Freedom of Road Riders®
Local 11 of Southwest Missouri

 

NEWS

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FROM THE CHAIRMAN
by Mark Capps

Howdy All from SWMO,

     I know I have been slacking a little with the newsletter. As you can see we have a new meeting location.  We are going back to Redings Mill Inn. Our meetings were held there a few years ago until the fire on the top floor. They closed the mill for a while but now its back open and under new ownership.  It’s Motorcycle Friendly too.  It's a great place and I think everyone should go check it out and bring themselves to a meeting. We are planning an appreciation party for all the members soon. Cowskins Fall Rally is right here as well. Toy runs are around the corner and the Maple Leaf parade will be soon and before you know it the temperature will drop 50 degrees and people will be complaining of the cold. Well, such is life in Missouri.

      Our bike show has a new date of May 16th 2009. It seems the local is tired of dealing with cold weather and snow, so we are going to give a later spring date a try. The location is not confirmed as of yet. I will try to keep everyone updated as the event progresses.

      Elections of local officers are coming up at the November meeting. I have said this before and once and I’ll say it again, If you don't like the way things are going with the local, now is your chance to make a difference. Everyone has a voice in the local and anyone can be an officer. If you think you can do a better Job, feel free to step up. The local doesn't mind a little variety.

      We are still planning to do 2 toy runs for this area, one on November 1st (Joplin) and one on November 2nd (Carthage). Both will benefit the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army has been good to us, donating tables and chairs for use at our bike show and this is one way we thank them for their help and what they do for the community. I say being active in community events helps us be known to the general public, and I do believe its working. Being in the Maple Leaf parade in Carthage every year is exciting. We are in the biggest parade in the 4 state area and to hear the applause from the crowd lets us know that people are aware of our organization and what we do. We also pass out a lot of tri-folds and have increased the membership a little following a parade like that. We also have fun doing it. So, if anyone gets a chance, come check out Carthage Maple Leaf parade October 18th in Carthage Mo. It’s an event I am sure you will enjoy.

 Til next time, ride safe and enjoy the rest of the season

Mark "Sparky" Capps
Chairman – FORR Local 11