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Find us on the web: www.gwrra-iowa.com
319-431-4077
[email protected]
319-533-8548
after 5 pm
[email protected]
563-568-1815
[email protected]
515-832-6677
[email protected]
563-391-0944
[email protected]
515-890-0026
[email protected]
Nicki & Gary
Kuehnast
District Newsletter
Editors
TEAM IOWA ~ Tom & Sue Wright
District Directors
Hi everyone as I sit down to write this part of the Newsletter we just got back from a
trip to Chapter D in Mason City where we had the honor of naming Jim and Sandy Callahan to Senior Chapter Directors. One day prior to that we had the honor of naming our
home Chapter Directors John and Yvette Moravec to Senior Chapter Directors, John and
Yvette are also Iowa’s Assistant District Directors. We would like to thank both Couples
for all they do for their Chapter and the Iowa District.
As some or all of you may know the Region E Rally will be held in Iowa this year so
hopefully many of you will be able to attended the Rally, and support Pete and Cheryl
Sayers as the Iowa District Couple of the Year. The Rally will be held at McGrath Power
Sports in Cedar Rapids Iowa. The McGrath team has offered up their used Bike Warehouse for this year’s event so if you visit their Dealership please thank them.
In this issue I would like to talk about the Ralph Swank Award. Each year we ask the
members to choose someone from the Iowa District that goes above and beyond the call
of duty and support the Chapter, District, Region, and National, remember anyone in
the Iowa District can submit a letter of recommendation to Sue or I and we will pass it
on to the Ralph Swank Committee. On the following page is a little history about Ralph
Swank and some guidelines for nominations.
Here comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin’ down the bunny trail
Hippity hoppin’, Easter’s
on its way
TEAM IOWA ~ Tom & Sue Wright
District Directors
Now, let’s think about the Ralph Swank Award. This is Iowa’s most prestigious award to be given to an individual or couple. A little history
about the award: Ralph Swank was responsible for bringing GWRRA to
Iowa in 1981. He was a strong backer for GWRRA he participated in almost every rally and function that involved GWRRA. Do to his health he
retired his bike and membership around June 1986. After this time, he
did participate in several Gold Wing Events as an announcer, Ralph was
the announcer at the 1988 Region E Rally in Waverly, Iowa we believe
this was the last Rally attended by Ralph.
In 1988, Bob Main, State Director of GWRRA at the time, announced the
start of the Ralph Swank Award at the Iowa State Firecracker Rally in
Grinnell, Iowa. This award was given to someone in the state who
showed a strong desire to support and further the growth of GWRRA in
IOWA and to be of help to anyone in need of information on the program.
The award says “In recognition of outstanding service to GWRRA and
motorcycling in general” the award was founded in 1988. There have
been 28 such awards presented to this time including Ralph Swank.
Guidelines for Nominations
1) How long in GWRRA.
2)Positions held in Chapter, District, Region or National level.
3)Participation in Rider Education {what level, if any}
4)A general description of how the people {or person} has made a contribution
to the Chapter or District or Region or motorcycling in general
5)Attach other sheets as needed for further explanation of contributions.
6)Attach a photo of the nominees to the nomination papers.
7)A person or couple may be nominated several times but may only receive the
award once.
8)Send nominations to:
Tom & Sue Wright, 484 Ida Drive, Marion, Iowa, 52302 or
Email: [email protected]
Thanks for all you do for GWRRA
Tom & Sue Wright Iowa District Directors
TEAM IOWA ~ John & Yvette Moravec
Assistant District Directors
Hello everyone,
I can't believe it! I actually took the bike on the first ride for 2016 in February! Sure it was only for 90 miles, but that counts. It was a little chilly but
not too bad. I won't count winter gone just yet but as the saying goes one day closer to warmer weather. I know I complain about the weather when it's
cold, but it sure makes us appreciate the warm weather all the more! I sure do love
to hear the bike go through the gears - what a sweet sound.
OK, let's get down to what's going on. A lot of meetings and planning going on
around the state. Busy little beavers trying to get all the details worked out to make
that perfect event go off without a hitch. SO - the question to you is - are you in the
mix or are you going to be a bystander....again? Oh yes we did! You can't expect
this organization, and this sport, to grow without your help. Coming to the events
is great, and going to other chapters, districts, regions, and even Wing Ding is a
ton of fun and a chance to meet old and new friends. But, (you knew this was coming) are you helping in some way? If not - WHY? We're not saying you have to organize every event. If everyone took on a portion of the work of just one event, then
everyone would get a chance to enjoy the event and not always see these events
as work. Here's our challenge to you. First, don't let the same people who always
seem to be organizing and running your event do it by themselves. Second, ask if
there is something you can do - even if it's just cutting the cake. Third, do this with
the idea that next year I will do a little more until I'm running the event. Finally, after
you've climbed the hill, be prepared to let the next person behind you take over and
keep rotating the event. This way you can go back to "cutting the cake" until it's
your turn to run the event again. No burn out, hard feelings, and the world is lifted
off your shoulders. Enjoy the event!
I have climbed down off the soap box, and I feel
better with that off my mind!
Now let's ride, John & Yvette Moravec
Bringin’ every girl and boy
Baskets full of Easter joy
Things to make your
Easter bright and gay
TEAM IOWA ~ Doug & Mary Ann Boemecke
Senior District Educators
WHERE HAS THE WINTER GONE?? Just kidding, but the amount of daylight time is increasing and that should brighten our lives. Here in Eastern Iowa our Winter has been very
mild. Not a lot of snow and the temperatures are bearable. There have been bikes on the
streets every day that the temp got above 40 degrees. I think I will wait awhile, at least
until the salt residue has been washed away and I can sneak over to the Eastern Iowa College riding
course range and practice. I am sure that those riders who have been out on the street, just got on those
bikes and took off without having any concern about their safety. You Gold Wingers out there are a little
smarter than that, aren’t you? A wise man once said, “Practice a skill you want to achieve and you reduce your risk of failure”. The skill to ride a motorcycle safely, is only achieved through great instruction
and never ending practice.
Now that I brought up instruction and practice, I must remind you that we still have room for
more riders and co-riders at our Safety Weekend on the 13th and 14th of May in Ankeny. Check your Rider
Course Completion Cards and see if you are due for a class this year. If so, get that registration to me
now and just maybe you may be the one who gets the course for FREE.
Most of you should have received your new Gold Book by now. Here is a thought for you to ponder. Instead of throwing last year’s issue away, why not put it in one of your other vehicles so anywhere
you go you have that valuable information contained in the book with you. At our house we always have
four issues available for reference. Sometimes help is only a phone call away.
As I wander away from Rider Education a bit, I would like to address an issue that seems to be
of concern to most Chapter Directors and Activity Directors. Whenever we are asked to RSVP for an
event, whether it is a dinner party, a ride, or any social, it is only common consideration that we honor
that request. Many times when an event is planned at a restaurant, they have to know a fairly accurate
count of how many will be attending so that sufficient wait staff is available. Many times a special room
will be reserved for the group and if there are no shows or if many show up unannounced, confusion can
happen and all plans go awry. We must consider the efforts of the organizers as well as the business
owners. I know things happen that force us to change plans at the last minute, but at least notify the
planners of your intent to be at the event. Your understanding and consideration will be appreciated.
And now for my last comment. Don’t forget about that 1800 brake recall.
Ride Often and be Safe, Doug Boemecke
He’s got jelly beans for Tommy
Colored eggs for sister Sue
There’s an orchid for your Mommy
And an Easter bonnet too
TEAM IOWA ~ Roxanne Oder & Roger Munson
Membership Enhancement Coordinators
Roxy ~ District University Trainer Roger ~ Trainer
We can feel Spring in the air. We know we live in Iowa, but the full-time riding season can't
get here soon enough.
OCP is March 13th from 8am to 5pm in Toledo. Lunch will be provided. You can still plan on attending, but
please RSVP as soon as you know. There have been some questions for more details regarding OCP.
The following is from Clara clarifying:
This is the new version (12.15) This version was updated to reflect the changes in officer
appointment, the module on communication has been completely rewritten, just to name a
few of the changes.
The reason it is only one day (and has been for the past 3 years) is that a couple of the
modules were taken out of the training an are available to be presented as "stand alone"
modules.
The on-line version has not been updated, so material that is in that version is not current.
More importantly the people who attend have the ability to interact with others.
“Every Day is a New Adventure”
I hope that answers any questions or concerns and helps you make a decision to attend.
We will be organizing taking pictures of all COY and IOY selectees in the near future. We are still working on
the details.
Chapter of the Year selection has been sent on to Region. We are excited for the selected chapter and wish
them the best of luck at the Region level! The announcement
will be made soon!
We are excited to see more of all of you soon!
Roxy and Chief
Oh! Here comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin’ down the bunny trail
Hippity hoppity,
Happy Easter Day
TEAM IOWA ~ Nicki & Gary Kuehnast
District Newsletter Editors
PARTICIPATE!
Six years ago (2010) Nicki and I joined GWRRA.
Why? Not because of the Wing World Magazine, The Gold Book, Safety Seminars, or people to ride with. We joined because we were going to Wing Ding in
Des Moines, Iowa that year. We wanted to feel a part of the Rally as members, not
just visitors. That was our first GWRRA activity and a great one it was. We met so
many members and made friendships we still see frequently.
The first two years we were not very active and only attended a few functions, due to
work schedule and distance from any of the chapters. Three years ago Chapter IA-W
was formed in Fort Dodge, Ia. Thanks to the efforts of Roger and Vicki Harris. Having
just retired I did not need a job, but wanting to see the Chapter succeed I accepted
the position of Assistant Director. That was the stimulus to increase our participation.
Through Officer Certification Training, Ops meetings, Safety Weekend, Road Captain
training, many rides and Rallies we have made many friendships with other GWRRA
members.
This year the Region E Rally is being held in Cedar Rapids, IA and the Iowa District
Rally in Dubuque, IA. It would be great to have a large participation by Iowa GWRRA
members.
There is no shortage of other activities to participate in. Check events schedule in the
newsletter and check the web site for all the flyers. By not taking advantage of all the
seminars and events available YOU are not getting the full value of your GWRRA
membership.
PARTICIPATE, PARTICIPATE, PARTICIPATE
We hope to see you soon.
Gary and Nicki Kuehnast
Thanks for joining us in our
sing-a-long. We hope you
enjoyed yourselves and
had a good time.
OCP Seminar
March 13th, 2016
Toledo State Bank Community Room
8 am—5 pm
A “FREE” lunch will be provided
RSVP as soon as possible, if you plan to attend
RSVP to:
[email protected]
Safety Weekend
May 13th & 14th, 2016
Many need to be re-certified. Classes will fill up early.
Both days lunches will be provided.
Be sure and register early.
All registrations are due by April 24th, 2016
Region E Rally
June 24th & 25th, 2016
Grab your overalls and straw hats and come join us for the Region
E Couple and Individual of the Year Selection · Chapter of the Year
· Guided Rides · Demo Rides · Seminars · Talent Show · Fun and
Games · Hot Dogs · Bike Show · Vendors · Raffle Prizes · Light Show
50/50 Tickets · Grand Parade
To be held at:
McGrath Powersports
4645 Center Point Rd NE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Any questions contact Bob & Nicki Fowkes
815-994-0247
[email protected]
For more information on our rally, please visit our website at
www. gwrra-region-e.org
TEAM IOWA ~ Roxanne Oder & Roger Munson ~ Membership Enhancement Coordinators
2016 RONALD McDONALD TAB RIDE
August 7th, 2016
Doors open at 11:00am ~ Lunch at noon
Ronald McDonald House
730 Hawkins Dr.
Iowa City, IA 52246
Donations needed:
Pop Tabs
Games or Toys (under $20.00) NO puzzles please
For children ages 0-2, 3-8, 9-16, 17-21
Sample Size Toiletries
Iowa District Rally
September 25th & 26th, 2016
Motorcycles & Mobsters
OCP seminar will be offered Sunday, March 13th at the Toledo State Bank Community Room from
Dubuque
Hotel
Julien
8am to 5pm. A FREE lunch will be provided.
Please
RSVP
as soon as possible if you plan to attend.
RSVP to me. [email protected]
200 Main Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Lodging Rates: $84.00
Single/Double, 1 King, 2 Queen
Executive Accommodations
Phone # 563-556-4200
There is a block of rooms under Iowa District GWRRA
Contact Information:
Tom & Sue Wright
District Directors
319-431-4077
Email: [email protected]
TEAM IOWA ~ Roxanne Oder & Roger Munson ~ Membership Enhancement Coordinators
2016 Iowa District Chapter Challenge
Hello Iowa Chapter Directors and Chapter members. Here is what you have all been
waiting for. We will be having a Talent Show at the rally this year. You and your
Chapter providing the talent, that’s right you read it correctly. It will be held right
after the Couple and Individual of the year selection is over. The Judges will be
whomever Roxie and Chief have chosen for the Couple and Individual of the year
selection. It can be a skit, dance, or you can sing. In other words, anything you
wish it to be.
Tom and Sue Wright
District Directors
OCP seminar will be offered Sunday, March 13th at the Toledo State Bank Community Room from
8am to 5pm. A FREE lunch will be provided. Please RSVP as soon as possible if you plan to attend.
Rules for the Chapter Challenge
RSVP to me. [email protected]
1. It must be in good taste, in other words if your Children or Grandchildren
were to be present you wouldn’t mind if they were watching.
2. It must be done in 10 minutes or less.
3. Five or more Chapter Members must participate.
4. No bribing the Judges, just kidding LOL.
5. Most important of all is just have fun.
The winner will receive their Chapter Fee, paid for by the District.
Thanks for all you do and Best of Luck with the Challenge.
Tom & Sue Wright Iowa District Directors
Sponsors of Team Iowa
TEAM IOWA
Thank you for being a Sponsor
Sponsors of Team Iowa
TEAM IOWA
Thank you for being a Sponsor
TEAM IOWA
TEAM IOWA ~ Supporters
Cotton Cabin Quilt Shop
1075 Main St.
Dubuque, IA 52001
563-582-0800
Mason City Honda
152 5TH STREET S.W.
Mason City, IA 50401
641-422-0000
Glen’s Sport Center, Inc.
208 16th St.
Sheldon, IA 51201
712-324-4387
Thank you for your support
March 2016 District Calendar of Events
1
I
Meet & Eat ~Mulligan's ~205 East 18th ST ~Cedar Falls, IA ~319-277-3671
1
F
Coffee ~ 9:30 am ~ The Blue Strawberry Coffee Company ~ 118 2nd St SE ~ Cedar Rapids,IA~ 319-247-2583
2
F
Meet & Eat ~ 6:30 pm~ Daisy's Garage/Filling Station~ 117 1st Ave SE~ Cedar Rapids,IA~ 319-362-2223
A
Monthly Gathering ~ Ryans Family Steak House ~ 1900 NW 86th St ~ Clive, IA ~ Breakfast 8:30 am~ There will be a
ride after the meeting, weather permitting
6
F
Pie Party~ 2 pm~ @John & Yvette Moravec's~ 100 Heather Lane~ Springville,IA~ (John 319-533-8548) (Yvette 563210-4532) ~ Bring your favorite pie ~ Maidrites provided @ 5pm
10
A
Dinner Seminar ~ 6 pm ~ The Hilltop Lounge ~ 2820 Hubbell Ave
10
F
MEET & EAT ~ 6:30pm ~ Whiteys Bar & Grill ~ 125 US 30 E ~ Lisbon,IA ~ 319-455-3191
12
E
Monthly Gathering ~ Tender Trap ~ 2222 Summer St ~ Burlington, IA ~ Dinner @ 5:30 pm ~ Meeting @ 6:30 pm
12
O
Monthly Gathering ~ The Machine Shed ~ 7250 Northwest Blvd ~ Davenport,IA ~ Breakfast @8 am ~ Meeting @ 9 am
12
W
Monthly Gathering ~ Zakeer's ~ 425 2nd Ave S ~ Fort Dodge, IA ~ Breakfast @ 9 am ~ Meeting @ 10 am
15
I
Meet & Eat ~Lucky Buffet ~2335 Jamestown Ave ~ Independence,IA ~319-334-3294
16
H
Monthly Gathering ~ Hotel Ottumwa ~ 107 East 2nd St ~ Ottumwa, IA ~ Keokuk Room ~ 6 pm dinner, meeting to follow
19
F
Monthly Gathering ~ HyVee ~ 3235 Oakland Rd NE ~ Cedar Rapids,IA ~ Eat @ 8 am, Meeting @ 9 am
19
F
Event ~ Meet Chapter O at Amana Colonies for Mennonite meal @ 3:45 pm to eat @ 4 pm (See newsletter for more
details)
19
O
Dinner in Kalonna,IA (tentative)
20
D
Monthly Gathering ~ Village Court Family Restaurant ~ 6 pm Meal/Meeting to follow
20
O
Omelet Breakfast in Welton
24
A
6:30 pm Dinner Ride to Wig & Penn ~ 2005 S Ankeny Blvd ~ Ankeny, IA ~ Meet at Bomgaars for the ride to dinner ~
5049 NE 14th St
26
A
Maintenance Day ~ 10 am at Ed & Betty Thornton ~ 1021 Hoffman Ave ~ Des Moines, IA
27
I
Monthly Gathering ~ Junie's ~ 100 Plaza Drive ~ Elk Run Heights ~ Eat @ 5:30 pm, Meeting @ 6 pm ~319-833-8021
29
F
MEET & EAT @ 6:30 pm~ Vitos~ 4100 River Drive~ Cedar Rapids, IA~ 319-393-8727
5
April 2016 District Calendar of Events
2
A
Monthly Gathering ~ Ryans Family Steak House ~ 1900 NW 86th St ~ Clive, IA ~ Breakfast 8:30 am~ There will be a
ride after the meeting, weather permitting
3
F
Event ~ Maintenance Day + Cookout ~ 12 Noon ~ John & Leann Knupp's ~ 2542 Springville RD ~ Springville, IA ~
Please bring a dish to pass and your own drinks. Prepare to do a thorough T-CLOCK inspection
319-854-6233
5
I
Meet & Eat ~Pizza Palace ~104 S Main St ~Traer,IA ~319-478-2281
6
F
Coffee ~ 9:30 am ~ Kava House ~ 122 2nd S ~ Swisher, IA ~ 319-857-5000
9
E
Monthly Gathering ~ Tender Trap ~ 2222 Summer St ~ Burlington, IA ~ Dinner @ 5:30 pm ~ Meeting @ 6:30 pm
9
O
Monthly Gathering ~ The Machine Shed ~ 7250 Northwest Blvd ~ Davenport,IA ~ Breakfast @8 am ~ Meeting @ 9 am
9
W
Monthly Gathering ~ Zakeer's ~ 425 2nd Ave S ~ Fort Dodge, IA ~ Breakfast @ 9 am ~ Meeting @ 10 am
13
F
Ice Cream Ride ~ 6 pm ~ Meet at Marion Walmart Service Center parking lot ~ Destination: TBA
14
A
Dinner Ride ~ Team 36 Bar & Grill ~ Mitchellville, IA ~ 117 Center Ave N ~ 6:30 pm (Meet at Bongaars)
16
F
GATHERING ~ Marion Village Mobile Home Park Club Room ~ 700 35th St ~ Marion,IA ~ 8 am Breakfast ~ Meeting 9
am ~ Stay for Road Captain Course, lunch will be provided
17
D
Monthly Gathering ~ Village Court Family Restaurant ~ 6 pm Meal/Meeting to follow
19
I
Meet & Eat ~Pepper's ~620 East 18th ST ~Cedar Falls,IA ~319-266-9394
20
H
Monthly Gathering ~ Hotel Ottumwa ~ 107 East 2nd St ~ Ottumwa, IA ~ Keokuk Room ~ 6 pm dinner, meeting to fol-
24
I
Monthly Gathering ~ Junie's ~ 100 Plaza Drive ~ Elk Run Heights ~ Eat @ 5:30 pm, Meeting @ 6 pm ~319-833-8021
27
O
Dinner Ride ~ Mickey's ~ Pleasant Valley, IA ~ 6 pm (Bev will make reservations)
28
A
Dinner Ride ~ Papa's Pizzeria ~ Polk City, IA ~ 6:30 pm ~ Meet at Bomgaars(5049 NE 14th St)
28
F
Ice Cream Ride ~ 6 pm ~ Meet at Marion Walmart Service Center parking lot ~ Destination: TBA
If you want your events (other than Gatherings) published for April
They have to be sent to Nicki at: [email protected] no later then
the 25th of March
Thank you