February 2006 Nebraska State Directors Column
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TO ALL OF OUR GWTA VALENTINES!
Did you know that about 1 billion Valentine's Day cards are exchanged each year? And, did you know that in 1866, the candy manufacturer NECCO made the first "Conversation Hearts" — then called "Motto Hearts?" According to NECCO, eight billion of these little candies are sold between January 1 and February 14. EIGHT BILLION!!! Wow! This short trivia lesson reminds me of the little valentines we would exchange in the elementary classroom with the “Conversation Hearts” tucked in every envelope. Here’s wishing each of you very special Valentine’s Day and that some “Conversation Hearts” make it your way!
With Valentine’s Day and February in mind, we hope that you have all had the opportunity to sign up for the National Winter Weekend in Kansas City, KS on February 18th. Mary Flora of Chapter Z was the winner of the “free registration”. Congratulations, Mary, and thanks to all who responded. We’ll have to try that again for another event.
Several weeks ago, your Region C Staff was in Onawa, Iowa checking out the site for the Region C Rally on June 9-10. We worked long and hard all day, to come up with a rally that will fit everyone’s needs and we think that we were successful. For a mere $25.00 (pre-registration by May 10th), you are entitled to a hot dog roast, a catered meal, bike show, light parade, ice cream social, rally pin, and an attendance prize drawing. Along with that goes the camaraderie of friends and the opportunity for beautiful riding amidst the Loess Hills. You can get a copy of a registration form from your Chapter Director or go to: http://gwta-c.com/events/RegionCRally.asp. Don’t delay, register today. For more information about the area and the rally check out this website:
http://gwta-c.com/GWTARegionCForum/blogs/webmaster_blog/archive/2006/01/22/969.aspx
One of our New Year’s resolutions was to keep you, the members, informed, of “What Waz” and “Waz Up”. What’s Waz was that Chapter E did the annual “Cold Tush Run”. We know because we were one of the many silly people from Chapter E that braved the blustery winds, the sleet/snow mix, and frigid temperatures of January 1. Since we were all bundled up, we took a ride around the Lake, received some very odd looks, and then went to Perkins to warm up. Yes, that was a memorable ride!
Now here’s “Waz Up”. On February 11th, Chapter V of McCook will be having their annual Road Kill Supper. Chapter W of Wauneta will be having their annual “Anniversary Dinner” in Imperial on February 18th. This same weekend, the Polk County Wings of Iowa will have a February Thaw in Newton, IA. Pre-registration is $15.00 (by 02/04/06).
March 5th, will find your State Staff and Chapter Directors in Hastings, at the annual Spring Meeting. All of us would welcome your attendance and your ideas to make this another successful year. The meeting will be held at the Hastings Police Department, 2nd floor, beginning at 11:00 AM. Additional meeting information will soon be posted on the state’s website.
Continuing with “Waz Up” in April, Chapter E will host their Mall Show on April 1-2. By the state website, we see that Chapter W is having their annual trash pick-up on April 16th. (We know how they get people to pick up trash. They make you think you’re going for a ride and you end up picking up trash. Yup. Been there, done that!). Chapter E will also have a ride to Seneca on the 30th.
May 1st, will be Chapter V’s Mall Show and Chapter E will have their annual Steak Run to Hill City, SD, on May 12-14. Packed in-between all of these events are the monthly meetings and supper rides of each Nebraska chapter. So be sure to check out www.gwtanebraska.com for all the Chapter events.
By the way, don’t forget that Chapter R has issued a challenge for 2006 – Visiting Towns That Don’t Belong, such as Athens, Georgia; Panama, Nebraska; or Sturgis, MI. What an ingenious way to discover “Towns That Don’t Belong”!
While you’re getting those registration forms filled out and sent, don’t forget to register for Gold Rush from July 17-20, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. This registration form is available in your monthly Touring News. We’ll have a hot time in the old town!
So now that you have had time to read the February column, get up and go drop your registrations in the mail. While you are at it, treat yourself to some “Conversation Hearts” and don’t forget to buy one or more of the 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards that are sold each year. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Until next time…. See ya’ on the road.
Bob & Lynda Wilkinson/NE State Directors/2006