December                          

Our December meeting & Christmas Party was held Saturday

December 6th at the home of Allen & Claudette Cyr. Those present were Allen & Claudette Cyr, Art & Mel Lane, John & Micky Poor, Richard & Nancy King, Ed & Barb Mushlit, Phil Baker, Dennis & Sandy Wright.

Where did this whole year go? It is hard to believe that we are into the 12 days of Christmas. Hope everyone has their shopping done, I know I do not.

First off, we would like to say Thank you very much to Allen & Claudette for opening their home to us all for the Christmas Party. Everyone brought a dish to share for the pot luck, but Claudette prepared enough food for an army. There was an awesome variety of food. We all had a great time.

Sandra read a thank you note from AWAP for the donation that
was given to them from the proceeds from the poker run we had
this fall.

Treasurer’s report was given by Cheryl via the telephone.

The chapter will be making a donation to the American Cancer Society in memory of our late Assistant Chapter Director Dennis Libby.

Claudette shopped for the family that the chapter adopted from AWAP. Thank you very much Claudette. After the eating and meeting we had a wrapping party so that the gifts could be delivered to the family by a certain date.

Some different activities were discussed to get together to break up the winter doldrums. Bowling will be sometime in February, with the date to be determined at next meeting. On February 21st Allen & Claudette will again open their home to us all for a pot luck at 1:00 pm. If anyone would like to host a get together please let us know, or if there is an activity or something fun to do, speak up and we will check into getting it scheduled.

At next meeting, Claudette will have a list of things to do regarding the winter bash in April.

December Birthdays          Pat Daigle – 5th; Dottie Weaver – 12th  Happy Birthday to you both!

Anniversary:  Louis & Jean Spear- 31st    Happy Anniversary to you!

From the Directors Corner:

MAINE DISTRICT DIRECTOR DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

It's been an entire year since taking over as District Directors and what a great year it has been, thanks to the generous support from the Chapters and it's members. Barb and I are looking forward to another year of exciting challenges, events and riding with the many friends we have met. Another page in my life has turned with my upcoming retirement effective January 1st. I look forward to sleeping in and having more free time to devote to home projects, family and of course GWRRA related events and rides. Our first retirement plan is a trip to Florida in January. We will be trailering the our bike down and will attempt to hook up with some of the snowbirds for rides while there.

Speaking of events, our calendar is already filling up.

Chapter C's annual Winter Bash at the Green Granite Inn at North Conway on April 3rd and 4th.

Wing Ding 31 at Tulsa, Oklahoma, July 1st thru the 5th (don't think we will make it this year)

New England Rally in Seekonk, MA. hosted by Rhode Island District on July 16th thru 19th.

One reminder to Chapters, Please submit your annual financial reports prior to February 1st.

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and an Happy and prosperous New Year.    Ed & Barb Mushlit, District Directors

The 50/50 was won by Micki Poor

The Safety tip this month is that with the holidays here, watch out for the other guy. Offer a ride to someone or take the car keys if you think that they have had too much to drink. It may save a life. Friends don’t let friends drive drunk. The life that you save could be your own.

Next meeting will be at Sully’s on January 4th 2009 at 1:00 PM.  Hope to see you all there.

It is hard to believe that it has been a whole year for Dennis & I being Chapter Directors. It has been an interesting year to say the least. From having some great rides and rallies, to several cancelled rides due to inclement weather, meeting new friends who have joined the chapter and to losing a great friend. It has definitely been a bittersweet year.

At this time Dennis & I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. We are looking forward to seeing you at upcoming meetings and events in 2009.

Merry Christmas, Dennis & Sandra Wright, Directors Chapter C

                        November

Where did October go? Halloween is gone and turkey day is just around the corner. We had our meeting at Sully’s and even though it was a beautiful sunny day out, not one of us braved the cool weather to come on either 2 or 3 wheels.  Those present were Art & Mel Lane, Richard & Nancy King, Ed & Barb Mushlit, John & Micki Poor, Allen & Claudette Cyr & Dennis & Sandra Wright.

All of our snowbirds have headed south already. We hope to hear from them off an on throughout the winter and when we do we will pass on any news they might have. We are sure that they will be rubbing it in to us that they are riding daily and the weather is beautiful, while we are here in the snow and cold.  

The meeting was fairly short and sweet, with a few items to discuss. The
Maine Chapter C trademark is finely taken care of and is good till the year 2018.

Donations are coming in for our family that will be adopted for Christmas. We would like to see $10.00 per person, but any amount that you feel you could give will be greatly appreciated. We know that times are getting  tougher for everyone and a lot of the agencies that do so much for displaced families will be feeling it even more. Send your donation to Cheryl Norcross 288 Harris Road, Minot, ME 04258. Make checks payable to GWRRA Maine Chapter C . It will be mid November before we know any info regarding our adoptive family and as soon as we have more info we will pass it on. Though not a lot of info can be given as to the safety of the family. Shopping for the family will be done by mid December and we hope to have a get together to wrap the gifts. Also too, if anyone has any spare rolls of wrapping paper and would like to donate that, it will be of great help. In the past Claudette has supplied it all and we would like to help out in supplying it this year.

We are still looking for ideas for the next riding season. If you have any ideas for fun places to go, send your ideas to Barb at [email protected]   These are your rides and we would like your input.

We are looking to fill the position of Assistant Chapter Director. If anyone is interested in helping out please let us know.

Before Christmas we will be placing another order for T-shirts, sweatshirts & long sleeve t-shirts. We also have the option to have GWRRA screen printed on one of the sleeves. Contact us if you are interested in purchasing any of these items.

The winter bash at the Green Granite Inn was discussed. This year in order to keep this fun weekend going, we are organizing it together as a Chapter. In the past, it has been completely organized by Allen and Claudette. Claudette is getting together a list of things that has been done in the past that will help us to make it another success. If we all pull together and offer to be in charge of a certain portion of the weekend, it will take the pressure off being on just one couple. Everyone will help those who offer to take charge of an event. Allen has already been in contact with the hotel and is setting up the contract for the weekend and we are able to have a block of rooms for the same price as last year. He is also, setting up the Saturday night supper at the Muddy Moose. Please help us to keep this winter blahs breaker going. As we get more info on what help is needed we will pass it along.

The safety tip this time around is to winterize your vehicles. Make sure you have your anti freeze and washer fluids all set for the freezing cold temps.  Have emergency items in your vehicle like a blanket, shovel, tube of sand and a flashlight in case of breaking down or getting stuck on the roadside somewhere.

Activities were discussed and we will do a bowling outing sometime this
winter. Date to be announced. Other suggestions were to host a
chili/chowder & dessert gathering. Claudette offered to host the first one. Date to be announced. If anyone else would like to host a pot luck or have any ideas to break up the winter months, please feel free to let us know your ideas. 

Save the date:  July 16, 17, & 18th 2009
That is the date for the New England GWRRA Rally. Rhode Island is
hosting the rally this year. The host hotel will just over the line in Seekonk MA.  Also attached is the rally flyer.

We had a 50/50 drawing which was won by Allen Cyr. He won $17.50 and he donated $12.50 of it back to go towards Christmas for the family that we adopt this year.

November Birthdays:  John Poor – 7; Pam Poisson – 9; Cheryl Norcross – 11; David Poisson – 15

November Anniversaries:  Duncan & Judy Saunders – 1, Art & Mel Lane – 15; Larry & Theola Spear – 21

FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE
1992 Gold Wing Champion Trike.
Kit Installed in March 2006 at 63,000 miles.
Present Miles, 92,300
4 ½ degree rake, Color Blue
New front tire and brakes in August of 2008.
Well maintained.
Asking $15,000
Call Art Lane 207-729-4730
or e-mail [email protected]

From the Director's Corner
November District Directors Newsletter
The bike is stored in the trailer. The lawn mower is winterized and cleaned. My snowblower is tuned up and ready to go. We have our wood pellet sacks stacked in the garage for the long winter ahead.
Sounds like we are ready for hibernation but quite the contrary. Barb and I have already gone to our first New England rally planning meeting in Seekonk, MA. There will be rally flyers, registration and reservation forms ready to go out to everyone soon. Be sure to save July 16th -19th on your events calendar. The rally will be hosted by Rhode Island and promises to be a quality event that you won't want to miss.

We are pleased to report that Chapter A is back under new leadership. Bob and Sheila Chevalier are the new Chapter Directors and have already enlisted some new staff. Their first meeting in Sanford had 23 members present and we are absolutely delighted with the new energy from everyone. Keep up the good work guys.

The GWRRA home office has announced that the new theme for 2009 will be EVERY MEMBER MATTERS We will all be reminded that it is the members that matter, each and every one. Please think about this when planning your events for 2009.

GWRRA New Renewal Program:

Purpose: To entice Members to renew by having a drawing every quarter and rewarding the winner with a prize and to say thank you to our Members for renewing.  Eligibility: Must renew for 3 years to be eligible for prizes. Applies to Individual and Family Memberships, Full and Associate.  Program Dates: Starts January 1, 2009

GWRRA Northeast Region B Newsletter 4 November 2008

Quarterly Prize Give-Away Is designed to say thank you to the Members who support us year after year. Members who renew for 3 years not only take advantage of the $15 in savings, they now will have the opportunity to win a prize for renewing.

  •  Each quarter, 3 prizes will be given away. We have 12 advertisers who have donated gifts for the drawing. The prizes are kept secret until that quarter. 

 •  One grand prize - a free room at Wing Ding, 2010, will be drawn from all Members who had renewed for 3 years. (Jan.-Dec. 2009)

 •  Winners will be listed on the Homepage, in Wing World, and will also receive a personal phone call from Melissa.

New Recruiting Incentive Program

Purpose:  

•  To provide an incentive for Members to recruit new Members.  •  To incorporate this with the existing Find-A-Friend program (see below)

 •  To incorporate this with the existing Recruiter of the Year Program (see below)

Incentives:

•  For every 2 Memberships (Individuals or Households) a Member recruits, they will receive a $5.00 gift certificate that they can use for Goodies, toward their membership renewal, or for Wing Ding registration. No limitations on how many certificates a Member can earn.  

•  Eligibility & Qualifications

•  Open to all current Members of GWRRA

•  Members must recruit NEW members ONLY, not renewals

Restrictions:

•  The certificate will be non-transferable and will have an expiration date. (1 year from date of issue, certificates will be date stamped when issued)

GWRRA RECRUITING PROGRAM  - FIND-A- FRIEND

•  Find-A-Friend Council (1-25)

•  Recruit 1—get Find-A-Friend pin

•  Recruit 5 more and get 5-Heart hangar bar

•  Recruit 25 and receive Emerald hangar bar

HALL OF HONOR

•  Hall of Honor (26-99)

•  Recruit 26 and receive Hall-of-Honor pin, patch & certificate

•  Recruit 5 more and receive 5-Heart hangar bar

•  Recruit 50 and receive Ruby hangar bar, certificate & 10% coupon

•  Recruit 75 and receive Pearl hangar bar, certificate & 15% coupon

HALL OF FAME

•  Hall of Fame (100 & over)

•  Recruit 100 or more and receive Hall-of-Fame pin, patch & certificate

•  Recruit 5 more and receive 5-Heart hangar bar

•  Recruit 100 and receive Sapphire hangar bar, certificate & 20% coupon

•  Recruit 150 and receive Diamond hangar bar, certificate & 25% coupon

GWRRA Northeast Region B Newsletter 5 November 2008

•  Recruit 200 and receive Double-Diamond hangar bar, certificate & 25%

coupon

•  Recruit 300 and receive Triple-Diamond hangar bar, certificate & 30% coupon

•  Recruit 400 and receive Quadruple-Diamond hangar bar, certificate & 35% coupon

•  Recruit 500 and receive 5-Diamond hangar bar, certificate & 50% coupon.

New Member Benefits:

To all District Directors: Please ask all CD’s to survey their members and ask them what other benefits and discounts would they like to have as GWRRA members and have them email the results to us at [email protected]

GWRRA will be promoting the difference between Benefits and Discounts.

Benefits: NEW Rescue Plus: FREE towing miles will increase from 50 miles to 100 miles.

Discounts; GWRRA members will get discount rates on car rentals, T-Mobile and Foremost Insurance. More details will come throughout 2009.

Barb and I would like to thank everyone for their support in our first complete term as District Directors.

Till next time, take care and stay warm, Ed & Barb Mushlit, GWRRA Maine District Directors

Our next meeting will be our Christmas Party to be hosted by the Cyrs. The date is December 6th at 2:00 PM. Please bring a dish to share. The address is 380 Middle St. Sabattus. If anyone needs directions let us know, Their home is where the summer district picnics were always held.  Hope to see you all there.

This past weekend was the NH Extravaganza. We would like to say thank you to NH Chapter A Directors Andy & Mary Tarbell and their Chapter for a fabulous weekend.

Nancy has updated Maine Chapter C website.

November 11 was Veterans Day  If you see a Veteran, tell them Thank you

We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving.  Till Next month at the Christmas Party   See you then.  Dennis & Sandra Wright, Directors Chapter C

                             October                        

Well, here it is October already, hard to believe that riding is almost at an end for another season. At least for those of us who are not snowbirds and get to go south for the winter.

We held our 1st fall meeting at Sully’s in Winthrop and we had a great turnout.   Most of us got to ride the bikes to the meeting. The weather for the most part was sunny, was a bit cool, and some ran into rain showers on the way home.

Those present were, Richard King, Barry Geddis & Joanne Legere, Bob & Cheryl Norcross, Art & Mel Lane, Norma Spinney, Ed & Barb Mushlit, Mike & Polly Trepanier, Allen & Claudette Cyr, Ed & Carol Barski, Bonnie Libby, Dennis & Sandy Wright & Bob & Shelia Chevalier of Chapter A.

Dennis opened the meeting by welcoming everyone. Bob & Sheila were introduced. They are from Sanford and will be the new chapter directors of Maine Chapter A. We wish them the best of luck with their chapter.

The treasures report was given.

The moose trademark for our chapter logo is up for renewal. We have sent in the renewal application and money, so that it is good for another 10 years. This way no one else can use our logo but our chapter.

The poker run for 2009 was discussed briefly. It was suggested that it be held sometime in September. We are looking into the weekend after UBM holds the annual toy run. We will be checking into other events that may be happening during that month. It is felt that by holding it later in the fall, we would have a better turnout.

We know that this somewhat early, BUT, Christmas is just around the corner. We will be adopting a family again from AWAP (Abused Women Advocacy Project), instead of exchanging gifts.  We ask for your donations. If everyone could do $5.00 to $10.00 per person, it will make a family very happy. Last year everyone sent $10.00 per person. We really appreciated everyone’s generosity. We know that times are getting very tough so any amount is appreciated. You can make your check payable to GWRRA Chapter C Maine and send it to Cheryl Norcross, 288 Harris Road, Minot, ME 04258. Please send your donation as early as you can and no later than Dec. 1st. as to give time to get the shopping done for the family.

Allen & Claudette will be opening their home to host the Christmas Party this year. The date will be announced in the next newsletter. We hope that everyone will join us there.

The date for the annual Winter Bash will be April 3rd,4th, & 5th 2009. The price for the rooms will be the same as last year.  $69.99 plus taxes. There will be a flyer out at the beginning of the New Year. Allen has taken care of booking the Green Granite and negotiating the price. Allen will also make the arrangements for the Saturday night supper at the Muddy Moose.  We are still looking to do the silent auction, Social Hour, games etc. This year however, we need to make it happen as a chapter and not have the full event be put on Allen & Claudette as it has been in the past. If everyone works together we can make it happen. Allen and Claudette will be letting us know what would be expected for each area so that it will be a success. If interested in volunteering please get in touch with us. Teamwork spells success.

The 50/50 of $35.00 was won by Carol Barski,

October Birthday:  Leslie Doucette – 11; Happy Birthday Leslie

October Anniversaries:  Jeff & Leslie Doucette – 13; David & Pam Poisson - 19.  Happy Anniversary to you all

Last winter we had a few social gatherings other than the monthly meeting. We will be planning another bowling event sometime this winter. If anyone would like to host a get together at their home or can think of something fun to do, please let us know.

Also too, we would like everyone to put on their thinking caps and help plan the rides for next season. If everyone could think of maybe just one place that would be fun to ride to as a group, then we would have a great variety to choose from when the riding  schedule is made up. This way we are not riding to the same places all the time and by having different places to go, then there might be more interest in the group rides. Richard & Bob are still our ride coordinators and Barb is going to help out too, If you have a suggestion for a ride, email Barb at [email protected] The rides will be on the 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month. If it rains on the Saturday, then Sunday is the rain date. There were too many weekends this summer that we could not ride because of rain.

Don’t forget the NH Extravaganza on November 7th,8th & 7th at the Town & Country Inn, Shelburne, NH. $72.00 per night/ double occupancy. Telephone # 1-800-325-4386 Mention GWRRA. The Saturday night dinner is $25.00 per person, return reservation slip no later than October 18th to GWRRA-NH-A c/o Andy Tarbell, 50 Walker St. Concord, NH 03301 Food choices of Center Cut New York Sirloin Steak, Chicken Cordon Bleu, or Broiled Fresh Filet of Boston Haddock. All dinners include tossed salad, baked stuffed potato, and Ice Cream puff. Please include email address for confirmation

A note from the Directors Corner

District Directors Corner

It won’t be long now before the bikes are stored for the winter. Some of the snowbirds are fortunate enough to be able to continue riding throughout the year. Either way, we all have things to keep us occupied. Those of us who can’t go south are planning a whole calendar of activities starting in November. Chapter meetings, rally planning, holiday parties, fund raisers and the lists go on.

One other activity that chapters could be thinking about during the off season is Rider Education. Regional is actively seeking local trainers or those who are interested in becoming trainers. This is a great time to hone our skills. Let us or you chapter directors know if you are interested in learning or teaching those skills.

We are pleased to announce that we have selected a new director of Chapter “A”. Robert Chevalier and his lovely wife Sheila of Sanford have expressed interest in restoring the chapter to a more active level. Please join in extending a warm welcome to them and any new and former GWRRA members in the Chapter “A” (southern ME) area. The first new monthly meeting will be held on Sunday, October 26th at 11:00am at Pat's Pizza in Sanford.

Barb and I will be attending the first of many meetings in Rhode Island to help plan the next N.E. Rally in July 09. The Rally will be held at the Ramada Inn in Seekonk, MA., which is just across the state line with R.I. We welcome any new ideas or requests that you feel will make the rally better. Feel free to call or write to us about them.

Enjoy the remainder of the season and be cautious of wet leaves and pine needles on the road surface. Keep the shiny side up and stay warm and healthy. BTW, don’t forget to vote on November 4th.  Ed and Barb Mushlit, GWRRA Maine District Directors

There were a couple of prizes from the poker run that were not claimed so we will be hanging on to those for a door prize and silent auction at the Green Granite Winter Bash.

We still have a couple of T-shirts left size extra large and 2 sweatshirts left, size large. If you are interested in ordering either a short sleeve or long sleeve t-shirt or sweatshirt let us know. We will be putting an order in for more soon.

Safety Tip: Watch for early morning frost, in shaded areas the frost will last longer. Also too, October is Fire Prevent time and remember to change your batteries in your smoke detectors.

Next meeting will be November 2nd at Sully’s at 1:00 PM

Till next time, Dennis & Sandra Wright, Directors, Chapter C

                            September

Good grief, where did the summer go???  There was no September meeting due to us not being around the first weekend of the month. The ride that was scheduled this past weekend was cancelled due to correct weather prediction of rain.

This month marks the 7th year of the tragedy of 9/11.  I am sure we all remember where we were that day.  Before you read any further, please take a moment of silence in memory of those who died that day.  “We will never forget”

First off, we want to wish Jack Carey a speedy recovery.  Mariette emailed us and said that Jack had been in the hospital and had surgery.  We talked with him on Sunday and he said that he was feeling better.  Taking it slow and easy.

This is something that we failed to mention regarding the Vermont Rally that was held in July in Rutland.  One of the nightly 50/50 winners was Phil Baker. Phil won $350.00, Congratulations!  Also too, the grand prize winner of some pretty big bucks was Claudette Cyr.  Claudette won $500.00. Congratulations !!

September birthdays:  Jean Spear – 1, Mel Lane – 7, Barb Mushlit – 7, Mike Trepanier – 10,

Dennis Wright – 15, Theola Spear – 18, Happy Birthday to all of you.

September Anniversaries: Richard & Nancy King – 16, Mike & Polly Trepanier – 29, Bud & Mary Conner – 30, Happy Anniversary to you all,

We would like to mention that there was a good turnout for the annual district picnic on August 23rd held at Ed & Barb Mushlit's home in Monmouth.  We had a moment of silence in memory of our friend and Assistant Chapter Director, Dennis Libby, who passed away on August 9th

We all had a great time and enjoyed great food. It was nice seeing members of the other chapters. We all enjoyed each other's company.

We would like to thank both Ed & Barb for their hospitality and opening their home to us all.

From The Director’s Corner

We are beginning to feel that summer is really at its end; however, what could be better than a typical Maine autumn -- our favorite time of year when the air is crisp and cool and the trees begin to display a rainbow of  color. We think we can still plan to ride for a couple more months.

We enjoyed playing host to our first District Picnic on August 23rd. Members from each of the Chapters (44 members in all) from as far away as Madawaska enjoyed a beautiful day with us on Monmouth Ridge. We met a few new friends and remembered the recent loss of our friend Dennis Libby.  We stuffed ourselves with too much food, shared some laughs and memories with good friends and riding companions. Let's plan to do it again next year!  Ed and Barb Mushlit

The next ride will be on September 27th riding to Rangeley as was mentioned in the notice that cancelled this past weekend’s ride to Littleton, NH.  The group will be meeting at McDonalds in Jay, leaving promptly at 9:00.

Not to sound like a broken record, but another reminder about NH Chapter A’s Extravaganza Weekend on November 7, 8, & 9th at the Town & Country Inn.  Room Rate is $72.00 per night (2 person occupancy)   Call 1-800-325-4386 and mention GWRRA there will be a Monte Carlo night and also a  GWRRA dinner as noted on previously sent flyer.   If anyone did not receive the flyer and would like more information, please let us know.  It is bound to be a fun time.  Hope you can make it to show your support for their chapter.  They are a great chapter in supporting our winter bashes in April.  Let’s return the support.

Wanted:  Member is looking for a bunk house camper trailer.   If anyone knows of one for sale please call  207-649-1097 with info.  Thank you.

Safety Tip of the month:  Getting to be that time when leaves are going to be starting to fall. They are very slippery when wet.  Use caution.

Next meeting will be at Sully’s in Withrop on October 5th at 1:00 PM.  Hope to see you there and if we are lucky we will still be on the bikes.

Till next time.  Dennis & Sandra Wright, Directors Chapter C

                           August

The August 2nd meeting was held at Tim Horton’s in Auburn.  Those present were Jack & Mariette Carey, Ed & Barb Mushlit, Allen Cyr, Dennis & Sandra Wright.  

The meeting/ ride was originally scheduled to go to Andover Old Home Days, but the weather did not look like it was going to co-operate. After sitting inside Tim Horton’s with hot coffee and donuts, it was unanimous on staying put and having the meeting there and to forget the ride.

The main topic of the meeting this month was the Poker Run, which is to be held on Saturday August 9th.  Hope everyone can join us on this fundraiser.  Everyone working together will make this a successful event.  We are looking for more volunteers to help out Saturday even if it is only for an hour or two.  All help will be welcome and appreciated.  If you have gotten some door prizes for the event on Saturday, please let us know so that we may add them to the list.

Ed announced that Nancy King has stepped up and agreed to take on the position of District Treasurer. As most of you know, Richard & Nancy were Chapter C Directors before we took the position.   Congratulations Nancy, and thank you.

It is hard to believe that summer will soon come to an end.  The weather has not co-operated all that much for weekend rides.

The New England District Rally has come and gone.  Vermont did an awesome job with the Rally.  We had a blast.  We had a great turnout of Chapter members that went to the Rally.  We hope everyone had a great time.  The ice cream social with the 50s theme was just one of those “you really had to be there”  kind of time. Everyone really got into going back in time to the fabulous 50s.

Friday night downtown for the block party was loads of fun too.  

We also did a tour of the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream factory.  Richard was in his glory with that place.

We will be getting pictures to Nancy soon and they can be posted on the web site if anyone would like to see more pictures from the Rally.

 Other upcoming rides as mentioned in previous newsletters:

August 15th – 17th  Chapter V’s annual picnic in Madawaska.  Hope everyone can make it.  It is sure to be a good time.  This will be a great opportunity to check out the 4 Corners Park.  If anyone is planning on going, there are still rooms available at the Gateway motel in Madawaska.  Allen & Claudette and Dennis & I will be heading out early Friday morning.  If anyone that is planning on going, would like to ride with us, please let us know so that we can plan on a meeting time and place.

August 23rd is the District picnic to be held at District Directors  Ed and Barb Mushlit’s home starting at 1:00 pm.  They would like a head count if possible to give them an idea on how many to expect.  Directions were sent in a previous email. This is the annual picnic that in the past had been hosted by past District Directors, Allen & Claudette Cyr.  

August 30-Sept 1 (Labor Day Weekend) there is the Vermont Fair in Rutland, VT.  Let us know if anyone is interested in going. This will be a 2 night stay.

August Birthdays:  Happy Birthday to:  Claudette Cyr- 1st, Bonnie Libby- 4th, Maurice Daigle – 11th, Dennis Libby – 11th

There are no August anniversaries to list.  Please let us know your special day.

From the Director’s Corner

July has certainly been a busy month for us. We traveled with Bob and Cheryl Norcross 2,800 miles round trip to Wing Ding with some sightseeing along the way. Some of the highlights included Amish country and Gettysburg. Skyline Drive was spectacular as were parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway. We thought originally that we would run the entire parkway, but discovered that it takes way more time than we had available.

Arrived home on the 10th of July with enough time to unpack, visit with family and mow the lawns. Then it was off to Rutland for the N.E. Rally on the 16th. Vermont hosted the event under the guidance of Nate and Linda Evans. They deserve huge praise for a job well done. It was one of the best rallies we have attended thus far and everyone we talked with expressed what a great time it was. I have to thank Chapter C and D for all the help they gave us with the raffles throughout the weekend. We are already beginning to make plans for next year's rally.

Now it’s on to August with a few key events on tap. Chapter C is hosting a Poker Run on Saturday, the 9th. It will be at Central Maine Motorsports beginning at 9 am with lots of prizes and a 50/50 drawing.

Chapter V will host it's annual picnic at Jim & Linda Cyr's home in St. David near Madawaska on Saturday, August 16th.

Then there’s the annual district picnic being held at our home in Monmouth on August 23rd at 1pm. There will be lots of food and a chance to meet and visit with folks from around the state. This is our first time as hosts for the event and we hope that lots of people come and enjoy. Feel free to call or e-mail us with any questions. Our Tel # is 933-5899, email, mushlit@fairpoint .net.

Till next time, Ride safe and have fun.  Ed and Barb Mushlit, GWRRA Maine Directors

Safety tip for the month:  Group Riding

The leader should be sure to observe the speed limits and take into consideration what experience new members in the group have had with riding with several bikes in staggered formation, and distance between bikes, and keeping tight at traffic lights so that everyone can get thru the lights etc.

We have 3 VHS tapes available if anyone is interested in watching them.

 The tapes are:

1.    Touring & Braking

2.    Co-rider Seminar

3.    Trailering

We will bring these tapes to the meeting and if you would like to sign them out, you may do so.  They are very informative.

What we would like is for SOMEONE (named Allen) to become our Education Coordinator.  Our dream is to have someone that is not shy about speaking in front of a group and finding people to come and talk to the group about different topics during the winter months.  

Don’t forget to mark on your calendar about New Hampshire Chapter A’s Extravaganza Weekend on November 7th,8th, & 9th at the Town & Country Hotel.  To guarantee your room reservation, book your room now.  Room rate is $72.00 per night/ 2 per room.

The number is 1-800-325-4386, mention GWRRA  There will be a Monte Carlo Night and dinner. We will be sending a flyer out soon.  More info to come in future newsletters. There is no ride scheduled for the first weekend of September.  The meeting will be announced at a later date.

Hope to see you at the Poker Run. Even if you can not commit to working on the poker run, come and ride the route and show your support for a great cause.

Till next time.  Dennis & Sandra Wright, Directors Chapter C

                            MAY

Spring has finally sprung, the grass is getting green and it is time for the black flies and mosquitoes, AND it is riding time again. (although you would not have known it this past Saturday).

Maine Chapter C’s monthly meeting was held this month by Ed in the garage at Venco Wings, in Louden NH.  Those that braved the elements of Saturday’s temperature and rain were, Richard & Nancy King, Art & Mel Lane, Sean & Kim Couture, John Gallagher, David Gallagher, & Ed Mushlit.

We would like to welcome to the meetings chapter members John Gallagher & David Gallagher. They have been GWRRA members since 2004.

Dennis & I would like to thank Ed for holding the meeting for us this month.  We were unable to attend due to our bike is being remodeled and should be done this week. We decided that we would like to join the ranks of the 3 wheels. This is something that we have been pondering for about a year now and it is finally happening.  The conversion from 2 wheels to 3 is amazing.  I have taken several pictures of the tranformation.

Ed thanked Barb for succeeding in getting the permit for the poker run this summer.  At the time of submitting the application, an organization needed to be acknowledged on the permit as to whom we were raising the proceeds for.  This year’s recipients are the YWCA and AWAP which is the organization that we adopted a family this past Christmas from the Woman’s Abuse Center.

We would like to have your ideas submitted to us for a design for a poster for the poker run so that we can get them made up to be distributed in July for the August 9th poker run in Lewiston.

Also, we would like everyone to start soliciting to the businesses for door prizes.  Please let us know of businesses in your area that you can ask.  This way we can try to avoid a business being asked more than once.

May Birthdays

Art Lane- May 4th

Terry Belanger – May 15th

Happy Birthday to you both!!!!

Anniversary

John & Micki Poor- May 18th   Happy Anniversary to you!!!

 Allen has checked with the person that does the screen printing on the T-shirts and sweatshirts.  We would like to hear from you if  you are interested in purchasing either a T-shirt, sweatshirt, or both  We would have to order a  minimum of 12 shirts. Total.   It can be a combination of short sleeve, long sleeve T-shirts or sweatshirts.   We thought maybe where there have been new members joining the chapter, that there might be an interest. 

Prices are as follows:

T-Shirts (short sleeved)    $14.00 (Sm.to XL)  $16.00 (XXL or larger)

T-Shirts (long sleeved)     $15.00 (Sm.to XL)   $17.00 (XXL or larger)

Sweatshirts                       $20.00 (Sm.to XL)    $22.00 (XXL or larger)

We also still have some hats left to sell.

From the Director’s Corner:       May 2008

Well, the 2008 riding season has officially begun in Maine although it seems like April and May have gotten reversed as far as the weather goes.  April was very sunny, warm and dry.  This month is starting off cool and wet.  Our first chapter ride was this past Saturday over to Venco Wings annual open house in Louden, N.H. We were a group of six wings- it rained off and on during the ride over.  Everyone huddled under cover at the open house and we then left in a steady downpour with temps in the mid forties for our return trip.  Certainly not the most comfortable ride I've ever had.  Think summer and warmer weather!

Barb & I attended the Rhode Island kick off breakfast last month along with a New England rally planning meeting.  Things are really coming together for the rally in Rutland, VT. July 17th - 20th with lots of activities, events and vendors.  I would urge anyone who has not made their reservations and registered to do so soon.  It promises to be one of the best rallies ever.

We are very excited about the upcoming trip to Wing Ding 30 in Greenville, S.C. on July 3rd 4th and 5th.  I would like a list of everyone in the district planning to attend Wing Ding along with a cell phone contact number so that we can coordinate.  We will be assisting the region with the grand parade line up this year and will need all the help we can get.

Be sure to check out the various district/chapter website activities to see what's happening in different areas of the state and throughout the region.  We encourage supporting other GWRRA districts and chapters whenever you can.  The annual Chapter C winter bash, R.I. Kickoff breakfast, and the N.E. Rally are examples of events that are strongly supported by members and guests from all over the region.

I would like to thank Nancy King for accepting the role as new  district treasurer.  I will be following up with the necessary paperwork.  Also a big thank you to Peter Warner for a fine job as outgoing treasurer.

We have the new Northeast Region patches for sale ($3.75) – let me know if you want one.

Till next time, have fun, ride safe and learn all you can.

Ed & Barb Mushlit, GWRRA Maine District Directors

UPCOMING RIDES AND EVENTS

May 18th (Sunday)   Ride to Bar Harbor- Meet at Gardiner Hannaford leaving Promptly at 9:00.

For those of us that are in the Mid Coast Area, we will be meeting the group in Belfast at the Dead River Convenience Store. We figure to be there by around 9:30 so as to be fueled up and the bathroom break all done by the time the rest of the group arrives so that they may do the same and we can be on the way to Bar Harbor. For those that want to program your GPS, the store is 22 Belmont Ave. Belfast. Also known as Rt. 3. The store is right across from the Dairy Queen.

June 7th- Ride to Fort Knox (Bucksport) Meet at Gardiner Hannaford leaving promptly at  9:00 AM

June 2nd – 7th – Americade- Lake George, New York

June 22nd – Colbrook Waterfalls/ Blessing of the Bikes - Meet at Tim Hortons,  Minot Ave. Auburn  leaving promptly at 8:00 AM

June27 &  28th – Four Corner Dedication at Madawaska

July 3rd – 6th –  30th annual Wing Ding Rally- Greenville, SC

July 17th – 20th  New England Rally, Rutland VT

For those who are going to the New England Rally in Rutland VT. And are planning on leaving Thursday, July 17th we will be meeting at the Irving Station, Exit 75 in Auburn. Departure time will be announced at a future date as the time gets closer.

Hope to see you on some of these rides. 

The following pictures are views from the Penobscot Narrows Bridge.  For those of you who are riding to Fort Knox on June 7th. You might want to take the opportunity to visit the observation tower.  It opened back up May 1st. The view is spectacular.

Safety Tip for this time around:  DO NOT ride when it is pouring rain and temps in the forties.  (They all froze their butts Saturday all the way to and from Venco. )  Also, be sure to check your first aide kits to make sure that everything is up to date.  Some items even like first aid ointments and tylenol etc. have expiration dates on them.

Due to Americade week, there will be no June meeting ( one was not held last year in June) Ride will be as scheduled to Fort Knox.

No meeting is set up for July. No rides scheduled in July  due to Wing Ding week,  and New England Rally

Next meeting will be August 2nd, ride scheduled to Andover Old Home Days meeting at Time Hortons, Minot Ave. Auburn leaving promptly at 9:00

Would love to hear about some of your adventures while riding this summer.  Feel free to email or mail us about your ride and we will share it with everyone.  Might give us some new ideas on where to ride as a group for next years ride schedule.  Remember also, even though some weekends rides are not scheduled, if you plan on taking a day trip somewhere and would like some company, feel free to let us know and we will pass the word on to the rest of the group.

The ride schedule is listed on the Mainely Wings site at www.geocities.com/gwrramainec  then go to events 2008

Throughout June and July, we will be sending reminders about the rides and upcoming events even though no meetings are scheduled.

Happy Mother's Day!   

Although May is here and we think of celebrating Memorial Day by having BBQs etc.  let us not forget the real meaning of Memorial Day. 

Memorial Day originally called Declaration Day is a day of rememberance for those who have died in our nation's service.

I found this poem on a website

Our Gift to the Fallen

A Short Poem by Charlie Gragg

Penryn, California

For each soldier that has fallen so that many may stand

We honor their spirit as they pass to God's hand

For without their sacrifice we would live forever in fear

We pray for their loved ones and provide a salute and a tear

God help us heal the wounds of hate and the misery of war

That is our gift to our fallen heroes that are amongst us no more.

Till next time

Dennis & Sandra Wright, Directors Chapter C

                            April

Greetings from the Green Granite Inn, Dennis welcomed everyone and thanked
them for attending the meeting. Those who attended from Chapter C, were Bob &
Cheryl, Ed & Barb, Art & Mel, Dennis & Bonnie, Richard & Nancy, Allen &
Claudette, Barry & Joanne, & Dennis & Sandra.  We had a few guests at our meeting. Bruce & Linda Hartley (NH), Dan & Ruth Ann Camire (NJ), Duncan & Judy Saunders (NH, formally ME-C), Andrew & Mary Tarbell (NH- Directors, Chapter A), Glenn & Laura Daniels (NH).
Dan & Ruth Ann Camire are involved in the C.O.Y at the District Level. Any of
you that are going to be going to Wing Ding this summer, look them up while you
are there and show them your support.

A quick meeting was held. We received an update on the poker run permit
regarding the costs and regulations. Things seem to be progressing smoothly so
far. We will be starting to collect door prizes for this event. Anyone that knows of
any businesses that would like to donate an item, feel free to acquire the items.
You can let us know who you have asked so that the business is not asked twice.
Ride schedule and rain dates were briefly discussed. Will discuss more next
meeting as to how it is decided when a ride is cancelled due to inclement weather.
Depending on where you are located , the weather may be different then where the
meeting place is going to be.

Some dates to mark on your calendar!
April 19 th & 20 th Rhode Island kick off breakfast.
May 3 rd : Venco Wings- NH
Meeting place: Irving Station in Auburn, Exit 75. Ride leaving promptly at 8:00
AM. Please make sure you arrive in plenty of time to have your bike all fueled up
and ready to ride.

Safety tip:  Use extra caution with these early rides. Due to the number of storms this winter, lots of areas ran out of calcium for the roads, therefore more sand in on the roads than usual.

April Birthdays - John Honas-23rd - Happy Birthday John
April Anniversaries - Terry & Julia Belanger- 30th - Happy Anniversary Terry & Julia

Please let us wish you a happy birthday or anniversary. Let us know your special dates so that we may all wish you well.

The Winter Bash was a great success. We would like to thank Allen & Claudette
Cyr for organizing and planning a great weekend event. We would also like to
thank all the chapter members that helped set up the event and helped out at the
silent auction. With all the teamwork, everyone had a great time.
The social hour and silent auction was a big hit once again this year. Claudette
and Allen surprised everyone with an ice cream social. We all had a great meal at
the Muddy Moose. They did a fantastic job on seating us all, taking orders,
serving the food and getting us out of there and back for the auction in record time.
The staff there was courteous, and took right care of us all. We had 57 signed up
for supper.

We felt bad that there were a couple of chapter members that came down ill during
the weekend and missed a lot of the events. We are hoping that they feel better.
There is lots of nasty stuff going around this winter.

The $25.00 gift certificate to the Muddy Moose was won by David Perkins, NH-
A, The 50/50 of $87.00, was won by Bill Hahn, CT, Assistant District Director;
The door prize of one night’s stay at the Green Granite was won by Sandra Wright,
Chapter Director, ME-C; There were several prizes given for the winners of the
bingo games and motorcycle trivia games. The stupid laws trivia game (highest
score) prize of a one nights stay at the Green Granite was won by Dennis Wright,
Chapter Director, ME-C.  Congratulations to all!

Allen & Claudette announced that this was going to be their last year as
coordinators of the Winter Bash. In order to keep this fun end of winter event
going, we either need to have someone else step up to organize this or take it on as
a chapter and divide the duties to make it as successful as in the past. Allen and
Claudette have done a fantastic job doing this over the years and they are still
willing to help out with this but they are ready to let others incorporate their fresh
ideas. We think with everyone working together as a team, we can do it. This will
be discussed more at future meetings.

DISTRICT DIRECTORS CORNER.
Well, the last time I wrote I promised that I would report on the Horizons
Leadership Training Program that we attended.

It was a day and a half classroom program focused on understanding what
makes you and others tick.
The objective of which was to teach us the GWRRA T-E-A-M concept:
Together
Everyone
Accomplishes
More

We are a volunteer organization that requires leadership roles based on
coaching, mentoring and teamwork. We hopefully learned of the skills,
the benefits and the challenges needed to succeed as team leaders.
We are now officially into what is in Maine, known as Mud Season.
Everyone is thinking about when will it be warm enough to get the Wing out
for that first ride. I know that I am. In the mean time, we are all planning the
events and rides we will participate in. I hope you all remember to keep in
mind, and not take for granted, the efforts of those who help organize and
plan these events and rides. Be sure and let them know that you
appreciate the work they do and perhaps offer your suggestions and ideas.
As I mentioned in the start of this letter, we are a team, all of us together.
On that note, I want to mention what a marvelous job Dennis and Sandra
have been doing as Chapter C Directors.

Also, to Allen & Claudette for another great job planning and organizing the
annual Winter Bash. I can't leave out Bob and Richard for their ride
schedule coordination efforts.

Up in Chapter D, Kim Sherburne is off to a great start as a new director.
Kim also attended the leadership training program. We encourage anyone
is currently an officer or thinks they might like to be invoved at any level to
attend one of these programs when they become available.

Chapters A and V also have been busy getting ready for the ride season.
Jim Cyr is still digging out from under 15 feet of snow in the county. He has
been busy planning for the 4 corners park ceremony in beautiful downtown
Madawaska during the final weekend in June.

As always, stay safe, keep healthy and think warm, dry weather.
Ed & Barbara Mushlit, Maine District Directors

For Sale
Seat and passenger backrest from a 1999 GL1500.
This bike was bought new, drove home about 90 miles and seat was
taken off to instal a Corbin seat.
Perfect condition $150.00
Call Randy, 207-542-3551

Next month’s meeting will be on the road (YEAH!!!!!!) on the ride either to or from Venco Wings.  Hope to see you there!  Dennis & Sandra Wright, Directors, Chapter C

                      March

 Maine Chapter C's monthly meeting was held in Winthrop at Sully's on March 2nd.

Dennis thanked everyone for coming. We all welcomed newcomers Barry & Joanne Geddis of Steep Falls.

Those attending this month's meeting were Art & Mel Lane, John & Micki Poor, Ed & Barb Mushlit, Dennis & Bonnie Libby, Bob & Cheryl Norcross, Barry & Joanne Geddis, Allen Cyr, & Dennis & Sandra Wright

We had a great time at the February get together at the Lisbon Falls Bowling Alley.  We had 14 members present of which 12 bowled.  For some of us who hadn't bowled in years, we were  a little bit rusty, but had a great time anyway.  I imagine that our younger grandchildren would have had higher scores then some of us.  After the bowling we proceeded to Grazianos for supper.

Bangor Chapter D is holding their 2nd annual Spring Charity Raffle.  Proceeds benefit the Bangor Humane Society and other GWRRA charities.  For more info you can contact a GWRRA ME- D member or email [email protected] or visit their website (no www) homepages.roadrunner.com/gwrra Grand prize is 2 Premium Field Box 1st base tickets! Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park fo game Sunday June 8, 2008 plus other great prizes.

Mark your calendars for November 7th,8th,& 9th 2008.   For NH-A EXTRAVAGANZA WEEKEND. NH Chapter A is having a Fun Raising Time at the Town & Country, in Gorham NH.  Room rates will be $72.00 per night for 2 per room.  There will be a Monte Carlo Night  & GWRRA dinner on Saturday night.  To guarantee your room reservation, book your room now.  Call 1-800-325-4386  As we receive more info, we will pass it along.

Barb checked into what the protocol is for acquiring a license to hold a poker run.  As some of you may have read, there was an article in the Bangor Daily News back in January, with the State putting regulations on having poker runs.  The paperwork is in the works and the poker run will be scheduled for August 9th.  As plans progress, more info will follow.

On August 16th is the Norm Audie memorial motorcycle ride. The ride is a 50 mile route (approx. 2 hour ride) starting at 5 Points Shopping Center in Biddeford.  All bikes are welcome.  The ride will be police motorbike escort through Saco, Buxton, Gorham, Scarborough, Old Orchard Beach, & Biddeford  The ride will end about noon and the barbecue and music will already be happening.

The proceeds of this ride goes to the Normand J. Audie Scholarship Fund.  These monies help other students with their education who share the same interests as Normand had.  Normand was 21 when he was killed riding his motorcycle after a collison with an on coming car.
For more information on this memorial ride log onto www.NormAudie.org/ride.htm  you can preregister on line. 

We have some pins for sale that are of our chapter logo.  For Chapter members the pins are $1.00, non members $1.50. We will be taking these pins to sell at the Green Granite next month.  If anyone is interest in purchasing one let us know.

Ed & Barb will be attending the GWRRA Horizons Leadership training program in Keene, NH on March 8th & 9th . We are looking forward to them sharing with all the chapters what they have learned.

The hats are in if anyone is interested in buying one.  We will have them at the meetings with us each month. Also too, we will be taking some to the Winter Bash to sell.

Birthdays for March:  Richard King- 5th, Jeff Doucette- 15th, Duncan Saunders- 21st  Happy Birthday to all.
There were no Anniversaries  listed for March

Safety Tip for the month:   T-CLOCS Inspection Checklist.
A copy of the T-CLOCS check list was passed out to everyone that attended the meeting.
T- Tires & Wheels
C- Controls
L-Lights
O-Oil
C- Chassis
S-Stands

A reminder that next month is the Winter Bash, there are still rooms available,   Room rates are $69.95 + tax. Remember to mention GWRRA or Maine Chapter C.  Call 1-800-468-3666  Don't forget, make your reservation soon.  Looking forward to having a great time. Remember to bring items for the silent auction. This is our Chapter Fundraiser.  It is weekends like this that enble us to support charities like AWAP at Christmas.


From the Director's Corner:
Another month gone by and the snow keeps piling up! When spring ever arrives, it will be a very welcome sight.
We all will be anxious to get the Wings out; however, a word of caution is in order. Winter has taken a toll on the roads and streets. Pot holes, washouts, sand and gravel will certainly have a negative effect on our riding. Please keep this in mind and be very cautious as the spring season approaches.
Barb and I are headed to Keene, NH for a GWRRA Horizon Leadership Trainng seminar on March 8 - 9th. We will learn from the veteran staff and hopefully make us better equipped to handle our duties.
This is a good time to be recruiting new members. Take some time to spread the good news of the benefits and fun we all share in GWRRA. Share a Wing World copy with people you meet or simply leave a copy in your doctor's office waiting room for example.
Til next time -- THINK SPRING!!!   Ed and Barb Mushlit, Maine District Directors

This was our last meeting held at Sully's for the Winter Season.   Next month's meeting will be held at the Green Granite Inn.   This gathering is bound to be a great weekend of fun.  We are looking forward to meeting a lot of members from the other chapters and States that attend.  This will be our first Winter Bash and will be a new experience for us.  Hope you to see a lot of you there.   

We would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter

Also a reminder to change your clocks this weekend of March 8th.  Spring ahead!!!

Till next month from the Green Granite Inn

Dennis & Sandra Wright, Directors Chapter C

                      February

The February 3rd meeting was held at Sully's Restaurant in Winthrop. We had a great turnout for the meeting. Dennis thanked everyone for coming and welcomed newcomers Buddy and Sally Gower of South China. Introductions were made.

Those attending this month's meeting were, Richard & Nancy King, Art & Mel Lane, Buddy & Sally Gower, John & Micki Poor, Dennis & Bonnie Libby, Bob & Cheryl Norcross, Ed & Barb Mushlit, Steve & Nicole Young, Allen & Claudette Cyr, & Dennis & Sandra Wright. 

A Thank you was given to Allen & Claudette for opening their home to the Chapter last month for a get to gether pot luck. We had a great time and tried out some of the games that will be played at the Winter Bash in April.

We welcomed John Poor back, John has been recovering from surgery. Glad he is recovering quickly.

The Treasurer's Report was given by Cheryl Norcross.

Our Chapter Mainely Moose Logo is now digitized. The cost to have the logo embroidered on the blue oxford shirts will be $8.50 for the logo and an extra $3.00 if you want to have your name embroidered on the shirt. Shirts can be purchased at J.C. Pennys or at LLBeans.  Dennis & Sandra had a couple of hats done up with the logo to show the Chapter. It was decided to have a dozen of both styles made up to be available at the next meeting. The hats will be $15.00 for the maroon/khaki & $16.00 for the low boy khaki style.

A letter that extended their heart felt thanks, was read by Claudette from the Abused Women's Advocacy Project (AWAP ) board of directors. This is the program that the Chapter adopts a family at Christmas. This year, because of YOUR generosity along with others who donated to the program, 90 families had a holiday filled with joy. We would like to thank all again that donated for this worthy cause. Coming up on March 1st. AWAP is holding their 15th annual Winter Walk Against Violence. This will be held inside the Auburn Mall. To find out more info, you can log on to www.awap.org

The Winter Bash was briefly discussed. There is still time to make your reservations. The website is www.greengranite.com 1-800-468-3666. Hope to see you all there.

A reminder that we will be meeting for bowling on February 23rd at 3:00 pm at the Lisbon Falls Bowling Alley. The cost will be $8.00 per person for 2 hours of bowling. After the bowling we will be going to Grazianos for supper. If you were not at the meeting and are planning to join us for bowling and supper, or if you just plan on supper, please let us know, The restaurant would like to have a head count so as to be able to accommodate us all.

February Birthdays:  Kim Couture- 23rd -- Happy Birthday To you

February Anniversaries:  Dennis & Bonnie Libby- 7th; Jack & Mariette Carey - 11th; Maurice & Pat Daigle - 20th    We would like to wish you all a Happy Anniversary. And a special anniversary wish to Earl & Dotty Weaver who will be celebrating their 50 th on the 21st.

If you would like to have your birthday or anniversary acknowledged, please email us so that we may celebrate your day.

Last June we had our fundraiser of the poker run at Central Maine Power Sports. This year's poker run is now on hold until Barb checks out the rules regarding the gambling Lic. Many of you may have seen the article in the newspaper regarding the paperwork and regulations being imposed on the clubs trying to have poker runs. As we find out more info, we will share it with you.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for the upcoming New England Rally. July 17th, 18th, & 19th in Rutland, VT. Log on to www.newenglandrally.org

For those who have not checked it out yet, the ride schedule is posted on the Wing's Web site at www.geocities.com/gwrramainec 

If anyone is interested in hosting a gathering in March just let us know or has any suggestions for meeting somewhere.

Safety Tip: Have your vehicle's brake lines checked for corrosion, the winter salt and calcium wreaks havoc on them and they need replacing more often than in the past.

A week or so ago, an article was forwarded to everyone regarding a product called MED FLASH. This is a 1 Gig flash drive that can hold your medical history. The flash drive is capable of holding photo IDs, MRIs, Xrays, EKGs etc. The Med Flash will store your personal medical info, such as medications and dosages, Insurance Info, and Advanced Directives. Dennis & I each purchased this item and we each wear one now where ever we go. We brought our laptop computer to the meeting to show how info is loaded onto the drive and how the info shows on the screen if an EMT or hospital is viewing your information. 

Some of other upcoming events include”

March : Bike week in Daytona FL-February 29th – March 9th 

April4th -6th Winter Bash, Gorham, NH

April 19th & 20th- RI kick of breakfast

April 19th To be announced

May 3rd Venco Wings ride, leaving 8:00 am at the Irving in Auburn

May 23rd-26th Memorial Day Weekend, ride to the Amish Country

June: 3rd-9th Americade

June 22nd – Blessing of the bikes- Colbrook, NH

June 7th Fort Knox ride. Meet at Gardiner Hannaford- 9:00 am

June 28th Four Corners Dedication- Madawaska

July 5th Starting of Wing Ding

July 17th - 20th New England Rally, Rutland, VT

August 2nd, Andover Old Home Days

August 15th – 17th- Madawaska ride and Cyr Picnic

News from our Director's Corner:

Another month has flown by. In many ways winter seems to drag on however, here we are into February already. The old adage is that time flys when your having fun. Are you having fun yet? If not, then you just aren't trying hard enough. We have been busy planning for the upcoming New England rally in Rutland and also for the 2009 rally in Rhode Island. There is a tremendous amount of pre-planning by a lot of people. It all sounds a little overwhelming but it's really lots of fun to be actively sharing ideas and making things happen. In the end everyone comes out a winner. Spring arrives and a full schedule of events and activities suddenly become reality for the entire season. Keep in mind that none of this happens without dedicated volunteers. You would not have an organization such as GWRRA without the generous help of a great many folks. Think it over and get involved. It's truly a great way to pass the time, and above all have fun with a super group of friends with similar interests.

With all that being said, we need a new District Treasurer. This position is very low key.  It involves writing an occasional check and keeping the checkbook balanced. Once a year there is a simple financial report to fill out. Please give me a call or an email if anyone thinks they are up to the task. This is open to any of the members in the district.

Enough preaching. Chapter "C" had another well attended February meeting at Sully's. Everyone is getting excited about another riding season. Trikes, yikes, seems like nearly half of our members have one or are converting over.

Barbara and I will be attending the GWRRA Horizons Leadership training program in Keene, N.H on March 8th & 9th. It is open to everyone who wishes to attend. We will be anxious to share whatever we learn from the program with those who can't make it.

Till next time, stay well and be sure to mark your calendars for a very busy 2008 season.  Ed & Barbara Mushlit, Maine District Directors Tel.933-5899 or [email protected]

Barb passed along some good advice. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Copy both sides of your license, credit cards etc. This way you will know what is in your wallet and have access to the phone numbers needed if ever your wallet is stolen. Place the photocopy in a safe place yet in a place that is handy to have access to quickly. Perhaps the most important thing to do first is to call the 3 national credit reporting organizations to place a fraud alert on your name and SS#

Social Security fraud line: 1-800-269-0271

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

Experian (formerly TRW) :1-888-397-3742

Trans Union : 1-800-680-7289

Next month's meeting:  Date: March 2, 2008; Place: Sully's in Winthrop

Time: 1:00

Dennis thanked everyone for coming and for the great turnout at Sunday's meeting. Hope to see you all there again next month. We will see a lot of you in a couple of weeks for bowling,

Till Next Month, Dennis and Sandra Wright; Directors Chapter C

                       January 

The January 6th meeting, was held at Sully's Restaurant in Winthrop. Those attending were, John & Micki Poor, Art & Mel Lane, Shawn & Kim Coutur, Ed & Barb Mushlit, Bob & Cheryl Norcross, Richard & Nancy King, Allen & Claudette Cyr, Dennis and Sandra Wright.

Dennis opened the meeting by welcoming and thanking everyone for
attending.
The treasurer's report was given and was noted that the donation to the
American Cancer Society had been sent.

Now that the holidays are over, we will get in touch with the embroidery
shop regarding getting the Mainely Wings logo digitized and will have
information at the February meeting.

Allen & Claudette gave an update on the winter bash that will be held
April 4th, 5th & 6th at the Green Granite Inn, Conway, NH. Items for the silent auction are needed. Also, volunteers are needed to help out with social hour & the games that Claudette has planned. Please let us know if you are available to help out at our annual fundraiser. This year, supper will be at the Muddy Moose, as they have the space to
accommodate everyone. To make reservations at the Green Granite Inn, you can call 1-800-468-3666 and mention GWRRA and Maine Chapter C. or go to www.greengranite.com Hope to see you all there.

To help relieve some of the winter blahs, Allen & Claudette have invited
Chapter C to their home on January 19th at 2:00 PM for a pot luck
dinner. This is not a GWRRA function, this is just a get to gether with
good friends. So mark your calendars and come and enjoy everyone's
company and friendship.

Another date to mark on your calendar is February 23rd for an afternoon of bowling. We will meeting at Lisbon Falls Bowling Alley at 2:00 PM. The bowling alley is on RT. 196 on the main street. After the bowling, it is planned to go to Graziano's for supper. For those who would like go, we do need a head count for this outing at next meeting. If you are unable to attend the February meeting and plan on the afternoon of bowling, please email us so that we may count you in.

If anyone has a suggestion for a gathering in March, feel free to be in
touch or let us know at the next meeting.

There are still a couple of positions open. If anyone would like to help
out in the capacity of Ed & Barb's assistant, or become the Safety
Educator give them or us a call, or shoot an email out to us if you have
any questions as to what the position entails.

A tentative ride schedule with subject to change was passed out and will
be posted on the chapter web page soon. Club rides will be scheduled
every other weekend. Some rides will be on Saturdays and others will be
on Sundays. Just to mention a few of the rides that are tentatively
scheduled, are to Venco Wings, Colebrook NH to the Blessing of the
Bikes, & Fort Knox. Hope some of these rides will entice you to join us.

Don't forget to make your reservation for the New England Rally at
www.newenglandrally.org  The dates again for the rally is July 17th, 18th & 19th in Rutland,VT.

Sandra read a letter we received from Jack & Mariette Cary. As a lot of you know, they are one of our snowbird couples that go to Florida during the winter months. They wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. They asked us to share with you, about an incident and un-planned dismount that happened while out riding with their Florida club group. There was a combination of bikes and trikes. Two of the bikes went down before they even knew what happened. They discovered after, that there was oil on the pavement. One of the downed bikes were Jack and Mariette. They did go to the hospital to be checked out. There was lots of pain, sore ribs, bumps, bruises & black and blues, but luckily no broken bones. Also, there was NO road rash, they were properly dressed from head to toe. Jackets got shredded by the pavement or cut by the EMTs but as Mariette stated, jackets can be
replaced, bodies can't. Would hate to think of what shape they would
have been in, had they been in t-shirts, or had no gloves on.

With that piece of news from Florida, that brings us to the safety tip for
the month.  Check all riding gear. Helmets, coats, gloves & boots. This is a good time to replace any that needs to be. It is so important to wear the proper gear while riding. Jack & Mariette are prime examples that proper riding gear is essential for safe riding. You never know when or if you are going to go down.

After this incident, Jack decided to add more stability to the bike. He
got their bike triked. Here is a picture of “Miss Ruby Trike”
Dennis & I want to say to Jack & Mariette on behalf of us & Chapter C. that we are glad that you are ok and are on the mend. We hope that
your bruises heal quickly. We want you to know that our thoughts are
with you. Your group was very lucky that day that no one was severely
injured. We know what could have happened had you not had the
proper gear on. Continue to ride safe and see you in the spring.

January birthdays:  Annette Crozier - 6th, Earl Weaver - 12th, Judy Saunders - 16th, Polly Trepanier -23rd, Julia Belanger - 26th
We would like to wish you all a very Happy Birthday!

We would like to extend a get well wish to John Poor, we received word
that he had surgery and want to wish him a speedy recovery.

No January anniversaries are noted.

If you or your spouse would like to have a birthday or anniversary
recognized, please send us an email.

                       From the District Director's Corner

Happy New Year to everyone.
We hope that 2008 will be a prosperous and healthy one. After all the snow and cold weather we have been having, we are very much looking forward to spring and getting back on the bike.

One of the reasons we enjoy this sport so much is the many resources
available to us through GWRRA. Anytime we have a problem or a question about technical issues, safety, equipment, travel or activities, there is a resource for the answers. The other reason, of course, is the camaraderie and friends made along the way. Even though we can’t ride through these long cold winter months, we still continue to enjoy the friendships we’ve made and with our chapter meetings and get-togethers. The planning and anticipation for upcoming rides and rallies keep us energized.

Barb and I were pleased to see such a great turn out for the first Chapter C meeting of the new year. Dennis and Sandy have more than exceeded expectations as new directors. Their leadership is top notch and it surely shows. I hope that everyone continues to show their support in helping them make this the best year ever.

Regional News:
There has been a change in the tenure program. All officers at all
levels are committed to a 1 year term, but there are no longer any
limits on the number of years you can volunteer. ( I still need an
assistant )

Membership cards; the original member plus the 01 are free. Any
additional family members who want cards will be charged $5.00.
National has requested that all chapters participate in the chapter
of the year program.

The Motorist Awareness Division (MAD) is being restructured
and will now be a part of the Rider Education Division. Educators
at various levels will assist in presenting information to the riders.
Their main focus is to get the word out to non-motorcyclists.
There are power point presentations on the GWRRA.org website
under Rider Education heading. (Welcome to Keith and Elaine
Price, new Region B Ride Educators.)

Ed & Barbara Mushlit, Maine District Directors

Other upcoming events:
January 25th - 27th - Wingless Weekend – Fredericton N.B.
April 4th - 6th – Winter Bash – Green Granite Inn, North Conway N.H.
April 19th & 20th Rhode Island Kick Off Breakfast

For all of you creative folks out there:

There is a Northeast Region Logo Contest going on right now with the deadline of January 31st 2008. Get your creative minds going and design a new region logo. The winning design will be made into 4” patches and 2” pins.  Submit your ideas and designs to Lorraine Knight @ [email protected] or mail to 71 Harris Street, Pawtucket, RI 02861

So, with this bit of news and happenings during this first part of the new year, we are going to close the newsletter for this month.  As dates of events approach, we hope to keep you fully informed.

Next month's meeting:

Date: February 3, 2008; Place: Sully's in Winthrop; Time: 1:00 PM

Till next month, Dennis and Sandra Wright, Directors Chapter C