THE RUMBLINGS         

NEWSLETTER FOR STAR RIDERS COLUMBIA, SC
CHAPTER #124 - November 17th, 2003

President Jim Woods opened the meeting and thanked everyone for coming. 

What a great group, 64 people were present at the meeting, including 8 visitors.

Looks like a great Christmas Party, we had 59 people sign up to attend.  Again, the party will be at Beulah United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall on Highway 321 in Blythewood at 7:00 p.m. December 15^th.  Watch the message board for directions.  Rebecca’s is catering the event and there will not be a business meeting that night.  The cost is $10.00 per person and the club will pay the remainder. 

The club officers for 2004 are as follows:

President                      Jim Wood

Vice President              Rick Floyd

Secretary                      Nedra Smith

Treasurer                     Judy Frick

Lady of the Star           Gerri Wood

Sergeant of Arms         Mack Pierce

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.

Jim Berkley will be leading a ride this Saturday, November 15^th to Aiken to eat Bar B Que. Information about this ride has already been posted to the website.

On November 29^th there will be a Charity ride for ABATE of Lexington.  Meet at I-20 and #1 at the Pitt Stop and bring an unwrapped toy.  More information will be posted on the website regarding this ride.

Saturday, December 6^th is the Christmas Parade for the Catfish Stomp.  Cost is $5.00 per bike.

Also Saturday December 6^th is biker afternoon at Lake Murray Baptist Church for the presentation of “This Man Jesus”.  The play begins at 2:30 p.m.

December 7^th Blue Knights Charity ride, December 14^th Vets charity ride from the Honda shop on Broad River Road to the VA Hospital, bring unwrapped items for hospital patients, such as soft candy, sweats, PJ’s hats, etc.

2004 Rides – George Parsons has openings in January and February to lead rides, if interested, please contact George.

March               Johnny Frick

    April                  George Parsons

   May                   Cajun Cavallier

June                   Mike Clark

July                    Jim Berkley – Mountain Trip one/two nights

August                Mack Pierce

September          Lowell Thomas - Mountain trip two nights

October               Rick Floyd

November           Bruce Jones

Our last ride was good even though the weather didn’t cooperate fully.  We still had a nice ride and a good lunch.

People from Lone Star Bar B Que said that they can take care of us for a Christmas party or any other kind of party in the future and are open for booking.  They have a building for this purpose.

President, Jim Wood read a letter that he has received from Star national to the group so that the group could be aware of the pressure the National organization is putting on us and that a decision may need to be made at a later date. National says we don’t comply with their rules that people must pay the $48.00 National Fee and join after at least three rides.  They indicated that if we didn’t comply with the rules we were in jeopardy of loosing our chapter.  

George Parson has done some research and let the group know about some other options.  One option could be that we joined AMA (American Motorcycle Association).  The dues are $39.00 a year and associate dues are $15.00 per year.  What you get for your money with this organization is a monthly magazine, discounts, special insurance rates and they have legal council to help you with things like Health Insurance discrimination, just to mention a few. It only takes 5 dues paying members to star a “Social club” (one of three different types Social, Historical and Promotional).  Neither George nor Jim are promoting any changes at this time, they just wanted the group to know what was happening and what the future options were.

It was suggested that all card-carrying members make your feeling know to the National organization.  It is felt that this group is a wonderful group and should not be forced to give up members because they don’t join the National Star organization.

The drawing this month was $180.00 so $90.00 went to our winner Lisa Bowman.  Congratulations Lisa!!

Hope each of you and your families have a blessed Thanksgiving.  See you at the Christmas Party!

 CLUB MEMBERS SHOULD NOT BE THE ONLY PEOPLE ALLOWED TO HAVE FUN—So, please join us at our next monthly meeting held at Captain George's in Cayce.   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 @ 803-782-4449 or Michael Smathers @ 803-783-1022.  Stop by to learn more about our great club and join in on the FUN.