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PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER PA‐E

CHAPTER “E” HOMEPAGE: WWW.GWRRAPAE.COM FACEBOOK: G.W.R.R.A. PA CHAPTER-E

GATHERING: First Sunday Every Month

Eagles Landing II

Belle Vernon

Breakfast 9:15AM Gathering 10:00AM

In This Issue

1 Team Listing

2 Where We’ve Been Where We’re Going

3 Chapter Director

4 Assistant Director

5 Webmaster’s Space

6 Ride Coordinator

8 District Director

9 District Educator

10 Gallery

11 Chapter Cookbook

12 Other Stuff Birthdays Anniversaries Reminders

January

2021

GWRRA TEAM Chapter E Chapter Directors Jim & Kathie McClintock jcm@nb.net Ass't Chapter Director Phil & Suzanne Whaley thewhaleyfamily2007@yahoo.com Treasurer Sharon & Ed Golanka barnyardgang@zoominternet.net Ride Coordinator Tom Durdevich tdurdevich@hotmail.com Webmaster Len Rovenski lenrov19@yahoo.com Goodies Joanie Lindsay Chapter Couple Open Chapter Website www.gwraapae.com 

     

GWRRA National Jere and Sherry Goodman Directors of GWRRA jeregood@aol.com Bob and Nan Shrader Director's Assistant floridadd@msn.com Tom and Renee Wasluck Director's Assistant tom.renee11@gmail.com John & Shawn Irons Director's Assistant ironsline3414@gmail.com Kevin Bramhoff & Karin Young Director's Assistant director@gwrra-nwc.com Lorrie Thomas and Dan Clark Director of the University lorriemthomas@aol.com Dan and Mary Costello Directors of Membership Enhancement mep.director.gwrra@gmail.com James & Freida Clayson Directors of Motorist Awareness james.clayson@gmail.com Randall and Janet Drake Director of Finance financedirector@gwrra.org Susan & George Huttman Directors of Rider Ed director-re@gwrra.org Allesandro Boveri & Mariarosa Bruzzone Directors Overseas alboveri@gmail.com GWRRA Website www.gwrra.org

   

PA District District Director Tim & Crystal Brakebill 12wingnut@zoominternet.net Assistant District Director B, K, V, Y Mike & Shirley Prince mikep@gwrrapav.org Assistant District Director C, E, S, T, W Open for Candidate Assistant District Director D, I, N, P, Q Open for Candidate Assistant District Director H, M, R, X Open for Candidate District Educator Open for Candidate Assistant District Educator Open for Candidate District Medic First Aid Coordinator Tim & Crystal Brakebill 12wingnut@zoominternet.net District Ride Coordinator Open for Candidate District Senior University Coordinator Gerry & Bonnie VanArt gbvanart@msn.com District Membership Enhancement Open for Candidate District Couple of Year Coordinator John & Glenda Leib crabcakelady@yahoo.com District Couple of the Year Ray & Doreen Snyder PA-I rdsnyder@comcast.net District Roll for the Dough Bonnie & Gerry VanArt gbvanart@msn.com District Motorist Awareness Open for Candidate District Treasurer Sharon & Ed Golanka barnyardgang@zoominternet.net District Webmaster Mike & Darlene Ammerman auwinger@verizon.net District Newsletter Editor Open for Candidate District Goodies Coordinator Dave & Cindy Marconi raidersdavecindy@yahoo.com PA District Website www.gwrrapadist.org

Next Gathering

Sunday, February 7

 

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Where We’ve Been

Where We’re Going

Where have we been since our last newsletter? Let me check my calendar. I certainly don’t want to miss any of our activities. Ah yes, now I remember. We haven’t been anywhere. The one place we had on the calendar closed permanently, and then the governor decided it would be best we just all stayed home during the holiday season. Things will get better.

How about this…

Jan 1- Friday - Polar Bear Run - We had originally scheduled to meet at Denny’s in Smithton at 10:00am for breakfast and then a ride. Denny’s is closed, but we are still going to have the ride, weather permitting. However, we are changing the time for kickstands up to 1:00pm. The length of the ride to be determined, but we’re guessing there will be Sheetz for coffee somewhere in the middle.

Jan 3 - Sunday - January Gathering - The event has been canceled. Eagles Landing will not be open due to the COVID mitigation requirements.

Feb 7 – Sunday - February Gathering - We have tentatively scheduled a Gathering to be held at Eagles Landing at 10:00AM. Breakfast will be served at 9:30AM.

May 20-22 - PA District Rally - It’s not too early to think about attending the 2021 Rally, especially if you’re interested in signing up for a rider training course. We won’t have to travel far because this year’s rally is being held in the Pittsburgh area. More information is available on the District website.

We have not scheduled any dinner rides for the month of January.

Since most of the 2020 riding schedule was canceled, we are going to use that calendar of events for 2021, and just change the dates. All rides, including extended rides, are on the calendar for 2021.

 

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Changing of the Guard

After a very successful tenure as District Directors, Harold and Diane Jackson have decided to step down at the end of 2020. Tim and Crystal Brakebill, who have been serving as Assistant Directors will be assuming the Director’s responsibilities. We want to thank Harold and Diane for their efforts and wish them the best in the future. We’re sure they will remain active in GWRRA, and that’s a good thing. Best wishes to Tim and Crystal.

Ready Or Not, Here We Come

It’s that time of year when we’re supposed to pause and reflect on the past year, remembering the good times. Well, for us, it’s not going to take much time to reminisce over the exciting events of 2020 because just about everything was canceled or postponed. That being said, let’s take this opportunity to look forward to 2021. Hopefully, if the vaccine works as they say, by the time the summer arrives, we’ll be able to get back to a somewhat normal existence and enjoy the riding season.

2020 Mileage Award

Each year, the Chapter honors the five members with the top mileage for the year. Along with this recognition, the top five members are entered into a drawing for membership dues for one year. As it turns out, we have decided to expand the drawing to include any member that submits mileage. Be sure to submit your mileage to Sharon and Ed at barnyardgang@zoominternet.net. Mileage should be submitted as soon as possible. The drawing will be held at the February Gathering.

2020 Participation Pins

Because of the limited number of events that were not canceled, members who attended at least two events in 2020 will receive a participation pin. With that criteria, 25 members qualified for a pin. Paul Richardson had the most participation points with 19.

Have a Happy, Healthy and Safe 2021. Jim & Kathie McClintock Chapter Directors  

 

 

From the Director’s Chair

Good Bye 2020

 

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I hope everyone had a nice Christmas and they got everything they wanted. I know it was hard to spend time with family members during these trying times. I’m hoping things will lighten up with the indoor dining so we can have a Gathering to go over some plan-ning snd just be able to spend time with each other. It seems like a very long time since I’ve seen some of you and I truly miss you. The next Gathering is scheduled for February 7th and right now we plan on having it at Eagles Landing. The breakfast is really good and we order off the menu consisting of a very nice selection. I hope to see you there. Until then, Aloha.

______________________________________________________________________

From the Assistant Director

While we’re shoveling snow, this is what our Assistant Chapter Director has been doing in Hawaii. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it.

 

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From Our Webmaster

These men were considered some of the world's most successful of their days? Now, 90 years later, the history book asks us, if we know what ultimately became of them? The Answers: The president of the largest steel company. Charles Schwab, died a pauper. The president of the largest gas company, Edward Hopson, went insane.

The president of the NYSE, Richard Whitney, was released from prison to die at home. The greatest wheat speculator, Arthur Cooger, died abroad, penniless. The president of the Bank of International Settlement, shot himself. The Great Bear of Wall Street, Cosabee Livermore, also committed suicide However, Britain's oldest biker still going strong at 94: Reg Scott has ridden nearly 400,000 miles. Adrenaline junkie Reg Scott is still burning rubber as Britain's oldest motorcyclist - aged 94. The great-granddad has covered a staggering 384,800 miles during his 74 years on the road, the equivalent of riding around the world more than 15 times.

The Moral: Screw work.

Live to Ride!

How do you think our illustrious leaders will end up?

 

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From Our Chapter Ride Coordinator

The vast majority of vehicles on the road are not motorcycles. They're cars and vans and trucks. It's quite

possible that as a driver you rarely think about motorcycles. This is a problem. When motorcycles and other

vehicles collide, it is usually the other (non-motorcycle) driver who violates the motorcyclist's right of way,"

according to an issue statement from NHTSA. "There is a continuing need to help other motorists 'think'

motorcycles and to educate motorcyclists to be aware of this problem. “Why do drivers often violate motor-

cyclists' right of way?

Motorcycles are relatively small and drivers don't see them

Drivers don't anticipate motorcycles' movements

The driver's view of the motorcyclist is obstructed, often by the vehicle's blind spots or other vehicles

The driver is distracted Driver education programs should emphasize these issues – especially in programs for mature drivers who may have diminished abilities.

36% of All Fatalities in 2019 Were Older Riders

Riders 50 and older made up 36% of all motorcycle fatalities in 2019, according to the Insurance Institute

for Highway Safety. So-called "re-entry riders," who rode in their 20s and decided to take it up again in their

late 40s to 60s face additional challenges today: more traffic, more powerful bikes, more distracted drivers

and diminished physical skills.

If you're going to ride a motorcycle, it's important to commit to a lifetime of learning new skills and brushing

up on the old ones.

Baby Boomers and motorcycle safety concerns

A helmet is the most important equipment a biker can use. In 2019, 1,908 motorcyclists who died were not

wearing a helmet. Helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries.

A full-coverage helmet offers the most protection

Look for the DOT sticker, which guarantees the helmet meets safety standards required by law

Never buy a used helmet; helmets are useless after they've been worn in a crash.

Not every state has a helmet law, but even if yours doesn't, wear one anyway. A motorcycle crash is a "violent event." More than 80% of all reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death, according to NHTSA. In addition to wearing a helmet:

(Con nued on page 7)

 

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Choose a bike that fits you; "supersport bikes" have driver death rates about four times that of cruisers or standard bikes, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Invest in antilock brakes

New riders should take a motorcycle safety course, and experienced riders should take refresher cours-es after being off their bikes for a while

Know the rules of the road

Be aware that riding with a passenger requires considerably more skill

Never drink and ride

Drive defensively, especially at intersections, where half of all collisions occur

Watch for hazards like potholes, manhole covers, oil slicks, puddles, debris, railroad tracks and gravel

Assume you are invisible to other motorists and position yourself to be seen

Use headlights day and night

Be courteous; don't weave in and out of lanes, or ride on the shoulder or between lanes

Don't speed

Wear bright and/or reflective clothing that is durable and boots that cover the ankles

Wear goggles, glasses or use a face shield that is ventilated to prevent fogging, and make sure it's clear if riding at night

Other Resources

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers safety booklets, downloadable Rider Course handbooks, videos, quick tips, white papers and more. They also can help you find a motorcycle safety course near you. RideApart publishes its list of the 10 most common causes for motorcycle accidents and how to avoid them, complete with videos taken by helmet crash cams of what can go wrong.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration created a video on how to selected the right helmet.

Submitted,

Tom Durdevich Ride Coordinator

(Con nued from page 6)

From Our Chapter Ride Coordinator (continued)

 

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From the District Director

We hope everyone enjoyed festivities over the holidays with their families and friends. Happy New Year everyone, may it be a prosperous, happy, and healthy one for you and yours. As you are reading this, Crystal and I are only a week or two into our tenure as your new District Directors for the Pennsylvania District. We would like to thank Harold and Diane Jackson for all their hard work and dedication to our Pennsylvania District. It is always a pleasure to work with someone who has a friendly and inspiring nature. It was fun working under their guidance because problems became much easier. Harold and Diane left us a great District to work with and we want to make it even better.

The COVID-19 virus has changed our lifestyles; how we work, how we shop, how we learn, how we socialize and how we communicate. Socializing is critical for mental and emotional health. We have developed friendships and an extended family due to this Association. We have ridden, laughed, and enjoyed each other’s company by being part of GWRRA. How we social-ize is changing, but we will get through this together. All of us are learning to adjust to the varied restrictions. During the next couple of months, instead of social distancing, we should try distant socializing. Our cell phones, FaceTime, Zoom and other tools like these are our friends right now. And when the weather gets warmer, we look forward to joining in on the Events Chap-ters are planning and spending time with all of you - our extended family.

We would like to give a big WELCOME to the new Chapter Officers that have agreed to step up and take a leadership position. Thank you again for offering your time and services to your Chapters. We are looking forward to working with you. Just learn and have fun. If you ever need help or have any questions, Crystal and I, along with the rest of the District Team, are available to help. Give us a call or email us, anytime.

Along with welcoming the new Officers coming on board, we would like to thank the current Officers who are staying on as leaders of their Chapters. Your dedication and contributions to your Chapters are deeply appreciated by both your Chapter participants and your District Team. We also would like to thank all the Chapter Officers who have stepped aside. You all did a great job for your Chapters, which makes our job easier.

The PA District Team deserves many thanks. They volunteered their time to organize, promote, instruct GWU, Medic First Aide and rider classes, and host great Rallies for the members of the PA District. Let’s add Zoom calls and GroupWorks to the list of accomplishments. Thank you to a wonderful District Team. Your effort is truly appreciated.

We want to mention there are several Officers needed to complete the 2021 District Team. If you are interested in step-ping up to a District leadership position, please consider volunteering. Crystal and I cannot manage the District without filling these key positions. The Officer position descriptions are included in the last few pages of the newsletter. After reading the de-scriptions, please let us know if you are ready to be part of the District Team. Additionally, we are hoping to find a District News-letter Editor, Photographer, and Rally Book Editor.

As 2020 ends and 2021 begins, let us remember loved ones who have gone before us, and our fallen military, police, fire fighters and other first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice so we may enjoy the freedoms we have in this great country.

All our best, Tim & Crystal Your PA District Directors

 

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From the District Educator

“The GWRRA Rider Education Program (REP) is intended to make the motorcycle envi-ronment safer by reducing injuries and fatalities and increasing motorcyclist skills and aware-ness.” Through Commitment, Education and Application, we can reduce our accident rate signifi-cantly (Gold Wing Road Riders Association Rider Education).

Level I: Safety by Commitment - The first big step to success. Level I of the Rider Education Program is also referred to as Safe Miles. It represents the

commitment of the Rider and/or the Co-Rider to practice safe motorcycle operation whenever they operate their motorcycle.

Safety is a state of mind which can only be attained through total commitment. Every suc-cessful accomplishment begins with a commitment to reach the intended objective. This is true of the Rider Education Program and includes a promise to learn for the sake of Rider, Co-Rider, friends and family, and others on the road.

Though there is no mileage requirement to enter Level I, the commitment to safe riding is tracked by the number of accident-free miles since joining GWRRA. Accident-free miles are accu-mulated in 5,000-mile increments and may be updated at yearly intervals. Requirement: Verbal commitment to ride safely at all times. No cost to sign up.

Level II: Safety by Education Level II of the REP is also referred to as Tour Rider. It represents the commitment of the

Rider and/or Co-Rider to be safer motorcycle riders by taking approved motorcycle riding courses at regular intervals.

GWRRA has chosen several educational training programs for the Riders and Co-Riders such as the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) programs, the United Sidecar Association course, the CSC (Canadian Safety Council) programs, and the GWRRA's Advanced Riding courses.

Completing these courses provides the foundation and skills for your quest to be a safe motorcycle rider. All recognized programs are taught by qualified and Nationally certified instruc-tors.

For the Co-Rider, we have provided an excellent seminar and "Two Up" programs to as-sist in their role in the safety aspect of motorcycle riding. Motorcycle education goes "hand in hand" with commitment. The "on bike" education by MSF, USCA, CSC and GWRRA for the Rider and Co-Rider and the "off bike" education designed spe-cifically for the Co-Rider, provide a very effective approach to motorcycle safety. This is when a REP participant truly begins to understand what the Level I commitment means and sees the val-ue in the program.

Requirement: Rider - a Certified Rider Course with 5,000 safe miles. Co-Rider - certified Co-rider Seminar or 2-up Rider Course. No cost to sign up.

Crystal and I encourage everyone to get involved in the Rider Education program to im-prove your riding skills and knowledge so everyone enjoys the ride and returns home safely. Ride safe & participate, Tim & Crystal

Patches available at $6.00 per participant.

"Safe Miles" patch, Rider (or Co-rider) Rocker, and mileage pin.

Patches available at $5.00 per participant.

"Red Triangle" patch for either Rider or Co-rider signifying Level II participant.

 

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Gallery

 

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Quick and Easy Pecan Rolls From Jan Rizzo

Ingredients:

1 loaf frozen bread dough 

½ small box bu erscotch pudding mix (4 ounces, not instant) 

Cinnamon (desired amount) 

Pecans or walnuts (desired amount) 

1 s ck bu er 

½ cup sugar 

1 tablespoon brown sugar 

Directions:

Thaw bread dough just enough to cut. Cut lengthwise and halves into 6 sec ons. (12 

pieces). Grease tube pan or bunt pan. Place pieces in circle. Sprinkle pudding mix 

over sec ons. Also sprinkle cinnamon and nuts in desired amounts. 

In saucepan, mix bu er and sugars. Cook un l dissolved slightly. Pour over rolls. Cov-

er. Let rise in refrigerator overnight. Bake in 350-degree oven for ½ hour. Immediate-

ly invert on plate when done. 

ENJOY!

Chapter E Cookbook

Please submit your favorite recipes to be shared in future newsletters either by email to kathie112@ yahoo.com or Kathie McClintock, 112 Trotwood Drive, Monroeville, PA 15146. The Recipe Corner needs you!

 

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Other Stuff

BIRTHDAY WISHES! 

ANNIVERSARIES!

REMINDERS

  8  Marty Wood 

16   Deb Durdevich 

20   Jan Rizzo 

22   Stan Luffy 

23   Sherry Killmeyer 

13   Len & Patsy Rovenski 

20   Jim & Kathie McClintock 

31  Rich & Jonne e Vogel 

There was something I wanted to remind you of, but I just can’t remember what it was. I’ll get back to you.