2010 NCHOG MINUTES

Darcy welcomed John J. T. Hasley, Regional Manager with the Harley Owners Group.  JT manages our state rallies and makes a point to visit and keep us current with new information from HOG.  Best Western and AT&T have partnered with HOG and are offering rewards and discounts with their companies.  Check out more information at www.members.hog.com
Darcy presented Jerry Corona with a plaque for serving as an officer in 2009, thanks Jerry!  Since Darcy has been doing more driving than riding with his new career, he reminded members he’s a phone call away.

Mike Kilcollins, Assistant Director told members about the Primary Officer Training and encouraged officers to attend.  He said it was a great way to learn leadership skills and learn from the variety of HOG members who attend.  Mike also informed members that May is Women Rider’s Month and June 28th is the Million Mile Monday (be sure to log your miles on the HOG website).  August 20-23 is the WA State rolling rally from Vancouver, WA to Kennewick, (deadline to register is July 2).  Certificates of Appreciation for working the HOG table were presented to Jan VanMuyden, Mark Van Oort, Larry Craven, Linda and Mike Downing.

Treasurer, Cheryl Lee reported that due to an increase in membership, our finances were experiencing an upward trend.  There was also a group sing-a-long wishing Ken Lee a happy birthday.

J.T. assisted in almost pinning the new 2010 Officers with their Officer Medallion and 2010 bar patch.  A good time was had by all!  Thanks J.T. 

Hope Star, LOH Officer said a group made a ride (via ferry) to tour San Juan Island and had a great day.  The next LOH meeting will be March 16th.  As a word of warning, major road construction has started on San Juan Island and will continue the next four months in case you’re planning a ride this spring.

Stan Bryant, Safety Officer will focus on getting a group of interested members signed up for an Experienced Rider Class in the near future.  The available programs were discussed and there was a group discussion about any preferred locations.  A sign-up sheet was made available for follow-up.  Stan reminded everyone that, with spring, comes a variety of traffic concerns such as farm equipment and tourists who look for fowl and fauna.  Be sure to look at all intersections regardless of the green light and to keep a hand ready for your brake.

Head Road Captain, Hope Star said we’ve had more than 20 bikes on all of our group rides.  The next third-Sunday ride will go to an Irish Pub led by Allen, Chet, JB and Darcy.  The ride will leave at 9 a.m. from Skagit H-D (as will all future rides).  The FBR roster is already filling up.  June 24th-26th Vince is planning the ride to Omak. 

Ron Connally, Activities ~ Immediately following the next Sunday meeting, members are to meet at Skagit H-D for a group photo.  After the photo, those who volunteered will do the road clean-up followed by a reward of food at the Kilcollins residence.  This has always been a fun project as you never know what you might find.

Blooper Awards: Ken Lee presented Curt Ducken with a very cool special edition mouse trap!   Appears Curt had poachers in his pipes.  Mark Van Oort did a self-critique and created a very special Road Captain Kit complete with flashers (the lighted kind), a flag, and binoculars.  How did  the second group pass the first group anyway?  Not sure if Mark is taking orders for the RC Kits.  Paul Reisman was presented with a special certificate recognizing his skill in entertaining a group of bikers stranded on an island while waiting for the ferry to be repaired...and what do goats have to do with anything?

Good of the Order: Linda Downing said the breakfast donations took in $45 today which goes towards our general fund.  Vince Danner asked J.T. to keep working on the potential of a National Rally on the west coast.  J.T. said he’s brought the suggestion to those who do the planning and they thought Montana WAS the west coast. 

Judy Ducken, Assistant LOH asked members to continue donating cans to the collection bins at Skagit H-D.  Judy takes these in for recycling and the money goes toward our charities.  She also appreciated those who do rinse the cans before bringing them in. 

Cheryl Kilcollins, Assistant Treasurer did the raffle for the gift certificate from Skagit H-D which was won by Amy Davidson.  Ken Lee won the 50/50!

Buzz Harrington, Chaplain said there will be an 8 a.m. Easter morning service in Arlington for those who would like to attend followed by a breakfast ride to Stanwood.  Buzz closed the meeting with prayer at 11:25 a.m.

Catherine Dostart, Secretary

February 7, 2010 NCHOG MINUTES

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Darcy Kirkman, Director.  Buzz Harrington, Chaplain discussed how the month of February should remind us of our Valentine ~ love, and things from the heart.  Buzz read from I Corinthians chapter 13, and asked us each to try to perfect our love for our God, our mates, and each other.
The following new members and guests were welcomed and introduced by Debra Fournier; Sean, JD, Ralph, Lloyd, Doug, Ed, Caleb, Stewart and Kelli! 

Outgoing Officers were asked to step forward and Darcy gave each a plaque in appreciation for their year(s) of service.  Special recognition was given to Don Carter for serving as the Senior Road Captain from 2003-2009. 

Cheryl Lee, Treasurer reported on the status of our current funds available.  An idea was suggested to increase the amount that is charged at our breakfast meeting by $1 which will be directed to the NCHOG fund, this was passed by a majority of the members present.  We are also saving money every month by the majority of members receiving the newsletter via e-mail. 

Mike Kilcollins, Assistant Director presented Judy & Curtis Ducken and Darlene & Buzz Harrington certificates of appreciation for their time volunteering at the HOG table.  Mike said we have received information for many of the state rallies.  Information for several of the events was made available at the front table.  Members were asked if they want to continue to participate in the Adopt a Highway Program, and it was approved by a majority of the members present to volunteer for another year. 

Patches: everyone was reminded they can order HOG patches directly through www.harley-davidson.com members site.  Large and small NCHOG chapter patches are available to purchase through Catherine Dostart, NCHOG Secretary. 

Hope Star, Ladies of Harley Officer said the next meeting will be February 16th at a new location.  The ladies are planning now for summer riding events.  The LOH wanted to thank Sandi Castano for sending out special occasion cards to LOH members the past few years.  Judy Ducken will assume this task and should be contacted in that regard.  Judy will continue collecting cans (which you can leave at Skagit H-D) for various LOH fundraisers.

Stan Bryant, Safety Officer thanked Howard Bono for continuing our NCHOG mileage program.  Stan reminded everyone to be aware of debris on the road, especially after windy days.  An important suggestion regarding tire safety is to replace the plastic tire valve stem caps with metal ones, as the plastic have been known to come off on their own,  allowing you to lose tire pressure.  With daylight savings time approaching members were reminded to consider using the high beam settings on your lights when the sun is at your back as vehicles seeing low beams think the bikes are farther away than they actually are.

Hope Star, Senior Road Captain recognized those serving as 2009 Road Captains as they were presented with their service pins.  Mark Van Oort and Tom Dostart received their Road Captain Patches and service pins.  Members were asked to inform Road Captains of any health issues riders may have before leaving on group rides.  Hope said to follow the calendar posted on our website for future group rides.  A sign-up sheet was made available for those interested in the FBR. 

Editors Kathy Immel and Mike Tanner said they continue to welcome photographs to use in our newsletter.  Darcy and Mike K said they both have a large inventory of vintage photographs.  Mike Tanner said if you’re looking for old NCHOG photos from years past, chances are pretty good he’ll have them too as he’s archived them all.  Kathy said she is starting to use video at our meetings and will include those on the website newsletter.  Vickie Tanner, Assistant Editor will continue to have printed copies of the newsletter at the meetings.  Contact Vickie if you do not have e-mail and want the newsletter sent to you via the US Postal Service.

Ron Connally, Activities Officer thanked those who helped him with the recent pool shoot, specifically Rhonda Connally, Rhonda Anderson, Vince Danner and Darcy Kirkman; their recognition was inflated as they received air gages.  (Are you reading this Ken?)  The next scheduled event is a dinner ride on Valentine’s Day to Good Times Pizza in Oak Harbor.  In March the third Sunday ride will end in Everett at the Irishman’s Pub & Restaurant.  Check the calendar on the website for these and future activities.  Ron asked anyone interested to help with these and future activities to leave their name and contact information on a sign-up sheet.

Kenny Vickers, Webmaster has started a Facebook page for NCHOG and Skagit H-D has started an on-line store for H-D parts.  A reminder to check out our calendar on the website as it’s always being updated.  The password will change on March 1st and will be sent to the current membership via e-mail.  If you’re a current member without e-mail, ask any NCHOG Officer for the password.

Rhonda Connally, Photographer distributed photos taken at recent events, and let members know the NCHOG 2009 group photo is still available for purchase.  The 2010 group photo will be scheduled this April.

Ken Lee and Mark Van Oort said we have a perfect group of members, no bloopers were found. 

Open to Membership:  Linda Downing asked that we continue to bring egg cartons and plastic bags to our Sunday meetings and she’ll take them to the food bank; Sedro-Woolley is hosting a quilt show the first weekend in June, a good time to show off those biker quilts!

Mark Reeves invited everyone to a Sunday service May 16, a group ride is being planned.  Vince Danner is planning a ride the last full weekend in June to Omak, a sign-up sheet was available.  Margie Dannemiller said the Lime Run is set for April…. Watch for these and future events on the calendar at www.nchog.com

Mike Kilcollins, Assistant Director did the raffle drawing.  Bob Spiller won the gift certificate to Skagit Harley-Davidson and Mike Downing won the 50/50 $$.
Darcy wrapped up the meeting by once again thanking Don Carter for his years of service to NCHOG and reminded everyone there will be a group ride immediately following the meeting.  Buzz closed the meeting with prayer at 11:30 a.m.


JANUARY 10, 2010 NCHOG MINUTES
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Buzz Harrington, Chaplain who stated “with the ending of 2009 we are once again offered a new beginning!”  Buzz read from John 13:34, “A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another”.  This includes bikers wearing t-shirts that read ~ doesn’t play well with others!!  Thanks Buzz.

JB Bryson, outgoing Director introduced the 2010 Director, Darcy Kirkman and Assistant Director, Mike Kilcollins; they were presented with the NCHOG chapter flag.  Darcy said part of the year’s plans include working on a budget, and bringing back group rides on Sunday immediately following the chapter meetings.  Members were asked to bring comments and/or concerns to any of the Officers.  Members would also be welcome if they wanted to attend an Officers meeting to address any issues.  Darcy then read a thank you note for our participation at the Upriver Toy Run.  Members were asked to review items displayed on the table at the front of the room, and sign-up for future events.  If you need to contact Darcy, he asked that you use his e-mail at Yahoo (not MSN).

Mike Kilcollins, Assistant Director asked for volunteers to work at the HOG table, and said as Assistant Director he would also keep us informed of regional activities.  Following are dates for several State HOG Rallies: Montana 07/22-24, Washington 08/20-23, Oregon 08/24-27, Idaho 09/2-4 and California 09/28-10/2.  Washington and Oregon are having a rolling rally; you can get more information at www.harley-davidson.com

New, returning members and guests, Jeff, Amy and Jerry were introduced by Debbie Fournier. 

Hope Star, Ladies of Harley Officer said the family who received our gifts at Christmas were very appreciative, and overwhelmed by our generosity and that it gave them a Christmas to remember!  Ladies of Harley will meet the third Tuesday of every month, 5:30 p.m. currently at Mexico Cafe on west side Mount Vernon.  All women who are HOG members are welcome, whether they ride their own or two-up.  The second annual WA State LOH Summit is being organized by Hope and several other HOG LOH officers.  More information will be provided as dates and location are confirmed.  Judy Ducken, LOH Assistant is collecting empty cans for recycling, with funds going towards the children’s burn camp.  A collection station is at the main entrance to Skagit Harley-Davidson.

Stan Bryant, Safety Officer stated he’s honored to serve as an Officer this year.  Stan asked us to consider how many things we do that involve risks, and then consider ways to reduce that risk.  Stan recommended the Motorcycle Consumer News magazine as a good read.  There was a discussion about all the different things that affect road conditions.

Hope Star, Senior Road Captain reported there will be a meeting of existing Road Captains later this month.  There may be combined rides this year with members of other Harley Owners Groups.  Our group rides will continue to be after the first Sunday meetings, first Saturday (leave 10 a.m. from Burlington McDonalds) and third Sunday (leaving 10 a.m. from Sedro-Woolley American Legion).  Roger and Darcy will lead the next ride scheduled for February 6th.  There was discussion about the future FBR scheduled for May 28-31st.  There is now a brochure specific to motorcycles from the Washington State Ferries, just FYI. 

Mike Tanner, Co-Editor would like information turned in to him no later than January 15th.  Since I’m typing this on the 14th, I’d better kick it up a notch!  Vicki Tanner, Assistant Editor is mailing hard-copies of the newsletter to those who have requested it, and will also have extras available at the Sunday meetings.  Vicki had pamphlets available for a small fee of the Constitution of the United States for anyone who might need a copy.

Ron Connally, Activities was asking members to contribute any ideas regarding new activities for our group to consider.  The next scheduled activity is the pool shoot, January 17th.  A sign-up sheet for the pool shoot and an upcoming Valentine’s dinner ride to Good Times Pizza in Oak Harbor were available.  Ron will have a sign-up sheet at the next NCHOG meeting for anyone interested in volunteering to help serve on a committee to assist with future events.

Kenny Vickers, Webmaster said the password to the website will change at the end of February, when the new membership starts; the new password will be e-mailed to active members at that time.  If you don’t receive your e-mail ask any 2010 officers for the new password. 

Paul Reisman, Historian is investigating the use of a photo picture frame with zip drive to display past photos from NCHOG events at Skagit Harley-Davidson.  Anyone with information on a good place to purchase one of these, the larger the better, please contact Paul.

Rhonda Connally, Photographer brought photos from the NCHOG Christmas party and had them available for members to pick up.  Photos taken are posted on www.nchog.com under the drop-down menu “navigate”.  Photos on the web are from the current year back to 2007.

Guests from the Sedro-Woolley American Legion we present to announce the new formation of Legion Riders through their group.  This is open to veterans, their sons, daughters and Auxiliary members.

Special recognition was given to Mark Van Oort as Volunteer of the Year and Vince Danner as Member of the Year for their outstanding service to NCHOG.  Darcy thanked them for their continued leadership and support of our family of HOG members.

Cheryl Kilcollins, Assistant Treasurer/Membership did the 50/50 raffle which was won by Charlie Kunkel!  The following won Phoenix Burn Camp hats after a raffle ticket drawing; Rhonda, Margie, Hope, Howard, Charlie (again) and Curt.  Then Margie (again) won the gift certificate to Skagit Harley-Davidson!

Howard Bono has been tracking the miles we rode this year, and of the 54 riders who reported, we hit 400,987! This was an average of 9,052.  (A certain rider with a lot of facial hair and no job had the most miles!)  We’ll continue to track this for 2010, so e-mail your starting mileage to Howard, and let’s see if we don’t hit the million mile mark next year!

There was discussion about other future dates to consider, they are the Western Regional Canadian Rally the weekend after July 4th and Vince Danner will be planning another ride to Omak the last weekend of June or middle of July.  Margie Dannemiller said the Lime Run is scheduled for Sunday, April 25th. 
Buzz closed the meeting with prayer at 11:15 a.m.