G W R R A I L L I N O I S D I S T R I C T N E W S L E T T E R - N O V E M B E R

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1 G O L D W I N G R O A D R I D E R S A S S O C I A T I O N I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : F R O M I L L I N O I S D I S T R I C T D I R E C T O R M A D C O O R D I N A- T O R S - A N D R E W S W I N T E R W A R M - UP 3 C O M P E T I O N R U L E S W W U D I S T R I C T R I D E R E D U C A T O R A D D - G A I T R O S 8 A D D G O T T S C H A L K 9-10 A D D S H I E L D S 11 C O Y O F Y E A R 2014 C O Y Y E A R L I S T- I N G S T A F F L I S T I N G R E G I O N E H O T O F F T H E S H E L F M A R Y A D A M S D I S T R I C T D I R E C T O R First off Bob & I would like to wish Everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. We are very thankful to be part of such a great group of people and to be able experience all the events that we participate in. V O L U M E 2 I S S U E 1 1 G W R R A I L L I N O I S D I S T R I C T N E W S L E T T E R - N O V E M B E R At the Region OPS meeting Bruce Beeman turned the Region over to Bruce Watkins, our new Region E Director. We all know Bruce as the Missouri District Director. He has done a fantastic job in Missouri, so we know we have something to look forward to as the new Region E Director. November, the time of year we start thinking about the holidays and traveling for the holidays. The time of year we reflect on the past twelve months and remember all the fun times we have had. It is also the time we start thinking about next year for our chapters. Where do we want to go next year, what do we want to attend? It is also the time we consider new officers. There are many Chapters who are changing officers next year. We need to also be diligent in mentoring those new officers in the policies of GWRRA. We need to respect the new officers in that they have volunteered to step up to the position and take on the responsibilities of that position, remember the rules of thumb so to speak, one mouth, two ears and let them lead us down the road with new ideas and surprises. In November, for Illinois, we also need to remember to draw cards for the MAD Fun Run and for the Meet the Chapters. Be sure to get those completed and sent in so we can see who wins at Winter Warm Up! Winter Warm Up is just around the corner. Be sure to check out the information on the website. Registration is also on the website. Mary Adams Illinois District Director - Every member counts!

2 Page 2 GWRRA ILLINOIS DISTRICT MAD COORDINATORS - DALE & DONA ANDREWS FRIENDS First, I wish to personally thank all my fellow riders out there for your prayers and concerns as I have been battling pneumonia for the past three weeks. We ve had an eventful year and enjoyed the camaraderie at the rallies, socials and rides this year and are looking forward to next year, hopefully back on three wheels. FUN - The MAD ANNUAL FUN Run ended OCTOBER 31st. We heard many members participated and enjoyed the ride this year and some have already sent in their pictures. It s time to tally up your visits and be ready to draw your card hands at this month s chapter social. Once you have drawn for your chance to win, be sure to submit the photos and send all money in a CHAPTER CHECK made payable to IL. District Riders Ed. Pictures are required to qualify for the Individual & Chapter Awards. Winners will be announced at Winter Warm-up in January If you have any questions, please us Our Mission "To Facilitate A Reduction In Motorcycle Crashes With Other Motor Vehicles." Our Moto Share The Road SAFETY We are going to share with you some comments from a recent article by Mark Rosekind of the National Transportation Safety Board that was shared through the School Bus Fleet Newsletter. While the spring forward clock change creates a national sleep debt and leads to a spike in auto crashes, driver fatigue is a lifethreatening concern at all time of the year, the federal safety official writes. On the Monday after the time change, there is a 17% increase in crashes on the nation s highways. Perhaps the most basic requirement for safely operating any vehicle is to be awake, and thou necessary, just being awake is not sufficient. Safe travel requires every vehicle operator to have obtained optimal sleep and be wide-awake and maximally alert, every time. Mark commented that reducing fatigue risks in transportation is everyone s ongoing responsibility; companies, the government, individual operators and travel consumers. KNOWLEDGE So in referring to the above statements from Mr. Rosekind, we as individual operators on motorcycles it cannot be stressed enough the requirements for safe travel. We discuss a proper t-clock for the bike and the rider. We talk about the mental and physical importance of you the driver before jumping on that machine. I, myself have sometimes complained how the time change just messes up my time clock, but never really gave it a thought to it affecting my driving abilities due to fatigue. I will be ever so mindful next time change and so should each and every one you. RIDE SAFE and HAVE FUN! IL DISTRICT MAD Coordinators -- Dale & Donna

3 GWRRA ILLINOIS DISTRICT WINTER WARM-UP 2015 Page 3

4 WINTER WARM-UP COMPETION RULES Page 4 NEWSLETTER 1.At least one Chapter representative must be registered at the Illinois District Winter Warm Up. 2.Only newsletters from the previous 12 months (2014) are eligible for competition. 3.Must submit at least 4 entries for viewing. 4.Newsletter judging criteria are based on content as outlined in the Membership Enhancement Program Chapter Newsletter Award Guidelines: Chapter Name, GWRRA Logo, Region, District, Chapter Letter designation Inclusion of information from National, Region, and District newsletters Rider Education safety information, Stories submitted by members other than officers SCRAPBOOK GUIDELINES REMEMBER: THE WHOLE OBJECT OF THIS IS TO HAVE FUN WHILE COMPILING THE GOOD TIMES AND FUN THE CHAPTER HAS EXPERIENCED, INTO A CHAPTER SCRAPBOOK. 1.At least one Chapter representative must be registered at the Illinois District Winter Warm Up. 2.Judges will also be looking for creativity, captions, the general theme of GWRRA, layout, quality of photos, and artistic qualities. 3.Scrapbooks should be a chronological order. The scrapbook tells a story of events and achievements of the past year of the Chapter. 4.Title or description of events-detailed vs brief; consistent vs random Mascot 1.At least one Chapter representative must be registered at the Illinois District Winter Warm Up. 2.Must provide identification as to owner. 3.All entrants must possess a sense of humor. 4.Mascots cannot be live. 5.Mascots must be able to be safely attached to ride on a motorcycle. 6.Must show GWRRA Chapter location, pin, patch, etc 7.Promotes Safety

5 WINTER WARM-UP COMPETION RULES Page 5 BANNERS 1.At least two Chapter representatives must be registered at the Illinois District Winter Warm Up. 2.Banners will be judged on use of the GWRRA initials, or full name of the association, or helmet logo, District name or initials, Region name or initials and Motto. 3.Chapter nickname or logo. 4.Points will be awarded for artistic content and ease of identification. Chapter Shirt 1.Shirt may be a dress shirt, polo or t-shirt as long as it is one provided by a registered chapter member at Winter Warm Up. 2.Must be accompanied by a chapter picture of the members all wearing a chapter shirt. 3.Must be displayed on the chapter table. Chapter Hat 1..Must be a registered member at the Winter Warm Up. 2.Must show chapter designation. 3.Must be displayed on the chapter table. Chapter Display 1.Display may be not larger than 36x36x36. 2.Must be a castle going with the theme of Winter Renaissance. 3.No water, sand, or live animals may be used. 4.Must have a Chapter Crest on the Castle. 5.Must have a guard for the castle. 6.May have moving parts and/or lights.

6 WINTER WARM-UP COMPETION RULES Page 6 BAKING We will have 5 categories: Cookies - Drop Cookies - Cutout Brownies Cakes Sheet Cakes Layered All MUST HAVE: 1.Must be homemade, not professional, by a registered member at Winter Warm Up. 2.Recipe must be shown with display. 3.Chapter / Baker identification clearly marked. 4.The use of nuts or oils containing nuts must be displayed. 5.Presentation should be in theme. 6.Members may participate in more than one category. ALL CAKES * Must be a deposable container. - will not be returned Must have a cupcake along with it for tasting MUST BE DECORATED IN THEME All cakes may be bought in a silent auction on Saturday at closing. HAVE FUN AND GREAT YOU STUFF READY TO GO!!!!!!!

7 Page 7 GWRRA ILLINOIS DISTRICT EDUCATORS - DAN & LINDA SUE DAVIS Two more months and 2014 will be in the record books. How has your year gone for you, I hope safe and sound? Some of us in the state will soon be storing our bikes and trikes for the season. When you get ready to store your motorcycle and are unsure of how to store it, ask your fellow chapter members. You will be surprised by the mountain of knowledge that will be available to you. For those of us who will be continuing to ride all year please continue to conduct your TCLOCK inspections. They are the quickest way to spot problems with your machine. Winter Warm Up is just around the corner and Rider Education has an event filled weekend planned for you. We have two full days of rider education seminars. Plus we are pleased to announce Joey Watson will be returning again with his Summit seminar. At Winter Warm Up Rider Education/MADD will be raffling a flat screen TV. Please see any district rider education/madd person and we will be happy to sale you some tickets. Rider Education will be hosting two Safety Weekends next year. Vandalia IL on the 17th and 18th of April and Sterling IL the first weekend in May. Stop by the Rider Education Table at Winter Warm Up and pick up your registration form. Our Mission To Save Lives Through Quality, World Class Education. Our Slogan Safety Is For Life As always remember ATGATT Dan and Linda Sue

8 Page 8 GWRRA ILLINOIS ASSITANT DISTRICT DIRECTORS - TONY & DONNA GAITROS Hello Everyone, First, to introduce ourselves we are Tony and Donna Gaitros. We live in Cerro Gordo and are the Chapter Directors of Chapter "I" Decatur Illinois. For many years, we rode alone and then we saw a GWRRA table set up at Niehaus Customer Appreciation Days in May of Someone talked us into joining a GWRRA chapter in our area just to see what GWRRA was all about. In June of 2001, we became members of GWRRA and joined Chapter I in Decatur, Illinois. Donna and I became the Chapter I "COY's and Chapter Directors in 2003, Sr. Chapter Directors in 2006 and were Assistant District Directors Then in 2013, we earned our Master Tour Riders patches. In August of 2013, to our surprise, we were asked to accept a District Ambassador nomination. We accepted the award and joined the ranks with several other individuals of the same title to help promote GWRRA. Being Chapter Director and part of GWRRA is a very rewarding experience. I guess that is why we are still doing it. Looking back, it was the other people that we met who enjoyed riding as much as we did that drew us to GWRRA. When we attended our first Chapter meeting, we were welcomed and treated like an old friend. I never thought we would be taking Rider Ed and CPR/First Aid classes. They are a good learning experience and everyone should participate in them. When we think of how many close friends we have made and the experiences we have had through chapter life we are truly grateful. Our chapter members are like family. We have many good friends and fun memories. If we can help someone else to feel as blessed as we are, we have done our job. I hope that we can talk to new or prospective members and tell them how our GWRRA membership has enhanced our lives. We hope that we can project our motto "Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge" in a good way helping others enjoy the GWRRA experience. Newly appointed Assistant District Directors again, Tony and Donna Gaitros ADD Central Illinois Chapters T,I,E,U Welcome a new sponsor to Illinois District. Stop in and say high when you can

9 Page 9 ASSISTANT ILLINOIS DISTRICT DIRECTORS STEVEN & DIANE GOTTSCHALK Greetings from Southern Illinois AM I A MEMBER OR A PARTICIPANT? Member is a term that is used quite loosely in most Chapters. You will often hear someone say, I am a Member of Chapter A. Well, it s close to the truth, but not quite. Steven and Diane Gottschalk As we all know, we pay our dues to GWRRA s Home Office in Phoenix. Assistant Director, IL No dues are paid to a local Chapter. As such, everyone who pays their dues is District considered a Member of the Gold Wing Road Rider s Association. GWRRA is MEC/COY/IOY comprised of approximately 73,000 Members. We are all Members of Coordinators, IL District only one organization and that is GWRRA. Where the confusion comes in is that a Member of GWRRA chooses to be a Participant with a Chapter. In other words, the GWRRA Member becomes a Participant with Chapter A. Now for a little twist; since everyone is a Member of GWRRA, individuals may choose to Participate with as many Chapters as they wish. Everyone in Chapter A is a Member of GWRRA; and so is everyone in Chapter B and Chapter C. We are all Members of GWRRA. As Members, we have the right to participate with whichever Chapter we choose or we may choose to participate with more than one Chapter. We may even choose not to participate with any Chapter; but we are still Members of GWRRA. I realize that this sounds like I am splitting hairs or being too technical. However, not understanding this concept can lead to some serious misunderstandings. I have witnessed Chapters that tend to shun individuals that are not part of their Chapter. I have also seen individuals not be included on a Chapter s newsletter or phone tree because they also participate with another Chapter. To put it another way, some Chapters have become very territorial. For example, if you don t belong to my Chapter, I am not interested in talking or riding with you. We re all part of the same organization. We are all trying to have fun and enjoy our hobby of riding motorcycles. Let s not forget we are all Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge. To be honest, we all belong to every Chapter in GWRRA. However, due to time and geography, we choose to participate with only one or possibly two Chapters. For those that either did not realize it or have not taken the opportunity, I would like to encourage you to visit other Chapters and participate with them in addition to your current Chapter. Each Chapter is unique and has a different personality. Each chapter offers a new and different set of people and activities, so, make the best of the time you have available. Be a true Member of GWRRA and Participate as much as you can. This is a GWRRA LTP Program "Take 5" Article; several more are available on the LTP website. Steve & Diane Gottschalk, Assistant Directors

10 Page 10 ASSISTANT ILLINOIS DISTRICT DIRECTORS STEVEN & DIANE GOTTSCHALK Every month the Area Report Listing (ARL) is distributed to every Chapter Membership Enhancement Coordinator and Chapter Director. This report shows us a lot of information, prospective members, new members/ recruiters and much more. This is a very important part of member retention; contacting new people, giving them the fun perspective of being with GWRRA, helping them locate the Chapter that fits them around the area they live in. Steven and Diane Gottschalk The new couple or individual may live in Illinois but a closer chapter may be in Assistant Director, IL Kentucky, Indiana or Missouri. You give them the information they need to District make the right fit for them. MEC/COY/IOY Last year we had 3 IL Chapters to participate in the Chapter of the Coordinators, IL District Year Program. There are three levels you can achieve, Bronze, Silver and Gold; all three Chapters achieved the Bronze level by just doing the minimum things almost every Chapter does throughout the year. We hope to see Chapter of the Year Program participation increase in the Illinois District as more Chapter Directors understand how the program works. The MEP seminars presenters throughout Illinois will be available to present this seminar to any Chapter that is interested in learning more about it. By now all of the Illinois Chapters Couple and Individual have received their invitations to the 2015 Winter Warm Up; this is going to be an exceptionally good year. Out of our 24 Chapters, there were 8 selected Individuals and 17 selected Couples. What a great improvement for the Couple and Individual of the Year Program. Steve and I would also like to see every Couple and Individual selected at Chapter level to attend the Winter Warm Up to be introduced on stage and escorted by their Chapter Directors. We hope to see all 24 Chapter Directors attend the 2015 Winter Warm Up in support of this great program and the entire Couple s and Individual s participating. Membership enhancement is the fun part of GWRRA! Steve and Diane Gottschalk IL District MEP Coordinators

11 Page 11 GWRRA ILLINOIS ASSISTANT DISTRICT DIR. -GENE & ANNETTE SHIELDS Dear Wingers, Man, did this summer go by fast. Here we are at the doorstep of winter. We have already had at least one day that had the dreaded S word in and quite a few people did see traces of it. We have been out visiting our chapters again. Trying to visit them before weather changes and we aren t able to visit. We always enjoy how friendly the chapters are on our visits as we get to know more of the members by name and face. The first Friday of the month, we visited our good friends from Chapter DK. Kris Andre put on a good presentation on braking. Sometimes we forget how much front brake to use with our rear braking to make a fast or short stop. I always enjoy Kris presentations as they give you a lot of good information on safe riding. I think we are lucky to have him as an instructor for Illinois. Great Job Kris. The second Wednesday of the month we visited Chapter G in Rock Falls. The weather wasn t good enough to ride the cycle so we drove our car. They were talking about a color ride to see all the changes of the leaves, making future plans. They were making final plans for their Christmas Party as many chapters are doing now. As I heard this morning, there are only 8 more Thursdays left before Christmas. Got to get my Christmas shopping done soon. On the third Wednesday of the month we visited Chapter R in Peru. They talked about some of the rides they or chapter members had done and how some members were leaving for warmer climates soon. Again planning for their Christmas party. On the third Thursday of the month, last night, we went to Chapter C-2 meeting in Freeport. Had a lot of discussion of rides they have done and will be doing as weather permits. They also were finalizing Christmas Party plans. On the fourth Tuesday we will be attending our home Chapter L meeting at the machine Shed in Rockford. I know they will be making their final Christmas Party plans and talking about their rides. Many chapters are asking for people to step up and take positions that will be vacant next year. Think about how you could help your chapter continue to run smoothly. When a few people do even just a small amount of the duties needed to run a chapter it leaves more time for the others to plan trips, events and operations. Some members will be attending OPS meeting and Horizons training to learn about how a chapter functions and the duties of each leader or position that the chapter has. When you have a good team of volunteers in a chapter, it makes the work go quickly and reduces the load of the chapter director. If you haven t filled a position before, or it has been a while, ask for information on that position to see if it is something that you could do or help with. But always keep in mind that everyone of the positions are filled with volunteers. Besides as we always joke about, the PAY is Great. Not in dollars but in Friendships, Fun, Safety and Knowledge. So get involved in your chapter and enjoy the rewards. Have a Safe & Fun time and hope you get some good riding in. Gene & Annette Shields Assistant Director, IL District Gene & Annette Shields Assistant District Directors Northwest Illinois

12 Page 12 DISTRICT COUPLE OF THE YEAR 2014 WAYNE & SHIRLEY SCHMIDT Dear Gold Wing riders, It was great to see so many people at our 30th anniversary party. Thank you all for coming. We hope you enjoyed the food, games, and fellowship. Thank you to Mary Adams for giving a 30 year pin to each of our members. On Oct. 5 we drove to Carbondale and took our friends, Ed and Susan Roberts with us. Chapter Q celebrated their 30th anniversary. They had a beautiful setting near the lake for their party. We enjoyed the meal, hearing how their chapter started, and the fellowship. Shirley won a beautiful chrysanthemum that we have on our porch. Our chapter members, Ed and Jackie Essen had a bonfire and potluck at their place near Carlinville. The weather was great. On Sunday, Oct. 6 Chapter U had their chili dump. They do a great job with this activity. There was a lot of chili and many dessert choices. We enjoyed the food and fellowship. We are looking forward to our bowling party on Nov. 15 at Airport Bowl in Bethalto. It is $10 a person for bowling, popcorn, soda, and pizza. We hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving! Wayne & Shirley Schmidt IL District Couple of the Year 2014 Welcome a new sponsor to Illinois District. Give him a call and see what he has to offer. See full size add in flyer package

13 Page 13 ILLINOIS DISTRICT ANNOUNCES 2014 COY / IOY Congratulations to all Participants Be sure to get you chapter couple selection process started and keep us informed so we can recognize the folks here. GWRRA Proclamation GWRRA Proclamation ILLINOIS COUPLE OF THE YEAR 2014 Wayne & Shirley Schimdt ILLINOIS INDIVIDUAL OF THE YEAR 2014 Nancy Hutchings Illinois ~ Chapter Couple / Individual of The Year Recognition for 2014 Chpt Couple of Year Individual of Year Chpt Couple of Year Individual of Year B-2 George & Gail Kam N Terre & Nancy Burlington C Jerry & Sue Allhands Joan Stemke O Mike & Karen Morgan Bernie Lavezza C-2 PI Pam & Tom Waller D Q Charlie & Rose Basden Gary Kohlenberger D-2 Marvin & Linda DeBolt R DK S Brian & Cindy Eubanks E Rick & Maggie Filson T F U G Bob & Nicki Fowkes V G2 Jim & Judy Letarte Jim Fairman W H2 Bob & Brenda Stretcher Larry Heil Y Pamela Tucker I Bob & Cheryl Gerhold Z Larry Cindy Horton Donald Mallinson L Dave & Sandy Ginger Heide Lanier Z2 Steve & Alice Willuweit John Meyers These will be updated as new couples are recognized

14 Page 14 G O L D W I N G R O A D R I D E R S A S S O C I A T I O N M E E T T H E I L L I N O I S D I S T R I C T T E A M F O R Mary Adams ILL District Director 1600 Riverdale Rd. Lot 107 Rock Falls, Il or hondagirl711@yahoo.com F R I E N D S F O R F U N, S A F E T Y, & K N O W L E D G E Asst. District Director Northern Gene & Annette Shields 1332 Griggs Road Rockford, IL ADD District Director Chicago-Land Earl & Pat Hobbs 4579 Lincoln Ave Rolling Meadows, IL earlrh@yahoo.com ADD District Director Eastern Tom & Pam Waller 110 North St Paris Il twaller68@yahoo.com Asst. District Director Central Tony & Donna Gaitros D.gaitros@mchsi.com Asst. District Director Western Illinois Ambassador Program Jack & Hazel Burton 3315 Foxrun, E Quincy, IL jburton3315@comcast.net Asst. District Director Southern Steve & Diane Gottschalk PO Box 83 Cambria, IL s.gottschalk@mchsi.com Educator Dan and Linda Davis 622 E Franklin, Lanark, Il armymsg97@yahoo.com Sponsor Coordinator Chet & Billie Stephens th Ave Berwick, IL chetscyclecare@hotmail.com Patches Lorie & Ron Heffelfinger 1473 Lamson Dr. Winnebago, IL lorieron@aol.com Sign up for the staff your name here for fun and friends Leadership Trainers Sandy & Steve Schlager 1017 Meadowlark Dr. Carterville, IL KB9ADV@gmail.com Sign up for the staff your name here for fun and friends Special Note *** Want to get more involved? Ask to be part of one of the greatest volunteer organizations in the country GWRRA and help make it even better as there is no ceiling on improvement.

15 Page 15 M E E T T H E I L L I N O I S D I S T R I C T T E A M F O R MAD Coordinator Dale & Donna Andrews 104 E. North St. PO Box 133 Dakota, IL trike@gmail.com MFA Coordinator Mike & Jan Buzick 112 Sunset Blvd. North Pekin, IL smbuzick@comcast.net Photographer Jean & Walter Potwora 160 Redbud, Wood River IL gwsnowbaby@gmail.com Newsletter Editor Dennis & Jean Bose 1074 W Park Rd Freeport, Il gwrrailc2@gmail.com District Treasurer Nikki Fowkes fowkesrf@grics.net Webmaster Roy & Cheyrl Miller 573 Franklin Ave. Troy, IL H rlm1123@charter.net R E G I O N E W E B S I T E S A N D O T H E R I N F O National: Region E : gwrra-region-e.org Illinois: Wisconsin: Iowa: Missouri: Minnesota : North Dakota : South Dakota District / Nebraska : Insight Newsletter newsletter.html By The Book btb.pdf Region E Newsletter Link NL01.pdf P A R T I C I P A T I O N P R O G R A M T O R U N A G A I N I N I N I L L I N O I S This is a participation program to get Chapters to visit other Chapter s Events and promote fun and fellowship throughout Illinois. We are hoping many chapters will participate in this fun and easy program. Plus you can win some money for your chapter. Check out the page in the flyers packet for full details and rules which are few. It will run January 1st - December 31, It is made to take into consideration those that still participate but cannot ride. The goal is to get more out visiting the other chapters and chapter events. There is no limit as to how many other chapter meetings or gatherings they can attend. Even if they only attend their neighbors they will help boost that neighbors attendance, 50/50 and door prizes. The winner will be announced at the 2014 Winter Warm Up. PRIZES: The 1st prize is $250, 2nd prize - Chapter Charter fee paid, 3rd prize - 2 paid registrations to 2014 Summer rally to use as they wish