THE RUMBLINGS THE RUMBLINGS President
Jim Woods opened the meeting and thanked everyone for coming.
Jim also thanked everyone for their visit, cards, calls and prayers for
him during his mother’s illness and her death.
Jim
made mention that we had some Star worthy people tonight which included Vanessa
Jones who has returned to us from college in California and to Donna Mabry.
Donna had a motorcycle accident three weeks ago and is recovering much
faster than anyone expected. Don
Mabry thanked everyone for their support during the time Donna was in the
hospital and since she has been home recuperating.
We
had 60 people present at the meeting including a visitor, Charlene Coleman who
was invited by Dusty Rhodes and Mr. and Mrs. Al Baker from National Star
Touring.
Jim
asked that the club set a goal to have 100 people at the meetings and there will
be recognition for the person that has the most newcomers in attendance over the
year.
Al
and Pat Baker were here from Florida, Al is the regional manager for National
Star Touring. They came to visit
with the club and answer any questions. Al
mentioned Star Days in July in Roanoke Virginia and also that Yamaha will be at
Myrtle Beach in May for bike Week and also in Daytona Beach during February and
October. Al asked for questions
from the floor.
Question:
What does Star do for us as a chapter, and what do we gain as a chapter.?
Answer:
Newsletter and membership card and as a chapter we are covered by their
insurance for any lawsuits as long as it is a sanctioned Star ride.
Question:
We have heard that there are mandates being purposed that we have to be
members in order to continue attending and riding with the club.
Why should we tell people they can’t ride after three rides if they
don’t join?
Answer:
As a Regional Director, my answer is yes.
It is stated in the charter that you have to be a member of the National
Association.
Question:
Could our bylaws be amended?
Answer:
Yes
Question:
What about people who don’t ride Yamahas?
Answer:
Anyone can join National regardless of what you ride.
The charter states that the President must ride a Yamaha, not the entire
membership.
Question:
Are we in jeopardy of losing support from Star National?
Answer:
Not as long as we signed the charter that we will abide by the rules.
Rick
Floyd noted that as a local chapter we can take the National Charter and then
review and amend our bylaws as long as we don’t go against the Mission
Statement.
Question:
What is the $48.00 dues used for?
Answer:
The National Star Touring is a privately owned company, not public so Al
doesn’t know exactly what the money is used for but we do know it covers the
newsletter, membership card, mailings, website and insurance and Star Bar B Ques.
It
was made mention that dues are a marketing tool and that Star should be trying
to convince us to by a Yamaha instead of trying to force us to ride one.
There
are 29,000 Star Members. Approximately
10 to 12,000 memberships are paid for by Yamaha when you purchase certain Yamaha
motorcycles and there is a 35-40% retention after the first year.
You can go online to Startouring.org to get information without being a
member of National.
Question:
What determines a ride cancellation?
Answer:
The ride captain or any officer can declare a sanctioned ride cancelled.
Question:
An email was sent several months ago regarding a tin star for a Star Vet
without a certificate but they never answered his email.
Answer:
You must have a certificate from a certified institution to receive your
tin star.
Jim
gave a big thanks to Al and Pat for attending the meeting and answering
questions.
Jim
asked is we had anyone in the club with Web-Master experience or if someone knew
of anyone.
Terry
Jones has asked that we find a new Web-Master as his job has become more
demanding and he doesn’t have the time to continue.
Anyone with information should get in touch with Jim Wood so we can
relief Terry as soon as possible.
George
Parsons talked about the rides coming up. This
Saturday, January 24th will be a ride to the Catawba Fish Camp, watch
the message board for more information on this ride.
February
7 ride will be led by Cajun, watch the message board for details and George is
still looking for a ride leader for February 21, if you are interested, please
give George a call.
Young
Harris trip is April 15-18 and will leave from the Lexington K-Mart parking lot
at 10:00 a.m.
Jim
Berkley will be leading a ride July 23-24 to Waynesville, NC. He has made reservations for everyone to have dinner together
Saturday night and is holding 20 hotel rooms.
This is the same time as Star Days but an alternative for those who want
to ride and are not going to Roanoke VA for Star Days.
September
9-12 will be another overnight trip to the Mountains, watch for more details.
Please
sign the sign in sheet when you pick up your badge at the meeting, this is the
only way we have of remembering who hasn’t been to a meeting in a while that
we need to contact and let them know that they are missed. There a lot of new faces in the group each month and it’s
difficult to remember each name and the face that goes with it.
Thanks for your help with this. Also,
we have to sign new waivers for 2004. Please
sign you waiver and get in back to Nedra Smith.
This is very important!!!!!
The
drawing this month was $195.00 so $97.50 went to our winner Leah Collins.
Congratulations Leah!!
The
Star Riders gave Jim Wood a card and they made a donation to the Cancer Society
in memory of his mother.
The
new charter was signed and taken back by Al and Pat Baker.
The charter required at least 12 card carrying members to sign it and we
had over 25 sign. This is great!!!
Drive and ride safe and we look forward to seeing you on February 16, 2004.
CLUB MEMBERS SHOULD NOT BE THE ONLY PEOPLE ALLOWED TO HAVE FUN—So, please join us at our next monthly meeting held at Captain Georges Seafood Restaurant on Knox Abbott Drive in Cayce, SC. It will start promptly at 7pm. In the meantime, if you wish to learn more about our club and become a member please contact Jim Wood @ 782-4449. Stop by to learn more about our great club and join in on the FUN.