Friends for fun, safety and knowledge

GWRRA SOUTH CENTRAL

CHAPTER LA-M

www.chapterlam.com

CHAPTER DIRECTORS

Mickey and Mary Searels

CHAPTER DIRECTORS

MICKEY & MARY SEARELS cd@chapterlam.com

ASSISTANT CHAPTER DIRECTORS NEWSLETTER EDITORS ROBERT & JOAN PARTIGIANONI acd@chapterlam.com

TREASURER TOM & NEVA REED

CHAPTER EDUCATOR CHARLES & CYNTHIA SIMPSON

WAYS&MEANS COMMITTEE WELCOME COMMITTEE CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP ENHENCE-MENT COORDINATORS TOM & SANDY WOODS

PHONETREE COORDINATORS LIN-DA & GORDAN MYRICK phonetree@chaterlam.com

RIDE COORDINATOR Mickey Searels

ACTIVITY COMMITTEE LISA FLETCHER COODINATOR LYNN THOMPSON BJ ASHFIELD

CHAPTER COUPLE OF YEAR

Sherwin “Pops Goins & BJ Berly

WEBMASTER CHARLES & CYNTHIA SIMPSON

SEPTEMBER 2012

Great ride last Saturday, 320 miles and good food, and fun thanks Team for the support, although Mary and I have got to make a trip back over and pick up some-thing we bought!! Somebody needs to start taking a trailer I guess.

But it will be worth the ride. The rain has shut us down some but all in all a good month. Steak night in Lake Charles was fun we laughed and had a lot of fun.

We want to thank Our District Director Merlin Mayon for coming by last Gathering he get's to buy Chapter M ice cream at the next District Convention because he won the 50/50 all in favor just say ice cream when you see him!! LOL

Joan had been gone a lot up to New York we can't all be born in the south. Joan does a lot for the Chapter and the newsletter, and make's my job a whole lot easier. And when she is not here she is missed so much glad you are home we all missed you!!

Horizon Training is next weekend Sept 8th and 9

th all that intend to go get with me

after the Gathering and we will plan the trip. Our 4 corners ride will be here soon we are looking forward to it and we need everybody’s help.

Robert and Charles will be heading up the ride to Flo’s taking equipment up there and sitting up the event there as we have talked about it. Some are riding the whole ride others are riding from Monroe, some will ride on to Chapter J from Flo’s to eat some gumbo. So let’s all join in and enjoy the ride with Chapter F and friends. All the information is in your newsletter.

The Core Team and I met and we sent you some dates to remember: I want to thank all of the Core Team for coming out and help plan the remainder of the year’s

events.

Mary and I have enjoyed being your Chapter Directors and have en-

joyed your support. I want to thank our Core Team for their support and

all that have stepped up to be apart of making it happen. Thanks Chapter

M for all the support it has been amazing.

Mickey and Mary Searels

LA Chapter M Directors

Just A few dates to Remember

Sept 8th and 9th Horizon Training All that are going call me we will set up Motels

4 corners ride Sept. 28-30 call me fro set up motels

Oct 26 Hobo Stew Bj and Jimmy Ashfield's home

Nov. 17 Thanksgiving Pot Luck Cora and Bruce's Home

Dec. 15 Either Stan and Brenda's Home or the Conquers Center

At Grace Church, Pot luck

Two other events to be announce latter

Motorcycle awareness days at Wal-mart

Bike night on the Square!!

Thanks

Mickey Searels

Chapter Director

Operation H - No Winger Left Behind Do you remember your first gathering? How did you find out about it? Were you warmly greeted at the door? How many welcomed you and who did you sit with? Were you invited back? Were you asked to join them on the next dinner ride? Did you receive a newsletter & calendar of events? Why so many questions??....because we want NO WINGER LEFT BEHIND! If you are reading this , you probably have a good if not great chapter life! We've always spoken of chapters as our extended families and most of you have been treated accordingly! During your last gathering, did you have a visitor? Did you greet them? Did you offer to sit with them? Were they acknowledged and introduced during the meeting? Did you thank them for coming and invite them back? Why more questions??....because we want NO WINGER LEFT BEHIND! PLEASE DO NOT TAKE VISITORS AND NEW PARTICIPANTS FOR GRANTED OR ASSUME ANYTHING! Be proactive! Add them to your email and phone tree list immediately! Send them your latest newsletter and follow up with a phone call to invite them on a ride! Get them involved now! What does the "H" stand for? HOSPITALITY ..... Let's live it and leave NO WINGER LEFT BEHIND! Bill & Dea Ann Gray Region H Director, GWRRA

Director’s Corner

Bill and Dea Ann Gray

Region H Directors

GWRRA Region

The Hospitality Region

Hello Louisiana Members,

August was a busy month for the District Team; we traveled from Chapter to Chap-

ter to visit and in some cases we were there on official business. Traveling along

were the Assistant District Directors, (Jim & Reba Berry), the District Trainers,(Red

& Brenda Roussel), the District Couple of the Year Coordinator,(Allen Strain), the

District Educator, (Rodd Polk). Some made all Chapters and some made but a few

chapters, and I think the Chapters were surprised that we showed up for their

gatherings. I thank you all for your dedication to Louisiana GWRRA.

On a sad note the District lost one of its Chapter Directors, Gary McQueen of Chap-

ter “E”. Gary was a real friend to all in GWRRA, he would do anything for anyone if

he could and he believed in his fellow members of Chapter “E”. He will surely be

missed, and if that was not bad enough for his family, his mother has a heart attack

4 days later and passed away. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their Sister and

daughter and the rest of their family.

One of the things that Red was doing while at the Chapter gatherings was spread-

ing the word about the Horizon class being held on September 8 & 9 in Covington,

LA, and Allen was spreading the word about the Boot ride at the end of Septem-

ber. For more info about either activities, please contact Red or Allen.

Some of the official duties while attending Chapter “B” gathering were to swear in 2 Assistant Directors. Congratulations to Joan & Daron Judice and Kathy & Eugene Wyble for volunteering

District Directors

Merlin & Beverly Mayon

While at Chapter “E” gathering Bob Dull took the oath for Chapter Director and

David & Beckie Jenkins were sworn in as Assistant Directors, Congratulations to

them for volunteering also.

The only Chapter that I haven’t visited in the last 2 month is Chapter “J” in Lake

Charles, but will make it there in September. The reason for not making it to

Chapter “J” this month was we were packing to leave the next day to go to Kan-

sas’s Convention in Manhattan, Kansas. Boy I wish I could take credit for bringing

the rain they got the night we arrived (they were in a 5 month draught), but the

rain arrived by encouragement by someone greater than me. Oklahoma even

got some rain.

At least someone from Louisiana, not mentioning any names (Red & Brenda)

brought some of Kansas’s 50/25/15/10 money, plus the Rider Ed Grand Prize,

Bingo money and door prizes back home here in the south. Next trip I want to

carry that lucky horse shoe. HAHAHA

As I sit to write this article Isaac is heading to the Louisiana/Mississippi coast car-

rying with it plenty of rain and a possible tidal surge up to 12 feet high. I hope

everyone takes plenty of precautions and is well prepared for this storm.

Stay safe and dry.

See you all soon.

Your Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge

Merlin & Beverly Mayon

Louisiana District Directors

P. O. Box 3527

Morgan City, LA 70381 C/985-519-1524

DISTRICT DIRECTORS (CON’T)

Joe and Jan Mazza

International Motorist Awareness Director

Ten Things All Car and Truck Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles

As International Motorist Awareness Director, I am always looking for interesting articles pertaining to Motorist Aware-ness. Also, having just returned from Wing Ding in Fort Wayne, Indiana where at least two motorcyclists were killed by a motorist who crossed the dividing line and ran head on into them, any articles directed at car and truck drivers deserves to be reprinted and distributed as often as possible.

The article I allude to bears the same title as this one and was written by Lynn Ketchum. Here are the ten things Lynn suggests:

1) There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don't recognize motorcycles; they ignore them (usually unintentionally). Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at intersections.

2) Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcy-cle's speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict that a motorcycle is closer than it looks.

3) Because of its small size, a motorcycle can easily be hidden in a car's blind spot or masked by objects outside a car. Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you're changing lanes or turning at intersections.

4) Because of its small size, a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Don't assume all motorcy-cles are speed demons.

5) Motorcyclists often slow down by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say three or four seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.

6) Turn signals on motorcycles are usually not self canceling, thus some riders (especially beginners) sometimes for-get to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle's signal is for real.

7) Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane positions for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.

8) Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle's better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don't expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.

9) Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can't always stop "on a dime".

10) When a motorcycle is in motion, don't think of it as a motorcycle, think of it as a person.

By The Book

Gold Wing Road Riders Association Jack Wagner Region H Trainer

A Survey, or Just a Vote in Disguise

We've all heard that we shouldn't vote in GWRRA. Section D, page 9 of the Officer Handbook discusses the topic of voting in detail and says surveys should be taken in lieu of voting. But what's the difference between a 'vote' and a 'survey'? Voting, by definition, is the process of approval or disapproval of a particular proposal. A survey is defined as a process that involves ques-tioning people to obtain information or opinions to be analyzed. Hmmm, sounds kinda like the same thing – so what's the difference. Oh, I forgot to include a key word in each of the definitions. Voting is defined as a formal process, while a survey is an informal process.

Most times, voting as we do it, involves posing a question and asking for a show of hands. That sounds fairly informal – so is that a survey and not a vote, therefore okay? Lets think about that. Our type of voting is usually done in a group setting and everyone is allowed one vote - a “this or this” question. The outcome usually involves going with the majority and members thinking they either “won” or “lost” - and no one likes to loose. There can also be peer pressure in the form of being seen voting the same as a friend or risk friction in the friendship.

A properly done survey would involve talking to members informally, one-on-one, then taking all of the discussions into account and making a decision. No group setting peer pressure; no 'visible' winners and losers. The best part is that by having these discussions, an additional alternative may become apparent which would make everyone happier. Or you may find it really doesn't matter as long as riding and food are involved.

Does this sound like a lot of work on the part of the director vs. just posing a question to the group and asking for a show of hands? It shouldn't be. These discussions should occur between the members and any of the core team. Then in the planning, or business meeting, the core team provides input to the director resulting in the director making an informed decision. In many cases, the core team should be getting to know the members well enough to know what they would like without having a topic specific discussion. And the members should be pro-actively talking to their core team to offer up suggestions and com-ments.

For more information regarding GWRRA Voting, see Section D, page 9 of the Officer's Handbook which discusses the topic of voting in detail.

Learn the truth – then pass it on!

Jack Wagner

Region H Trainer

ASSISTANT CHAPTER DIRECTORS

ROBERT AND JOAN PARTIGIANONI

Hello Mudbugs,

Yesterday September 1st, Chapter “M”, made a trip to Nacogdoches, TX to a Restaurant

called “Clear Springs”.

This turned out to be a very fun ride as we had 11 bikes, which though not a record, was

surely a great showing of Mudbugs out to have fun. The Restaurant turned out to be a

great ole Texas Roadhouse type restaurant and the service and food was excellent.

I mention this particular trip because it seems to be the road that Chapter M has been fol-

lowing for the last 2 years. Our Chapter has become a family and we enjoy being with each

other and having fun and enjoying the fellowship. The week before we were all invited to

Rocky & Debbie Hauser’s house for his Birthday Party. It was amazing to see all the mem-

bers that showed up for the fun and the great food. Over the next four months we have

been invited to 4 more homes for different Chapter M events.

Let’s all keep this fun going and just enjoy the fellowship of Chapter M.

Robert and Joan Partigianoni

Assistant Chapter Directors, Chapter LA-M

Chapter Educator

Charles and Cynthia Simpson

Lead and Drag

The Lead Trike/Bike has a big responsibility. They are the eyes up front. They set the speed and inform the group of

any road hazards and vehicles that are on the side of the road or entering from the right or left. The lead requests lane

changes when necessary and gives the command to change lanes.

The Drag has an even bigger responsibility. They are the eyes form the back of the group. They have the responsibility

to notify the Lead to either speed up or slow down. This depends on how the group is moving. The lead can only see

one or two bikes behind them and the drag can see the entire group. The drag should notify the group when any vehi-

cle is passing the group at an excessive speed. They should let the group know if an eighteen wheeler is passing and

especially a logging truck. Bark from the trees can become a hazard. A truck pulling a trailer or boat should also be in-

cluded in this list. The drag is the one to secure a lane when the lead requests a lane change and let the lead know

when it is safe to move over. If a bike brakes down then it is the drag’s responsibility to stop and assist. The rest of the

group should continue on to the next rest stop or their destination.

The lead should make sure the drag knows where they are going and the route they are taking. There is nothing more

embarrassing than not to know where you are going when you stop to assist another bike and the two of you start off

again. Therefore when you decide to do a mystery ride the Lead and Drag should know where they are going.

It is all about communication, prior planning and making everything as safe as possible for the group.

Friends for Fun, Safety, and Knowledge.

CHAPTER LA-M

September 2012

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Our gathering place is being moved to the Catfish Hut at 181 Catfish Rd, North of DeRidder.

We will be changing our day to the first Tuesday of the month. Meeting starts at 6:30. Come

early if you would like to eat. They offer other things on the menu besides seafood and cat-

fish. There is an 18% gratuity on the bill

Sept. 4th 6:30 PM Gathering

Sept. 8th and 9th Horizon Training

Sept.13 6:30 PM Dinner Ride

Sept.15 TBA

Sept.20 Dinner Ride 6:30 PM

Sept.22 TBA

Sept 27 No Dinner Ride

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

13 SEPT-JACKIE COURTNEY

15 SEPT-LYNN THOMPSON

28 SEPT-LISA FLETCHER

Thank you for your interest in Chapter F’s Louisiana Boot ride. We will be

leaving on September 28th and returning sometime on September 30th

Starting location will be on September 28th in Slidell at Kangaroo Express

on 350 Voter’s Road Slidell LA (985) 643-7143 meeting time will be at

6:00a.m. If you want to stay in Slidell and leave with us from there here are

a few hotels in Slidell. Holiday Inn on 372 Voters Rd # is (985) 639-0890 or

Super 8 2010 Old Spanish Trail Slidell (985) 641-4147.

Leave time will be 7:00am with road captains meeting at 6:45am where packets with route info

will be handed out. There is a McDonald’s and a Waffle House close to the

staging area that we will be leaving from. Please give yourselves enough

time to eat and meet us at the meeting area before 6:40 a.m. As leave time

will be promptly at 7:00 a.m. As we are expecting a large turnout and expect

some groups to join us along the way each group will be responsible for

themselves. Each group will be responsible for their gas stops and or breaks.

The first scheduled stop will be at the Isle of Capri Casino in Natchez for

lunch (Chapter F will be eating at the Sand Bar Restaurant across the river, it

seats up to 125 people if you would like to join us) and then on to West

Monroe where Steve and Faye Alexander has invited us to their shop at 628

Lot 1 Smith Street West Monroe LA. We will be having a 50/25/25 drawing.

Chapter F will be staying at the Best Western on 405 Thomas Rd. W.

Monroe (318) 322-9922 other hotels in the area are Holiday Inn 503

Constitution Drive (318) 807-6000 Jameson Inn 213 Constitution Drive

West Monroe (318) 361-0750 Red Roof Inn 102 Constitution Drive West

Monroe (318) 388-2420.

The next morning we’ll be headed to where Chapter M will have a picnic

lunch for us. We will be leaving from the Best Western at 7.00am sharp and

going west on I-20 to exit 108 and north on hwy 546 to hwy 15 to

Farmersville to hwy 2 west to Homer then to hwy 79 south to Minden to

hwy 371 south to Coushatta to hwy 84 west to hwy 1 south to hwy 174 west

to HWY 171 South to Many La Take HWY 6 West to Toledo Town take

HWY 191 South go across the Toledo Bend Dam enter TX take Right on

255 Flo’s is 2.2 Miles on the right. From there we’ll be heading to Lake

Charles. Chapter F will be staying at the Richman Suites in Lake Charles,

Martin Luther King Hwy, 377-433-1711. There are other hotels in both cities

to choose from, each chapter can choose their own lodging.

From Lake Charles we’ll be taking the lower route back to Slidell. We will

stop at Golden Corral in Houma for lunch. Exit 202 off of 90 to 24 to 3040.

This ride will be about 980 miles with the first day the longest-407 miles.

There will be very little Interstate and mostly back roads as we travel the

outline of our state. Just look at our ride as another GW adventure.

FROM ALLEN AND AMY STRAIN CD’S LA CHAPTER F

FLO’S CAFÉ

118 NORTH CEDAR LN.

BURKEVILLE, TX 75932

SUPER Y RESTAURANT & GROCERY

7635 LA 26

DERIDDER, LA 70634

TEL#337-328-8453

Bailey’s Café

Hwy 190 West

Deridder, La 70634

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

www.chapterlam.com

REGION H

Friends for fun, safety

and knowledge