This just in from Michael and Sue...
Saturday night, June 30th is Biker night at the Saltdogs game at Haymarket Park. If you want to attend, please be in the parking lot at 6-6:15....the parade will enter the stadium, circle the ball field, and stand for the National Anthem...you can buy tickets if you want to attend the game. My plan is to do the stadium ride, exit, and then take a leisurely ride to Around The Bend in South Bend for dinner....See ya there!
--
Michael and Sue Craft
2001 H-D Ultra Classic
Iron Nobles Member
HOG Member
Frontier HOG Member
GWTA Life Members
Rolling Plains Motorcycle Club
Patriot Guard Rider
Click HERE to see the 2005 Saltdogs Event
Hi all,
I forgot a couple of notes to add to Chapter G’s weekly goings on.
Tuesday night, after the business meeting, Randy and I are planning on stopping at the Waterfall Lounge at 10208 168th Ave, a little ways north of 370. They are supposed to have belly dancing on the first and third Tuesdays. We thought we might check it out. So anyone heading down 370 or just have some extra time, feel free to join us.
The second item that got overlooked was the fact that Steve Allen will be playing at the Tasting Room 17520 Wright St (175th South of Center, on Thursday, February 8th from 6-9pm. We had such a good time last month.
Sorry about the oversights.
Jen and Randy
It is mileage time again. Mileage runs from October 1-Spetember 30. If you have just joined GWTA during this time period, your mileage begins on the date that you registered for GWTA. Please submit individual miles to your chapter directors. Chapter Directors please send me the mileage for all members of your chapter that have ridden in the past year. I do need all mileage turned in to me by Friday, October 20th. If it is turned in after that point, I will still keep track of the mileage, but those miles will not be eligible for high miles awards.
Thanks so much and I see you all at Fall Follies and/or the State Meeting.
Jen Lipe
Chapter G
JenLipe@cox.net
Our Nebraska Fall Follies is coming up next month. Please get your reservations in as soon as possible so that we can give Holiday Inn a count on how many are to be expected for dinner on Saturday night. If you have done Nebraska's Fall Follies you know how much fun to expect and if you have not been to one yet prepare to have the time of your life. This years theme is New York New York and I have heard that the Nebraska Crime Syndicate will make an apperance complete with the Shoe Shine Boy. See you all there.
GWTA Chapter Members,
As I look not only around my own family, but those of our GWTA friends, I realize how many service men and women that we are privileged to have in our GWTA family. The U.S.A is the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, but only because of these courageous people; each of them playing an important role in protecting our country. We should let them know that we are behind them in their efforts and appreciate all that they do for our freedom.
If you are a registered GWTA member and you or any of your family members are in the service, please let me know the following information;
Name and rank (your chapter affiliation)
(or a family member, their relationship and your chapter affiliation)
Where stationed
Birth date
Address (if they wish to have this published
Any other pertinent information you would like published
A picture if you would like one posted
Your e-mail address: I will send a note letting you know that I have received your information.
I would like to not only have this information listed on the GWTA website, but also each month have any birthdays, boot camp graduations or any other accomplishments in a Touring News Article each month. Let’s reach out and let all of our U.S. troops stationed overseas and stateside know that we are thinking of them and appreciate them. Thank you so much.
Please pass this on to your Chapters. A similar article will be appearing in the November Touring News with a monthly article after that time. But the website should be up and running prior to that time.
Jen Lipe
Chapter G-Nebraska
402-896-8541
JenLipe@cox.net
7902 S 168th Ave
Omaha, NE 68136
Nebraska State Friendship Campout
September 8, 9, 10
Indian Cave State Park
Join in on the Nebraska Friendship campout weekend for some rest, relaxation and of course, wonderful friendship.
We will be going on an apple pie run and over to Wabonsie State Park, also. Saturday night there will be a potluck dinner.
I know that we will have a pot of chili and a pot of spaghetti going. Also some good Dutch Oven Desserts.
If you have an extra Dutch oven, please drop me a line. The more ovens we have, the more desserts. Bring your
specialty and join us for dinner.
Jen Lipe (JenLipe@cox.net)
Chapter G
Invites Everyone!!
All Chapter's Picnic
Platte River State Park
June 21, 2006
6:30
Bring a sack lunch (dinner) and visit with old frends and meet new friends.
Everyone welcome-invite someone that is not GWTA (yet).
Contact: Jen Lipe 896-8541
Rick Hinrichs 933-3510
April 2006 GWTA
Well it is here finally spring has arrived and if you are like me you have had the chance to go out on a few trips on the scooter. Are you ready for the riding season? Do you have your ride in tip-top shape. Have you practiced your riding skills? It has been along winter and I know how easy it is to be so anxious to ride that I some times don’t take the time to mentally prepare my self or the bike for that all important first ride.
We have a lot of rides coming up this year with the first being this Memorial weekend ride for the Grand Tour. We then have Region C Rally in Onawa, IA. June 8-10 and then Gold Rush in Hot Springs, AR. in July, Not to mention all of the Fun Runs dinner rides and camping weekends we have planned for this year. So get your motorcycle ready and practice your riding skills and let’s go ride.
We have decided not to host a fund raising campout this year, instead we plan to camp at as many of the other chapter fun runs as we can and invite all of our friends to join us. See you this coming year on the road.
Rick
Birthdays
Jenny May 7
Sue May 11
Richard May 11
Brian June 14
Look someone finally got a picture of Jerry
Randy June 16
Anniversaries
Brian and Rondi May 14
Dear Gabby
Well not much to say here this month. I’ve been staying with Jerry and Eve and did make a ride to Grand Island last month. I think Eve likes me but Jerry has me wondering. Gabby
Grand Tour NE. 2006 Ten Teeney Tiny Towns in Ten Counties
Friday May 26: Leave at about 12 Noon
Take HWY 275 to Coumbus and then turn North on Hwy 81 to HWY. 91 into Cornlea ( 108 Miles)
Go back to HWY 81 then north to Aten (90 Miles) Stop for the eving and Camp around Gavins Point Dam.
Saturday May 27: Leave from Camp and take Hwy 81 south to Hwy 12 west to Mills ( 137 Miles). Continue on HWY 12 to HWY 20 then to Whitney (245 Miles) Go Back to Chadron and camp for the evening.
Sunday May 28: Leave from Chadron taking HWY 385 south to Angora (74 Miles).Take HWY 385 north fro Angora to HWY 2 east to Thedford and then North on HWY 83 to Brownlee (175 Miles). Take HWY 83 South to Thedford then east on HWY 2 to HWY 91 East into Brewster (70 Miles) Go back on HWY 91 to Hwy 2 to NE. State Forest , Halsey to camp for the evening.
Monday May 29: Optional Head south on Hwy 83 into McKook Then west on Hwy 34 to Max.(175 Miles). Take HWY 34 east to Hastings and the HWY 281 to I-80 and then home9 (331 Miles).
Monday May 29: Optional NE. State Forest to home (346 Miles)
Total trip will be between 1245 miles and 1405 miles depending on the last day
FROM THE STATE DIRECTORS . . .
BOB & LYNDA WILKINSON
May 2006
The April showers have brought out the May flowers and we are ready to ride. As we get those bikes out, don’t forget to do your pre-ride check (T-CLOCK). Check the TIRES, CONTROLS, LIGHTS, OIL, CHASSIS, AND KICKSTAND. If you need more information about the T-CLOCK inspection, check with your chapter safety director or go to http://www.micapeak.com/info/T-CLOCK.html for full details. Speaking of safety, have you had the opportunity to make arrangements to have the Safety Proclamation that was posted in last months column read by your mayor or promoted by the local media? This is a great way to get motorists to remember that “we” are out there. If you need a copy of the proclamation, give us a call and we’ll be glad to share. Also, have you had the opportunity to take the Rider Level 1 Knowledge test? There is one for the rider, co-rider, and even one for trikes. Complete this test, and your chapter has reached another step in the Chapter Olympics. Again, talk to your chapter director, riding education director, or us, and get started on your Rider’s Education.
As we noted during our last column, we have done a little research on motorcycle statistical data in Nebraska. From the www.nebraskatransportation.org, we found that the upward trend in Nebraska motorcycle crashes rose to 413, an increase of 12 crashes over 2003. This is the highest number of motorcycle crashes in the last ten years. There was an increase in fatal motorcycle crashes, from 13 in 2003 to 20 in 2004. The increase in motorcycle crashes is most likely related to the growing number of motorcycles registered in Nebraska. After a long period of decline, motorcycle registrations have risen significantly in the last few years. With gas prices increasing on a daily, our bet is that there will be more and more motorcycles taking to the highways. In 1995, there were 18,696 motorcycle registered, compared to 32,553 in 2004. This brings things more into perspective. When calculating the percentage of crashes to registered motorcycles, the data indicates that the rate was 1.67% in 1995 compared to 1.26% in 2004. Could one attribute this decline to more and better rider education classes? Safer drivers? Helmet laws? The number of vehicles in each body style group which were involved in crashes is as follows: autos – 56.0%; light trucks – 39.4%; heavy trucks – 3.4%; and Other – 1.3%. (Other is defined as motorcycles .7%; buses .3%; motor homes .1%; farm equipment .1%, and all others .1%.) So don’t become a motorcycle statistics – be careful out there!
You can tell it’s beginning to look and feel like riding weather. Chapters are gearing up for their weekly dinner rides. Please check out each chapter’s events at www.gwtanebraska.com. There are chapter meetings and rides to partake in. Don’t be bashful, get in the groove and accompany your chapter or another chapter on a ride. This is the best way to spread that golden opportunity of Destination Friendship (and another step in the Chapter Olympics).
To get things started this riding season, we will be joining Chapter G on their dinner run on April 28th. The Omaha bunch will meet at the Millard K-Mart, with kickstands up at 6PM, and then to the “Round the Bend Steakhouse” at 30801 E Park Hwy, South Bend, NE. Chapter Director, Rick Hinrichs says there is plenty of room for everyone to join us – so hope to see you on Friday, April 28th! We will be joining Chapter V on Sunday, May 7th for their Bike Show at the McCook Walmart Parking Lot and hope that you can join us for that, too. Then there is the Chapter E annual South Dakota Steak Run to Hill City the 12th-14th. That’s always a lot of fun. There is still time to join Chapter E for this fabulous ride. Just contact the Chapter Directors, Lee & Deb Ralston.
Just a couple of changes in the riding schedule to take note of. Chapter E will not be going to Seneca on the 30th because the café will not be opened that day. Also, Chapter W has changed their Bike Show at the Champion Museum from the 7th of May to the 1st Sunday in June from 1:30-4PM. Linda Statz, Chapter Director, would be appreciative of anyone that would like to join them.
Did anyone get to attend the April 22nd UP Motorcycle Safety Awareness “Show and Shine” at the Harriman Dispatching Center in Omaha? We would be interested in hearing what they had to offer. Unfortunately, we were unable to attend because we had committed to attending the granddaughters fast pitch softball tournament in McCook. While we truly enjoyed watching them play, we did not enjoy the 50 mph wind gusts, blowing dirt, and sunburns! Sounds like we’re in for another round of softball tournaments this coming weekend.
Grand Tour (Ten Teeny Tiny Towns in Ten Counties)? Region C? Gold Rush? Rally in the Valley? Camp Wing Tyme? Do these sound like events that you might be attending? If so, you need to get your registrations in as soon as possible. The hosts of these parties would appreciate knowing if you are coming. Help them plan a successful event. Don’t pass up these opportunities to get out and explore the locale while at the same time participating in events with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts. (Another way to meet one of the Chapter Olympic steps) We are still entertaining ideas to show the Nebraska spirit at Gold Rush. You can e-mail those to us anytime, soon.
RAFFLE TICKETS! Have you sold your allotment yet? Want to reach another level in the Olympics? Have each member sell a minimum of 10 tickets. Get out there and sell, sell, sell. Just as important, get those tickets back in. This is such a valuable tool to augment the bottom line. Not only for National, but as it trickles down to the Region, State, and Chapter. States in the Region C area will be receiving their rebates at the Region C Rally.
If you are ever in the neighborhood, please contact us and we’ll make an effort to get together. We were fortunate to meet up with Randy Nelson and Jen Lipe of Omaha this weekend. They had rode to Holyoke to pick up their newly acquired bunkhouse camper and stayed overnight at Lake Maloney. We got to sit with them during their supper and had breakfast with them before they headed east. It was good to hear their positive attitude about GWTA and of course it’s always good to enjoy that GWTA friendship.
In closing, we wish each of you a safe riding season and a season that is full of fun, friendship, and family. We look forward to seeing our GWTA friends soon. Be careful and be safe!
So until next time, we’ll see ya on the road . . .
Bob & Lynda Wilkinson
GWTA Nebraska State Directors
FROM THE STATE DIRECTORS . . .
BOB & LYNDA WILKINSON
"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle...”
We have been totally gripped with the passion, the dedication, and the love for each sport by the athletes during the 2006 Olympics. Dreams can be made in “split seconds” and dashed just as quickly. Can you compare the above section of the Olympic Creed with your GWTA relationship? If you can, then we believe that you can relate to the mission of GWTA, “Destination Friendship”. Speaking of the Olympics, have you checked out your GWTA Chapter Olympics lately? This is a great opportunity for chapters to “take part” and proudly claim their medal. Will it be bronze, silver, or GOLD? If you need more information about the Chapter Olympics, check with your Chapter Director or go to www.GWTA.org/ olympics/index.htm. This is your golden opportunity to take part and go for the GOLD!
Your Nebraska Chapter Directors and State Staff will be meeting on March 5th at the Hastings Police Station to pave the way for GWTA Nebraska 2006. These representatives take time from their busy schedules (and at their own expense) to meet, discuss, plot, plan, collaborate and envision great things for 2006. You, as members of GWTA, are also invited and encouraged to attend. To have “standing room only” would be beyond our wildest expectations! Next time you see your Chapter Director or a member of your State Staff, give them a hug and tell them “thanks for all you do”. They all deserve a gold medal!
Now, it’s your turn to “take part”. Take part in your chapter events, be it a supper ride, meeting, or fun run. Take part in the State events, Regional Events, and National Events as time and money allows. Sit down today and fill out your registration for the Region C Rally in Onawa, Iowa on June 9 and 10th. Pre-registration by May 10th is $25.00/person. Registration includes Friday evening hot dog roast, bike show, talent showcase, light parade, ice cram social, rally pin, attendance prize drawing, and a catered meal on Saturday evening. Along with that goes the camaraderie of friends and the opportunity for beautiful riding amidst the Loess Hills. Now this event is the real deal! We expect that Nebraska will show up in full force because of the near locale. 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/GWTA RegionCForum/ blogs/webmaster_ blog /archive/2006/01/22/969.aspx.
While you’re at it, get your registration in for Gold Rush in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Celebrate with the Roaring 20’s with fellow GWTAers on July 17-20, 2006. Pre-registration is due by 03/01/06. After that, registration goes up $10.00. A full rally registration includes rally pin, vendors, seminars, parade of lights, flapper dance, casino night and more. Will Nebraska be in contention for the coveted Spirit Award? We certainly hope that you will all come and “take part”.
The 2nd weekend of February found us taking part in Chapter V’s (McCook) Road Kill Supper. Now there is a creative chapter! You really had to mentally blank out the names of their concoctions before trying to eat them! Now honestly, could you bring yourself to eat any of the following: Crow in a Shell, South of the Border Burro Borscht, Pet Cemetery Surprise, Hot off the Blacktop, Gassed up With a Side of Pork, Mashed Turtle Soup, Raccoon Wraps, Run Over Turtle, Squirrel Gut Salad, Chip off the Assfault, Coyote Droppings, German Shepherd Pie, Swirl of Squirrel, Maggot Delight, Endeering Droppings, and Crispy Critter Road”. The winner of the event, Donna Wickizer, beheaded her grandson’s farm toys and embedded them near what looked like a gravel road atop a cake-like form. They were all winners as far as we were concerned! And truly, the food was very good! With all the fun and frivolity, we can tell that Linda & Ed Thomas are running a tight ship with this bunch (NOT)!
The 3rd weekend of February, found us in Imperial, taking part in Chapter W’s Anniversary Dinner. Eleven years ago, we were there, along with other many other GWTAers, to welcome this new chapter in southwest Nebraska. After a delicious meal (with regular named dishes) Chapter W was in full form. Yes, we are all a little older, but they are just as ornery as they were when we first met them. Marge Berry awarded Deb Ralston and me with one of her “patented” hand designed bonnets. We’ll both wear those with pride (?). In retaliation for something (who knows), Deb Bartlett awarded Marge Berry with nice red “padded” earmuffs. Next time you see Marge, ask her about her earmuffs. What a hoot! Then Jeannie Bryant had a newly designed helmet bestowed upon her – the latest in helmet wear we were told and Jim Bryant had a “safety vest” given to him. (Both were creatively made out of bubble wrap). Again, we could tell that the Chapter Director, Linda Statz, had total control over this bunch (?).
Here’s another way to “take part”. Sell those raffle tickets! Have you bought any yet? Where else can you buy a raffle ticket for $1.00 that may win you such a desirable prize – a new motorcycle or good ol’ cold cash! Nebraska sold 4266 in 2005 and 6230 in 2004. Can we sell more than that in 2006 and go for the gold? Tickets need to be turned into your Chapter’s Ticket Coordinator and returned to Barb Kohler by the 1st of each month. Barb, in turn, sends them on to Regional, who sends them to National. Before you return the tickets, make sure that all the information is complete. Name, address, city, state, zip, phone number (with area code) and then on the back, include your information. Who is going to be the 2006 top seller in Nebraska? Larry Hohnesee was top seller in 2005. Make sure your Chapter Ticket Coordinator is keeping track.
We can’t close out the March column without wishing everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day and send an Old Irish blessing your way, “May the roads rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. May the rain fall softly on your fields. And, until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.” This old Irish blessing seems to be written for each and every motorcyclist. For every trip we take, we hope the roads are friendly, the wind is gentle, and the warmth of the sun tenderly caresses our skin. We hope that the rains fall softly on the drought stricken land, but part during our passing. But our biggest hope is that we are held near and close until we meet again.
Well, there you have it. The latest news from your Nebraska State Directors! Got questions? Contact us via the website at www.gwta.nebraska.com.
Until next time…. See ya’ on the road.
Bob & Lynda Wilkinson/NE State Directors/2006
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
If so, sign up today for the National Winter Weekend in Kansas City, Missouri on February 17-19, 2006. Activities include: on-bike games (?), off-bike games, photo bike show (wonder if lights will show up on a picture?), light parade (now, that ought to be interesting), monster truck race, casino night, and more.
The host hotel in the Marriott at the Kansas City Airport (816-464-2200). Register by 01/27/05 for the rate of $69/night. After that it goes up significantly. Then register for the event by 01/15/06 for the rate of $25.00/each.
We are offering a special drawing to the Nebraska membership. To enter, please return an e-mail to Here to be entered into the free registration drawing! Yes, if your name is drawn, you will win a free registration. Your e-mail (or phone call) must be received by January 30th and must include your name(s), address, and phone number. So drop us an e-mail HERE or call 308-532-0218 (leave message with name, address, and phone number). Only current membership is eligible for this drawing. The winner will be announced on January 31st and will be reimbursed only after attending the event.
So, get moving, pick up your recent Touring News, find the registration (page 7 of the current issue) & register for the National Winter Weekend at the Kansas City Marriott in Kansas City, Missouri. Then drop us an e-mail or give us a buzz to be entered into the free registration drawing. What a great way to get out of those winter ho-hums!
See ya on the road . . .
Bob & Lynda Wilkinson
Nebraska GWTA State Directors
New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. One of our goals posted in our January 2005 newsletter was to keep you, the members informed of events. As we re-read the 2005 newsletters, it seems we have met that goal. As we look forward to 2006, one of our resolutions will be to further improve that communication with more one-on-one communication. So if you answer the phone and hear us on the other end, it will be just to say “hi” and provide you an opportunity to share “what’s on your mind with GWTA”. Wouldn’t it be awesome to say at the end of 2006, that we had verbally touched base with every member of Nebraska GWTA!!! Now that is a resolution to look forward to!
When we left off in our November column, we were on our way to Thanksgiving dinner and Estes Park for the Parade of Lights. We had a great time as we got to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends. Did you know that 50% of Americans resolve to do just that, appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends, according to the General Nutrition Centers?
As we continued on into December, we prepared for Christmas and spent time with family and friends. Since one of our granddaughter’s has a mid-December birthday, together we made sugar cookies and decorated them (all 150 of them) and sent them off to school with her and to work with me. The next weekend, we were making candy and rosettes (a delicate traditional pastry dessert) to share at Christmas time. In between, we crammed in shopping, Christmas parties, meetings, work, and traveled hither and yon. Before we knew it, Christmas Eve was upon us. As we shared Christmas Evening Mass with family and friends, we gave thanks that we had made it through another year and asked for direction in the coming year, resolving to be better in mind and heart.
And here it is, 2006! So as part of our resolve to keep you, the members, informed, here’s “Waz Up”. Chapter E of North Platte and Chapter W of McCook will start off the year with a Cold Tush Run, starting at 2PM and 1PM, respectively, and Chapter M will be having their Chapter Photo at 9AM the same day in Omaha. Chapter A and Chapter W will also both be hosting their annual Holiday Party on the 21st and then on February 11th, Chapter W will be having their annual Road Kill supper on February 11th. The Polk County Wings of Iowa will have a February Thaw in Newton, IA on February 18th. Pre-registration is $15.00 (by 02/04/06). 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”! Don’t forget to add the following dates to your calendars: March 5th, annual Spring meeting (date is still tentative) in Hastings; GWTA Winterfest in Kansas City on February 17-19; Region C Rally from June 8-11 at Loess Hills; and Gold Rush from July 17-20, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. There will also be the Scavenger Hunt and the Grand Tour to participate in. Thank you to the Chapters that have posted their 2006 events on the website, www.gwtanebraska.com. You can check out all these events, find “For Sale/Wanted” items, Picture of the Day, and forums at this website. While you are at it, take the time to submit your registrations for each event as soon as possible. So while we attempt to meet our resolutions for the New Year, we urge you to make your resolution to support GWTA and become a participant in 2006.
With the start of the New Year, we invite you to look back and reflect on the many friendships you have made through GWTA and look forward to what 2006 has to offer. Take time to tell someone they are appreciated and spend time with family and friends.
With that, we bring December to an end and wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.
Until next time…. See ya’ on the road.
Bob & Lynda Wilkinson/NE State Directors/2006
FROM THE STATE DIRECTORS . . .
BOB & LYNDA WILKINSON
THANKSGIVING GREETINGS We anxiously await this holiday as an estimated forty family members converge on my father’s home in southwest Nebraska on Thanksgiving Day to catch up on family events and greet the newest additions to the family. As we prepare the bountiful dinner, we will occasionally peek around the corner to catch a glimpse of the magnificent floats in the Macy’s Day Parade. When the preparations are done, it will be time to call the “family” to attention, bow our heads and recall our blessings. Then the chaos begins! Succulent turkey, ham, and goose; simmering gravy and mashed potatoes; raisin sauce; salads; poppyseed, cream cheese, and cherry kolaches; and sinful, delicious desserts will decorate the Thanksgiving table. Afterwards, there is the usual clean-up, football games (both on TV and outside), and culminating with the putting up of the Christmas tree, adorned with ceramic stars with a family members name inscribed on each, and outdoor decorations. Too soon, it is time to pack up and head for home. Early the next morning, we’ll be heading for Estes Park for the Festival of Lights Parade, an annual trek for us and our family.
When we reflect on the above paragraph, it reminded us much of our recent preparations for the Nebraska Fall Follies and the Hollywood Nights: days of planning, packing up the “stuff”, phone calls, frantic e-mails, repacking, returning, and all the other things that are needed for a successful get together. Together, we had the perfect setting to renew and create new friendships, eat, laugh, have fun, and just plain, enjoy each other’s company. We truly are blessed by all the friendships we have made.
The Fall Follies and Hollywood Nights are “A Wrap” as the motion picture industry would call it. There are plenty of thanks to go around to all the members that helped in any way and to those that attended and had fun. We will have a summation of the event at a later date and will pass that on to you as the information becomes available.
Now it is time to move on to the upcoming Chapter Christmas Parties that are listed on the Nebraska website. On the 3rd of December, we have Chapter W starting at 6PM (place to be announced) and Chapter Z, starting at 6PM at the Lakeland Estates in Blair, NE. Chapter G will host their Christmas party on the 10th at the Robidoux home in Lincoln with Chapter E to follow on the 13th at The Depot in North Platte at 7PM. Chapter C’s is on the 14th at 6:30 at the Pizza Kitchen in Milford, and lastly, is Chapter B’s on the 17th at Piccolo Pete’s in Omaha. You can check out all these events and more at www.gwtanebraska.com. When you’re making out your Christmas list, you might consider giving a gift of a registration to the Region C Rally or Gold Rush.
Speaking of registrations, it’s not too early to start registering for those events. We can’t express strongly enough how important it is to get those reservations in early to help plan these events. It makes it extremely difficult to plan when you don’t know how many are coming.
With that, we bring November to an end and wish you a bountiful and Happy Thanksgiving.
Until next time…. See ya’ on the road.
Bob & Lynda Wilkinson/NE State Directors/2005
Contact Bob & Lynda
Stop over and see what he has to say and see a few pictures of the event.
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