May 2020 Volume 6, Issue 5

CHAPTER Y GATHERING BLUE COMET MOTORCYCLE

FACILITY 4042 Mensch Road

Skippack, PA Gathering Time 8:30 a.m.

Pending May 23rd 2020

Inside this issue

Chapter Y Staff 1

Upcoming Events 2

From the Desk of

Nettie 3-4

Your Assistant

Chapter Directors 5

Member

Ehancement

Coordinator

6-7

Person(s) of the

Month 8-9

Couple of the Year 10-11

Photos 12-14

Contributed Articles 15-18

From the Web Side 19-20

In Memoriam 21-23

PA District Director 24-25

PA District Rider

Education Director 26-27

Flyers 28

G.W.R.R.A. TEAM 29

Chapter Directors

Nettie McFarland director@gwrrapa-y.com

Assistant Chapter Director

Pete & Ruth Grillo assistantcd@gwrrapa-y.com

Treasurer

Ben Robinson treasurer@gwrrapa-y.com

Member Enhancement

Coordinator

Lee Little mec@gwrrapa-y.com

Ride Coordinator

Rich McFarland rides@gwrrpa-y.com

Chapter Secretary

Katie Green secretary@gwrrapa-y.com

Sunshine

Jane Youells sunshine@gwrrapa-y.com

215-498-3781

Goodies Store

Cathy Fenley goodies@gwrrapa-y.com

GWRRA PA District Chapter Y

Harleysville PA www.gwrrapa-y.com

Motorist Awareness

Coordinator

Russell Kriebel motoristawareness@gwrrapa-

y.com

Chapter Skill Enhancement Advisor

Doug Little rider-ed@gwrrapa-y.com

Couple of the Year

Coordinators

Doug & Lee Little coyc@gwrrapa-y.com

2019-2020 Couple of the Year

Bob Cox & Katie Green coy@gwrrapa-y.com

Roll For Dough Coordinator

Pete Grillo rfd@gwrrapa-y.com

Newsletter Editor

Joan Cope newsletter@gwrrapa-y.com

Web Master

Dan Reisinger webinfo@gwrrapa-y.com

DIRECTORS OF GWRRA

Jere & Sherry Goodman

director@gwrra.org

Home Office, Phoenix, AZ 800-843-9460

www.gwrra.org

PA DISTRICT DIRECTORS

Harold & Diane Jackson

Jackson2@zoominternet.net

814-589-1307

www.codynparker.com

CHAPTER Y STAFF

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********************* 2020 Events *********************

PA CHAPTER Y EVENTS May 11 …7:30 PM – 8:00 PM ZOOM Ice Cream Social

This is a Stay-at-Home event. An email will be sent out to provide the

Meeting ID and Password to join. You can use any internet

accessible device (iPhone, Smartphone, iPad, tablet, or computer)

that has video and audio capability (to see, hear, and converse).

May 23 …8:30 AM … Chapter Y Gathering (Pending)

Blue Comet Motorcycle Club Facility, Mensch Rd., Skippack

Around the PA District 2020 May 3 … PA-M Cancelled May 14-16 … PA District Rally, Cancelled June 7 … PA-H Dice Run, Bloomsburg June 12-14 … PA All Chapters West, Cancelled July 18 … PA-R Gum Ball Run August 1 … PA-W Bug Run August 16 … District Ride-In Sept. 4-6 … PA-Q Chicken BBQ & Campout Sept. 11-13 … PA All Chapters East, Bodnarosa Motel & Campground, Berwick Sept. 19 … PA-B Spring/Fall Fling, Lancaster Central Park Lancaster National Wing Ding 42 … JUNE 30-JULY 4, 2020 … CANCELLED

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From the Desk of Nettie Nettie McFarland

KEEPING IN TOUCH IN THESE CRAZY TIMES!

Chapter PA-Y had decided to conduct a ZOOM meeting for just the Officers. It worked out well. I keep saying I really like this and will be conducting these with my children and grandchildren.

I was not sure if it would work but Pete is savvy in most programs and most computers. So, he now has a new title of Technical Communication for Chapter PA-Y. Of course, you all know this is an unofficial title, but it works for now and for me. The more I can delegate the happier I am. Pete did a great job getting us all on and making sure our mikes are connected. It went smooth, maybe because we did not have a lot to talk about, but it covered what we needed, and Harold and Diane even joined us. They informed us that the Rally was cancelled, and we should get our payments back shortly if you have not already. All rooms have been canceled by the hotel. So, you do not have to do anything.

Currently, I am planning on scheduling a staff meeting for all officers and staff sometime soon.

I contacted Blue Comet and we still have our monthly meetings on their books, and we can use the picnic grove and parking lot to hold a meeting. Again, we will stay 6’ apart and we may even decide to sit on our bikes in a giant circle. We will make those as time permits. I will also be able to open the building for restrooms but only if everyone stays their distance.

Once we decide to put together a big group ride Rich will let you know the details. Right now, I do encourage all to put together small groups and keep on riding.

Send me and Dan Reisinger pictures and we will include them in our newsletters and on the website.

Stay calm, stay safe, stay healthy.

Chapter PA-Y Director Nettie McFarland

Our Chapter Director

To our members celebrating in May

To our members celebrating in May

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A ride to Hawk Mountain

It is getting a little easier to write something for our newsletter now that we are starting to ride.

Now that the weather is a little better. Pete was so nice as to plan a small 3 to 4 hr. trip to Hawk Mountain for a few of us. Again, just testing things out. We filled up on gas before we could do anything.

About 2 hrs in we had a pit stop for a comfort stop. Yep, we

made it 2 hours before we had to stop, however, Peggy and I were both looking for some trees or bushes if we didn’t stop soon, LOL.

Peggy and Pete reviewing Pete’s directions. As you can see we all tried to keep our masks on and our 6’ social distancing. Although Pete and Peggy look a little close, I can assure you that they are 6’ away from each other. I did make sure everyone had their masks own when we all were talking to each other or stopping for a break. I did have to tell Pete and Rich to back up once, but after the reminder they were good after that. Even in the picture up above we were all staggered apart at our 6’ again. Trying to get everyone in a picture is hard but because we were staggered it worked.

I am encourging all to get out and ride just remember to invite others and mind our laws. Ride Safe.

Missing everyone!

Chapter PA-Y Director Nettie McFarland

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From Your Chapter Assistant Directors Pete & Ruth Grillo

Hopefully everyone is doing well. Being locked up at home over the last

month has caused us to start going a little stir crazy. At least we are able to get out and take walks around the neighborhood. Here is a picture of us getting ready for one of our walks with our masks on. Scary crowd!

Since we have not really been able to ride much this has given me time to work on the motorcycles. I decided to add a few more lights to the back of Ellen’s sidecar.

Luckily, Pennsylvania and the governor consider ice cream as essential business.

Everybody stay safe. Hopefully, we will get to see everybody soon.

Pete, Ruth and Ellen Grillo Assistant Chapter Directors PA-Y

Our Assistant Chapter Director

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Membership Enhancement Coordinator

Lee Little Article by Peggy Kratz

Assistant M E C

We lost two active members last month… without having the chance to say a proper goodbye… both continued participating in chapter activities while dealing with life-threatening health issues. Their contributions will be remembered often as the Chapter Y family continues on. Y folks support and care for each other. Thank you to each of you for your contributions… whether serving as a staff member or being an active supporting member.

During this sad time for our Nation, I want to tell you that our personal contact with you is very much missed. During the winter months, we don’t usually see as much of each other, but the last couple of stay-at-home months makes me remember what each of you members mean to me and to our chapter. That said, we will be back together again in the coming months.

I’ve noticed in some other chapter newsletters that chapters are riding… I have been riding regularly… getting my groceries and horse/dog needs… the trike does have a lot of storage space. However, I do see some snickers when I drive by with my 50 lbs. horse feed bag sitting on my passenger seat. I passed three other large motorcycle groups out riding last weekend… all observing the 6’ plus rule, enjoying the fresh air and scenery available outside their homes. If you decide to ride, I encourage you to pack a face mask and gloves for refueling stops, or to order lunch. One group did a picnic ride and did social distancing while enjoying lunch together. Whatever you do, get those bikes/trikes ready to go so when the time comes, you’ll be ready.

Active Member Lists have been sent out… any additions or corrections will be emailed to you. If by chance your information has changed or is not correct, please let me know… pjkratz123@gmail.com. Also, if you have not received it and want to be included on it, please contact me. Just a reminder, this list is confidential and only used for Chapter Y business.

Reminder about your GWRRA annual dues… National sends out a reminder about a month before they are due to help us stay connected. If you wait until the last minute to send them in, it could take a little time to get there and cause an interruption in your membership. Also, if any of your contact information has changed, you will need to contact National to make that change on their records. Your MEC cannot do this for you.

Your Membership is important to us… your friendship is even more important to us! Hope to see you all soon.

Peggy Kratz, Asst. MEC

Member Enhancement Coordinator

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GWRRA UNIVERSITY – “Every Day Is A New Adventure”

Peggy Kratz, GWRRA Instructor

As many of you know, I volunteered to take the course to become a GWRRA Instructor four years ago. I travelled to York for the all-day class. Class size was limited and gave us all a chance to learn and then to have the opportunity to actually teach a subject. At first, I was a bit nervous… the teacher and curriculum soon made it a fun learning experience. It was a worthwhile experience.

To stay current as an Instructor, you have to conduct a number of classes each year. For the past two years I have participated in conducting classes at the PA Rally… I taught “WHEN YOU’RE HOT, YOU’RE HOT!” … perfect for me, so much fun! I haven’t had a lot of opportunity to teach, so, when Clara Boldt, Director of the University announced the on-line Zoom classes being offered during this shelter-in-place time, I took it as an opportunity to “experience” how other instructors would lead the discussions… another learning time for me. And I was right, it was a worthwhile use of my otherwise “slow” time at home.

I’d like to share my experience with the GWRRA University classes that have been made available to us. I attended two classes through Zoom… one on Retention and the other Recruitment… both were informative and fun. The opportunity to see and share ideas with other GWRRA members across the US and Canada was a bright spot in my day. States represented included Utah, Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Arkansas, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Alberta, Canada. Love those accents! Being able to put names with faces… recognizing some members I’ve met at rallies and Wing Dings… was great! I was able to share some of the things Y does and got some new ideas to try. The class had times where we were separated into small group discussions, then brought back into the full class… amazing how our technology works! Take a look at the classes offered… try it, you’ll like it! I actually hope that these classes are ongoing even after the pandemic has eased. ZOOM is great, BUT some cautions I’ll share. Before you sign on, sit in front of your computer and turn around… look behind you! Whatever is behind you will show up on the screen for all to see! Also, you will be seen from your chest/waist up… so comb your hair and pick your jammie top carefully. Don’t worry about the bottom, no one sees that! Also, there is a little microphone showing on your screen, when there is a diagonal line through it, that means no one can hear you… if there’s no line … Danger! Danger! any sound in your house is heard by everyone else in the class… cough, my Bernese has a BIG bark, so does Ron! So, pick a quiet spot. (ha ha) Anyway, the classes were a lot of fun, very informative and I’ll be signing up to do more of them. I encourage you to investigate and try them. On the GWRRA University website www.gwrradot.com, there are complete list of classes and instructions on how to install Zoom on your computer. Its easy!

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Getting to know – Bob Cox and Katie Green

“Getting to know you…” Come on, sing along…

First of all, a little history:

Bob’s first adventure on a two-wheeler was on a Vespa Scooter that was left in the garage by one of his sister’s boyfriends. He was doing something he wasn’t supposed to, namely, riding too fast downhill when he slipped back on the seat (hoping for less windage) and developed a severe shimmy that threw him off onto a newly tarred and chipped road, and then into a rusty barbed wire fence! No helmet, light clothing…quite a mess when taken to the hospital for treatment! They picked stones and washed tar off the road rash for what seemed like ages, and he went home bandaged like a mummy.

The next bike was a 1965 Triumph Bonneville that was purchased in Utah to ride in the Wasatch Mountains while on layover from his truck-driving job from Scranton, PA to UT. It was completely stock and a blast to ride! When the weather changed, it was brought back home to PA and ridden until “Harley fever” set in. Unfortunately, Harley Davidson was owned by AMF then and the quality was substandard. It had a very small tank, and got only 30 mpg, so he sold it off and got a 1967 Triumph Tiger. It had some work done on it and had a longer front end, so in the late 70’s it was a fun ride. He moved to Phoenix and took it with him, but it was so hot to ride out there, that he soon lost interest in riding and sold it. He didn’t get the “bug” again until about ’87 when he purchased a Yamaha 650 Special. It was great for around town, but totally not a long range bike, so it too was sold. He didn’t ride for awhile until the purchase of the ’97 [red] 1500 Gold Wing in 2000, and then the rest is history! He owned it, (and rode it a lot!) for over 15 years when it was sold to Katie’s brother and the 2010 black 1800 Gold Wing came aboard. Katie loves riding, so we took many long trips with our friends: Maine, Nova Scotia, Niagara Falls, West VA, etc. An Escapade trailer completed our traveling package, and we’ve even trailered the bike to distant locations, such as FL, to give us more great riding time. GWRRA has given us great riding friends and the education to get us there safely!

To the present:

Bob continues to buy and work on bikes that catch his fancy. He bought a ’06 Yamaha V-Star for a “short-ride/errands” bike, but then sold it when he saw a Honda Valkyrie he liked even more. It’s definitely not the Wing, but still fun to ride. Then in November, he saw and purchased a ’99 1500 White Gold Wing SE as a winter ‘project bike’, and now that he’s changed out the timing belt, lights, filters, etc., and spring’s here, he’s been riding it more often.

Katie’s brothers (and several of her exes) had motorcycles, so she’s been riding most of her life. But nothing has been as enjoyable as any Gold Wing ride she’s had with Bob, the best and safest driver she’s ever known! She’s able to relax and really enjoy the scenery, roads, and camaraderie with all our fantastic friends from Chapter Y!

Person(s) of the Month

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All in all, we seem to complement each other…extrovert & introvert (I know, I know… I’m trying

to come out of my shell a little more…) and really have expanded our horizons over the past ten years! Looking forward to many more rides…see y’all soon!

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Couple of the Year

Bob Cox and Katie Green Couple of the Year Fun Day On Saturday, March 14, 2020, Bob and I headed out to Clearfield, PA for the GWRRA COY Fun Day. It was an odd time, coming as it did at the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic. People were starting to shy away from events, but we felt just fine, and the day wasn’t officially cancelled. So, having made reservations and plans months before, we arrived right on time at 10 a.m., and got registered. This year, John and Glenda Leib, the District Couple of the Year Coordinators, were in charge and the day went very smoothly. The District Couple of the Year for 2019-2020, Chris and Christy Hull, were an essential part of the very successful day as they helped the new chapter couples with questions, paperwork, and interviews. We were the only couple that was there for a second time, so we helped John and Glenda by acting as “judges” (along with chapter directors who attended) to question and interview the various couples. It was a different and fun way to experience the seminar! Although we are ineligible for the District Couple selection process, we needed to complete a resume like everybody else, so we could properly be introduced at the PA rally. We were very pleased to hear that Chris & Christy were moving ahead to the International Couple of the Year selection, and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing their presentation for the judges while they practiced it in front of us for the sake of their experience. I’d certainly vote for them if I had the opportunity! The day was well-attended, with representatives from seven chapters, along with some chapter directors, and the food was plentiful and delicious!! (I’d attend again just for that – those church ladies sure can cook! One of the guys wanted to marry the woman who made the cherry pie! LOL). The attendees included:

• Chapter B: Bob & Libbie Grumbine, Chapter Couple, and Ron & Sandy Spence,

Chapter Directors

• Chapter E: Tom & Jean Zelmore, Chapter Couple,

• Chapter I: Ray & Doreen Snyder, Chapter Couple,

• Chapter N: George & Emma Straub, Chapter Couple, and Diana & Lenny Zimsak,

Chapter Directors

• Chapter Q: Mike & Rena Gillespie, Chapter Couple

• Chapter W: Yogi Holsinger & Pat Miller, Chapter Couple, and Eldon & Kerrie Mickel,

Chapter Directors

• Chapter Y: Bob Cox & Katie Green, Chapter Couple

Couple of the Year

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We certainly enjoyed a memorable day and went to the hotel for a relaxing dinner and a good nights’ sleep!

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Photos

Mitch and Deb Miller

Mitch hiding LOL

Elaine and Russ Kreibel seem to be handling Stay-at-Home quite well . . .

Maybe Russ is

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You can’t keep Robert

Schaffer down!

He switched out to LEDs!

NICE BOB!

Looks like this Stay-at-

Home has gotten serious!

LOL

Cathy Fenley, Lester and Mary Ann Bennett and Peggy Kratz (not in picture… Bill Fenley taking the pix.) Luncheon ride in 2019.

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I saw your Group Works post and was shocked as we were together in

January and everything seemed normal. My wife transferred her pictures

to a hard drive and I wanted to post our picture from the after Christmas

breakfast in memory of Bob.

I have found other pictures as well. You may recognize these pics. I will

send you what I come across. As we all know Bob was unashamed and

the heart of the party. Will be missed by many.

Warmest Regards,

Ron Spence CD

GWRRA PA-B

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From Author Unknown This is ALL Tongue-in-Cheek – Most of the information here cannot be verified so do

NOT think these points are anything else than HUMOR {editor note}

TOILET PAPER 1. The first recorded use of toilet paper was in 6th Century China. 2. By the 14th Century, the Chinese government was mass-producing it. 3. Packaged toilet paper wasn't sold in the United States until 1857. 4. Joseph Gayety, the man who introduced packaged TP to the U.S. had his name printed on every sheet. 5. Global toilet paper demand uses nearly 30,000 trees every day. 6. That's 10 million trees a year. 7. It wasn't until 1935 that a manufacturer was able to promise Splinter-Free Toilet Paper. 8. Seven percent of Americans admit to stealing rolls of toilet paper in hotels. 9. Americans use an average of 8.6 sheets of toilet paper per trip to the bathroom. 10. The average roll has 333 sheets. 11. Historically, what you use to wipe depended on your income level. 12. In the middle ages they used something called a gompf stick which was just an actual stick used to scrape. 13. Wealthy Romans used wool soaked in rose water and French royalty used lace. 14. Other things that were used before toilet paper include: Hay, corn cobs, sticks, stones, sand, moss, hemp, wool, husks, fruit peels, ferns, sponges, seashells, knotted ropes, and broken pottery (ouch!). 15. 70-75% of the world still doesn't use toilet paper because it is too expensive or there is not sufficient plumbing. 16. In many Western European countries, bidets are seen as more effective and preferable to toilet paper. 17. Colored toilet paper was popular in the U.S. until the 1940s.

Contributed Articles

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18. The reason toilet paper disintegrates so quickly when wet is that the fibers used to make it are very short. 19. On the International Space Station, they still use regular toilet paper but it has to be sealed in special containers and Compressed. 20. During Desert Storm, the U.S. Army used toilet paper to camouflage their tanks. 21. In 1973 Johnny Carson caused a toilet paper shortage. He said as a joke that there was a shortage, which there wasn't, until everyone believed him and ran out to buy up the supply. It took three weeks for some stores to get more stock. 22. There is a contest sponsored by Charmin to design and make wedding dresses out of toilet paper. The winner gets $2,000. 23.. There was a toilet paper museum in Wisconsin, The Madison Museum of Bathroom Tissue, but it closed in 2000. 24. The museum once had over 3,000 rolls of TP from places all over the world, including The Guggenheim, Ellis Island, and Graceland. 25. There is still a virtual toilet paper museum called Nobody's Perfect. 26. In 1996, President Clinton passed a Toilet Paper Tax of 6 cents per roll, which is still in effect today. Obama tried to triple that but the House wouldn't pass it. 27. The Pentagon uses, on average, 666 rolls of toilet paper per day. 28. The most expensive toilet paper in the world is from Portuguese brand Renova. 29. Renova is three-ply, perfumed, costs $3 per roll and comes in several colors including black, red, blue and green. 30. The CEO of Renova came up with the idea for black toilet paper while he was at a Cirque du Soleil show. 31. Beyonce uses only red Renova toilet paper. 32. Kris Jenner uses only the black Renova toilet paper. 33. If you hang your toilet paper so you can pull it from the top, you're considered more intelligent than someone who pulls it from the bottom. (Wonder how this was determined?) 34. Koji Suzuki, a Japanese horror novelist best known for writing The Ring, had an entire novel printed on a single roll of toilet paper. The novel takes place in a public bathroom and the entire story runs approximately three feet long. 35. When asked what necessity they would bring to a desert island, 49% of people said toilet paper before food.

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36. Queen Elizabeth II wipes her royal bottom with silk handkerchiefs. Wonder if the royal chambermaid gets to wash those?

I hope you enjoyed this little bit of humor. I am sure many of you were just as challenged as I was finding that precious commodity Toilet Paper in March & April.

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Ride to Reading Pagoda Benjamin & Pat Robinson

Went on a ride Saturday on the motorcycle to the Pagoda in Reading, Pa. to get some air after being locked down for weeks.

Seems a lot of people had the same idea. Most were not wearing masks as required by law since Sunday. At least they should be staying more than 6 feet away from my motorcycle when it's moving. ????

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From the Web Side…

Dan Reisinger, Webmaster

Hi Chapter Y!

April started with very sad news for Chapter PA-Y. We had the passing of our long-time members Bob Williams and Jim Drueding. We lost them so close together. First was the notification that Bob Williams had passed away on April 1st and within a few days, on April 3rd, Jim Drueding passed away. We were still under a stay-at-home directive and we were not able to physically provide support to either family in their immediate time of loss and suffering.

I knew Bob Williams for many years. First in my original association with GWRRA, through the short time our group was associated with GWTA, and then our group return to GWRRA; making a term of 14 plus years. Bob was always a quiet man. I can’t remember him ever raising his voice in anger or any other manner that whole time. That is not to say he wasn’t a man who couldn’t make a point, he just seemed to get your attention with voice above a whisper than a trumpet. Bob with his wife, Elaine, were always there for assistance in the chapter. They helped with sign-in, 50/50, Couple of the Year, Roll for Dough, Assistant Chapter Directors, and keeping the accumulation of our miles on our bikes. Bob was always happy to take any position on group rides he was requested. Sometimes it was ahead of a new rider, at times as a middle rider to assist if the group got separated, or as a tail gunner/sweep to assist the road captain. Bob would be at the meet-up location early enough to welcome other riders and help where he could. Bob and Elaine had a fantastic sense of humor and willing to go along with the laughter. Many will remember the shenanigans Peggy Kratz would put Bob and Elaine in the middle of as they served as Assistant Chapter Directors and Couple of the Year; but Bob and Elaine showed that they enjoyed every minute and every one of those adventures. I know that I will and many in our chapter who attended the gatherings, joined in the rides, accompanied Bob and Elaine to rallies and chapter visits, and informal dinners or ice cream meet-ups will miss Bob. Jim Drueding just “showed up” one day at a gathering. I don’t know when because it just seemed after he showed up, he had always been there! Jim was a quiet man also but mostly because of his infirmity of needing to carry an oxygen tank even on his motorcycle. Nothing seemed to stop Jim. He even went on our overnight trips early on. You could see him whipping into the parking lot wherever Chapter PA-Y was meeting and lining his bike up for that “getting on the ride” position. You never had to worry about Jim not keeping up – you had to worry about you keeping up if he was ahead of you. Jim always greeted you with a smile and a firm handshake. If you didn’t know he had that oxygen tank on his bike, you wouldn’t have any clue of the physical pain he was in. He never showed it. There is going to be an empty chair in the chapter with Jim gone. Not a physical empty chair but with Jim’s passing, a member that will be missed going forward. It is good to see and hear that members are getting together in small groups to enjoy the brief breaks in the weather to ride. If you need an idea of who might be in your geographic area, drop a line to Nettie McFarland (director@gwrrapa-y.com) and she can arrange for Lee Little, Peggy Kratz, or herself to contact GWRRA members close to your home that might want to join you. Chapter PA-Y is a pretty dispersed group. “We” comprise a list of area codes that previously served 3 chapters – a

From the Web Side

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portion of Chapter PA-A, Chapter PA-L, and of course, Chapter PA-Y! So, If you live in Chester, Delaware, Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Lehigh, Berks, or Northampton counties, it is a pretty good chance there is a GWRRA member near you. If you live in outer counties there is a possibility that you have a member near you and willing to join you for a ride. You also can send Nettie an email and she can check with Harold or Diane Jackson to have a member contact you. Just remember to maintain a distance of 6’ at meet-up and breaks on your ride. If you feel that riding right now is not prudent, it is a good time to jump on the internet and check out Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and other surrounding states for interesting destinations. One of the “exercises” I like to do is find a destination and go to Google Maps and track a ride avoiding highways and toll roads. It can be challenging to view the roads and drag the route to that road with more curves LOL.

There are also internet sites that share rides and list events. If you want to peruse the roads of America, you might want to visit www.cyclefish.com. There are pages and pages of motorcycle events in every state! Another site www.motorcycleroads.com where you get a list of pre-made routes for some interesting sites and roads. Find your ride map, gas up, and ride! Just remember to keep water and snacks onboard. And while a solo trip is nice to clear the webs from you mind or dispel that stress, having a ride along buddy is always nice to have to share the scenery and the adventure (after all who is going to believe that huge bear that brought you a nice cold soda at your stop to view a neat waterfall? ? ?)!

And on a final note – HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL OUR LADY MEMBERS

Dan Reisinger

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ROBERT “Bob” WILLIAMS September 10, 1937 – April 1, 2020

Bob was a member of GWRRA for 14 years and an enthusiastic supporter of Chapter PA-Y.

His support was evident in his interactions with our members, as well as those in many other chapters with his wife, Elaine. During their five-year membership in Chapter PA-Y, Bob served as the Roll for Dough chairman… his enthusiasm and energy was evident as he promoted this GWRRA program to our members. Bob and Elaine were chosen as Chapter PA-Y’s Couple of the Year in 2018, a tribute and thank you for their work for Chapter PA-Y and GWRRA. They served as Assistant Chapter Directors… only to step aside to take on his battle with cancer. Throughout the multiple diverse treatments, he continued to participate and encourage others with his smile and friendship. They travelled with the PA-Y family to PA Rallies and participated in other PA District activities throughout their GWRRA membership. Bob had many years of experience riding all over the USA and shepherded many PA-Y group rides as Sweep. We will truly miss this good friend and fellow rider.

Bob and Elaine began riding motorcycles in 1977 with a 1977 GS750 Suzuki, then a 1984 Venture Royal, and a Suzuki Cavalcade GL1400. They bought a 2004 GL1800 in 2005 and converted it into a trike. They rode over 100,000+ miles over those years. They were involved in Lemans America (a Suzuki owners club) for 9 years, were founding members of the Motorcyclist Touring club for over 20 years, Motorcycles for Jesus for 22 years, and CMA for 10 years. Bob and Elaine were founding members of the present chapter PA-Y.

Bob was active in rider safety and the Rider Education Program. Bob participated in many rider-ed courses throughout the years. Both Bob and Elaine participated in the Hi-Mileage and Levels Programs. Bob assisted and participated in several rider-ed courses and practice sessions always being the first to volunteer and sign up.

In Bob and Elaine’s personal life, they were active members of their church family, assisting with many outreach activities. Bob was active in a local catering business. He worked for Abington Township for 32 years as a collection system maintenance man and was a volunteer firefighter for 56

In Memoriam

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years with Edge Hill Fire Company, treasurer for 15 years, an engineering officer for 1 year, and 7 years with Roslyn Fire Company. Bob was with the Montgomery County Haz Mat Team for 12 years as a technician … serving the community, holding various positions over the years. He particularly loved serving on the October Fire Prevention visits to schools to teach the children about safety. Bob and Elaine both volunteered at the senior citizens center, Generations of Indian Valley, in Souderton Pa.

Bob and Elaine were married for 56 years… had three sons… Before son, Bobbie’s passing Bob gave him one of his kidneys, love from father to son. Son, Dan (and wife Gail) live in Georgia. They have 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Last year PA-Y introduced you via newsletter to their great grandson Judah who was born with a severe handicap… we supported his expensive medical treatment through donations.

Condolences and special memories can be shared with Elaine at 124 Tennis Avenue, North Hill, PA 19038. 215-887-1686.

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James “Jim” Drueding

January 25, 1945 – April 3, 2020

Jim was a motorcycle enthusiast. He was an avid and cherished member of GWRRA for 14 years. Jim loved riding his beloved Black Honda Trike. Even though he had to wear oxygen all the time, having the oxygen tank at his side did not stop him from riding.

He was a small framed man who possessed a BIG heart. Jim began riding at a young age having started riding motorcycles some 50 years ago. He started out with a two wheeler then "graduated" to a three wheeler for safety and comfort. Before he was married and had his daughter, he used to race Indian motorcycles. He loved the freedom of riding; he always had a smile on his face when he was on his bike. He was a nature enthusiast; loved birds, wildlife and camping. As Road Captain, Jim often led many back country road rides. Anyone who met Jim soon learned that he had an extensive knowledge of motorcycles. He loved going to the Lansdale Bike Night and participated in many benefit bike rides.

He was more spiritual than religious and lived a full life as a husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.

On March 20, 2020, Jim went into the hospital for a left lung transplant. There were complications. He contracted Covid-19 and succumbed to its grip.

He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He stated he was going to keep riding until

the day he couldn't ride anymore. I guess you could say that he lived until he died.

He is now riding the true Gold Wing in heaven. RIDE ON JIM! RIDE ON, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN.

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Pennsylvania District Directors… Harold and Diane Jackson

It’s May! We are continuing our new normal with social distancing

and wearing masks. Change is on the horizon and restrictions are most likely going to be relaxed in certain areas. We hope you will continue to do your part to keep everyone safe by continuing to adhere to the guidelines in your area or the area you are traveling.

The PA District Rally was planned for this month but, like many events and activities it has been canceled. The District Team was concerned for all of our GWRRA family and did not think restrictions would be relaxed and would allow us to congregate. So, we made the difficult decision to cancel the rally. If you had signed up to attend the rally, you should have received your refund check.

Save the date for the PA District Rally, May 20 - 22, 2021. We will try to have double the FUN in 2021 to make up for canceling the 2020 rally. Keep watch GroupWorks, the PA District website and newsletters to learn where the rally will be held in 2021.

During this time of social distancing we begin to feel isolated so, keeping with the theme of this year’s rally “Ride Back in Time” reach out to your GWRRA family and friends. Make a phone call or set up a Zoom meeting and reminisce about those great memories we have. Talk about the FUN rides you have been on or FUN events you have attended. Keep in touch with your chapter and before you know it, we will be riding again.

Canceled - All Chapters West (ACW) – Go to GroupWorks, PA District page, events to see

the details.

We had some very exciting news posted to GroupWorks. Chris and Christie Hull, PA ADD from Chapter PA-W were selected as International Couple of the Year, NE. We are very proud and honored to have Chris and Christie representing PA and the NE territory!

I hope you have been watching GroupWorks and looking at the 2020 Calendar of Events on the PA District website. These communication tools will keep you informed as to what is happening in PA and your chapter.

May is motorcycle awareness month. I know many of you are ready to go for a ride, remember motorist are not accustomed to looking for motorcyclist.

We are not recommending you go for a motorcycle ride. We recommend you keep doing what you have been doing to keep safe. Your health and safety are our main concern during this pandemic.

PA District Director

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If you go on a ride, keep these thoughts in mind.

• Keep your groups small so you are staying within guidelines.

• Keep your rides short so, you are limiting the need for fuel, food and bathroom breaks.

• Keep your social distance.

• Give yourself a hug instead of a hug from your friend or family.

Keep safe, be well and we hope to see all of you soon! And remember to always ride safe!

Harold and Diane Jackson Your PA District Directors

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FROM YOUR PA DISTRICT EDUCATOR… Chuck & Evelyn Stone

Hi Everyone:

The time has finally arrived to start the riding season and we

have a lot of preparation that needs to be done before we go on

that first ride.

As I have mentioned before, we need to start refreshing our

riding skills at the start of the season, and we should also refresh

our skills in GROUP RIDING.

As you are all aware, we should ride in a staggered position with the leader assuming the left

position and others staggered behind him.

The group leader must watch his speed, because the larger the group, the faster the last bike

will have to travel keep up with the group.

The recommended size for a group is five to six bikes. More than six bikes you should break

up into two groups with approximately 5 minutes between the groups.

When you arrive to go on a group ride make sure you have a full tank of gas and an empty

bladder.

Communications between the leader and the last bike in the group are essential and

conversations by others in the group should be kept to a minimum. If you have persons riding in the

group without a radio they should be placed between two bikes with radios.

When riding in an area with stop lights, stop or yield signs, or heavy traffic, the group may get

separated. When this happens, the last bike should communicate with the leader so he can slow the

group down until the separated bikes can catch up, or if necessary find a spot to pull over and wait on

the rest of the group.

The last thing to keep in mind is that on all rides we need to be considerate of each other and

plan frequent rest stops and/or bathroom stops especially in warm weather when everyone should be

drinking plenty of liquids to keep from becoming dehydrated.

We should also plan our meal stops for those who need to eat on a regular basis.

PA District Educator

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As we look forward to another great season of riding we should keep the above things in mind as we plan our rides and everyone will have a great time and enjoy the rides even more.

Remember ATGATT.

“Ride Safe and Ride Proud”

Chuck & Evelyn Stone

PA District Educators

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FLYERS

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GWRRA Team

Team GWRRA

GWRRA Website Home Office, Phoenix, AZ 800-843-9460 www.gwrra.org

Director of GWRRA Jere & Sherry Goodman director@gwrra.org

Director’s Assistant Tom & Renee Wasluck 570-474-1014 tom.renee11@gmail.com

Director of Rider Education Susan & George Huttman 828-368-2249 director-re@gwrra.org

Director of Membership Enhancement Larry & Penny Anthony 205-492-9728 mepgwrra@gmail.com

Director of GWRRA University Clara & Fred Boldt 641-484-5140 toledotriker@gmail.com

Director of Finance Randall & Janet Drake 303-933-6073 financedirector@gwrra.org

Director of Motorist Awareness Mike & Barri Critzman 760-486-3405 itsawingthing@hotmail.com

ICOY – USA NE Territory - Year 2019/2020 Bob & Liz Fowler (NJ District)

PA District Team

PA District Website www.gwrrapadist.org

District Director - D-E-I-N-P-Q Harold & Diane Jackson 814-589-1307 jackson2@zoominternet.net

Assistant District Director – C-S-T-W Chris & Christie Hull 814-766-2286 rchull275@gmail.com

Assistant District Director - B-K-V-Y Mike & Shirley Prince 717-495-5400 mikep@gwrrapav.org

Assistant District Director – H-M-R-X Open for candidate

District Treasurer Sharon & Ed Golanka 724-938-7876 barnyardgang@zoominternet.net

District Membership Enhancement Pat Delo 814-328-5133 patdelo27@gmail.com

District Educator Chuck & Evelyn Stone 814-652-6554 redtrike@embarqmail.com

District Ride Coordinator Diane Jackson 814-589-1307 jackson2@zoominternet.net

District Motorist Awareness Open for candidate

Senior District University Coordinator Gerry & Bonnie VanArt 570-759-9304 gbvanart@msn.com

Assistant District University Coordinator Tim & Crystal Brakebill 724-816-9934 12wingnut@zoominternet.net

District Couple of Year Coordinator John & Glenda Leib 717-766-5467 crabcakelady@yahoo.com

District Couple of the Year - 2019/2020 Chris & Christie Hull 814-766-2286 chrishull@embarqmail.com

District Newsletter Editor Pat Cole 814-726-2673 colepatricia68@gmail.com

District Webmaster Mike & Darlene Ammerman 412-795-6685 auwinger@verizon.net

District PEDS List Coordinator Mike & Shirley Prince 717-495-5400 mailman@gwrrapav.org

District Roll for the Dough Bonnie & Gerry VanArt 570-759-9304 rollforthedough@gmail.com

District Goodies Coordinator Dave & Cindy Marconi 814-781-6383 raidersdavecindy@yahoo.com

PA - Y Team

PA District Website www.gwrrapa-y.com

Chapter Director Nettie McFarland 267-644-7874 director@gwrrapa-y.com

Assistant Chapter Director Pete & Ruth Grillo 215-688-6956 assistantcd@gwrrapa-y.com

Treasurer Ben Robinson 610-970-0991 Treasurer@gwrrapa-y.com

Membership Enhancement Lee Little 215-721-1074 mec@gwrrapa-y.com

Membership Enhancement Peggy Kratz 610-888-4865 mec@gwrrapa-y.com

Ride Coordinator Rich McFarland 267-471-0736 rides@gwrrapa-y.com

Chapter Skill Enhancement Advisor Doug Little 215-721-1074 rider-ed@gwrrapa-y.com

Motorist Awareness Director Russell Kriebel 215-368-5516 motoristawareness@gwrrapa-y.com

Sunshine Jane Youells 215-498-3781 sunshine@gwrrapa-y.com

Goodies Store Cathy Fenley 267-733-7773 goodies@gwrrapa-y.com

Newsletter Editor Joan Cope 215-280-5697 newsletter@gwrrapa-y.com

Webmaster Dan Reisinger 215-280-5697 webinfor@gwrrapa-y.com

G.W.R.R.A. TEAM