NOVEMBER 2013 ® GWRRA, Region H

La Gazette Des Cajun Louisiana District

Chapter “B”

Chapter Director Joan and Daron Judice 337-380-9538 [email protected]

Lafayette, Louisiana

Joan and Daron Judice Chapter Directors

Assistant Chapter Directors

Eugene and Kathy Wyble [email protected]

Membership Enhancement

Noelie and Gerald Lavergne [email protected]

Lorie and Mike Judice [email protected] Treasurer Lorna Hesskemp Chapter Educator Gerald and Sheryl Faulk [email protected] Technical Educator Tom and Terry Bellington Activity/Ride Coordinators

CJ and Dianne Doiron Dewey and Kathleen Burke Secretary/Scrapbook Roxie Comeaux Ways and Means Louise and Andy Guthrie Dori and Dwayne Janise

Hello Cajun Wingers” October has been a very busy month! Monthly meeting, two district conventions, Red Beans and Rice, BBQ Burger Sale and of course, a couple of dining out! A few members attended Oklahoma and Mississippi’s District conventions. A good time was had by all. Thanks to all who attended! Dewey sold Red Beans and Rice dinners for the chapter while Kathleen sold her wares at the citywide garage sale in Breaux Bridge. Thanks to all who helped Dewey and Kathleen! The BBQ Burger Sale promoting Motorcycle Safety was again a success! The weather was completely opposite of the prior years. It was definitely warmer but the aroma was certainly bringing the customers to the table. So much so, it even brought 17 members of Chapter M of Deridder. The presence of all the bikes had people definitely looking at them. Wayne Castille, Hal Wilson, and Royce Guidry set up a Motorcycle Awareness Booth and gave out information to the public. Thanks to Lorna and all our members who donated and worked so hard to make this a success! And thanks to MAC and Chapter M!

from Jeanne with Acadian Village soon. The dates we will work are December 5, 12, & 19, 2013. Please keep these dates open. We always have a good time for a good cause! Please try to make an extra effort to read and browse throughout the newsletter. You may find the last four digits of your GWRRA membership number hidden somewhere inside. If you recognize it, come see me and you may receive something extra. In the meantime, enjoy the newsletter. November 11 is Veteran’s Day. Please remember to thank all the men and women who are presently serving and who have served to keep our country free! Lovin’ It! Friends for Fun, Safety, and Knowledge! Joan and Daron 2013 Chapter Directors 2011-2012 Chapter Couple of the Year LA Chapter B (337) 380-9538 [email protected]

Noel Acadien au Village 2013 is right around the corner in December. Chapter B will again be working the concessions again this year to help benefit LARC. I should be getting the information packet

Webmaster Joan Judice Newsletter Rene Cotton Couple of the Year Mike and Lorie Judice

“Join us for our Monthly Meeting” Chapter B meets the first Tuesday of each month at Fezzo’s - Scott, Louisiana Social Time 6 p.m. —7 p.m. * Meeting Begins at 7 p.m. Please join us!!!!!

La Gazette Des Cajun

JOHN TRAHAN 28 Year Veteran

C.J. DOIRON

DEWEY BURKE

C.J. Was in the Louisiana National Guards from

VERNON ROMERO

GLYNN PATIN

DARON JUDICE Daron served in the Army National Guard from 1970-1976. In that time, the National Guard was to protect and serve state side. The National Guard had to be ready in case of any national emergency. Some of his duties were to serve at the Louisiana State Capital when there were riots in the 1970's, and helped when and where needed when hurricanes passed through Louisiana.

A short summary: ACTIVE DUTY-May 26, 1966 thru April 3, 1970. BASIC TRAININGin San Antonio, Tx. TECH SCHOOL- in Wichita Falls, Tx. Permanent Party Base for 31/2 years in Tacoma, Washington (Mc Cord Air Force Base).

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TERRY THERIOT Joined Army 1974 and was enlisted until graduating from Officer Candidate School in 1977 as 2nd LT. Served as platoon leader, executive officer and company commander of a medical company 1977 through 1988 and moved to Brigade Staff as medical administrative officer for the a brigade and served as Medical Supply Officer for the 5th Infantry Division at Ft Polk for Desert Storm (NOV 1990 thru May 1991) and Staff officer for the 256th Infantry Brigade in Lafayette (1991 thru 1997) until retirement in April 1997. Have been stationed at FT Polk, LA, Fort Lee, VA, Ft Hood, TX, Ft Sam Houston, TX and have also trained at FT Irwin, CA and Ft Sill, OK. Picture is from 1977 as a brand new 2nd LT.

La Gazette Des Cajun

November 2013 SUN

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2 Ride to Roux 61 Natchez, MS 8 am—5 pm

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Feezo’s Scott, LA

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Mystery Ride Meet at McChevron 8 am—5 pm

begin gathering @ 6 pm mtg. starts @ 7 pm

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St. John’s Restaurant St. Martinville, LA Alternate—Kajun King St. Martinville, LA 6:30 p.m.

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Chapter Gumbo Burn’s Point @ Dewey’s Camper 9 am—2 pm

24 King’s Truck Stop Meet @ McCheveron 8 am—10 am

Thanksgiving Weekend Getaway Nov. 29th - Dec 1st

Tom and Terry Bellington Mickey and Cindy Trahan

Kathleen LeBlanc Gerald Faulk Melissa Richard Missy Roberts

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Tony Comeaux Eugene Wyble Vernon Romero

Nov. 13 Nov. 19

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If your Birthday or Anniversary was missed, please let us know, we apologize for missing you.

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December 2013 Sun

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Thanksgiving Weekend Getaway Nov. 29 st Dec 1st

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Noel Acadien au Village 5 pm—8 pm

begin gathering @ 6 pm mtg. starts @ 7 pm

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Breakfast @ Piccadilly Johnston St. Lafayette, LA 9 am—10 am

Ken Bingham Norma Theriot Dwayne Janise Belinda Taylor Cindy Trahan

Noel Acadien au Village 5 pm—8 pm

Noel Acadien au Village 5 pm—8 pm

Dec. 3rd Dec. 5th Dec. 7th Dec. 18th Dec. 30th

Tony & Angela Comeaux Vernon & Linda Romero

Chapter Christmas Party 7 pm—11 pm KC Hall

Dec. 18th Dec. 23rd

If your Birthday or Anniversary was missed, please let us know, we apologize for missing you.

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La Gazette Des Cajun

2014 Schedule of Events LA District Business Meeting - Jan 18, 2014 - Lafayette, LA LA K Mardi Gras parades – February 25 – March 2, 2014 - New Orleans Wingless Weekend – February 15 - 16, 2014 - TBA FL District Convention – March 20-22, 2014 - Kissimmee, FL Region H Convention – April 3-5. 2014 - Marshall, TX “Winging the Wild West” AL District Convention – April 3-5, 2014 – Mobile, AL “Roman” The Bay LA District Convention – April 10-12, 2014 - Lafayette, LA “Mardi Gras Madness” TX District Convention – May 1-3, 2014 - Tyler, TX SC District Convention – May 1-3, 2014 – Florence, SC “Wings Over Cartoon Land” MO District Convention – June 5-7, 2014 – Branson, MO “It’s Good To Be Back” GA District Convention – June 12-14, 2014 – Dillard, GA “Goldwing Rodeo” Southeast Region A Convention – September 11-14, 2014 – Eufaula, AL “Let’s Celebrate Freedom” OK District Convention – September 25-27, 2014 – Shawnee, OK Wing Rush! MS District Convention – October 16-18, 2014 – Gulfport, MS “Be A Clown”

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Jack Wagner Region H Trainer

By The Book

“By the Book” articles are intended to help familiarize GWRRA Volunteer Leaders and Members with the policies, procedures, and information contained in the GWRRA Officer’s Handbook (OHB). A copy of the Officer’s Handbook can be found at the following Internet website: www.gwrra.org/oconnect/officerhandbook.html. Please feel free to reprint these articles in Region, District, or Chapter newsletters.

I Like Being Different Those who know me will certainly agree with this month's article title as I do like being different – from my bike to my other vehicles or some of the things I enjoy doing. But that's not what this month's article is about. Its about GWRRA being different from other motorcycle organizations, or clubs. One of my pet peeves is when people refer to their GWRRA Chapter as 'our club'. I know they do it out of affection and belonging, not understanding the organizational meaning of the term 'club. But GWRRA is not a club. The term 'club' refers to an organizational structure - one where officers are elected by popular vote; one where motions are made, debated and voted on; where the majority rules; where as many as 49% of club members are unhappy 100% of the time. That is not the GWRRA way. Our officers are volunteers who are 'selected' based on qualifications and desire, not 'elected' by popular vote or campaigning for office. Decisions are made based on the desires of the Members with input from everyone. We don't have 'power struggles' or 'empire building', rather we base what we do on the wants and needs of all of the Members. The GWRRA chapter format is more flexible and less formal than a club format. It is part of something bigger, international in scope, with common purposes throughout, whereas clubs are more local and their purpose or vision 'blurry' at best. In GWRRA Members are free to participate where, and as much, as they like. Club members on the other hand are often told where they can belong and frequently told they have to participate in 'x' number of events to remain as members. Sometimes, less-informed chapter participants will try to lead the chapter into the 'club' format of operation. It’s the responsibility of GWRRA Officers to work together and retain the non-political, non-club environment in the chapter. If this becomes a problem in your Chapter, there are other members of the Operations Team who will be able to assist you. For more information on the differences between a 'club' and GWRRA, check out page B-3 of the Officer Handbook at http://gwrra.org/oconnect/officerhandbook.html Yes, GWRRA is different – and I like it!

The more you know, the better it gets! Jack Wagner Region H Trainer

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Gerald Faulk Chapter Educator Chapter “B” Educator RIDER ED ‘GIMME 5’ TOPIC: THE INVISIBLE MOTORCYCLIST "I never saw him. He came out of nowhere!" That's probably the most common statements heard at a collision between an automobile and a motorcyclist. They're usually made by the operator of the auto because the motorcyclist is unconscious (or worse). As riders we wonder, "How can they NOT see us? Are they just not looking?" A lack of attention on the part of the driver does explain some of the car/bike collisions; the distracted driver, cell 'phones, unruly children, etc. All these can contribute BUT some responsibility belongs to the motorcyclist as well. I know. I know. That's heresy. Let me explain.   

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Motorcycles make up about 3% of the "normal" traffic flow. People "see" what they expect to see; things like cars and trucks Unless the rider does something to visually stand out, he can be easily overlooked. Motorcycles ARE much harder to see than cars/trucks because of their smaller size. A motorcycle can easily be "lost" in the background even with the headlight on. Many motorcycles are colors that lend themselves to blending into the environment. Particularly dark colored machines (black is the color of pavement after all).

Many motorcyclist wear dark colored helmets (or no helmet at all, but we won't discuss those here) AND dark colored clothing. A number of studies in the US and abroad have shown that a light colored (white, silver, yellow) helmet is more noticeable (during daylight hours) than a dark colored (black, dark red, dark blue) helmet. Why? The driver sees this bright colored "orb" floating above the traffic (most riders heads are higher than the hoods/windshields of cars). It's DIFFERENT. Lastly (and sadly), most motorcyclists are not skilled in emergency maneuvers. Over 13% of the motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes made NO effort to avoid the collision. They didn't brake, they didn't swerve, and they just rode right into the collision. That's because, after they've gotten their license, they don't practice those kinds of maneuvers regularly (or ever). Motorcycling is a SKILL. It takes practice. So how can you NOT be the Invisible Motorcyclist?  Position your bike so it can be seen and identified in the traffic stream.  Wear bright colors  Consider getting a brightly colored bike PRACTICE your emergency maneuvers Or you could take the advice I got once from a very experienced rider. He told me not to "ride like I was invisible". He told me to ride like they can see me and are actively planning to do something to take me out." Compliments of GWRRA/Riders Ed

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La Gazette Des Cajun

www.hondaoflafayette.com

1708 N. University Lafayette, LA 70507

337-234-6632 800-864-9054 Fax 337-235-8950

FOR ALL YOUR GOLDWING NEEDS

COME SEE US AT HONDA OF LAFAYETTE

Mike Roberts Manager [email protected] Huey Romero Sales Manager [email protected] Danielle Judice Service Department [email protected]

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Merlin and Beverly Mayon District Directors Hello Louisiana Members

November, 2013

As November approaches that means the Conventions around the Region are over and it’s time to prepare for winter or at least cooler weather for some. For some in our Region this means cleaning the bike or trike and storing it until Spring. But for some farther south, it means looking in the closet for a little heavier coat and continue to ride. I think by now almost everyone knows that I had knee surgery 6 weeks ago and I’m doing about average in the recovery department. Still going to torture therapy clinic 3 times a week where they bend your knee way past your comfort zone and say that we are just trying to stretch the muscles, (yea right). Enough about me. This month we have the Region Business meeting in Marshall, TX coming November 16, 2013 to be followed by Thanksgiving on the 28th. Chapter Directors don’t forget, Chapter Charter fees are due in November, $100.00 again this year. Congratulations to the District Team who entered the Best Dress Shirt competition at the Oklahoma District Convention and won first place for our new District Team polo. Thanks to the Louisiana members who attended the Mississippi Convention, you earned the District a plaque for largest District out of Region. Let us keep this going until next year and attend and win largest District within our Region. Support the other Districts because they support us, go to their Conventions and have fun.

Notice

NOTICE

NOTICE The Holiday Inn in Lafayette has changed its name; it will be called the Ramada Lafayette Conference Center starting December 1, 2013. For those looking to make reservations for the Louisiana Convention please call the front desk direct at 337-233-6815 and mention GWRRA. If you have any problems you can call me at 985-519-1524 and I will try to help you if I can. Please spread the word to all members in our Region. Your Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge Merlin & Beverly Mayon Louisiana Senior District Directors P. O. Box 3527 Morgan City, LA 70381 Merlin cell 985 519-1524 Beverly cell 985-519-1523

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Tim & Becky Dinnel La. District MEC Region H 2013 - 2014 Couple of the Year

Greetings from Louisiana

Nov. 2013

October has been a very busy month for us. More rides being planned with the "cooler" weather for us which means a high in the 80's to upper 70's. This is why everyone needs to come South for the winter, longer time to enjoy our motorcycles.

I never laughed so hard one minute, tears in my eyes the next, and romantic thoughts the minute after that at the talent contest. Quack, Quack for those who were there!! GWRRA is such a multi-talented group of individuals!!!!!

The beginning of October found us on our way to the Oklahoma convention being held Oct 3rd - 5th in McAlester, OK. Due to my lack of extra vacation days, Tim and I drove up on Friday. Even tho it was a one day convention for us we had a blast. That being said we both realized what you miss not being able to attend all three days. We heard how fun the dance was with all the great costumes and how funny those who were hypnotized were. I checked out the Oklahoma District website, saw some great pictures.

Saturday morning was a little wet, okay, downpour after we reached the convention site. But a little moisture doesn't stop us......!! Tim & I were asked to be judges and it was sooooooo difficult but an honor to be asked. We attended the seminar for mature riders. It was very informative. I walked out realizing Tim & I are considered part of the "younger" crowd. Well those who attended the seminar with us are my role models now. I wanna be just like them when I grow up. We never have to give up our GWRRA family, no matter where we are in our journey in life!!!!

Louisiana District revealed their new "District" shirts during the "shirt" competition. Red & Brenda Roussel and Tim & I did a great job if I must say so myself. Did I say we took "First"? Tim and I were able to attend the "Planning a Chapter Event” seminar, instructed by our very own hypnotist. I never saw a blue light or anything but it was a "GREAT" seminar. Do you think he hypnotized us.....nah!!

Saturday afternoon the rain finally went away and we were able to watch the Florida Drill Team. It was an amazing display of motorcycle riding. They are a must to see!!!!!!! Enjoy the wonderful "Fall" rides, be safe and we'll see you down the road....

We enjoyed attending the Level 4 luncheon. The food was delicious and both of us enjoyed hearing what Jack Wagner our guest speaker had to say.

Tim and Becky Dinnel 2013 Region H Couple of the Year [email protected]

The following weekend was spent at home with some much needed house time and soccer time with the grandson's. That left the last convention for us to attend. The Mississippi District Convention which was Oct 17th - 19th in Gulfport, MS. We had a very nice ride there on Friday. What can I say Mississippi provided another fun filled convention!

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La Gazette Des Cajun Contributed by Jack Wagner (read at the Oklahoma rally) Just a Biker I saw you frown at me when I smiled at your children. You didn't see me when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless kids. I saw you roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by You didn't see me driving behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window. I saw you complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. You didn't see me when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane. I saw you yelling at your kids in the car. You didn't see me pat my child's hands knowing he was safe behind me. I saw you reading the map as you drove down the road. You didn't see me squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn. I saw you change lanes while rushing off to go 'somewhere'. You didn't see me going home to be with my family. I saw you race down the road in the rain. You didn't see me getting soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date. I saw you waiting impatiently for my friends to pass. You didn't see me – I just wasn't there. I saw you run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. You didn't see me trying to turn right. I saw you cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in. You didn't see me leave the road. I saw you going home to your family. You didn't see me, because I died that day you cut me off. To you I was just a biker, not a person with a family and friends. You didn't see me and now they will never see me again. REMEMBER, SOMETIMES WE ARE JUST INVISIBLE!

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Reba and Jim Berry Assistant Region Directors/Newsletter Editor 2013-2014 LA District Couple Well, I think we have finally wrapped up Convention Season. The first weekend of October had us in McAlester, OK for the OK District Convention. We had a great ride up, it rained while we were there and we had a cold (43 when we departed) but spectacular day for the ride home on Sunday. You should have seen the sunrise over the foothills of Oklahoma with the fog along the ridge lines. Gorgeous! We would like to thank Larry Cowan and his team for an excellent Convention. The food was great too. Reba and I taught an MSA class where we met, among other GWRRA friends, the newly selected OK COY Debbie and Howard McDaniel. Congrats to Howard and Debbie, a well‐deserved honor. Louisiana was well represented as Robert Partigianoni participated in the talent show and was a hypnotism volunteer and Joan Judice took home the grand prize of $500.

Robert, live and on stage.

Joan and Daron making their getaway.

Faye and James Dean

The third weekend of October had us off to the MS Convention in Gulfport, MS. We lead a group of 5 bikes from Chapter D. We had good weather going and coming but again, it rained on Saturday. This seems to be a recurring theme on our recent rides. The MS Convention was similar to ours in that the host hotel served as the Convention site. That allowed a lot of social interaction after hours. We had a fairly large LA contingent watching the LSU vs Ole Miss game in the lobby of the hotel. That one didn’t work out that great! Thanks to Lori and Bobby Bryant and their team for another great weekend. We hope you get in some great rides in the next month or so. And please remember that the colder months of January – March can be used to get in some CPR/First Aid Training for your chapter participants. We now have 3 MFA trainers in the LA District; Mike Stephenson of Chapter K in Metairie and Reba and myself of Chapter D in Monroe. Give me a call at 318-348-1275 or shoot me an email at [email protected] to schedule a training session. Have fun out there now! You hear? Reba and Jim

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10.1.13 - Chapter Monthly Meeting

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OK District Rally 10/3-5/13

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Annual Fundraiser 10.12.13

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Landry’s Seafood 10.17.13

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MS District Rally 10/17-19/13

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Mel’s Diner 10.27.13

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“FRIENDS FOR FUN, SAFETY AND KNOWLEDGE” GWRRA Region H Louisiana District Chapter “B”

Joan and Daron Judice GWRRA La Chapter B Chapter Directors

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For more GWRRA information, news, and social media Websites: www.gwrra.org (National) www.gwrra-la.org (District) www.gwrra-la-b.org(Chapter) Facebook GWRRA LA-B, Cajun Wings