As we write this article, we have just returned from the last District rally of the Region “A” rally season, the Mississippi District rally in Tupelo. 

          This was the first year for the MS rally in Tupelo, the previous 16 years being held on the Gulf Coast in Biloxi.  Those were some great times, before Hurricane Katrina.  Sadly, after Katrina things were never the same.  The old Biloxi we all knew and enjoyed is largely gone and won’t be rebuilt anytime in the foreseeable future.  Much of Biloxi is still vacant lots, the rubble piles are mostly gone, but not a whole lot of progress in rebuilding has been accomplished.  It was time to move on.

          With that in mind, Gregg and Pat Harbison needed to find another venue for the MS rally where they could start over.  They certainly succeeded in that objective in Tupelo.  The facility (the Bancorp South Arena) was fantastic, the hotel accommodations were great and the City of Tupelo went out of its way to be hospitable.  Tupelo is easy to get around in and there are lots of good restaurants at which to eat.

          The rally featured some 50 first class vendors (some even located in-doors at the Arena), lots of fun games and loads of prizes.  They even had a $5,000 grand prize.  The weather was something of an issue (we took the car) but there was only one day of real rain.  It was cool each day of the rally with highs only in the 50’s, but none of that dampened any of the delegates’ enthusiasm. 

          Our congratulations to Gregg, Pat and the entire MS District staff for a wonderful rally!  They will be returning to Tupelo next year (great!!) in 2010 and we already have our hotel reservations made.

          Our Region “A” officers meeting will be held at the Lakepoint Lodge in Eufaula December 5^th (Saturday).  District staff folks should plan on arriving on Friday afternoon or evening so that we can begin promptly on Saturday. 

          Members of the Region “A” staff need to arrive on Thursday (the 3^rd) so that we can present the Advanced Leadership Training course on Friday the 4^th.  We will need to begin about 8:30 AM on Friday, which is why we need everyone there by Thursday evening.

          At our officers meeting in Tupelo, we discussed a different strategy in addressing the never-ending problem with membership recruitment and retention.  We suggested that instead of expending all our energies on expired or expiring members that we focus on contacting the new members listed on the monthly Area Run Lists.  We need to get these folks integrated into a chapter near them so that they get the full benefit of their GWRRA membership.  New members who become active chapter members are more likely to stay with us and sometimes agree to take on different chapter jobs that the older members might want a break from.

          With that in mind, we are asking that the District Membership Enhancement Coordinators please encourage their respective chapters to contact ALL new members in their Area Run Lists who are assigned to their chapter.  This may be our best bet in reducing the numbers of expiring members of the long run.  Let’s give it a try.  This is not so say that we shouldn’t make an effort to get expiring folks to renew but we know that can sometimes be a tough sell. 

          Along with this approach, the Home Office has announced a contest to be held nation-wide between all the chapters to see who can recruit the most new members and who can get the most former or expired members to renew.  It’s a very interesting approach and we hope it achieves the goals that it is intended to.  Please refer to Bob and Karla Greers’ newsletter article in this edition for all the details.  District Directors and District MECs; let’s see if we can’t get our Region “A” chapters involved in this project.

          On a sad note, Former Alabama District Director Ken (Worm) Christian was killed in a motorcycle accident on October 20^th near his home in Tuscaloosa, AL.  Ken was a great guy and lots of fun to rally with.  He leaves behind his wife Deb and a daughter, Hadley.  We extend our condolences and wish them the best in the future.

          We hope to see you at a GWRRA event soon,

Bob & Nan

Hello Region “A”. 

       I’ve got to tell you about the 2009 Mississippi District Rally held October 15-17, in a brand spanking new location of Tupelo, MS. All I can say is WOW! 

       The Bancorp South Arena in Tupelo really is a super place to have a GWRRA Rally. Even had some vendors located on the inside of the Arena and of course most of them were located immediately outside the door in a very secure parking area. Plenty of spacious parking lots immediately around the Arena and “ALL” events were held right on site which was extremely convenient to the rally delegate. I’m telling you the location couldn’t have been any better. Very low traffic area with nice smooth roads to ride. 

       I for one really didn’t miss the hectic atrocious traffic of US-90 in Biloxi. The local town folk were absolutely the best and we really felt welcome in every establishment we frequented. Only one thing that was a little “out of control” and the Mississippi Staff had no control over what Mother-Nature sent our way during the rally. Yep, she shared some rain and low hanging clouds with us for a couple of days and then she threw the “low-blow” and blessed us with some much cooler than normal temperatures in the fifties where the normal would be in the seventies or better. So, you would think that would dim the spirits of the rally delegates, but not the Mississippi rally delegates. They just kept on coming and enjoying the festivities. What a super new location and what an excellent rally. Thanks Gregg/Pat Haribson, MS DDs, and the very capable Mississippi Staff and volunteers for making the first Mississippi Rally in Tupelo a memory maker for Sue and myself. Yep, we plan on rallying next year with ya’ll when you present “The Great American Family Reunion 2010” in Tupelo. We have already made room reservations. Remember the early bird snatches the worm!

       I expect many of you are aware we lost one of our Former Alabama District Directors October 20, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Ken “WORM” Christian at 53 years scrummed to injuries suffered in a traffic accident with a vehicle and his Gold Wing. 

       If you have been a Member of GWRRA for any length of time, I expect you will remember “Worm” and his unique and very bodacious outgoing personality. “Worm” never, never met a stranger and if he did it was only a few minutes before they befriended him. “Worm” was one of the youngest Alabama District Directors to serve and the tenure was from 1993 to 1998. Sue and I were fortunate to serve on the Alabama Staff with “Worm” during his tenure and all of us watched he and Deb (His Wife) court and marry during the tenure. We also watch “Worm” become a father and Deb become a mother during this time frame with the birth of their very lovely daughter Hadley. “Worm” was laid to rest October 23rd, in Tuscaloosa, AL with folks coming from all over the Southeast to bid him final respects. I can say without revelation that the 200 to 300 folks that attended his services dearly loved “Worm” and he will remain in our hearts and will he will be riding with many of us for years to come. With tears in her eyes, Deb told us that he died doing one of the things that he truly enjoyed and of course that was riding the Blue GL1500 pulling his Bushtec trailer (He never disconnected the trailer) behind him. “Worm” see you on the other side and I know you are riding the “High-road.” Rest In Peace.

Jim & Sue 

Chapter Contest

       What can we do to increase excitement and, at the same time create, friendly competition among Chapters during our off-season?  A Chapter Recruiting Contest!   There are three ways to win.  Please see the rules below.

Former Member Recruitment 

       The Chapter that brings back the most FORMER MEMBERS of GWRRA by December 15, 2009, will receive: 

·        Their Chapter Charter fee will be paid for 2010.

·        Each Member of the winning Chapter will receive a $10 discount on their Wing Ding registration.  If your Chapter is the winning Chapter and you have already registered for Wing Ding, you will be issued either a $10 refund or a $10 credit on Official Products or the purchase of tickets at Wing Ding.

       A Former Member is considered a Member who is expired for 30 days or more.  Both the Family memberships and Individual memberships count as one recruitment credit.

New Member Recruitment

       The Chapter that brings in the most NEW MEMBERS by December 15, 2009, will receive:

·        Their Chapter Charter fee will be paid for 2010.

·        Each Member of the winning Chapter will receive $10 off Wing Ding registration.

New Member Year-long Recruitment

       The Chapter that has recruited the most NEW MEMBERS by November 1, 2010, will receive:

·        Their Chapter Charter fee will be paid for 2011.

·        Each Chapter Member will receive 50% off their Wing Ding registration for Wing Ding 2011.

·        The winning Chapter will receive the traveling trophy cup with engraved Chapter name plate for one year.

Bob & Karla 

       Once again we had a great 3^rd quarter of Leadership Training.  This success is due solely by the efforts of our District Trainers.  Great job folks! 

       Sharon and I are looking forward to seeing you all at the Region A Operations meeting in December.  We have a bag full of information to share with you, so be prepared to take some notes.  David & Kathy Orr will also be present at our meeting, and will have their time on the agenda.  We will also have a trainer breakout session in the afternoon; so, if you have any questions or ideas to offer regarding leadership training, please be prepared to speak up.

       I have had several questions regarding the training that will take place in Phoenix in January.  Unfortunately, I don’t have enough information myself to be able to answer those questions.  I’m sure that David & Kathy will be able to provide all the answers you desire.

       Due to reasons that most of you are aware of, we were unable to attend the Mississippi Rally.  From what we have heard, it was another great success story for Gregg & Pat.  We also heard that Bobby & Lori provided a full plate of training seminars.  Those are the things we like to hear – that’s what we’re all about.  We want to thank all of our trainers and instructors for the great job they are doing in getting our members educated.  It’s like we always say, the more you know the better it gets.

We’ll see you all at Lake Point Lodge in December.

Dave & Sharon

Helloooooo, REGION A and the rest of the USA!!

       I was driving down the road the other day, thinking….you know, it's is just so easy to talk about GWRRA and the wonderful members.  Steven says it's just easy for me to talk.  I don't know….maybe I need to test that theory.  So, next time you are out and about and you see me, come up and help me put that theory to rest. 

      Boy do I have lots to talk about since the last article we wrote.  Steven lets me talk and write but he has to agree to it all.  With that said, let me assure you he is in very much agreement that we've been having a real good time lately.  Since our very first ride with our chapter on 20 May 2006, we've not stopped having a good time.  Some days we might not have quite as much fun as others, but we are still having fun.  It doesn't even matter what we do as long as we are with our Goldwinger family.  That's the part that makes it so fun!     

       Well for some folks, the riding season is drawing very near.  For others, like Steven and I, it never seems to slow.  With a big thanks to the miracle of heated clothing, we just keep on riding.  Although the rally season is ending, we are still getting ready to go for next year's rallies.  We used to be very spontaneous people.  We only planned about 2 days in advance.  We are now learning to plan about 2 years in advance.  We have a whole lot that's planned for a year out at least.  It feels good to have a full calendar…know why?..........it means we are LIVING.  Every day is a good day when you wake up and you aren't pushing daisies.  Steven feels the same as I do…we want to "LIVE" as much as we can before we can't.  We are enjoying this wonderful journey and what makes it so special is that we are ambassadors for a great organization as we travel.  It makes us proud to tell new folks about who we are and what we represent.  We try to spread the fever for our love of GWRRA.  It works in most cases too.  As a Couple Of the Year, wearing the medallions helps break the ice for folks to walk up to you and ask.  Steven and I have been sportin' some really "hot" looking hats lately and that seems to be causing a stir in crowds.  Our chapter friends tell folks our medallions are cause we are Olympic swimmers…after the shocked looks, we ease their wondering minds and let them know that our friends are just being silly…we are really just Olympic Talkers. ;-)  Well, I'm proud to be a Gold-Winner…..for talking….Steven's proud to be a Goldwinger! 

       Oh whatever it takes to get people interested, just try it.  Life is too short to be worried about what people think of you.  They are gonna think it regardless…at least give them some ammunition so they can generate a vivid memory and hope they'll want to come hang out with you because you are light-hearted and have a good time no matter what.

       With all of our traveling, we still manage to find a few days to hang out with some of our local chapters.  We just got back from a Rodeo Fun Day at our AL-J chapter.  It's never a boring moment.  They really come up with some neat, fun games to participate in.  Just so you know, we've not just been playing a lot but we've also been getting educated too as well as we've helped to teach other wingers.  Whether we are on the receiving end or on the teaching end, we enjoy every moment.  Who knew that seminars and Road Captain courses could be so fun. 

       We headed out to Virginia's District Rally on 8 October.  It was beautiful weather.  We've never been to the Rally in the Valley so we were excited to go.  You know they say they can do anything in Hollywood….well it must be true cause they sent Hollywood to Virginia…or so the rally theme alluded to that….it was Hollywood Comes to the Valley.  We saw celebrities everywhere.

       One of our other chapter members, Jake Lawyer, went with us and it is really nice to have your own traveling entertainment.  Jake is always a joy to be with.  Sometimes I think he forgets his age cause he is always spunky and you never know what to expect out of him.  We laughed till we cried.  We met some really nice people in Virginia.  Pat & Debbie Koehler, Virginia's District Couple of the Year put on a very nice couples' get together.  We played games and had fun.  Steven and I got Jake involved in some seminars.  We all three took the "Mature Riders" seminar.  I strutted in and told Mr. William Lee (aka Dr. Lee [jokingly]) the instructor that I was very mature.  He gave me a quizzical grin but welcomed me with open arms.  Believe it or not, we learned a lot of things and Mr. Lee (ummm…the doc) did an excellent job keeping us not only informed but entertained.  Alan Little gave a seminar too.  As a mature rider, I matured more after Alan gave us the scoop on the Newsletter topic.  We took a crash course on how to respond to a crash.  Good information.  Hope we never have to use that information.  Even if you've been to a seminar, it's always good to go again cause every instructor brings their own flavor to the seminar and everyone can always benefit from getting a refresher course.  A big thanks to the VA District Directors, Pat & Kathy Hasiak, for a wonderful time.

       We found our way to Tupelo, Mississippi this year.  It felt really weird not being in Biloxi, Mississippi.  No fear…excitement was in the air.  From a very unique talent show where the "real" Elvis impersonator showed up, to boat loads of vendors, and an exciting Couple Of the Year Selection event, there wasn't any time to rest.  I got my snapshot 3 times with Elvis.  I really liked his sequins!! {snicker}.  As always, Mississippi is a class act.  They had a good crowd and we found lots of new friends and newly made friends and then on Saturday, our Chapter ride event was destined for Tupelo.  Some members came to spend the night, others came to just spend a day of fun.  A big congratulation goes out to Bobby & Lori Bryant as being selected as Mississippi's newest District Couple Of the Year.  All of the couples were absolutely great, and I KNOW the judges had a hard job.  Steven and I would also like to thank Greg & Pat Harbison and their wonderful staff for a great rally and for the VIP treatment that they gave us.  We felt very welcomed and we enjoyed helping them out with the Best Dressed Competition as judges and to assist in the Couple Of the Year Selection activities.  We really appreciate Bobby & Lori Bryant for giving us the opportunity to teach our leadership training class that allowed us to become certified instructors.  We truly appreciate Mississippi's support in helping us with that effort.  We've got our room picked out for next year's rally at the Hilton Garden Inn.  I feel like it will be even bigger than this year's event.  Tupelo, Mississippi is really a neat place to go.  As we were leaving town, we took a break for lunch at Logan's Roadhouse.  We and our chapter members who were traveling with us caught the staff in the middle of some photo shoots.  We just barged right in and asked them to let us play with them.  It was so many of us, I think they feared not to let us join in.  By the time we got through with the photo shoot, the staff was having a good time with us.  We hope that we brought a little sunshine into their day that morning.  As Goldwingers, you sometimes have to seize the moment to show the public what fun people we are…..they already can see what funny-looking people some of us are. 

       Sometimes Steven and I don't get to travel together.  This weekend he needed to go to Andalusia, Alabama to help teach an ARC class while one of us needed to go support the local Couple Of the Year Get-Together in Alabaster, Alabama.  It is always so neat to see couples that will be in the same selection get to know each other and learn what the Couple Of the Program is all about.  The couples that showed up were all equally wonderful and they each had their own style and personality to bring to the table.  It is neat to know that we sat at that same table three times and each time in a different capacity.  This weekend, as Region A's representative, I was able to help them know that it's not such a scary thing.  There's nothing to fear…it's a bunch of friends getting together to have a good time.  It's a shame only one couple has to be selected, but regardless, each couple is very special and they all bring so much joy to their chapters.  The couples that are not selected are not any less special or important but instead very important.  They are the very foundation of what GWRRA represents.  They are honored because of their contributions to GWRRA and their chapters.  They will just continue to carry on with their work as Ambassadors.  Who knows, at another time, it may be their time to move forward as a District Couple. 

      Again, we can't say enough of how proud we are to serve as Region "A"'s ambassadors.  The love and support we get as we travel is remarkable.  As our journey continues, we would love to have you ride with us.  As you can see, we've got a lot more things to do.  Mark your calendars and when you can make it, come join us!

Steven & Tammy