5 May 3107KB Jul 11 2016 06:48:31 AM

THE APPALACHIAN
GAZETTE
VOL. 19, NO. 4 MAY 2013
THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF REGION “N”
“One of the striking differences between a cat and a lie is that a cat has only nine lives.”
THE GOLD WING ROAD RIDERS ASSOCIATION, REGION “N”
Mark Twain
zero gravity environment, I’m READY!!! So now
I have a toolbox filled with mostly useless miracle
working devices designed for only one purpose.
At least I was convinced to purchase it.
Hello Region N,
Mark Twain said:
“There is nothing so annoying as to have two
people talking when you're busy interrupting.”
“The difference between the right word and the
almost right word is the difference between
lightening and the lightening bug.”
“One of the striking differences between a cat
and a lie is that a cat has only nine lives.”
Communication is most often listed as the primary cause for misunderstandings, which is ironic
when we realize the very meaning of communications is to impart a view or information. So,
the very pill we’re administering is causing the
pain. In order for this to make better sense, perhaps we need to add modifiers in front of the
word “communications”, like bad, incomplete,
inaccurate, untimely, disrespectful, uncaring,
skewed, selfish, misleading, fuzzy. . and the list
goes on.
The art and use of conveying information, whether written or spoken, should result in more knowledgeable, informed and appreciative members.
No one deserves or enjoys being left in the dark.
This shared information must be as complete
and accurate as we can present it. Truth can
never be compromised. A good definition of
truth I heard years ago is, “if it’s true today, it’s
true tomorrow”. Truth is one of the few things
that, by definition, will not change.
Wars have been waged, economies have been
destroyed, families have been wrecked, and relationships have been strained or shattered because of bad communications. Also, many of
our GWRRA friends have been hurt, many deeply scarred by poor, incorrect or just lack of communications. There are very few facts about
GWRRA that can’t be shared openly with our
members. (They have to do with personal information, numbers etc.) But for the most part,
we’re an open, transparent organization.
Again, no one wants to be left out of the communication loop. Encourage our members to ask
questions. Our future depends on our willingness to talk about the challenges we face,
searching for solutions, and making suggestions
for changes. It requires evaluating our programs
Communication is a tool we need to learn to and policies. If we can’t talk about it, if we aren’t
properly use. As with any tool, it can produce respectfully communicating, we can’t fix it.
positive or negative results. I’m a tool-loving person who thinks I need every new tool that hits It is our intention to bring unity and understandthe market. I love the specialty tools that are de- ing, not break it down.
Working for you,
signed specifically to be the remedy for the most
impossible task. Usually, that’s a task that I’ll
Alan and Carolyn Little
NEVER in a million years confront. But, heck, if I
GWRRA Region N Director
ever have to torque a bolt to 10,000 foot lbs. in a
M AY 2013
APPAL ACH IAN G AZE TT E
PAG E 2
Rider Education Program
Information Updates
Congratulations to the following District Educators for completing their UTDP and being certified as Master Trainers.
These Educators are Richard Andreen (KY District), Wayne Grant (NC District), Gary Hamilton (TN District), and John
Howe (VA District). Hooah, gentlemen!
Phantom Members: It has been noticed by some District Educators and myself, that we're starting to get some Phantom
Members again. A Phantom Member is someone who isn't a member of the Association, but thinks they are. The situation is like this: A new rider joins the Association and purchases an Individual Membership and starts participating with a
Chapter. Later on, the wife or significant other decides they want to associate with members in the Association and
starts to participate. The wife or significant other asks the rider, "What is my Membership number?", and the spouse replies, "It's the same as mine, with only a 01 at the end." Now we have a new Phantom Member. When the Chapter Educator starts to process some paperwork for this new member, he can't find them in the database, but he knows they
should be there because they gave him their number. The problem is the rider only paid Phoenix for an Individual Membership and not a Family Membership. Educators always check the card and if a situation like this arises, ask the rider if
he or she paid for a Family Membership or not.
The solution: Inform the rider that he or she needs to contact Phoenix and pay the additional amount for a Family Membership.
Master Application Forms (N.9): All Educators, please be advised that the current N.9 Form is dated the 19th of April,
2013. All early editions are considered obsolete. Note: Educators, please don't prepare N.9 Forms to 2, 3, or 4 months
in advance to a member's full eligibility date and send them in for processing. If the District misses this error, I won't and
the document shall be returned to the District. I always check the database against the document, line by line.
Educators, please use the correct acronyms that are found on the N.9 Form. Please don't indent acronyms. We have
no acronyms when filling out the N.9 Form that are MSF or GWRRA. Click in the gray area for Rider Courses, CPR Provider or FA Provider and select the correct abbreviation of the Rider Course or Agency Code for the CPR/FA Provider.
Renewals: The responsibility for the renewals of University Trainers (REP), Rider Coaches, PLP Facilitators, etc. are the
responsibility of the member. Please remember, late is late.
Wing Ding 35: University Trainers (REP) are needed to support Wing Ding in Greensville, South Carolina. If you're a
current and active UTREP, please contact your District Educator if you would like to participate in WD35.
Database: All Chapter Educators should at least check their Chapter Database twice a month to ensure the database is
current and that any changes that have been sent into the District has been added to the Database.
In closing, remember we are Gold Wingers and we lead from the front by setting the proper example. Let's not be seen
as some of the other motorcycling groups. Enough said!
"One Team, One Unit!"
Kyle T. & Mitzela Craig
Region N Educators
In GOD We Still Trust...Here in America!
The front line of safety begins with you, the motorcyclist . . . “Safety Is For Life!”
MAY 2013
APPALACHIAN GAZETTE
PAGE 3
Leadership Training Program
T.E.A.M. Work –
When it Really Counts
On April 13th & 14th, 2013, several GWRRA members from
Virginia and Maryland joined together to participate in the
GWRRA Horizon Program.
The program was directed by Virginia District LTP Trainer,
Ken Taylor and Sr. LTP Instructor, Pat Haziak, and instruction was provided by Ken Taylor, and Pat Haziak, along
with Tommy & Pam Meador.
Ken Taylor & Pat Haziak providing instruction
Many of the members in attendance had been in GWRRA
for years and very few for only a couple years. Several
times throughout the weekend these statements were
heard:
A prime example of T.E.A.M. work was the recent Tennessee Spring Fling 2013. Thanks to the entire Tennessee
GWRRA team for a job well done.
A little rain didn’t
dampen the great job completed by LTP Instructors and
“I wish I had taken this program a LONG time ago”.. TN Trainer, David McGill and assistant LTP Trainer, Brian
Richards.
AND
“When can we have this program available for our en- The new venue for Spring Fling was real nice and especially nice that, even after some rain, they were able to pull
tire Chapter?”
off a great indoor Bike show. Thanks to TN members for
Teams learned how to work together to make a 3D Train a great start to the ‘rally’ season.
engine with recycled materials.
We look forward to seeing you all at the next ‘Down Home’
Rally in West Virginia in June.
”What Cha Call It Choo Choo”
Teams at work making team challenge plans.
We learned, who in each team, was the talented artist,
team director and cheerleaders. We also learned who was
willing to be the team ‘model’ and which members are
great dress designers.
It is amazing what adults can do with scissors, newspaper,
tape, toilet paper rolls and TEAM Work.
I can see new Chapter Directors and GWRRA leaders out
of this group!
Yours for Knowledge,
Pam and Tommy Meador
Master University Trainers
Region N LTP Trainers
MAY 2013
APPALACHIAN GAZETTE
PAGE 4
Membership Enhancement Program
Kickstands up! Wingin’ it with Russ & Kj….
With the kick off of the Tennessee District’s Spring Fling, the Region N Convention season began this past weekend,
April 25th – April 27th ! We donned our conductor hats and work bandanas for a fun-filled, educational and awardwinning weekend. Mother Weather provided 2 out of 3 beautiful days, forcing the TN District team on that third day to
spring into action with plan B. We send our many thanks to each of the TN Core team members for a great Convention
at their new venue, Camp Jordan, outside of Chattanooga. The weekend even included a “Ladies Only” rally “pool side”.
To that, Kj says “La-la-la-la-la”! (She stated those that were there will understand. If you missed it …..YOU MISSED IT,
and will have to get with her to find out more. It was ladies only. She came away with some “new moves”. (Ohhhh my,
hubba hubba!)
It did our hearts good to see Jim and Nan Hall, former International Staff, back with us after a long road of recovery! Jim
stated he felt his recovery has advanced to the point that he has targeted the upcoming weekend to be back on the
bike! What a great inspiration to all of GWRRA this couple is! Thank you Nan & Jim for all you do for our members!
Reginald & Kim Seymore, TN MEPC, along with Boyd & Dianne Hixson, TN
2012 District Couple of the Year, did a wonderful job in presenting the 1 st of the
season Couple of the Year Selection Program. Please join with us and congratulate Loretta and Brian Richards, having been announced as the 2013 TN District
Couple of the Year.
Just a few of the other Awards that were presented at the Closing Ceremonies of
Spring Fling included the “filled” Region N Wanderer Plaque which went to Virginia B, Chapter Directors Bob & Ann Lutton!
Chapter TN-Q received their plaque for 2011 Region N Chapter of the Year,
Chapter Directors Dennis and Jan Peterson, having passed the Region N Eagle to the Region N 2012 Chapter of the
Year TN-Y, as announced in our April Newsletter.
We are pleased and proud to announce the following members have joined the ranks, and are now Certified Membership Enhancement Trainers:
David McGill, TN LTP Trainer, Brenda Perkinson, Chapter Director TN-O, Jim Rambo, TN ACD,
Roger & Marie Crowe, Assistant TN Educators, and Brian Richards, Assistant TN District Trainer and Chapter
Director TN-T
We are also pleased and proud to announce and the following members were presented their GWRRA University Trainer Certificates and the University Trainer Patch. This Patch indicates they are now Trainers in all three of GWRRA’s
Programs: LTP, REP and MEP:
Ed Grazier, Richard Griffin, Jan Peterson, Brian Richards, Roger & Marie Crowe, Jim Rambo,
Brenda Perkinson, and David McGill
Please join with us to congratulate these members for their accomplishments!
(Continued on next page)
M AY 2013
APPAL AC HIAN G AZE T T E
PAG E 5
Membership Enhancement Program
(Continued from page 4)
Along with the entire Region N Core Team, we send our congratulations to Bill & Beth Ann McCormick having been announced as the new District Directors for West Virginia! WE are also pleased to announce that Mike and Kelly Means
have been appointment as the West Virginia Membership Enhancement Program Coordinators! Please join with us
to congratulate and support this wonderful couple!
Bill & Beth Ann “unveiled” the West Virginia Convention Shirt at Spring Fling. Beth Ann, at Spring Fling, threw the only
one thus far that has been “printed”…. Kj caught that ‘one and only’ shirt! Many thought she had undue advantage. To
that she replied, “VIP seating does have its advantages. La-la-la-la-la”. Please mark your calendar for the West Virginia
Down Home Rally “Just Wing It” weekend June 13–15, 2013. You too, may acquire your own “one of a kind” WVA Convention shirt! You will not want to miss out on all the FUN they have in store! We will see you there!
Once again, it is our number one goal to be available and assist our members in any manner we can. So as you are off
and running with the many activities GWRRA has to offer, don’t forget to keep us abreast of what your chapter and district have planned, and don’t hesitate to contact us if we may be of service to you.
And Remember….. If it ain’t FUN, don’t do it!
Russ & Kj Kimmet
102 Gallant Court
Clarksville, TN 37043
Home Phone: 931-802-2635
Russ’s Cell: 615-512-3407
Kj’s Cell: 931-980-0738
Email: RussKjMECRegionN@aol.com
Region N Raffle—2013
Our 2013 Fund-Raiser has begun! Region N does not have a region rally to raise operating funds because
we feel like it would take away from the district rallies. Therefore, we must hold a fundraiser each year.
This year we are holdling a technology raffle. With the purchase of a $5.00 ticket, you have a chance to
win either a Dell Laptop computer, an Apple iPad, or a Kindle Fire HD.
Please see any Region N Team Member to purchase your ticket.
M AY 2013
APP ALA CHI AN G AZE T T E
PAG E 6
Region N Couple Of The Year
from wherever you are and more fun after you
arrive. We’re camping with friends and if you
would like to join us, just email us and we will
hook you up.
Hello Gold Wing friends!
We just got back from Tennessee Spring Fling.
What a great time! The rally moved to Chattanooga this year and the facilities were great.
There was room indoors for a lot of the vendors
and the escorted ride through town was very well
organized. There were lots of people on the
sidewalks watching too. Of course, as with all
our trips so far this year, it was pretty cool (mid
40’s) most of the way down and it rained pretty
much all the way home! If you’ve never done it
before, let this be the year that you attend a rally
outside of your district. Trust me, there will be a
lot of friends there that you just haven’t met yet.
It took us two days to get through all of the vendors because we kept stopping to talk to friends
or attend an event at the pavilion!
We also were on the selection panel for the 2012
TN Couple of the Year selection. There were 5
couples who participated (and 1 that was unable
to due to illness). They all did a really fine job.
Congratulations go out to Loretta and Brian Richards of TN-T, Knoxville! They will have big shoes
to fill following Dianne and Boyd Hixson, but
we’re sure they will do a fine job!
While all rallies are similar, there is always
something unique to enjoy. West Virginia’s rally
is coming up next, June 13th through the 15th in
Summersville. There’s great riding getting there
After the WV rally the next up will be Wing Ding.
Has everyone got their registration in? It’s in
Greenville, SC so it’s nice and close for most of
us. We’re hearing that Greenville is rolling out
the red carpet with lots of activities planned so
go ahead and make your plans to be there.
There’s also a little thing going on Tuesday
morning called the International Couple of the
Year Selection that we will be participating in.
We know it’s early in the week, but it would sure
be great if we had a lot of Region N supporters in
the house to cheer us on!
This is also the time of year when Chapter primary events are kicking off. Be sure to check
your District’s and your neighboring District’s calendars to see if there’s one near you. I know
they would love to have your support.
That’s about all for this month. Ride when you
can. But always, “Be safe”. We hope to see you
soon!
Tommy and Gayle Wilson
Region N Couple Of The Year
Thanks to Tommy and Gayle for representing Region N
as Couple Of The Year for 2012/2013. They have made
us very proud. I’m sure they’ve been to your district a
time or two during their tenure.
We hope that you will support them at Wing Ding in July in
Greenville SC . Show up a couple days early to root them
on in the selection process for
International Couple Of The Year.
I believe the Wilsons and Region N have a great chance
to go all the way!
M AY 2013
APPA LA C HIAN G A ZE T T E
PAG E 7
News From West Virginia District
On behalf of Bill and Beth Ann McCormick,
WV District Directors,
and the entire District Staff,
you are invited to the
West Virginia Down Home Rally
in wild, wonderful West Virginia.
The rally will be in Summersville WV
on June 13th — 15th at the
National Guard Armory.
Registration forms and event schedule
are available on the WV District website at
http://www.wvgwrra.org.
Bill and Beth Ann
We hope you all can join us for
fun, fun, FUN!!!
For more information, please feel free to contact Bill at
bbamccormick@frontier.com
Wing Ding 35
July 3rd - July 6th, 2013.
TD Convention Center
1 Exposition Drive
Greenville, SC 29607
GPS: 34.852042, 82.354571
go to www.gwrra.org for
more information
Wing Ding 35 at the TD Convention Center (formally the Carolina First Center) in Greenville, South Carolina, just
minutes from the airport and historic downtown. The TD Convention Center will feature a newly renovated 280,000
square foot exhibit hall, on-site parking, and an award-winning culinary staff!
So plan on riding in, parking the bike and enjoying the ceremonies, hundreds of exhibits, manufacturer demos, seminars, entertainment and more! All in one location! We look forward to seeing you in Greenville, South Carolina next
July 3-6, 2013!
M AY 2013
APPALA CH IAN G AZE TT E
PAG E 8
The 2013 Region N Team
Directors
Alan and Carolyn Little
Oakboro, North Carolina
Membership Enhancement
Russ and Kj Kimmet
Clarksville, Tennessee
MFA Coordinators
Buz and Missy Mowrer
Poco, West Virginia
Leadership Trainers
Pam and Tommy Meador
Hardy, Virginia
APPALACHIAN REGION N
Treasurer
Sharon Simonick
Landis, North Carolina
Rider Educators
Kyle and Mitzela Craig
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Couple of the Year
Tommy and Gayle Wilson
Boones Mill, Virginia
Webmasters
Tim and Betsy Malone
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Friends for Fun, Safety, and Knowledge
We’re On the Web!
www.region-n.org
Contact us by U.S. Mail at:
GWRRA, Appalachian Region N
9742 NC 138 Highway
Oakboro, NC 28129
M AY 2013
APPALA CH IAN G AZE TT E
PAG E 9
GWRRA
2013 REGION N TEAM
- DIRECTORS ALAN and CAROLYN LITTLE
- RIDER EDUCATORS KYLE and MITZELA CRAIG
- LEADERSHIP TRAINERS PAM and TOMMY MEADOR
- MEMBERSHIP ENHANCEMENT RUSS and Kj KIMMET
- TREASURER SHARON SIMONICK
- 2012-2013 COUPLE OF THE YEAR TOMMY and GAYLE WILSON
-MFA COORDINATORS“BUZ” and “MISSY” MOWRER
- WEBMASTER TIM and BETSY MALONE
- NEWSLETTER EDITOR CAROLYN LITTLE
REGION “N” DISTRICT DIRECTORS
- KY District Directors Jack and Janice Dozier
- NC District Directors Andrew and Vickie Butcher
- TN District Directors Richard and Becky Griffin
- VA District Directors Dennis and Kristen Weston
- WV District Directors Bill and Beth Ann McCormick
GWRRA—INTERNATIONAL
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Paul Hildebrand
GWRRA DIRECTORS
Jere and Linda Goodman
DEPUTY DIRECTORS—WEST
Dave Carter
Directors—Rider Education
Anthony and Michelle Van Schaick
Directors—Leadership Training
Paul and Cheryl Brosher
Directors—Membership
Enhancement
Ed and Linda Johnson
Assistant Ride Educators
Motorist Awareness
Joe and Gracie Mazzal
International Treasurers
Jeff and Cherri Liner
Director of Global Affairs
Dan Sanderovich
Chapter of the Year Coordinator
Bob and Carla Greer
Recruiting and Retention
John and Lena Bryant
THESE YARD SIGNS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. THEY COST
$5.00 EACH, WHICH INCLUDES THE PRINTING ON BOTH SIDES AND
A WIRE STAND. SHIPPING COSTS ARE EXTRA.
THEY ARE 24” WIDE AND 18” TALL.
TO ORDER, CONTACT:
ED AND MARY ANN GRAZIER
edgrazier@att.net
or call: 1-615-459-4499
THESE SIGNS HELP THE PUBLIC TO BE MORE AWARE OF MOTORCYCLISTS. THEY ALSO
HELP YOUR COMPLIANCE WITH OUR 501 C 4 STATUS.
SUPPORT OUR MOTORIST AWARENESS EFFORTS. PLACE YOUR ORDER SOON TO HAVE
THEM IN TIME THROUGHOUT THE RIDING SEASON!
M AY 2013
APP ALA CHI AN G AZE T T E
PAG E 10
THE 2013 CONVENTION SCHEDULE
“Spring Fling”
Tennessee District Convention
Camp Jordan Arena, East Ridge, Tennessee
25 - 27 April, 2013
Succ
ess!
Way
Tenn to go,
esse
e!
DOWN HOME RALLY 2013
THE WEST VIRGINIA DISTRICT CONVENTION
SUMMERSVILLE, WEST VIRGINIA
13 - 15 June 2013
THE GWRRA NATIONAL OFFICE PRESENTS
WING DING 35
TD Convention Center
Greenville, South Carolina
3 - 6 July 2013
THE BLAST
THE KENTUCKY DISTRICT PRESENTS
8 - 10 August , 2013
Frankfort Convention Center
Frankfort, Kentucky
The North Carolina District Presents
WINGS OVER NORTH CAROLINA
26 - 28 September, 2013
CABARRUS ARENA & EVENTS CENTER
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA
RALLY IN THE VALLEY
THE VIRGINIA DISTRICT CONVENTION
10 - 12 October, 2013
THE SALEM CIVIC CENTER
SALEM, VIRGINIA
Go to
www.gwrra.org
for more
Wing Ding
information and
registration form.