Year in Review

Year in Review - 2011
Chapter Team
Chapter Directors: Lee & Barbara Spencer
Assistant Chapter Directors: Ken & Linda Stark
Chapter Educator: Nick Riolo
Assistant Chapter Educator: Alan Wallace
Treasurer/Web Master: Mike Burke
Membership Enhancement Coordinator: Karen “Joy” Klenke
Newsletter Editor/Historian: Terri Riolo
Ride Coordinator: Denny Keeler
50/50 Coordinator: Frances “Frankie” Keeler
Chapter Store: Char Dunn
Technical Coordinator: Bill Klenke
Recognition Coordinator: Barbara Spencer
Dinner Ride Coordinator: Roberta Werner
Highlights
District Game: Support Your Local Chapter
Couple of the Year (COY): Mike & Ruth Burke
Individual of the Year (IOY): Alan Wallace
New Activities
Introduction of “Frog Bucks” - awarded as an “atta-boy” for use in the Store.
Ride Calendar - Volunteers picked a month and set up 3 rides; the after-Chapter
gathering ride, a social night ride (optional), and another weekend ride.
“Visit a Historical Monument” Ride Program/Competition
New Newsletter features: Find Froggy and Milestones (member recognition)
Karen “Joy” Klenke introduces her “magic” MEC cards and other goodies to attract and retain members.
January 1
The reformatted CA2N newsletter, Gold Country Wings, makes its
debut.
January 6
First JFR (Johnny Fun Ride) of 2011. The riders, also known as “the
Frostbite Five” were: Lee “4 Freeze” Spencer, Ken “I Can’t Feel My
Fingers” Stark, Mike (Fibber) “They’ll NEVER Believe This” Burke,
Nick “Watch for Ice” Riolo, and Lee’s neighbor, Jim “These Guys Are
Nuts” Jones.
January 8
Chapter gathering. Mike & Ruth passed the leadership baton as new
Chapter Officers were installed. We thanked the Burkes for a truly
amazing run, and welcomed our new Chapter Team. The first
“Shamus” award was given to Lee Spencer.
After meeting ride to Black Oak Lanes for bowling and lunch. Seventeen Frogs attended; 9 bowlers and 8 “cheerleaders.” Records were
broken; one frog had five straight frames of “gutter balls” (Linda
Stark). Another frog did a swan dive onto the lane (Mike “Fibber”
Burke). We had scores from 31 all the way to 202, but the main thing
was we had “FUN.”
January 15
Annual Officers’ Conference, Bakersfield. Chapter Leadership Team
was in attendance: Mike & Ruth Burke, Bill & Karen Klenke, Nick
Riolo, Alan Wallace, Ken & Linda Stark, Lee & Barbara Spencer.
Other Chapter participants in attendance were Terri Riolo, District
Trainer and Dennis & Julia Kunter, District Educators.
January 16 - 17
Officer Certification Program, Bakersfield. The OCP is a very detailed class (including a test) that covers all of the legal, financial,
policies, and procedures that Officers in GWRRA must know and follow. Six Frogs participated in the training: Bill & Karen Klenke, Lee &
Barbara Spencer, and Ken & Linda Stark. To date, 12 Frogs have
successfully completed the OCP.
February 5
CPR/First Aid Recertification. Mike Burke and Linda Stark taught
an MFA (Medic First Aid) class at the Pine Tree Restaurant. In attendance were: Ruth Burke, Char Dunn, Nick & Terri Riolo, Ted &
Betty Scruggs, Lee Spencer, Ken Stark, Gary & Maryln Tessmer, and
LeRoy Tuttle.
February 12
Chapter gathering. After the gathering we banded together for our
first ever Rummage Sale. Frogs bought and sold as everybody
browsed the plethora of merchandise. Several Frogs stayed on at
the Pine Tree Restaurant after the sale for a leisurely lunch.
February 19
Frogs rode to CA2Q in Dublin to attend their Chapter gathering and
witness the installation of the new CDs. On the ride were Dennis &
Roberta Werner, Karen & Bill Klenke, Lee & Barbara Spencer, and
Nick & Terri Riolo.
February 23
Monthly Dinner Ride to Hawg Dawgs restaurant in Valley Springs.
March 12
Chapter gathering. Mike and Ruth Burke, and Alan Wallace were presented with their COY/IOY medals by Neal Graham and Ginny Allison, the CA District Ambassadors. We collected $108 for Chapter
CA1M’s (The Cows) Bake Sale. The Chapter kicked in and we were
able to contribute a total of $200. After meeting ride to Knights
Ferry. In celebration of his 70th birthday, Ib Madsen treated 17
Frogs to lunch at the Grand Buffet in Oakdale. What a great way to
kick off the riding season!
March 13
First planning meeting for our 2011 rally, Party at the Barn. Ken and
Linda Stark graciously volunteered to head up the 2011 event.
March 30
Monthly Dinner Ride to Firenze’s Italian Restaurant in Oakdale
April 9
Chapter gathering. Guest speaker was Dr. Mike Bystrom from Escalon Chiropractic Wellness Center. After-meeting ride to Jackson
Rancheria for lunch.
April 16 & 17
CA1L and CA1Y Rallies. 11 Frogs, yes ELEVEN Frogs were present.
Yes, the Frogs were out in force, not only did we show up but we took
home some of their money and prizes.
April 23
CA2N Poker Run. Eleven Bikes with nineteen people started at the
Knights Ferry Recreation Area and finished up at the Black Oak Casino. We had lunch in the Black Oak Café and each participant was
given coupons for $10 in free slot play. Susie Coles from CA2Q
joined us for the event. Thanks go to Alan Wallace who planned the
event, and Mike Burke and Ken Stark for helping him with the run.
April 27
Monthly Dinner Ride to Kamm’s Chinese Restaurant in Jamestown.
May 14
Chapter gathering. Our after-meeting ride was to Castle Air Museum in Atwater. Because of the size of our group, we had a personal tour led by a very knowledgeable and entertaining docent. After the tour, we had lunch at bla bla bla in Merced.
May 15
We lose a dear friend as Rich Lipnick passes from this world into the
next. Rich served CA2N in many positions over the years including
Membership Enhancement Coordinator, Assistant Chapter Director,
and twice as Rally Chairman (along with Carolyn). Rich and Carolyn
also coordinated our participation in the Copperopolis Homecoming
Parade every year, and hosted an after-parade barbeque. Rich was a
certified Seminar Presenter, Parking Lot Practice Facilitator, and
Leadership Trainer.
May 21
We say goodbye to Rich Lipnick. The Chapter turned out in force for
a “Celebration of Life” held in Rich’s honor and memory at the Armory in Copperopolis.
May 27 - 29
Region F”un” Convention in Pueblo, CO. An army of Frogs invaded the
beautiful State of Colorado as we enjoyed the many activities at the
Region F Convention. Mike Burke won First Place in the Pro and Expert category in the Trike Skills Games.
May 25
Monthly Dinner Ride to Black Bear Diner in Modesto.
June 4
Copperopolis Homecoming Parade. We honored the memory of our
fallen friend by riding in the Copperopolis Homecoming Parade in the
“missing man” formation. Rich’s empty, trailered trike led the Frogs,
just as Rich always led in the Parade. The parade announcer informed
the crowd of how CA2N riders were honoring their fallen member. It
was a sad and deeply moving day for everyone.
June 11
Chapter gathering. After-meeting ride to the Riolo Ranch, Mansion,
and Dog Park for a hot dog barbeque and ice cream social.
June 18
Ride to Woodland. We rode via the scenic Sacramento River Delta to
Ludy’s BBQ Restaurant in Woodland. Not only did we have a great
ride, but we ate some of the best ribs this side of Memphis!!
June 25
Parking Lot Practice, Columbia Airport.
June 26
Second planning meeting for our 2011 rally, Party at the Barn. We
had a fantastic turnout, with 18 eager participants showing up to
help.
June 29
Monthly Dinner ride to La Morenita in Modesto.
July 3
NV-H Rally in Elko, NV. The Frog Posse was joined by Susie Coles
from CA2Q at the first annual Coyotes’ Ruby Mountain Run. It was a
small gathering, but as usual, where Frogs go, fun follows!
July 6
Music in the Park - Murphys
July 9
Chapter gathering. We were visited by Ray and Lynn Roberts, Chapter Directors, Chapter “Z” Georgia and their ACD’s, John and Sue
Stevens. The group from Georgia wanted to attend a gathering in
California to see how we do it. Their parting comments were, “We
had fun and you have a lot of passion in your Chapter.” Apparently
they had never seen a “binky nomination process” or a “Chapter Lawyer.” Now they know how the “Frogs do it!”
11 bikes and 16 riders went on the after-meeting ride to Hetch
Hetchy Reservoir, with lunch at Evergreen Lodge.
July 13
Music in the Park - Valley Springs
July 20
Music in the Park - Angels Camp
July 27
Music in the Park - Mokelumne Hill
August 3
Music in the Park - San Andreas
August 5
Frogs (CA2N) and Krows (CA2K) visited Blind Camp at Leoni Meadows
in Grizzly Flats. The call went out and seven bikes from CA2N responded along with Bill Johnson, Jerry Kougel, and Adrian West.
Eighty blind campers checked out the bikes, asked questions, and
touched our hearts. Thank you to Dennis and Julia Kunter for arranging for a great day.
August 10
Music in the Park - Railroad Flats
August 13
Chapter gathering. For our after-gathering ride, we met Micky &
Marianne Farrington, NV ADDs, for lunch in Jackson.
August 17
Music in the Park - Arnold.
August 20
Overnight ride to Bishop, CA with a lunch stop in Bridgeport. Our
group included Gary & Maryln Tessmer, Nick & Terri Riolo, Mike
Wright, Betty & Ted Scruggs, Judy & Dan Siria, and Jan & Gary Taylor.
September 2 - 4
District Convention - Mammoth Lakes, CA. The Frogs ROCKED the
District Convention. Mike & Ruth Burke were named CA District Cou-
ple of the Year. Our newsletter, Gold Country Wings, took top honors for the second year in a row. Both Julia Kunter and LeRoy Tuttle
won big bucks in 50/50 drawings. And the icing on the cake was
CA2N taking the Chapter Participation Award with 38 in attendance.
September 10
Chapter gathering. Our after-gathering ride took us into the high
country around Long Barn to pre-ride the route for our rally. We also
stopped by Long Barn to do a little advanced “recon” and check out a
car show being held there.
September 17
CA2N’s Party at the Barn. 156 of our friends joined us for our annual
rally and fund raiser. As always the Frogs worked tirelessly to provide the best food, the best games, the best prizes, and the best
experience for our guests.
October 1
CA-C Harvest Run.
October 8
Chapter gathering and 14th birthday party. After our regular
monthly gathering we rode to the 50’s Diner in Tracy for a celebration of our 14th birthday. The group enjoyed a diner-style lunch and
followed it with, what else? Ice cream!
October 22 - 23
CA-1F’s Halloween Run in San Diego and CA-1Z’s Zebra Rally in Temecula. Frogs are on the road again to support our friends in the
South. We had 10 Frogs in attendance at these two rallies.
October 29
PLP and “Vampire” Run. We met at Columbia Airport to practice our
skills. From there we went to the Blood Bank in Sonora to donate,
and then to Jeb’s Restaurant for lunch.
November 12
Chapter gathering. Larry Scamara presented Chapter Director Lee
Spencer with a certificate from AMA in appreciation for our participation in their annual Toy Run.
November 25
Sonora Christmas Parade.
December 10
We met once again at the Mountain Springs Golf Club in Sonora for
our annual CA2N Christmas Party. We enjoyed a “How the Grinch
Stole Christmas” gift exchange, a wonderful dinner, plus music and
dancing. The highlight of the evening was the raffle drawing for a
hand-made frog quilt that was made and donated by Frances Keeler.
The Year in Pictures - 2011
Brrrrrr!!!
Jan 6: The “Frostbite Five” endured the cold and fog for the
first JFR (Johnny Fun Ride) of 2011.
Jan 8: Our new CDs present retiring CDs
Mike and Ruth Burke with a small token
of our esteem. It was a great run, guys!
Jan 8: Lee and Barbara look on as the Oath of
Office is read and they are installed as CDs.
Jan 8: The old guard steps aside to
make way for the new. Here the former and new Teams pose together.
Feb 12: Frances “Frankie” Keeler
does a great job selling 50/50 tickets and schmoozing with our beloved mascot, Li’l Fib!
Feb 12: Char and Barbara together?
This is what we call “double trouble!”
Feb 12: Our rummage sale after the February
gathering was a fun event.
Mar 12
(left):
Neal Graham &
Ginny
Allison
install
COY, Mike
& Ruth
Burke,
and IOY,
Alan Wallace.
Apr 23:
THEY
DID IT!
Lee and
Barbara
became
husband
and wife.
Now
they’re
both
“Not 4
Free!”
The Year in Pictures - 2011 (cont.)
Apr 16 & 17 - The Frogs won big at 1L and
1Y. Here Roberta counts her winnings!
Apr 23 - At the first stop on our Poker
Run, the Spencers and Sirias share a
moment.
Apr 16 & 17 - Another beautiful day in
So Cal!
Apr 23 - Our final stop was at Black
Oak Casino where we ate (of course!)
and played.
Jun 4 - Rich Lipnick’s trike leads the Frogs in the Copperopolis Homecoming Parade in the “missing man” formation.
Jul 9 - Hetch
Hetchy is a
beautiful destination and one
of our favorite
after-gathering
rides. Here’s a
shot of the
whole group
with the mountain as a backdrop. Amazing!
Apr 23 - Alan Wallace, aka Mr. Poker
Run, prepares for the ride.
Jun 18 - Dennis and Roberta Werner are
“dressed to impress” at Ludy’s in Woodland. Better to wear the bibs than the ribs!
Jul 9 - Ken
Stark wore the
Binky all
month long.
It’s no wonder
he’s so happy
to pass it on to
Barbara
“Quarter
Pounder”
Spencer who
got busted
riding without
the proper
attire. OOOPS!!
The Year in Pictures - 2011 (cont.)
Aug 5 - Ted Scruggs and Bill Johnson
help blind campers “see” their bikes
when the Frogs visit the Blind Camp at
Leoni Meadows in Grizzly Flats.
Aug 20 - We round out the month with a
ride to Bishop, CA with a lunch stop in
Bridgeport.
Sep 2 - Mike & Ruth Burke—CA District COY for 2010/2011!! Woo hoo!!
Sep 4 - Julia beams as she accepts the
money from the 50/25/25 drawing.
Sep 16 - The Frogs relax after setting up
for our rally on Friday afternoon.
Sep 17 - Party at the Barn. On Saturday, our guests start to arrive.
Sep 17 - LeRoy, Alan, and Ed cook
while a “cannibalistic” Cow looks on.
Sep 17 - Everyone enjoys the delicious
tri-tip, yummy chili, and awesome slaw.
Sep 17 - The food servers work hard
to load up those plates!
Sep 17 - The games are always popular. Looks like one big party!
Sep 4 - LeRoy is kicked into a higher
income bracket with his winnings!
The Year in Pictures - 2011 (cont.)
Oct 29 - The group poses for a picture
after a good workout at the PLP.
Oct 8 - Frogs gather at the 50’s Diner in
Tracy in celebration of our 14th birthday.
Loving wife, Jan Taylor, makes sure Gary’s
ice cream is fit for consumption.
Nov 25 - The Sonora Christmas Parade
is always a good time. Far Left: “Roo”
as Pooh and Grandpa Tigger. Left: The
group strikes a pose. Above: Alan &
Shane Wallace.
Dec 10 - These are
some of our favorite
shots from the annual
CA2N Christmas Bash.
We love socializing and
getting to know our
fellow Frogs in this
relaxed and festive
environment. Merry
Christmas to us!