American Legion Riders

Yesterday we had our monthly meeting. Despite the fact that it was Easter Sunday, most of the members were able to attend, which allowed us to get quite a bit accomplished. We were able to welcome Paul DeHaven as a guest. He and his wife are the Directors of the Goldwings of the North Chapter here in Fairbanks. Check out their website; they have rides listed, and Paul told us that all the rides are open to anyone.

A few months ago, Jim (our Director) was approached by our Ladies’ Auxiliary and asked if our Group would be taking the memorial wreath to the Veterans’ Memorial on the Parks Hwy. Although our Group had not yet formed, Jim agreed to taking on the responsibility of ensuring that the wreath was delivered. At yesterdays’ meeting, the members agreed that it would be an ALR-sponsored ride, and it was also agreed that as many members who were not already committed elsewhere would go on the ride. The ride will be for Memorial Day weekend, leaving on Saturday the 27th of May from American Legion Post 30, and returning on Monday, the 29th. Someone will be following the Goup on four wheels, carrying the wreath and all the necessary camping gear. We are, however, hoping that perhaps someone in the group might have access to an RV or pull-behind trailer that they would be willing to let us use for the weekend; that would be much more comfortable than sleeping on the ground. If you can help, please let Jim know.

Russ, our Assistant Director, told us about the recent success with the bike raffle to faise funds for a local woman dealing with cancer. He suggested that we may be able to co-sponsor a raffle in the future, which would get our name out to the public. As co-sponsors, we need not put out any money, just agree to sell tickets.

Our Secretary, Vicki, had also put together a calendar of all the local groups’ rides coming up this summer. The rides are listed on our iCalendar. Our Groups’ events are also listed on the iCalendar.

We also decided to have our first fund raiser. We will be having a pool tournament and burger burn on Friday, May 12th, starting at 5pm. The pool tournament will be limited to the first 20 people that sign up, and there will be cash prizes. The burger burn will be a donation of $5 per plate, and will include all the fixins. Even if you don’t shoot pool, please join us for the burger burn and bring your friends and family. If you are lucky enough to have your road clear, bring your bike!

It was also brought up in the meeting that we should start thinking about adopting a charity. The requirements are that the charity must support either Veterans’ or children/youth programs. Bring some ideas to the next meeting (May 21 at 4pm) for who you think our Group should adopt.

Also, at our next meeting we are hoping that the weather will be good, and the roads will be clear, as we have tentatively planned to meet at the Post at 4pm and ride somewhere (Birch Lake?) and have our meeting with the mosquitoes.

Well, that’s it for the meeting highlights. Thanks to those of you that were able to make it yesterday, and we look forward to seeing everyone at the pool tournament/burger burn!

Ride on, safely