A BIG THANK YOU FROM GEORGE

Written by George Ramsey

Pennsylvania State Director

On behalf of my wife Ruthie and all the members of Pennsylvania, I want to express my deep appreciation for all of you who took the time and considerable effort to attend our Get-Together on Memorial Day.  It is always a pleasure to see you and recharge our friendships.

            I hope you all enjoyed our rides and our choices of eating places.  I was very pleased with the Saturday ride that Ron and Gloria Mentzer put together for us.  The ride through Amish country is always enjoyable especially the covered bridges (my favorites).  We even passed by some farms that were highlighted in the movies The Witness and Boys Of Brazil, and our first stop at the Strasberg Railroad and Museum was informative and fun.

We then left on the second leg of the ride to the Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse, PA.  Ron informed us about the difference between the Amish and Mennonite buggies and their customs. We passed one youngster who had a pony hitched to a wagon like we used to have when we were kids.  We were stacked up and he was going faster than some of us.  He loved it!!  When we arrived at the Kitchen Kettle Village it was crowded, as usual, but we all found something to do.

            When we left, there was a threat of rain so Ron cut the next leg of the ride short and we just got a little damp as we arrived at the Shady Maple Smorgasbord for dinner.  It poured while we were there, but we rode back to the motel in the dry.  I don’t think anyone left there hungry.

            Sunday, the eight o’clock departure time was too early for some of our Chapter B friends to make and we missed them.  I led the ride to the Boyd’s Bears Country barn just south of Gettysburg.  They have 70,000 bears there and I believe some of our friends took some back home with them.  After lunch and shopping, we left for the Gettysburg Battlefield.  We rode the auto tour route which traces the battle from start to finish. We had the extra benefit of expert narration from Bob Comeau, who is a civil war buff, along with his wife Linda.  We hope everyone felt a sense of pride and gratitude for the gallant effort put forth by the troops of both sides and prayed for the souls of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  We did get a little wet but the ride to the Cross Keys Restaurant was a dry one.  Arriving at the Weathervane Motel we enjoyed some socializing and said our goodbyes since some folks had to get an early start heading home the next morning.

            The people at the Weathervane treated us very well and I wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again.

            I want to thank the folks of Chapter A who attended, donated door prizes, and brought goodies for the hospitality room etc., as well as Ron and Gloria for the ride.

            I want to thank the folks of Chapter B who attended, donated a generous sum of money for door prizes, and also brought goodies for the hospitality room etc.

            Finally, putting on a Get-Together or Rally can not be successful without people attending. While I had hoped for more (some had to cancel ), those of you who did come made Ruthie’s and my efforts worthwhile.  Thanks again. George