2015 May District Newsletter

MICHIGAN DISTRICT NEWSLETTER
May 2015
Ray and Sandi Garris
Director of GWRRA
director @gwrra.org
Jack Warner
Deputy Directors
Region H & D
jwarner10@cox.net
Mellissa Eason
Chief Operating Officer
800-843-9480
meason@gwrra.org
Lee & Kay Tieche
Region D Directors
812-579-6500
leetieche@hotmail.com
Bob & Kim Scott
MI District Directors
bobscott@
ejourney.com
MI DISTRICT STAFF
Contact Information
listed on last page
Bob & Kim Scott
As I was beginning to think about writing something this month, it dawned on
me that in the next five months, we are planning to attend five Rallies, in four different
states and countless gatherings, campouts, and diner rides just for beginners!
This last weekend we went to Portland,Indiana to see the Jay County Fairgrounds, the location of the Region D Rally , scheduled for July 23-25. It seems like a
nice place for a Rally with lots of room, and good shade. For electrical power, bring an
extra power cord as the outlets are there but far apart. The theme is nascar as in auto
racing and we will be entered in the regional championship auto race there with an entry
from our own District. Portland is about one hour South of Fort Wayne, Indiana and
close enough to be a nice ride for most of us.
The Indiana Spring Warm Up Will be May 7th thru May 9th in Greensburg,
Indiana at the Decatur County Fairgrounds. The theme is “Woodstock” and I don’t have
the rest of the information in front of me but you can get it from there website.
We talked to Ohio District Director while in Portland about their Rally June
11th thru 13th located in Canfield, Ohio at the Canfield Fairgrounds. Canfield is about
an hour South of Cleveland, Ohio or about 150 miles from Toledo, Ohio. The theme is
Tour Ohio and they have a full week end planned of rides and activities. They start with
a diner ride Thursday night that will likely have over 100 riders.
Our own Michigan District Rally will be Aug 20, thru Aug 22 in Evart,
Michigan at the Osceola County Fairgrounds. Our host Motel has already sold out but we have some suggestions for
other accommodations for your stay if not camping. We have so much going on I know I don’t have the space here
to list it all. One thing we ask is for chapters and individuals to have a canned goods drive to donate for the local
food bank in Evart as your entry to the meal Friday night. We will come up with a prize for the chapter donating the
most cans per member so small chapters can compete equally.
Wing Ding is coming up before you know it on Sept.3 thru 5th in Huntsville , Alabama. I haven’t been there
before and I’m looking forward to seeing another great part of our Nation the best way possible, on top of our motorcycle! With gas prices where they are, this is the year to make tracks if possible.
There is still time to get in on the Region D cruise on October 24th to October 29th From Fort Lauderdale,
Florida to Grand Cayman Islands and Cozumel, Mexico and hopefully back.
If you have been on a cruise you know how much fun it is, if not , this might be the time to try it out.
Has your chapter been out selling Raffle Tickets this spring ? We need your help and it can be fun as most of
us know. Remember, keep track of your ticket sales, for each 100 sold you get one entry in a drawing for $100.00. Example, you sell 500, you are entered 5 times. Three names will be drawn at the rally for three $100.00 winners.
Keep it Safe,
Bob & Kim Scott
Michigan District Directors
Bob & Nancy Natter
Southeast Section
From Way down South...
OK, someone needs to stuff a cork in Mother Nature. I think we’ve had enough rain for now! Maybe she could
save some for a couple of summer nights. Nothing during the day mind you, just a little bit to keep the flowers going. I
know… enough of my rant.
We had a great time at Chapter R’s Mystery Dinner. I even pulled a Bob, as in Bob Morgan. You’ll have to ask
Bob Morgan the next time you see him, how it’s done. It worked for me, took home $18 in the 50-50. Ron & Jan Smith
raffled off their dolls & a clock for a fund to replace a couple of the first aid dummies. We have a couple of dummies
that need replacing…. that is the first aid ones. So if you’re at an event and they are raffling off dolls & maybe a clock,
please consider purchasing some tickets, it will help us all in the end.
This month is kind of quiet in our section, but next month has some activities.
Check out the Michigan Website for what’s going on. On May 7-9, Indiana has their Spring Wing Warm-up in Greenburg Indiana. It’s a bit of a ride, but if you have the time (retired) it’s worth it. Someday….
Alright southeast section, how many baseball players are there out there? I (we) need to assemble a team for
the Michigan Rally this year. There will be a game during the rally played by 1900’s rules. We are asked to dress in period, have fans, and enjoy ourselves. Sounds easy to me. If you’re interested, send me an email.
One last thought, “Why do we park on driveways and drive on parkways?”
Bob & Nancy Natter
Southeast Section
Frank & Debbie King
Northern Section
Editor / Special Projects
Hello Michiganders,
Well I would like to say spring is on the way, but it seems that sweet Mother Nature is choking us so we
know she is really in charge…
Here is a little break down of May’s activities, Chapter Q Medic First Aid the 9th in Sault Ste Marie, Chapter
Q ARC the 10th in Sault Ste Marie, Indiana Rally 7-8-9, Chapter Q2 Backyard BBQ 16th, ARC Ionia 16th, Chapter
V Campout 22-23rd, Chapter Ontario H T-Clock 23rd. There is plenty of other stuff happening around the state,
Blessing of the Bikes 3rd at Chapter A, Stuttsmanville Blessing of the Bike 17th.
Northern Section is jumping this year and here it is in full swing, Chapter Z Campout June 5-6, Chapter J2
Campout June 26-27th, Chapter Y Campout July 24-25th, Chapter Q / Northern Section Campout August 7-8th,
Chapter H Ontario Campout September 11-12th and that’s just the campouts we all will attend. Have you planned
your summer and are you thinking of going to a campout, don’t let the season pass you bye...
Ride Well, Be Safe,
Frank & Debbie King
Northern Section
PS: This is your Michigan District Newsletter, send me a flyer or picture and I’ll post it...
Bill & Linda Diffin
Western Section
Goodies
This may be short but hopefully it will get warmer as you read, what I want to say WHAT HAPPENED TO
SPRING?????? We are just short of freezing over on the west side of the state.
Linda and I attended a bike fix up day at the Natter household and Linda got a sun burn, we then return to
the west side of the state and found low forties. WHATS UP
Well there is plenty to do down south, Indiana Spring Warm-up in Greenburg on 7th-8th of May!!
Advanced Riding Course-Trike Riding Course In Ionia May 16th &17th For those of us that need to keep
our riding levels up to Date!!
Then for all of you who want to cool off and camp out for a few days, Pull the camper up to Harrison for
Chapter Vs Memorial Day Campout May 22nd-25th
Then there is the possibility you may want to chase the Region D Traveling Plaque, it’s at Chapter F in Ohio,
I will let your chapter find the info as to when and where you can do that!!!!!!!!
Have fun with what ever you decide to do but doing nothing is no fun.
Bill & Linda Diffin
South Western Section
Cheryl & Randy Wiggins
Michigan District MEC
I woke up this morning to a dusting of snow all over the ground and it is still snowing. It is just a gentle reminder from Mother Nature, that she is still in charge no matter what my ride plans may be. So for my trip today, four
wheels will be the mode of transportation.
While it is still a little chilly here in Michigan, I wonder what the weather will be like for those who may be
going out to Nevada in June for the Reno Rendezvous. I would love to be able to head out that way, it has been over
30 years since I have had the pleasure to drive around Lake Tahoe and appreciate the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
Alas work and finances sometimes win out over what we would like to do.
Even though we can't make a 2,000 plus mile trip out west this year we will be enjoying many other activities
with our GWRRA friends and family. We will be heading off to the Natchez Trace with Chapter N for their 30 th Anniversary Ride. We also plan on attending the Region D rally in July, District rally in August. We will be helping out at
the Midnight ride again this year and to end the summer on a high note we will be heading down to Wing Ding in
Huntsville AL. In addition to all of these activities we plan on attending many chapter events as well.
Some of the events that you may want to consider attending in May are two different Rider Ed. classes, one in
Sault Ste. Marie and the other in Ionia. Chapter V is having a campout over Memorial Day Weekend, which sounds
like a lot of fun. Then the fun will continue into June
There are many events in June but I will only cover what is happening in the first week for this month. Chapter Z has a campout scheduled June 5-6. There is another Rider Ed. course the 6 & 7. Chapter J has their Burn Camp
Challenge on the 6th and Chapter L's Picnic in the Park takes place on the 7th. Remember that is just the first week
there are many more activities taking place in June make sure you check the events page to find out what all is going
on in our Great Lake State.
Hope to see you soon,
Cheryl and Randy Wiggins
Membership Enhancement
Hello to all from Chapter Y, "Wings of the North" in Houghton Lake Mi.
It has been a cold winter, but we were lucky enough this year to spend three months in Zephyrhills Fl. There
were several of our chapter members in our area down there, and we were able to spend time together and have a lot
of fun.
To begin with, in January, six of us from Chapter Y went on the GWRRA cruise to Cozumel, Mexico and to
Freeport, in the Bahamas. We boarded Royal Caribbean's " Explorer of the Seas" in Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship
was beautiful and we were all first-time cruisers. It was a fun time for all of us.
We would like to thank Deanna Cisson for all the hard work that she put into making this cruise possible. We
enjoyed meeting up with other chapter members and taking part in the activities that she had planned for us. If you
have the chance to go on a Chapter Cruise directed by Deanna, by all means go, you won't regret it.
In February we rode the "Wings" whenever we could. We joined the Wesley Chapel Chapter for some nice
rides to their favorite places, when the weather permitted.
In March we went to the Strawberry Festival where we saw The Oak Ridge Boys in concert. Some of our
members went to a Detroit Tiger's baseball game in Lakeland. Some went to Bike Week in Daytona too.
We kept busy in Florida, but were happy to come home and re-connect with our members at our April gathering. Most of our members who stayed here for the winter attended our weekly dinner rides in their cars and just stayed
warm.
We are in the process now of planning our summer schedule. We hope to see everyone at the Northern Section Campout in Sault Ste. Marie, it promises to be a lot of fun. Until later, safe riding to all.
Ron and Jackie Tidball
Chapter Y Directors
Last minute update: Chapter Y is having a Medic First Aid Class scheduled for May 30th from 9am to 4pm at
Fred's in Roscommon. We have 9 opening left for this class. The cost is $25.00 per person due by April 30th.
If interested please contact me ASAP.
Ron Tidball
ront8428@aol.com
No, I'm not writing this because I forgot that we're not the Michigan Couple anymore! This article is
about our awesome Chapter J and a very important change that we wish to share with all of our GWRRA family.
Chapter J has had the privilege of having our Gatherings, Team meetings, Christmas parties, MFA classes
and more at our current location. We even hosted the State OCP class here recently. Sadly, we were informed in
March that the District is closing our church. This was, and is, a definite blow to our church family and S.N.A.P.
It also affected us in Chapter J.
So just as our church family has to find new church homes to worship in, we needed a new Gathering
place for S.N.A.P. and Chapter J.
S.N.A.P. is my first priority. There were several churches that wanted us to come and meet in their facility. I was a little overwhelmed at the outpouring of love for our Special Needs program. There was a lot of prayer
and conversations going on for a few weeks. Then we felt led to one church family for S.N.A.P. and also for ourselves as a home church. The decision was clear and we made it at that point.
All through this time we did not mention it to S.N.A.P. as we didn't want them worrying over the program. Then it somehow leaked out a week before we wanted to announce it. Oh, the rumors that I heard! I had
to tell them. We made it clear that yes, the church was closing, but not S.N.A.P.
Also going on was our search for our Gathering place. Again, the Chapter did not know, either. We began conversations with the Pastor at the new church, and he immediately welcomed our Chapter to use the facility as we needed. Gatherings, meetings, parties, picnics, camping, etc. You see, this church has a covered pavilion,
walking paths through about 10 acres of land, and camping hookups complete with bathrooms and showers!!
We shared with our ACD's, then the remainder of our Team at a meeting. Then we announced to our
Chapter family at our April Gathering, and we were, and are, thankful for their positive support.
We have been blessed all the way around. It is still a little hard losing our church and our church family
going in different directions, but God is with us through it all.
The change in location for Chapter J begins Sunday, June 7, 2015
So details for everyone who wants to visit us in the future, and we hope you will…
First Sunday of the Month (changes to second if holidays or district/region events conflict) Social time
3:30 p.m. Gathering 4:00 p.m. (finished by 5:30 p.m.) Rivertree Community Church 3113 Lansing Avenue Jackson, MI 49202
This location is easily accessible from 94 or 127. Getting off of 94 at the Elm Road exit, turn north. Elm
curves and then turns into Parnall Road. (You can also get off at the Cooper Street exit and turn north to Parnall
Road, then turn left (west) onto Parnall) Follow Parnall to Lansing Avenue. There is a light at Lansing Avenue.
Turn south. It will be down about 1/2 mile or so on your left hand (east) side. There is a large American Flag
flying at the Rivertree sign. The entrance is a little bit of a downward hill, but not bad.
From 127 get off at the Parnall Road exit, turn east. Follow to Lansing Avenue. Turn south. Same as
above.
We're celebrating that first Gathering on June 7th with a Potluck following the Gathering. Please let us
know if you and your Chapter are planning to attend. Meat is provided. July and later months we will have dinner
rides following our Gathering.
One other totally unrelated invitation to you. If you are reading this before Sunday, May 3rd, we will still
be at our Cascades location with the Social at 5:30 p.m. and the Gathering at 6:00 p.m. At the May Gathering,
Todd and Leah Goodwin from LEGAL SHIELD will be sharing their Identity Theft program, which is partnering with GWRRA MI. They are also sharing how you could be a representative and earn some extra money. You,
your family and friends are invited to attend this special Gathering.
Oh, why not...here's a reminder for our Burn Camp Challenge on Saturday, June 6th at 11:00 a.m. $10 per
person. Bike games, food, and fun. Helping Michigan's children who have been burned to go to camp. 100% of
entries and donations go to the camp! Flier is on the website.
Hmmmm...I think that's all for now. Thanks for letting me share our
news. Hope to see you soon!
Be blessed,
Gary and Carol Williams
Chapter J Directors
517.262.0896 or 517.262.6314
gwrra.mi.coy2014@gmail.com or
spankyncarol@juno.com
Soo Locks & Northern Section Campout
Friday & Saturday August 7/8, 2015
Aune-Osborn Campground, Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan
Friday Dinner—Burgers, Brats, Potato & Macaroni Salads, Dessert & more 6 ish pm
Saturday Breakfast- Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Coffee, Juice & more 7:30-8:30am
Dinner— Spaghetti & Meatballs, Tossed Salad, Coffee, Dessert & more
Sunday Light Breakfast – Muffins, Rolls, Coffee, Juice
6 ish pm
Early till 9am
Total Food Cost $35.00 per person
Saturday 10:00am to 3:30pm,
Ride 1) Iroquois Lighthouse, Whitefish Point Lighthouse, Edmond Fitzgerald Museum and
Spectacle Lake Lookout.
Ride 2) Heading to DeTour Lighthouse, thru Trout Lake and back on Salt Point Road to
Spectacle Lake Lookout.
Chinese Raffle and 50/50 will be conducted, Bon Fire every night…
Saturday light parade at dusk and maybe a surprise or two.
Reservations: Mail form to Frank King for lot assignment, Pay 1st day only $31 then pay Campground upon arrival
for the rest of the nights (Credit Cards Accepted) (dump station on site) Bike tenting $29 a night per site, doubling up
permitted (Electric-Water all sites)
Hotel: Kewadin Casino blocked off rooms at $75 per room, King or 2 Queens, per room per day. (800) 5392346 and use Reservation code #6355.
Diving Directions from South: I-75 North exit 394, turn left (Overpass) to first stop (Portage Ave), turn right go 3.8
miles to Aune–Osborn Campground on left; watch/ look for signs.
from West: US-2 East or M-28 East to I-75 North, Follow Directions from South.
GPS: Aune Osborn Campground: 906-632-3268 / 1225 Riverside Dr, Sault MI 49783
On St Mary’s River between Canada & United States, enjoy ships from all over the world, ferries, personnel
water crafts, fishing & so much more for you to see…
Soo Locks Campout
Northern Section Campout & Registration
Name_____________________________________
Address___________________________________
City____________________________State__________Zip Code___________
Phone_________________Email______________________Chapter________
Sharing Camping- Motorcycle Camper_______Yes / No________________
Number Attending___________________________________________ X $35 =_$______
Camping- 1st night required more nights Payable to Campground --------------- _$ 31.00_
mail to address below.
Total _$______
th
Lot Size needed- RV, 5 wheel, Travel Trailer____________Feet long.
Check in Date___________________Check out Date____________________
Staying at Hotel -_________
Saturday night light show parade at 8:30pm, Don’t miss this
Come join us for fun
Floyd Bricker – 906-632-0910 or fbricker@sbcglobal.net
Frank King –--- 906-440-2133 or fking72@hotmail.com
Make check payable to; Chapter Q
Mail Check to;
Frank King
Chapter Q
510 E 10th Ave
Sault Sainte Marie, MI 49783
G.W.R.R.A.
Chapter H-Ontario
Knights Of The Hatchet
Presents Our 20th Anniversary Campout
Place: Point Des Chenes Campground Sault Ste Marie Ontario Canada P6A-5K6
Address; 57 Des Chenes Drive #705-779-2696, Open for bookings May 11, 2015
Date: Friday, Saturday September 11th 12th. 2015
Contact Persons: Dale Page, dalepage@sympatico.ca #{705}779-2166
Cindy Page, msg2shoes@gmail.com #{705}779-2166
Friday Night Supper: Burgers & various Salads $7.50 A Person.
Saturday Morning: Pancake Breakfast $5.00 A Person
Saturday Supper: boasted chicken & Potatoes, Penne & meatballs, salad and
bread, Coffee Tea & Water $15.00 a person all the meals will be at the
campground.
Camping: The Chapter has rented 12 sites with water & power for a cost of
$40.00 a night but bring a friend and double up on a site and split the cost.
These 12 sites will be booked through the chapter so please contact Dale or
Cindy Page if you require one of these sites. If you require a Site for a larger
unit these will be available through the campground at 705-779-2696 The
Campground opens May 11th.
For those who don't camp there are lots of motels & hotels. If you require a list
please Phone or E-Mail Me and I will send you a list.
G.W.R.R.A.
Over the past 20 years Chapter H-Ontario has inducted over 400 G.W.R.R.A.
Members into our Knights Of The Hatchet ceremony. WE are inviting all the
past Knights to come back and help us celebrate our 20th anniversary by bringing a new member to our Secret Knights Of The Hatchet ceremony.
So come on down and enjoy some Northern Ontario Hospitality and meet some
old friends and maybe make some new ones. Chapter H-Ontario members are
looking forward to seeing everyone at our Campout.
The Chapter needs to know if you are planning on attending by Sept 4th 2015
as We require numbers for the caterer. So if you are attending the campout
please contact Cindy or Dale Page.
MICHIGAN EVENTS
MAY 2015
Date
Event
Chapter
Place
May 3rd
May 7-9
Blessing of the Bikes
Spring Wing Rally
Chapter A
Indiana District
TBA
May 9
May 10
May 16
Medic First Aid
ARC
Backyard BBQ
Chapter Q
Riders Ed
Chapter Q2
May 16-17
May 22
Jun 5/6
ARC
Campout
Campout
Riders Ed
Chap V
Chapter Z
Jun 11-12
Buckeye Rally/Conv
Ohio District
Jun 18-20
Reno Rally
GWRRA
June 26/27
Campout
Chapter J2
Jul 23-25
Rally
Region D
Aug 7/8
Aug 21-22
Sept 3-6
Sept 26
Northern Section Campout
Michigan Rally
Wing Ding
Fall Fest
Chapter Q
Michigan District
GWRRA
Region D
Greensburg, Indiana
Sault Ste Marie, MI
Sault Ste Marie, MI
American Legion
Mayville, MI
Ionia, MI
Harrison, MI
Camp Petosega,
Alanson, MI
Canfield County
Fairground
Canfield, Ohio 44406
Grand Sierra Resort
Reno, NV
Gladwin Fair Grounds
Gladwin, MI
Portland, Indiana 47371
Sault Ste Marie, MI
Evart, Michigan
Huntsville, AL
Greensburg, Indiana
MICHIGAN DISTRICT TEAM
CONTACT INFORMATION
BOB & KIM SCOTT
Michigan District Directors
bobscott@ejourney.com
Phone 989-426-3828
DURAND & LORALEE BENJAMIN Jr
Michigan District Treasurer
dbenjaminjr12@gamil.com
Phone 810-245-3652
BOB & NANCY NATTER
Assistant District Directors
Southeast Section
Bike Classification
Rnatter@comcast.net
Phone 734-421-8250
FRANK & DEBBIE KING
Assistant District Directors
Northern Section
Editor/ Special Projects
fking72@hotmail.com
Phone (906) 440-2133/ 906-632-6644
BILL & LINDA DIFFIN
Assistant District Directors
West Section
Goodies
micouple2013@gmail.com
Phone 810-397-1812
ROB & PAM ROBINSON
Assistant District Directors
East Central Section
Vendors
bjr365@comcast.net
Phone 248-255-5859
KEN & PATTI KINTNER
Webmaster and COY Coordinators
District Trainers
ken@vplenawee.com
Phone 517-265-2667
CHERYL & RANDY WIGGINS
Member Enhancement Coordinator
cwiggi@comcast.net
Phone 231-557-4792
BOB & MARCIA KINSEY
2015 Michigan Couple of the Year
rkinsey@tc3net.com
Phone
`
RICK ANDREEN
District Rider Educator
miridered@yahoo.com
Phone
DENNIS & FELICIA SCHULTE
Assistant District Riders Educators
felicia@glis.net
Phone 989-269-3998