Stan Brein
Another year of riding, feasting, and fellowship has passed. As we turn the page onto the new year, let’s rejoice in the great culmination of 2021.
The Coats for Kids Ride has become a November staple. For six years, the club has been a major supporter of the event. The response from the Robson Ranch community has been nothing short of phenomenal. Unfortunately, the ride had to be canceled due to the weather. We still had a great gathering at American Eagle Harley Davidson with food, fun, and the music of Metal Shop.
I cannot overstate the wonderful spirit and giving nature of the people of Robson Ranch. We were able to collect over 1,400 new coats, with 200 of those coming from Robson folks. In addition, the good people of Robson contributed $2,300 toward the purchase of new coats. Every school district in Denton County participated in the distribution of coats on Monday, Nov. 29, and the smiles and delight of the students receiving the coats were heartwarming. A special shout-out to BK Murphy, Victoria Shoemaker, Kathi Ackermann, Joyce Brein, Bobbie Souther, Susan Parker, Darlene Franschetti, Tom Franschetti, Carolyn Buchmann, Jan and Dave Riddle, Cherlyn and Bob Conway, and the Robson Ranch Classic Rock Club!
While the rides are great, the end of year Holiday Party has become a much-anticipated event for frolic and fun. Marti Conley and Vicki Baker continue to raise the bar on party planning, and their proprietary techniques for decorating are over the top. The Italian Bistro was the venue on Dec. 7. The group enjoyed delicious appetizers while we “met and greeted” and shared stories from the road, the Ranch, and of that new ride we are planning to get. President Mike Conley did the usual outstanding presentation of events past and future. Some of you should consider purchasing a motorcycle just to get to go to the great destinations planned for the coming year!
After dinner, we got down to the highlight of the evening, the White Elephant Gift Exchange. Marti Conley added a hysterical twist to the activity as we lined up in two opposite rows and passed the wrapped gifts along as she related the story of the Wright Family. The Radio City Music Hall Rockettes had nothing on us as we displayed choreographic skills we did not know we possessed. While some folks did receive some useful items, there was the usual collection of clunkers, recycled folly, regifted items, and even an actual statue of a white elephant.
The highlight of the evening was the collection and contribution of holiday gift cards for Denton families. This year, club members donated $1,100 in gift cards. These will be distributed by the Denton Independent School District Counseling and Social Work Department to help for the holidays. The generosity of club members shines through year after year.
Happy 2022 to all!
See you on the road!
Beware of cagers, and keep the rubber side down.