chapter l’s toad tales
TRANSCRIPT
DECEMBER 2010
Chapter L’s Toad Tales
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE
CHAPTER L TOAD TEAM!!
Directors Bud & Jan Danner
(501) 514-5882
Asst. Directors
Jerry & Marilyn Dailey
(501) 977-4635
Chapter Couple/
Webmaster Charlie & Debbie Wirges
(501) 835-1430
Treasurers Lee & Goldia Wilkins
(501) 679-5965
Rider Educator
Allen Holloway
(501) 354-1122 Allenhollo-
Newsletter Editor Vicki Humphrey
(501) 590-6031
Chapter Ambassador Harold Wilson
(501) 679-8669
Sunshine Gal Amy Ball
(501) 652-6318 [email protected]
GWRRA
Region H
H
Arkansas
District
Chapter L
Conway
Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge
Hello to all you Toads,
This is our last news letter of the year, and what a
good year we've had. We've not only had some good
rides together, but we've had alot of fun just being
together. We've enjoyed welcoming new friends to our
Chapter. It's been a pleasure getting to know Marc &
Bev Stanley, Ted & Carolyn Banks, Fred & Carolyn
Duncan and David Dickerson.
We hope everyone can make our last dinner ride of
the year at The Big House Burger Joint on Dec. 10th
, the toy ride to Children's Dec. 11th and our Christ-
mas Party on Dec. 18th at the Centergy Church in
Morrilton. Our Christmas Partys are always fun with
games lot's of food, and a visit from Mr.& Mrs.
Santa. Lets please limit our Christmas Ornaments to
$10.00. Hope everyone can come so all of us can have
fun together.
Jan and I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiv-
ing with family and friends and that you have the
merriest Christmas ever this year.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Bud & Jan
Page 2
Sympathy goes out to Melvin & Donnetta Harris
on the loss of Melvin’s mother, and the Family of
Tom Armstrong who participated with Chapter C.
Please remember these and others who have recently lost love
ones, during the holiday season.
Chapter L’s Meeting Place to Move in January
The Chapter decided at the November monthly gathering to move our meeting
place to Smitty’s Bar-B-Q, 740 South Harkrider (Hwy 365), Conway. We will still
eat at 5:00 pm and meet at 6:00 pm the 3rd Saturday of each month. This will be
effective January 15, 2011. We will not have a regular December gathering, but our
Chapter Christmas Party instead at the Centergy Church in Morril-
ton.
Dear Fellow Toadsuckers,
Well it looks like November has come and gone, and the days are getting shorter and colder. We hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving holiday.
On November 6th we attended the Memorial Picnic at Burns Park. It was a good turnout for the event. The food was good and so was the fellowship. I only wish I’d been feeling a little better, so I could have ridden my motorcycle. But overall we had a good time playing the games and seeing everyone there.
On November 12th we went to Smitty’s BBQ in Conway for our Dinner Ride for the Month. The food again was excellent and so was the fellowship. It was good to see everyone who came.
We look forward to next month and the Christmas Party. We hope to see everyone there, I know it will be fun. Don’t forget the Toy Run to the Children’s Hospital on the 11th of December, too.
We hope to see everybody real soon and hope you have a Merry Christmas .
Your Couple of the Year 2010
Page 3
December Birthdays
9 - Lee Wilkins
15 - Carolen Duncan
15 - Harold Wilson
18 - Darrill White
31 - Bert Graig
December
Anniversaries
3 - Danny & Nancy Beene
8 - Jr. & Jeannie Phillips
10 - Bud & Jan Danner
23 - Melvin & Donnetta Harris
Page 4
Well, with the cool weather, I know we all are glad to know that it is here, but there is
some things we might need to rehearse
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a drop in the body core temperature.
Early symptoms include shivering, bluish or puffy skin, numbness, fatigue, poor coordina-
tion,
slurred speech and impaired judgment.
Hypothermia can strike even in mild temps.
Let’s look at the wind chill factor chart in our Gold Book.
Riding in 50 degree weather at 50 miles an hour gives us a wind chill factor of 23
degrees.
Riding in 70 degree weather at 65 miles an hour gives us a wind chill factor of 55
degrees.
So yes we can suffer from hypothermia even in mild temperatures.
Hypothermia can be prevented by some simple steps,
beginning with the time honored advice to wear insulated or layered clothing including
headgear that does not absorb moisture.
Mickey and Mary Searels
Chapter Educators. LA M
RIDER EDUCATION
Arkansas District Memorial PicnicArkansas District Memorial PicnicArkansas District Memorial Picnic
Attendance this year was
down a little, but was glad
to see the ones that made it
out.
Congratulations to Chapter
C on retaining the Chapter
Cup for winning the games,
and Chapter D for winning
the chili cook-off. This is a
special time that we can
come together to remember
the ones that are no longer
with us and the good times
that we had with them.
Page 5
Gone But Never Forgotten ………Gone But Never Forgotten ………Gone But Never Forgotten ………
We miss the good times we had, having fun riding the highways and
byways. The memories are precious and the love and friendships are
eternal. “ Go rest high on that mountain for your work on earth is
done. Go to heaven a shoutin’ love for the Father and the Son.”
Page 6
Tim Goshon Albert Reed Harold Beasley Steve Summerlin
Dave Moore
Gerald White
Frieda Price
Helen “Ernie” Plake Ted “Plug” Fisher Betty Beaty
Not Pictured
Mike Patrick
Tony Spruiell
December Dinner Ride
10th - Big House Burger Joint 1100 Amity Rd., Conway Exit 129-B off I-40 (Restaurant is located inside of sale barn)
24th - No Dinner Ride
Page 7
Page 8
Arkansas Children’s Hospital 2010 Wish List
All items must be new and in original packaging (not gift-wrapped)
Infant/Toddler Items
• Star Stacking Toy (lights up and plays music when you stack the stars)
• Infant musical and light/sound toys
• Pop-Up Toys
• See-n-Says
• Infant Rattles
• Board books for infants
• Onesies (packs, gender neutral)
• Receiving Blankets (packages of 3)
• Infant grooming items (comb/brush sets, nail clippers)
• Infant safety items (cabinet locks, outlet covers, bath thermometers)
• Baby Wipes/Lotion/Shampoo (no baby powder)
School-age Items
• Handheld electronic games (Yahtzee, Wheel of Fortune, Fishing and Sport Games)
• Yo-yos
• Children’s flashlights
• Crayola crayons (8, 16 or 24 pack)
• Crayola markers (big)
• Card games for children (Uno, Go-Fish, Old Maid, etc.)
• Packaged underwear (girls and boys sizes 4-14)
• I Spy books
Teen/Adult Items
• Sports Bottles/Travel Mugs
• Magnetic dart board
• Wallets/Billfolds
• Journals/Diaries
• Earbuds (small earphones)
• MP3 Players/CD Walkman
• iTunes gift cards
• Razorback items
• Model Airplane/Car sets & Model Glue/Paint
• Plain white undershirt t-shirts (adult sizes)
• Women’s underwear (smaller sizes)
• We cannot accept Latex balloons.
Page 9
Family Items
• Telephone Calling Cards
• Wal-Mart Gift Cards ($10, $25, $50 increments) for gas vouchers
• Family snack kits: coffee cup, instant coffee pack or individual tea bag, sugar, creamer,
and a small snack
(crackers, etc.)
• Family packs – travel-size toiletry items in a Ziploc bag (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodor-
ant, soap, shampoo/
conditioner, lotion, razor, shaving cream)
• Individual travel-sized toiletry items (items listed above)
• Socks
• Ear plugs
• Eye (sleep) masks
• We do not accept toys that depict violence in any way. No guns, swords, “action” or fight-
ing figures will be
accepted.
• Only non-toxic paint, glue or craft supplies can be used.
Other Items
• Wireless XBOX 360 controllers
• Disposable cameras
• Portable “boombox” CD players
• Batteries (AA, AAA, C, and D)
• Sweatpants (all sizes – child and adult – neutral, solid colors for boys and girls)
• Sweatshirts (all sizes – child and adult – neutral, solid colors for boys and girls)
• Wal-Mart Gift Cards (generic design-no holiday gift cards, please)
• Toys R Us Gift Cards (generic design-no holiday gift cards, please)
Target Gift Cards (generic design-no holiday gift cards, please)
Please Remember. . .
• Due to infection control policies, we are unable to accept used items.
• Avoid toys with sharp edges, or toys made of glass or brittle plastic.
Page 10
Arkansas District Goals for 2011
Draw the District closer
(participation & Membership)
More excitement in the chapters More Unity in District
1 Bring Fun back. 1. Initiate the Fun
A. Giving participants what they want or like. A. Show Chapters fun is good
B. Sell the idea that education is good for all Be the example
not a do it or else thing. B. Promote the good in the
Education
2 Chapter Team be more agreeable 2. Do not demand
A. It is not all about ME it is about the Chapter A. If it has to be done, then sell the
1. Listen to every idea idea for the right reasons
Think it over 3. Stay connected
Make good decisions A. Phone calls
B. Every member on your Team is there B. Visits
for a reason, USE THEM C. E-mails
3 Protect yourself and your Chapter from Burnout
A. Be creative – Have Fun
Participation and Membership are things that we have control over. We just need to follow some simple principles to keep them going. People join our association because of the FUN that they see others having, when they get in it seems that it is now a matter of have to rather than want to. ( ie: have to be a part of the levels program, have to be the couple, have to go to Horizons, OCP, Leadership training, etc) We need to find out why they are here and then give them more of what they like, and in the process we can educate them to be safer, better riders and leaders.
I truly believe in all that has been put on this page and hope that all can get behind it and see it through.
Chris DePriest
Arkansas District Director
Dec. 18th will be Chapter L’s Christmas Party at the Centergy
Church in Morrilton. The church has a bowling alley. Family Members
and grandkids are always welcome at any of Chapter L’s get togeth-
ers. We will be having potluck with the menu theme of Cornbread
and Soup. Contact Jan Danner (501) 514-5882 if you need more in-
formation about menu.
Santa will be making a visit so bring a gift for each child that you
bring for Santa to give to them.
Bring a Christmas ornament for the “Dirty Santa” gift exchange and
be prepared for a night of good eating and fun!!!
Directions to Centergy Church: Take exit 108 off I-40 turn left
onto Hwy 9 until Hwy 64 exit. Turn right onto Hwy 64 and then the
1st right is Howell St. The church address is 308 Howell Drive.
Page 11
Page 12 From your
District Directors
We hope this letter finds each of you full of Turkey or whatever great food you had
during the Thanksgiving holiday. We also hope that you have taken time to say
thank you for all that you have. Pam and I are very thankful to be part of this great
association and the District of Arkansas. We would like to wish everyone a Merry
Christmas, and we pray that all of you have a very safe and happy holiday season.
Our Toy run and Christmas party are just around the corner. December 11th s the
day, please circle it on your calendar and plan on participating in the fun. We will
deliver toys to the children at the hospital and then meet at Brown’s in Benton for
our Christmas party. We will be doing the Dirty Santa gift exchange so if you are
able to participate in that, then bring a gift ($10 or less) and make it gender spe-
cific (guys for guys and gals for gals).
Don’t forget our paperwork meeting on the 8th of January in Morrilton. We will be
serving lunch so bring your appetite and your paperwork and we will enjoy the
time together.
We have put the goals out to the District and hope that each of you have seen
them, if not then please ask your directors for them. We ask that each participant
strive to meet these simple goals and work together to bring the District closer
than ever. Your District team is working to put plans in place to help them push for-
ward and achieve their part of the goals. Please join them. As we move into the
new year, we are looking forward to a great year filled with fun and participation by
all. We are hoping to see each of you
out on the road and at each and every gathering that can be attended.
Again I encourage you to get in touch with the reason why you joined this
association and be active, doing what you enjoy.
Remember, If it looks like a good day to ride,
it probably is.
Chris and Pam DePriest
Page 13
By the Book By: Steve Cotton –Region H Trainer
The “By the Book” articles are intended to help familiarize GWRRA Volunteer Leaders and Members with the policies, pro-
cedures, and information contained in the GWRRA Officer’s Handbook (OHB). A copy of the Officer’s Handbook can be
found at www.gwrra.org - Click on the Officer Connection tab at the bottom of the page; then select Officer’s Handbook in
the upper right hand corner. Please feel free to reprint these articles in Region, District, or Chapter newsletters.
Thanks to Harry Dollarhide (former Region H Trainer, and current Region H Director) for the inspiration to write this
month’s article based on ideas he wrote in July 2005. Revisions have been made to keep it current.
Integrity?
Assume for just a moment that you are out riding your Wing in the middle of nowhere, just flatlands as far as the eye can see. You notice up ahead that there is a stop sign coming up. Now remember that you can see for MILES in every direction, and there is no one in sight. Do you still stop at that stop sign?
If you are riding with me, then YES I will still stop at that stop sign. Why? Because that is what you are supposed to do all the time, not just when someone is coming that you notice.
We can all gather a lot of information about a person just based on how they drive. Do they obey the speed limit; do they use their turn indicators regularly when changing lanes or making turns; do they obey the stoplights and stop signs? I am not saying that they are bad people if they do not do the things men-tioned above. But, I am saying that they are not dedicated to driving like they are supposed to do, and learned to do. It becomes a habit doing these things we know we are supposed to do, and then they be-come automatic every time.
That is the topic of this month’s article: INTEGRITY. So what is integrity? If you were to consult a the-saurus, it mentions words like honesty, truthfulness, honor, veracity, reliability, and uprightness as a few things. My dictionary also mentions being complete as well as these other items. The GWRRA Officer’s Handbook specifically mentions integrity twice (you can do a search for any word or topic in the Handbook).
First it is listed as one of our Core Values on page A-2. Here is the quotation: “Honesty, Integrity, and Commitment are the key character elements in developing trust and respect within our Association.”
The Second mention of integrity is under the Code for Standards of Conduct for GWRRA Officers on page B-2. Here is that quotation: “This code has been adopted to promote and maintain the highest of stan-dards for association service and personal conduct among its Officers. Adherence to these standards is necessary and will further serve to assure Member confidence in the integrity and fairness of all GWRRA Officers.”
Sounds like a pretty good idea to me. I have heard integrity defined as “Doing the right thing even when no one is watching”. The time is always right to do what is right When we take an Oath of Office, or sign a Memorandum of Understanding in GWRRA, it is integrity that guides us in completing our duties or conduct-ing ourselves in the manner we agreed to. Our fellow GWRRA Members judge us on how we “Keep Our Word”. If the Officer’s Handbook lists a particular manner of operation, or a program has a specific require-ment, it becomes obvious if we do not live up to our oath or signed agreement. As an example: – Qualifying for Level IV in the Rider Education program, wearing the patch, even attending the Level IV breakfast at the convention, and then not wearing all the required safe riding gear when you need to (All The Gear, All The Time – ATGATT). (Continued next page)
Page 14 By the Book Continued From Page 13
I remember back in 1996 when I had my first Experienced Rider Course, my Chapter Educator at the time who taught the course (someone I highly admire to this day) said that he didn’t even back his Wing out of the garage without his helmet and other required gear.
Another example is: – Accepting an Officer position, signing the Memorandum of Understanding, taking an Oath of Office (often in front of other Members), wearing the patch of your Office, and then displaying behavior that is contrary to what you agreed to do.
Participating in a program, and/or accepting an Officer position just for the benefit or prestige (just to wear the patch) will NOT display integrity! You are highly visible and will be observed. If you do not live up to your oath and/or agreement, your integrity is in doubt and your honor in question. If your integrity is in doubt, so is your honesty. Without integrity and honesty, you cannot have the trust or respect of the membership. As Officers and Members, we should conduct ourselves with honesty and integrity at ALL times.
There are always convenient excuses for not doing the right thing. “It is too hot to wear all that equip-ment,” or “no one is looking, so I will just take a shortcut this time”, etc. Or, that age-old excuse, “Everyone else is doing it”. I tried that excuse with my parents when I was a teenager, and they always replied, “What if everyone else was jumping off a bridge? Would you also do that?”
When you give your word (oath or signature) you must follow through. My grandfather used to say that his word was all it took in an agreement – and it was! This may seem old-fashioned, but it is essen-tial to establishing and maintaining our Member’s trust.
So, let me leave you with this: Honesty, Integrity, and Commitment are the key character elements in developing trust and respect within our Association. Let’s be sure to set the right example. The time is always right to do what is right.
Learn Something New…Then Teach Someone!
Steve and Carolyn Cotton
Effective immediately, there will no longer be "Grandfathering" of anyone into
the Rider Education Seminar Presenter Program unless they have attended and completed
one of the following:
Leadership Training Development Program
Rider Education Seminar Presenter Development Program
Rider Course Instructor, Course Instructor Development Module ( CIDM )
MSF Instructors will NOT be grandfathered into the Seminar Presenter Program
until they have completed one or more of
the above courses. The reason for this is due to the fact that our Presenters
not only provide instruction pertaining
to Rider Education, but must be able to answer questions pertaining to the other
GWRRA Programs.
We have discussed this with the International Directors of Leadership Training,
David and Kathy Orr, who are in concurrence with this change.
As always, I appreciate your efforts on behalf of the Members, and Rider Education.
Gene and Betty Knutson
International Directors, Rider Education
Page 15
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3
Happy Anniv. Danny & Nancy Beene
4
5 6 7 8 Happy Anniv. Jr. & Jeannie Phillips
9
Happy Birthday Lee Wilkins
10 Happy Anniv. Bud & Jan Danner
Dinner Ride
11
AR District Toy Run and Christ-mas Party
12 13 14 15
Happy Birthday Carolen Duncan Harold Wilson
16 17 18
Chapter L Christmas Party –Centergy Church Morrilton Darrill White Birthday
19 20 21 22 23
Happy Anniv. Melvin & Donnetta Harris
24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
Happy Birthday Bert Graig
December 2010
District Toy Run - Line up 10:00 AM at Honda of NLR, 4524 MacArthur, NLR ride to Childrens Hospital
District Christmas Party will be at Brown’s Country Store & Restaurant - 3 PM - 18718 Hwy I-30, Ben-
ton bring gift(s) for Dirty Santa.
Chapter L Christmas Party - Centergy Church 308 Howell Dr., Morrilton eat at 6:00 PM - take 108 exit
off I-40 turn left onto HWY 9 to Hwy 64 turn right onto Hwy 64, 1st right is Howell. (old sign points to
Skateland). Potluck, bring ornament(s) for gift exchange. Family members and grandkids invited,
Santa will be making a visit. Bring present for your child to receive from Santa. Free roller skating for
all who dare.