year. It is absolutely a great time. We normally attend this but we are not able to this year. This is the date of State is having the State meeting with all the Chapter Directors and Assistant Directors. If anyone wants a really super time, please don’t hesitate to go…this truly is a great time
ILLINOIS BACK TO SCHOOL DAZE event on March 14-16, 2008, their flyer is attached; note this is the weekend of Chapter I’s February Thaw in March.
Iowa Chapter L and Nebraska Chapter B are having their annual Fun Run on June 1 and Lake Manawa State Park. Feed back from members who have gone in the past is that this is a great event.
New Membership Drive from the National – another great deal!
Sign up for 1 year and get an additional 6 months FREE or sign up for 2 or 3 years and get one additional year FREE. Additional time will automatically be applied to all new membership applications during this promotion. Promotion from January 1, 2008 through April 15, 2008. **All applications must be received in the office or postmarked by 4/15/08 – NO EXCEPTIONS! If you know anyone that is considering joining this would be a good time for them to do this.
Below is a message that was sent from Bruce Keenon, Executive Director, GWTA
Region C is fastly approaching to be the largest region. At one point they were about the middle of the pack. I would challenge all the Queens, Princess, and Goddesses to push to be the head of the Pack. Starting this month I thought it would be fun if we had a little challenge. Based on percentage of current membership in your region the largest regional growth between now and Gold Rush will earn special honors. This will include a very special gift offering to the top region. No second places only first. Again based on percentage of Growth of your current membership. Lets see whose Region can come to the top.
Chapter I Travels –
Well, has anyone been traveling? We heard that Bob and Kitsie Brown went to Florida for the month of January and they towed the bike down, Bob do you have any stories to tell?
Chapter B in Missouri is having a ride on -
Sunday, July 27th, this marks the 5th Kansas City area Ride for Kids and the 25th year of nationwide rides benefitting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. The national theme this year is “Keeping the Promise”. Finding the causes and possible cures for brain tumors is the goal of the Foundation, in addition to providing support for children and their families and scholarships for survivors. Flyer for this event with more informtaion is going to be attached with this newsetter.
FOR SALE and WANTED (Please submit items for this area)
FOR SALE – Colleen Motz has a silver 1985 Interstate Touring model motorcycle with approximately 48,000 miles.
FEBRUARY THAW IN MARCH, 2008 – our 4th annual Thaw is coming up quickly and should be a great time. Our theme is Wizard of Oz, and going down the Yellow Brick Road to the Pot of Gold (FUNSHIP). You will find attached a flyer. Time is getting NEAR…call the hotel for your room reservation and get your registration to Pam Guenther ASAP
NOTE – We are waiting to hear about a huge surprise for this event. We have several that have sent in registrations from Missouri, Nebraska and Illinois…Get your
Registration to Pam by March 1, which is coming fast! We have to turn in a food count soon. Also get your hotel reservations made. This proves to be a great weekend every year, this year won’t disappoint you!
SAFETY FORUM March 14, 2008 SAFETY FORUM March 14, 2008
Want to come to Des Moines early NOTE SAFETY EVENT there will be The 2008 State of Iowa Motorcycle Safety Forum held March 14, 2008. This will be held at the Sheraton Hotel at 50th Street and University Avenue in West Des Moines(for those traveling to our event and want to attend this, this is not far from our hotel)This is free, lunch and snacks are provided. This year’s theme – Prepare for the Ride, Live for the Journey.
To register go
