sponsored by hal’s harley-davidson—(262) 860-2060 meeting...

Kettle Moraine Chapter Newsletter March—2010 Hal’s Harley Davidson www.kmchog.com www.halshd.com

Mike Hanley

Robert Hazod

Jeanne Kirch

John Kirch

Chris Pyle

Rhonda Pyle

Thomas Wagner

KMC News Chapter #5603

Sponsored by Hal’s Harley-Davidson—(262) 860-2060 Meeting—1st Wednesday of the Month 7:00 PM

New Berlin Ale House ~ 16000 West Cleveland Ave. ~ New Berlin Join us for social hour before the meeting starting from 6:00-7:00, and afterwards about 8:00-

OFFICERS DIRECTOR

MIKE MILLER (262) 786-0378 [email protected]

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR BILL PAGELSDORF (262) 706-3013

[email protected]

SECRETARY AMY DEY (414) 421-5058 [email protected]

TREASURER DAWN MAKOWSKI (414) 282-0622

[email protected]

BOARD MEMBERS TOM BRANCH (414) 899-5570

[email protected]

ELLEN COLE-BEAUDRY (262) 662-4994 [email protected]

JEFF HAIG (262) 650-0005 [email protected]

CHRIS STARICH (262) 391-8822 [email protected]

CHUCK VOJTAS (262) 246-4917 [email protected]

HEAD ROAD CAPTAIN JIM WATERS (414) 899-1130 [email protected]

ASSISTANT HEAD ROAD CAPTAIN MIKE NOLAN (414) 378-1500

[email protected]

LOH OFFICER BETH BLOCK (414) 915-1773

[email protected]

ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR MICHELE HAGEN (414) 259-9405

[email protected]

NEWSLETTER EDITOR KEITH BERRES (414) 350-7311

[email protected]

SAFETY OFFICERS DEWEY HEMBA (262) 367-4873

[email protected] MIKE NOLAN (262) 628-3885

[email protected]

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR CHERYL HUEBNER (414) 254-3555

[email protected]

HISTORIAN/YEARBOOK EDITOR ROXANNE RICK (414) 342-8416

[email protected]

WELCOME WAGON CARIE BRONSON (262) 367-4873

[email protected]

DISCOVER WISCONSIN JIM DROPP (414) 531-8528

[email protected] ASST—VERN KEHOSS (262) 827-3009

BIKER DOWN CARL & MARYLIN GANAS

(414) 425-5636

PHOTOGRAHY COORDINATOR DON PAULUS (414) 427-0724 H

(414) 861-2941 C [email protected]

WEB PAGE COORDINATOR DAN MERKEL (262) 538-1895

[email protected]

DRY RIDERS PETER GOHSMAN (414) 702-4664

[email protected]

SECOND SHIFTERS JIM PAWLACK (262) 782-9031

ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY GARY FREA (414) 254-1920

[email protected]

HAL’S KIRK TOPEL (262) 860-2060

[email protected]

March 2010 ~ Volume 6 ~ Issue 03

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR Riding season is nearing. In fact I have seen a few bikes out there from time to time. Mr. Bill, has been seen out there in the cold and snow.

For those who attended the February chapter meeting, I hope you enjoyed Paul Raap. He has a wealth of knowl-edge and is not afraid to share it. The surprise was him bringing gifts to raffle off. I had nothing to do about my wife winning the knife, but it is cool! We have guest speakers

lined up for the next few months, so don’t mess the chapter meetings.

The April Brunch and Biker Blessing ride tickets are available. Members are $17 and Non-Members are $20. Get your tickets at the chapter meeting or at Hal’s. It’ll be at Country Springs this year. There will be a giveaway based off your ticket purchase for a 1 night stay with 4 water park passes!

For the new riders - the Safety Officers and Road Captains will continue a tradi-tion of planning at least one ‘New Rider, Ride’, this summer. We meet at Hal’s, go over how the chapter does group riding, then go on a short ride and return to Hal’s for any questions. It’s a great way to learn to ride in a group and meet new people!

For all the new members, we’ll be planning at least one ‘ice cream’ ride. We’ll meet at Hal’s, take a ride to an Ice Cream joint and get to know each other. Many board members and road captains attend……..anything for ice cream, right?

Stay close to your email. We’ll be using the E-Blast process to send out remind-ers of major events coming up or to get word out on last minute get togethers or rides.

If you are leading an event, please keep track of people that volunteer with you and feed that info to Dawn Makowski. She will keep track of a master volunteer list for future use.

Lastly, we have been really working on ensuring membership is accurate. If you haven’t renewed, please do so. For those that haven’t, we’ll be pulling you off the mailing list for the newsletter. We are now working on discontinuing duplicate mailings and encouraging people to convert to email

See you on the road.

Mike

Please welcome our new members:

New Members at February Chapter meeting were (L to R): Lisa Anheier, Robert Hazod, Mike Hanley


LOH Annual PMS Meeting is Wednesday, MARCH 17th at 6:00 (Please NOTE time change from February KMC Newsletter) located at the New Berlin Ale House on the Northeast corner of the building. A sign up sheet will be available at the March KMC meeting.

This is an open event; feel free to bring friends and family! It is go-ing to be a night full of pampering and socializing! There will be state certified professionals coming in to do all kinds of treatments. There will be Reiki Massage, Cold Laser, a Detoxing Foot Bath, Chair Massage, Reflexology, Mini Manicures, Waxing, and Harley Hair Dos! Come to have as many or as few treatments as you would like. For any questions please feel free to call Doris Weber at (414) 218-8894.

Reiki massage $10 for 10 min. - Cold Laser $5 for 15 min. - Detoxifying foot bath $20 for 20 min. - Chair massage $15 for 15 min - Reflexology $15 for 15min Mini manicures $10 - Harley Hair Dos- FREE! - Waxing: Eyebrows- $11 - Lip- $6 - Chin-$8 - Lip and Chin- $11

Charities: I would like to inform about a place called Katy's Kloset that accepts gently used medical supplies and loans them to fami-lies that need to use the items. Also the Women’s Center needs furniture if anyone has kitchen tables, couches, end tables, etc in good condition, please contact Mike Hogan 262-522-3810. Sheets, towels, cell phones and regular sized toiletries are also needed. We are still collecting can tabs for the Ronald McDonald House and slightly use jeans for men and women. Thank you for your dona-tions. It is greatly appreciated!!

April LOH Meeting will be at Hal’s for the Garage Party. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

March Birthdays are: Ellen Cole-Beaudry 3/18 and Theresa Leto 3/18. Happy Birthday Gals!! I hope you enjoy your special day! A new list is being created. I apologize if I missed anyone. Please let me know so I may update the list by sending an email to: [email protected]. An active member is when an LOH Meeting was attended within the previous 12 months.

Beth

Meetings are the Thursday after the regular Chapter meetings. 10:30 AM at

Hal’s. Call Jim Pawlak (262) 782-9031 for more information.

2nd Shifters

IT'S UNBRUNCH TIME!

We started off the New Year's UnBrunches with a bang!

January's Unbrunch at La Estacion was a winner as 28 members showed up for a very delicious brunch full of Mexican goodness! The crepes & desserts were awesome! We also welcomed 1 new member, Gary! Thanks for coming Gary and we hope you enjoyed yourself.

February's Unbrunch at Delafield Brewhaus had a great turnout as well with 38 members in attendance. The food was plentiful & delicious. Vern even brought up the plate of chocolate covered strawberries for everyone

to try and boy they sure were yummy! Great food, great brews and best of all, great friends. Fun was had by all and we hope to see you at the next UnBrunch.

So, kick that cabin fever and extend the March Madness! Join your fellow KMC friends at Matty's Bar & Grille on March 21st at 10:30am! Matty is always a great host and the food is so delicious! You don't want to miss this awe-some Sunday breakfast! Check out the menu under "specials" on Matty's website, www.mattysbar.com.

It'll be a great time to renew some friendships and make some new ones! Hope to see you there. It's a great oppor-tunity for all new members to meet us loyal "Brunchies."

-Roxy

Meet a Board Member Well, we’re supposed to provide our members with a “profile” of the Chapter’s Officers and Board Members and I drew the short straw this month, so here it goes. I’m Jeff Haig, and I’m starting my second 2-year term as Board Mem-ber. I’m retired from the Elm Grove Police Dept.

where I was Chief for 15 years. I’ve been riding for (oh my god) 30 years now: my ’07 Ultra is a far cry from my first bike, a ’72 Honda 350. This is my 10th year with KMC.

I’ve been married for (oh my god) 40 years to Laura, who likes every-thing about Harleys except riding on them, so you usually see me solo. I’ve got 3 grown kids and 5 grandkids – if you even begin to ask about them, I’ll have the photos out so fast you’ll never get away.

Besides Harleys and the Kettle Moraine Chapter, I keep busy with my duties as a Board member of Jean Davidson’s Yell & Tell Foundation, as the Historian for the Waukesha County Police Chief’s Association, and as an appointee to the City of Pewaukee Ethics Board.

Representing you as a Board member is both a privilege and a chal-lenge. I’m honored to twice be elected by you, and enjoy being part of the process of continually improving the Chapter: striving to make it what YOU want it to be. Your Board is trying to hit the right balance of maintaining and improving our traditional events, dropping those in which interest has waned, and trying new things that appeal to more members. To do this, we need to hear what you think. Call, E-Mail, or catch any one of us at a meeting or event and tell us how we’re do-ing. Just don’t ask me about my grandkids unless you have some time to spare…

Jeff Haig

KMC Website - Newsletter Page The Login Name and Password required to view the Newsletters page on our KMCHOG.COM website will be changed on March 1st.

Effective March 1st the Login name will be : kmcnews and the password will be: 5603 - (5603 is our chapter number).

Sorry about the inconvenience of requiring you to enter a login and password to access the News-letters page, but this is a National HOG rule.

You may want to clip out this article and keep it handy for future reference!

Dan Merkel - KMC Webmaster


The Discover Wisconsin committee would like to welcome these new members: Jack Sparrow, Davey Jones, Blackbeard, Captain Morgan, Jean Lafitte, Norman Drake, Paul E. Parrot, & Anne Bonny .

The Discover Wisconsin committee has put together four exciting rides for the chapter. We look forward to seeing you at all of them.

JUNE 12-13.....2 DAY OVERNIGHTER LED RIDE to Southwestern part of state Rustic Roads overnighter. Dewey Hemba and Chip Pendleton will plan and lead this ride. A great ride will be planned using as many of the State’s Rustic Roads as possible.

JULY 23,24,25......3 DAY OVERNIGHTER LED RIDE- to Eagle River Wisconsin on Friday. We have reserved a pirate ship....which can take 35 of us (possibly a second ship if we need it)...to take us through the famous Chain of Lakes.....11:00 AM to 2:00 PM cruise with catering provided.....$ must be collected in advance. Planning by Grumpy and Ramona.

AUGUST 29.....Renaissance Fair.......LED RIDE to Bristol Wisconsin....Vern will lay out scenic ride to fair for a day of chivalry and fun .

SEPTEMBER 12.......ATZALAN motocross race on Sunday.......meet for quick breakfast ....then Jim Dropp will lead group to races.

UNOFFICIAL RIDES...... will be blasted to membership and put on our website (with discretion).

Jim Dropp

8th Annual Toast To Hope – April 10th from 6-9pm

Hal’s will once again host their 8th Annual Toast to Hope event to benefit ALS, a form of Muscular Dystrophy, on Saturday April 10th from 6-9pm. This is one of the best events of the year as attendees are treated to micro beer sampling, food, live entertainment and auctions.

The combination of over sixty micro brews and wonderful food from ten local restaurants create a great social and fun atmosphere. Among this years list of supporters include the likes of Matty’s Ca-tering, Rupena’s, Mitchell’s Fish Market, Senor Lunas, Texas Road-house, Great Wraps, Bubb’s BBQ, New Berlin Ale House, Quiznos, Best Western and more. Musical entertainment provided by Stone-ship Eden, a 70’s tribute band that was scheduled to play at the Harley-Davidson Museum Car Night last season but was rained out.

Each years party has a theme to get everyone in the mood and this year is no exception, so break out your polyester, wear wigs if you got em’, as the 70’s return to Hal’s showroom. Don’t miss this once a year unique social gathering with friends old and new, all for a great cause. Tickets are limited and there was a misprint in the save the date post card. Tickets remain $25 in advance and $30 at the door and should be available now at Hal’s. So bring your appetite and join Hal’s for the Toast To Hope Charity Event.

Hal’s Spring Open House & Bike Show Weekend Moves to May 29th

Call me superstitious but we have not had lady luck on our side when it comes to the weather and our Bike Show. To challenge lady luck last year we tried to move the show back a weekend. Low and behold the first weekend of May was wonderful and we were left with, well I am sure you remember that cold weekend in May. So here we are again trying to plan our Bike Show and contemplating whether we should challenge our sweet lady again or not. So this is what I have concluded.

The reality today is that many things have changed over the years from the names and faces of the folks who attend this event. To the way they wish to spend their resources and enjoy their time. Many people will put off decisions until the last possible moment to ensure their decision is the right one. Unfortunately, this is not an option for event planners. No one welcomes change with open arms but at the end of the day, you must to put yourself in the best position to be successful. As our world is today, the stakes and the costs are higher than ever before.

In moving the Bike Show to Memorial Day weekend we can provide the latitude to spread the risks associated with an event of this size. As well as, increasing our odds of experiencing more favorable weather. I know the announcement was not warmly received by eve-ryone, however, as I hope many would acknowledge, our typical ap-proach to change at Hal’s is “it’s a chance to do it better”, especially when it comes to a party. With change comes the opportunity to do things we didn’t or couldn’t do before and our team at the dealership is working diligently on some new twists for this year. It will be a Hal’s Country Rockin’ Weekend this year with two full days of fun, activities, and a great sale event on the third day. I hope we can count of the unconditional support the chapter has given in the past to make this year's Bike Show the event people will be talking about for years to come.

Kirk

Legacy of the Star It is not uncommon for KMC members to be asked, “what’s the signifi-cance of the little black circle patch with the gold star and the letters K-M-C embroidered on it?” Simply put, it recognizes volunteerism and thanks members, a badge of distinction for those who choose to display them on jackets and vests.

We all hope the KMC experience is fun. That it includes riding and ulti-mately that it develops great friendships and memories. We all know that good things don’t just happen by accident. Those that have the best times will tell you they discovered that the more you put into an organi-zation the more you receive from it. The patches were established some time ago to reward and recognize an individual for their contribution. Often given as a reward for volunteering to work in support of a chapter function or cause like serving on a committee, planning an event, partici-pating in roadside clean up or holding down an appointed position. They are easy to obtain all you need, is to do something. Want to find out more? Ask a board member or watch this newsletter where a new sec-tion called the “Volunteer Corner” will highlight members who serve us all as well as list opportunities for any member to get more involved. Thank you in advance for all you do to make this chapter experience great!

New Berlin PD & Waukesha Sheriff Raffle The past two years members of the Road Captains group, with the sup-port of many chapter members, helped pitch in through raffles that were held at the Toughman competition, the Bike Show, and at chapter meet-ings to raise almost $9000 in support of area law enforcement and the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Motorcycle Unit. Thank you all! In these cur-rent times those monies are no less needed but everyone has felt the belt tighten. The chapter board respects those members passionate about serving others. We also recognize the need to be sure the meetings are fun and enjoyable to all who attend.

This year the committee led by Chuck Vojtas will organize a raffle for three top items including a Buell motorcycle, a 40” LCD flat screen and third prize being sports memorabilia. We will not be soliciting at upcoming chapter meetings. However we will inform members of the details and ask those willing to participate and help to speak with Chuck, Chris Starich or anyone on the board. Raffle tickets will be available to pur-chase or sign out to those who can help sell in April. It is planned that the winners will be selected after the New Berlin Fourth of July parade ride.

For chapter members we will have a contest rewarding the member who sold the most tickets with a $200 gift certificate (and 2nd most with a $50 gift certificate.) If you are the one who sells the winning ticket you’ll re-ceive a dinner for two. Thank you for helping those who help safeguard our rides and our communities.


This year the Hearts on Fire committee has a great group of peo-ple with great ideas for 2010 riding season. Please mark your calendars for the Burn Camp ride and the Party in the Park. More information to come so watch the newsletter and chapter website each month for dates and times of events.

Thank you KMC Chapter members for all of your support and generosity.

Mark your Calendars:

Burn Camp ride : Tuesday August 17th 5:30 pm leaves Hals Harley Davidson

Party in The Park : Saturday August 21st - More information to come

Thank you Sincerely,

Ron and Melinda Gasser (Hearts On Fire)

Mark Twain’s river awaits you on this five-day tour down the “Mighty Miss” slated for June 20-24, 2010.

You’ll begin your journey in Duluth on Sunday afternoon when you’ll be able to pick up your materials and set your trip in motion. We’ll guide you on your way and give you the tools you’ll need at a rider’s meeting in the early evening.

Your bike will be traveling west on Monday toward the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Take in the forested back roads of the Minnesota northwoods, have your photo taken with giant fish or Paul Bunyan and his ox Babe, and enjoy the Native American culture in the evening during a powwow.

Your true sense of river piloting will begin on Tuesday morning at Itasca State Park and the Headwaters of the Mississippi River. Take a short walk to stick your toes in before you climb aboard and meander south, skirting the river as you make stops to learn about fishing, the river, and the military in the area. End your afternoon at Fort Snelling where you’ll have time to interact with those dressed in period clothing as you listen to the cannons fire. Jump aboard a paddleboat for an unforgettable dinner and spectacular experience that riverboat captains would have taken in days of yore.

On Wednesday you will be able to experience the grandeur of bald eagles that will soar overhead as you work your way downriver. Stop in at the National Eagle Center to see eagles up close and personal. For a minimal donation to help the birds, have your picture taken with an ea-gle, your bike, and the river, creating a long lasting memory. The quiet of the river road and its towns, which are a step back in time will be a con-trast with the activity you will experience when you get to Lacrosse. Oktoberfest Grounds are just waiting for a great party. Toast to a memo-rable rally with local beverages ,members of an Oktoberfest Royal Fam-ily, and Grand Marshalls from year’s past. During the band breaks, find out about Pearl Street’s tawdry history.

On the last morning of your adventure you will make a stop at the Potosi Brewery where you can take in their River Transportation Museum to learn how beer was shipped downstream in the days of the steamboats. Top off your afternoon with a dealership party at Dubuque Harley-Davidson before heading downtown for the final landing of your trip. At the Grand River Center you will enjoy dinner on the river followed by closing comments and prizes.

Need more than that? Throw in 7 meals, dealer events along the way, a special frontier style button down shirt, and adventures around every bend.

This adventure is priced at an economical $150 per person. Register on line at www.wistatehogrally.com or www.mnstatehogrally.com soon. Registration is limited, and pre-registration closes on April 15 or when filled.

Hello All! Activites for March are in full swing, on the 13th is the Admirals Hockey Game at the Bradley Center w/concert performed by Foreigner following game. Tickets are still available, adults $14 and kids $9, call me and/or have payment ready at the March 3rd chapter meeting. I will close the sale of tickets that night.

We have our Interchapter bowl-a-thon Pre-Party March 19th which is an open event. Then bowling (members only) at AMF Waukesha on Saturday March 20th with check-in at 11:30 AM. Bowling starts at 1:00 PM. If you are participating please wear your KMC club shirts such as Road Captains and Board Members. Let us be the Biggest and Best represented Chapter There!!! KMC teams are full but you can still bowl if you don't mind your score not counting for the chapter your bowling with. Last chance to sign up will be March 3rd Chapter meeting. It all goes for a good cause "Yell and Tell" so come out and join the fun. There will also be a lot of things for spectators to do so don't miss it!!

I'm also looking for suggestions of a restaurant in Tomahawk that we might like to set up a fish fry for the club for Tomahawk week-end, e-mail me or see me at the meeting. I will also have updated flyers for the Hockey game and bowling activities with me at the chapter meeting.

See you all then! Any questions or suggestions please contact me at (414) 530-8379 or [email protected].

Michelle Hagen

Harley Motor Co. Establishes March, National Garage Party Month! Who doesn’t love women? Did you know that ladies are the fastest growing segment of new motorcyclists in the country? This year an esti-mated 100,000 women will participate in rider training programs across the country and hopefully join the ranks of the one million female riders already licensed. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation data indicates that 23% of all registered riders on US roads today are women. To cele-brate and spread the good news both Harley-Davidson Motor Co., and dealers across the country say, “Welcome to the party ladies”, this month by hosting Ladies Garage Parties nationwide. Seriously though, this is a remarkable accomplishment as there are many barriers to women who may have dreams of entering the sport of motorcycling that many of us never consider. This is exactly what garage party’s focus on eliminating. Garage Parties are intended to provide an opportunity to discuss these challenges and overcome the barriers that women face with riding. They also give ladies an opportunity to interact and learn from each other past experiences. Garage Parties are designed to provide information important to women in a non-intimidating and fun environment. A Garage Party is a social gathering that is hosted by women for women. Hal’s has an open Garage Party planned for Saturday March 20th from 1pm-4pm. There is also a closed Ladies of KMC (and friends of KMC) Garage Party planned on April 21st from 6-9pm. If this is of interest to you whether you are a seasoned rider, would like to share your story, or you want to learn more about grabbing the handlebars and taking control, you can find more details on Hals website along with an online registration form or call Renee Krueger at the dealership.


The Dry Riders meet the third Monday of the first month each quarter at Hal’s. Get there before Hal’s locks the door at 7:00 PM. This is not an “AA” meeting. This is a support group and friendly conversation. It’s a good thing. We also meet unofficially for many activities. For more information, call Kirk at Hal’s or Peter G at (414) 702-4664, [email protected]. Check out the website at www.dryriders.com.

Beetown and the Mississippi River area of Wisconsin hold so many fond memories of my youth. I love sharing that area with Grumpy and that’s why Beetown was the destination of our first overnight bike trip 13 years ago. We parked our bikes outside what used to be Hank’s welding shop to head into the Beehive, now called Mona’s. Across the street a saddled horse was hitched to a post outside the feed mill. Grumpy turned to me, laughing, and asked me where had I brought him, who rides a horse to town, and why? I very matter-of-factly told him the horse was probably Roger Gratton’s. Knowing Roger, he rode the horse because then he couldn’t get arrested for drunk driving and the horse would know the way home if he got too liquored up. We walked into the tavern and there, at the bar, sat Roger.

Remember when you were a small child and people would ask you what you wanted to be when you grew up? Pat answers were usually teacher, farmer, police-man, fireman, astronaut, nurse, secretary. Growing up in the hills of southwest Wisconsin, there wasn’t much to choose from. We didn’t have astronauts, but we did have farmers and teachers and shopkeepers. We didn’t have careers there like they did in the city.

The closest thing we had to a machinist was Hank Dunnington. He was the Spanish-American War survivor that would weld our broken wagon tongues. The tattoos on his weathered arms were barely discernable and he hadn’t had a drink of water for 20 years, the last time I’d spoken with him in the 70’s.

Paul Jamison ran one of the local general stores. Being the entrepreneur that Paul was, he was also the local electrical contractor, and pastor at the local “Born Again” church. Not only did he sell groceries, but you could also buy G.E. appliances, 8-buckle black rubber boots, and work clothes—coveralls, uniforms, socks. In the back was a large meat locker to store butchered carcasses until they could be cut up and freezer-wrapped.

Burt Gardner owned the Citgo station across from Jamison’s store. We didn’t frequent Burt’s station but maybe once that I can remember. I don’t know why. The only reason I can think of was that my family was more into the one-stop shopping sort of experience we found at Wentz’s. Wentz’s was located at the main inter-section in Beetown. They had not only gas, but they also housed the town’s feed mill-livestock supply-hardware store. Alvin and Naomi’s two sons and daughter worked the family business with their parents. This establishment had a greeter, Queenie, a black lab.

Right across the street from Wentz’s, Charlie and Marie Thorpe ran the other general store in town. The building use to be the town’s hotel. Charlie converted it to a store and their little wire-haired terrier, Lady, was their customer greeter. Charlie’s merchandise was not as diverse as Paul’s, so I’m not sure how he and Marie made a go of it. Especially, when he wouldn’t even sell peanut butter. He didn’t like it, so he wouldn’t sell it.

Another mover and shaker was Bob Slaght. He was the proprietor at one of the three taverns in town, dealt horses, and he sold insurance. There were always wild times at Bob’s. Weiner Slaght, Chuck Poole, George Peterson, and Hank Dunnington were regulars and spent many a day playing euchre at the card table. Then Bob and Verna divorced. She got the tavern, changed its name to “Beehive Bar”, and spruced it up—the dance hall in the back became the extended dining room on Saturday nights. Verna cooked up a mean steak at the Beehive.

Chink owned the 18-year-old bar across the street from the Beehive. Not really sure why Chink ran a bar; he wasn’t a very outgoing kind of guy. He was quiet and always appeared frail to me with that slight build and large bald head. But, being one of the few beer bars in the area, it was a money-maker. And, it was always good for a week-end story.

Hip’s Tavern, across from the stock yard, was owned by Hip Hauk and his partner Alice. Just a little, bitty place. It was too small to accommodate a pool table like the two bigger places, but they had an electric bowling game. I spent my share of dimes shoving that puck down the table to run over the bent wires that came up through the table that looked like a bowling alley—rarely to get a strike. Sometimes I shoved it so hard, it bounced back to me without making a score. There was a buck’s head mounted over the jukebox in the bar area. Alice, little trickster that she was painted his nose red the year “Rudolph” became popular.

Bill and Iva Marshall owned and operated the sale barn and stockyard. The first Tuesday of every month, farmers would bring cattle, hogs, sheep, and an occasional horse to market. Their house was located on a small hill just above the stockyard. By that, I mean their ¼ acre lawn was right next to the pens. It never occurred to me that their house must have smelled to high heaven. I was just enthralled by the large weeping willow in the front yard, next to the road.

No small town is complete without a small engine repair guy. Bob Pritchett made a good life for his family repairing lawnmowers, roto-tillers, and chainsaws. If you had a 2-cycle engine, Bob was the guy to fix it.

Because it was a small farming community, Beetown also had a creamery—cheese factory—at the edge of town. It was the Spring Valley Creamery. We’d deliver our milk there and purchase butter and cheese. A by-product of the cheese was whey. Farmers would drive into town with a huge holding tank on their trucks to pick up whey which was used to slop their hogs. Bob and Joyce Kelly lived next to the creamery and worked there. They’d start at 3:00 a.m. by opening up the creamery and end their workday around 2:00 in the afternoon. It worked well because Joyce could walk across the lot to the house to get the kids off to school, do up the dishes, then get back to the factory to make sure Bob wasn’t slacking off.

You may find this to be a stretch, but there was also a post office in town. Yes, we had our own zip code—53802. A vacant lot separated the post office from Jamison’s store. With the post office there was a post mistress, Mrs. Kittoe. The lobby was the front of her house and housed the brass post office boxes with the combination dial lock doors. At the time I thought how boring her job was. Now that I reflect back, she was a government worker and never had to leave her house to go to work! I wonder how many times she sorted the mail in her robe and slippers.

Mrs. Hutchcroft ran the telephone office. It was next to Burt’s station and across from Jamison’s store. She would sit at the switchboard wearing a headset and manually making the phone connections with the wires with banana plugs. This only lasted until we got rotary dial phones.

There were two churches and they were located right across the street from one another at the north end of town. I attended Sunday school at the Methodist Church and Pauline Donaldson was my teacher. She and her husband, Earl, lived two doors down from the church with their two kids Etta and Dickey. (Grumpy has his own story about Earl.) Her parents were Charlie and Marie Thorpe, so we’d see her working at their store quite often.

Further north was the school. It was the largest building in town—three stories and brick. There was a parking lot in the front and a playground in the back with swings, slides, and a merry-go-round. My sisters and brother attended school there for a short time and then were transferred to Oak Ridge, a one-room country school house. That’s where I began my formal education.

At the northernmost end of town was the museum. Rollo Jamison, Paul’s cousin, was what we referred to as a pack rat. Now we would call him a collector. In his little Quonset hut were hand-operated washing machines, wooden banana crates, and the first road signs in Wisconsin. Pieces of wire, tools, barrels, toys. These items are now catalogued and on display in the Rollo Jamison Museum in Platteville.

These memories and memories of all the motorcycle trips Grumpy and I have taken to and along the Mississippi River—alone and with friends—bring back such warm feelings. When we learned this year’s rally was going to be a combined rally with Minnesota and Wisconsin, we were interested. When we found out that it would include a visit to the headwaters, to the beginning of the river that has given us so much, it was a no-brainer to attend the rally.

Then we heard that the rally was a traveling rally and that it was in the middle of the week. Did we really want to use a week’s vacation to ride to Duluth, connect with the river, and follow its course south? **sigh**

Our minds went back to the time we rolled into Duluth with seven bikes caked in red mud. Then we recalled the gusts of wind that threatened to blow us off the road when we crossed from Wisconsin into Red Wing, Minnesota. And the Memorial Day weekend that we went to the river town of Waubasha—home of “Grumpy Old Men”, the national bald eagle center, and Judy’s famous “water hazard” hand signal. La Crosse where Dewey proposed to Carie and we celebrated at “The Pearl” ice cream shop. Prairie du Chien--Grumpy and I usually ride there at least once a year on Sunday for a hamburger at “The Depot”. The lock and dam in Guttenburg, Iowa. The ferry in Cassville. The brewery in Potosi. Ending in Dubuque, Iowa where we spent the night on our Discover Wisconsin ride last summer. Why was there ever a question?

Ride safe! Ramona, a.k.a. Shewolf


Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2

3 Chapter Meeting @ Ale House - 7:00 PM

4 2nd Shifter Meeting @ Hal’s - 10:30 AM

5 6

7 8 9 10

11 12 13 Admirals Hockey Game @ Bradley Center

14

15

16 17 LOH Meeting (PMS) @ Ale House - 6:00 PM

18 19 Inter-Chapter Bowl-a-Thon Pre-party

20 Inter-Chapter Bowl-a-Thon @ AMF West

21 UnBrunch @ Matty’s - 10:30 AM

22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

March 2010

KMC Calendar Of Events Please Check the Website for Updates

March 13 - Admirals Hockey Game March 19 - Inter-Chapter Bowl-A-Thon Pre-party March 20 - Inter-Chapter Bowl-A-Thon April 10 - Toast to Hope April 16-17 - ASMI Training April 25 - Biker Blessing and Brunch May 1 - Channel 10 Auction June 4 - Fish Fry June 9 - MDA Ride June 12-13, 2010 - Discover WI Ride, SW Wisconsin June 20-24, 2010 - State Hog Rally June 26 - Journey for Jay Ride July 4 - New Berlin Parade July 10 - Young at Heart Ride July 23-25, 2010 - Discover WI Ride, Eagle River August 17 - Burn Camp Ride August 21 - Burn Camp Party August 29, 2010 - Renaissance Fair, Bristol, WI September 2-5 - Milwaukee Rally September 12, 2010 - Atzalan Motocross Races, Lake Mills, WI September 16-19 - Tomahawk Rally September 25-26 - Breast Cancer Ride October 9 - Colorama October 30 - Hal’s Halloween Party December 4 - Christmas Party December 18 - Hal’s Christmas Party

Chapter Event Hal’s Event Star Event

Biker Down If you know of a member who needs a get-well wish or a mention of condolences, call Carl or

Marylin Ganas and let them know. They will make sure a card goes out. KMC wants to let you know we’re think about you at a time when those little things mean a lot.

Call the Ganas’ at (414) 425-5636

KMC is YOUR chapter, so, the best way to find out if KMC is meeting your expectations, is to ask YOU! The best way to find out how to make your chapter even better, is to ask YOU!

If you have ideas for something new and different..please..let us know! If there is something that is bothering you or displeases you regarding KMC, don't complain to your friends...LET US KNOW!! By the same token, if there is something we are doing that you really enjoy, we'd like to know that too! Your leadership team is constantly striving to improve YOUR chapter, and in order to do this, we need to hear from YOU. Visit the suggestion box on the website or contact one of the officers.

This month’s before meeting buffet we will be doing an all you can eat Fish Fry. The cost of the Buffet will be $9.99 per person (all you can eat) and will be located on the upper level of the Ale House near the back patio doors. When you walk in the Ale House, ask to be seated as normal by the Hostess and then

tell your Waitress that you’re with the Kettle Moraine Chapter so they will charge you the correct price.

See you all at the Meeting, Alex


Does pushing the elevator button more than once make it arrive faster?

Looking for an easy and affordable way to advertise your business or service to fellow HOG club members. Quarterly or annual advertising space is available.

Please contact the KMC HOG Newsletter editor at [email protected] or (414) 350-7311 for more information.

Hal’s Harley-Davidson Invites The Ladies of Harley to a private

Wednesday, april 21st From 6pm - 9pm

1925 South Moorland Road New Berlin, WI 53151262-860-2060

This is an event customized just for the ladies, and new riders teaching you the many aspects of riding, safety, proper

clothing and the great life style. Join us for an evening of fun created just for

you.

sponsored by hal’s harley-davidson—(262) 860-2060 meeting...

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