Wayne said we have had
tremendous opportunities this past year for day
OPT Meeting Minutes
Sunday, 11/15/09
In attendance: Dan and Tish Seely, Roslin Snyder, Deb and Jr. Hester, Bob Primm, Steve and Judy Lyon,
Linda and Gene Munsell, Lynnett and James Smith, Bill Taber, Jeremy, Jessica and Brie Black, Richard
and Barbara McCart, Robert and Cobey Harris, Dwight and Lutda Rix, Kathy and Dale Walter, Sarah
and Wayne Eck, Curt and Teresa Burnam, Linda and Jerry Dunn.
James Smith, Sergeant of Arms, called the meeting to order. Wayne Eck, Director, introduced, and
welcomed back, Dwight and Lutda Rix. Dwight’s treatment for his Hepatitis was successful and he is
much better and ready to be active again. Also new is Roslin Snyder, from El Dorado. She has known
Wayne and Dan for quite some time and Dan recommended she come to the meeting today. This was
also the first meeting in a long time for lifetime members, Jeremy and Jessica Black, and their daughter,
Brie. It was good to see the Burnam’s back – they were new members last spring.
Wayne said we have had
tremendous opportunities this past year for day
trips, weekend trips, weekly dinners out and numerous parades and other
events. He hopes everyone has enjoyed the activities as much as he has.
He continued that the trip to Abilene was especially fun for him and Sarah.
They didn’t go early with the rest of the group because they waited
for Keith and Kathleen Lovell, from Stillwater, OK, to arrive on Saturday
morning. When they did go they got caught in the rain but were dry by the
time they arrived in Abilene. He said he is still learning about driving in
the rain and on wet pavement. He asked Kathy Walter what her and Dale’s
favorite part was and she said it was all fun but she especially enjoyed sitting outside the motel rooms at night,
visiting. It was during this time that she, Sarah and Kathleen went to the kid’s play area and played. Saturday
evening, Wayne and Bill took a Mennonite family, complete with hats and beards, who were eating at the
Brookville Hotel, for a ride around the parking lot and they had a lot of fun.
Tish Seely, Activities
Coordinator, talked about the Dexter Trip. Thirteen
trikes went and they were invited back for the second weekend of July 2010
for their parade. The parade ends at a retirement home and we would probably
give rides to the residents if that is something everyone wants to do. Those
interested should let Tish know. The numbers of people overwhelmed the
candy factory people and the people at the restaurant they went to later. Wayne
said it wasn’t the first time that has happened. It all works out and everyone has
a good time.
Wayne introduced Linda Dunn as Secretary to fill the remainder of the term for this coming year. She is replacing
Andrew Harris who was elected Secretary for 2009-2010, but has stepped down. Linda is also doing the website
and these two jobs are a good match. Linda asked that the group provide assistance if there are any meetings she
cannot attend and they assured her they would.
Bob Primm, Wednesday Night Dinner Coordinator, said that last week, he had tables reserved at a restaurant for the
group he thought would be there but several didn’t show up. In the future, if you are not going to go, please let Bob
know so he and the restaurant staff know how many to plan for.
Wayne asked for ideas of
what we wanted to do next year. Jessica Black asked if
anyone would be interested in going to her daughter’s (Brie) school to give rides.
Bri is nvolved in a school program called Circle of Friends for special needs kids.
They have activities during the evening. Tish advised her to check with the school on
insurance. Each triker has insurance for their trikes but that may not extend to someone
riding with them. Also, permission slips would have to be signed and all safety issues
addressed before this could be considered. They will talk at a future date.
Ideas for next year:
· Abilene again for those who want to go back or those who didn’t get to go or somewhere else?
· Go to a drive-in movie
· Go to garage sales on the trikes
· Ride to Ingersoll, OK to the Smoke Shack Bar-B-Q Restaurant.
· Atchison, KS for an overnight – visit museums, etc., like the Abilene trip.
· Hayes, KS for an overnight – visit museums, etc., like the Abilene trip. Bill Tabor, Road Captain, would
coordinate this one. He suggests going the back roads so it would be a slower ride. It would take about
4 hours each way.
· Lindsburg, KS to the bison ranch and castle. This was planned for this last summer but got canceled.
· Salt Mine Museum at Hutchinson. This was also planned for this last summer and got canceled.
· Ft. Riley, KS museum. This is a military base so we would have to follow federal regulations and wear
helmets, etc. Bill Tabor will check on the requirements.
· Tangangika Wildlife Preserve on West Maple. They have a trolly available and Tish will check on that.
It’s a lot of walking and very few places to sit down but would be fun.
Tish said that she
generally plans two outings a month, except for June, which is the
National Trike In at Branson. No one is expected to go to any or all. But please let her
know one way or the other once plans are in place. She would not want to leave and
have someone show up 5 minutes late and the group already be gone leaving them behind.
Jerry Dunn, Treasurer, asked about taking long trips together, such as to Yellowstone.
Two or three said they would go. Tish said that is out of her area for scheduling and if
anyone wants to join forces and go on trips, that’s up to them – just come back with good stories to tell.
Tish will put everyone on the calendar and bring it to the January planning meeting. If you have more ideas,
please feel free to speak up and be heard. All ideas will be entertained throughout the year.
In talking about Trike Week in Branson next summer, it was thought everyone would try to stay at the same place
rather than be strung all over town. Branson Towers is a good place, has a nice continental breakfast and ice cream
every night. Sarah is going to check on rooms and see if we can get a group rate negotiated. She asked for a show
of hands from our group on how many might want rooms and counted about 9 from this group and said she knew
of about 3 more from other groups that also wanted to stay where our group is going to be.
It was suggested that
Springfield, MO has several interesting attractions if anyone would
want to visit while on the Branson trip. There is a wonderful cave that you ride a tram
through, so no walking. They have a wildlife preserve that has a tram – we could not
ride our trikes through there. Also, Bass Pro has a huge museum and an aquarium right
next door that is great. Lambert’s Restaurant, home of the throwed rolls, was mentioned
as a great place to eat
.
Wayne presented the idea of entertaining another chapter. He said it’s not been done
before but could set an example for other chapters if we take the first step. We have a lot to show someone
in this area and if we host another chapter, maybe other chapters would follow suit. Most everyone thought this
would be a good idea and could be fun. It is a great way to become acquainted with other trikers, but also a way to
see local attractions in various neighboring areas that we might miss if we went on our own. He will bring this back
to the table at a future meeting.
Christmas party on December 5th: As in the past, it will be held at VFW Post 1980, 932 Graphic Arts Rd.,
Emporia, KS. Arrival is 4:30 p.m. and the State Meeting will begin at 6:15 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:45 p.m. and
the gift exchange will begin around 7:45 p.m., with the children going first. Everyone is asked to bring an appetizer
or a dessert to share with everyone. Please send $10 per adult and $5 per child for the dinner to Debra Hester, 602
Duffy Rd., Hutchinson, KS by November 30. And, please tell Debra how many children you are bringing as we
always have something for each child. If you want to participate in the gift exchange game, bring a gift in the $15
range. We will draw numbers for the exchange. Number one goes first and picks a gift. Number two has the option
of taking the gift from number one, or choosing a new gift. If someone takes your gift, you can take from someone else or
go back to the pile to choose another gift. This continues until all gifts have been opened. Clean-up follows the party!
Sarah has arranged group rates for lodging at the Rodeway Inn, 3181 W. Hwy 50, Emporia, KS. Their number is
620-342-7820. Please call for reservations and you have to mention BTW to get the special rates. They offer a
continental breakfast and we have reserved their meeting room for a place to be together for breakfast. We will have
a few additions to the continental breakfast offered to round out the meal. Please let Debra know if you will be there
for breakfast when you send your money for the dinner. There is no additional cost for breakfast. Complete
information regarding the Christmas Party is in the newsletter that was passed out at the meeting, or in your mailbox,
so be sure to read that. Sarah said that Tish, Georgie and Deb are helping this year to plan a few surprises for the party.
And also had a new volunteer today – Theresa Burnham.
Jerry Dunn, Treasurer, reported we collected $42.05 when we passed the basket; $30.20 was dispersed for post cards,
labels and stamps, bringing our final total funds to $350.19. The subject of spending approvals was brought up.
Jerry made a motion, Tish seconded it (and Kathy third it) that up to $50 could be approved by the Treasurer and
anything over that would take the approval of two people -- the Director and Tish. Everyone at the meeting agreed
this would be fine.
The question of whether grandchildren can wear the BTW back patch was brought up. Sarah placed a call to Lady
Sickler, at National, to clarify this and learned that a junior triker patch can be purchased without having to pay
membership for a child or grandchild under the age of 16 and be worn by the child. If you want the grandchild to
be a member, you can add them to yours at $8 each. They can then wear either the small or medium patch until
they are 16 and then would be able to get the large one. It was noted that they cannot wear these patches to school
and should only be wearing them to triking events with their families.
Roslin Snyder said she was glad to be a member and asked for help with her move this weekend. She is selling her
house and moving to another and closing on both this coming Friday. Saturday, she needs help with moving and
asked for trucks, trailers, and people who could move boxes and appliances. She will provide coffee, tea, water
and lunch for those who show up. Bill Tabor offered a truck and horse trailer but can’t help with lifting and moving.
Her cell phone is 316-650-8376.
Jerry Dunn asked for email addresses of everyone who has not provided them yet. Please get those to Linda Dunn
and/or Sarah Eck. This can be an alternate line of communication.
Bill Tabor invited everyone to attend Cowboy Church at Prairie Rose on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. This is not
literally cowboys, as in boots, horses, and saddles. It’s a good group of people who get together for non-denominational
fellowship on Monday evenings. They offer carry-in dinner and a religious service (probably close to Baptist) and is
fastly becoming a triker church. Bill said last week they had a guest singer who was 6’ 8” tall and around 400 lbs.
He has a deep voice when talking but once he began singing he has a wide range of vocal chords. He sang for an hour-
and-a-half and the congregation didn’t want him to quit.
Something the church does is adopt and help those in need. One case is the little girl who was burnt by her father.
She will face 12-15 more surgeries and has captured the hearts of all who have met her. So far $30,000 dollars has been
raised through donations and special golf matches in the area. Her grandmother has custody but the funds are in the
control of a lawyer and a bank. Another family helped by the church is the one that the mother and children were
killed in a car-train accident.
It was announced that
James (Caveman) Smith sells firewood. Contact him and he will
deliver what you need.
Wayne announced we will resume monthly meetings on the second Sunday of the month.
Our next meeting is January 10th at 3 p.m. Location will be announced later.
Dan Seely made the motion to end the meeting. Jerry Dunn seconded.
/ld
****************************************************************************************************************************************************
Meeting
10/21/2009
Golden Corral East
James Smith, Sergeant of Arms,
called the meeting to order.
Wayne Eck, Director, took the floor and passed the hat for
donations to the cause. Jerry Dunn, Treasurer, reported that
$54.35 had been collected bringing our total funds to $338.43.
Wayne asked that everyone introduce themselves. In attendance
were, Andrew Harris, Leo Foster, Randy & Kris Johnson, James
& Lynett Smith, Jerry & Linda Dunn, Dan & Tish Seely, Bob and
Charoloette Primm, Bill Tabor, Wayne Eck, Dale Walter,
new members Stephen & Judith Lyon, new member Gary Gray, Sr.,
Kenny Flower, Tom & Ruby Fisher, Robert Harris, guests Elroy Kittleman and Joyce Ehmke from SEK.
Wayne reported that Sarah continues to have trouble with her neck/back problems and has
not been able to keep up with the newsletter. She is currently on a fishing trip and will be
home Monday evening and plans on catching up with the newsletter this week.
This past season was discussed and overall everyone has had a great time. Outstanding trips were
to the Dexter, KS candy factory, the weekend in Abilene, KS and annual Trike Week at Branson,
MO. It was mentioned that next year everyone stay at the same place in Branson. The ones
who went to the Kansas State Trike In in Emporia said they had a good time and enjoyed the
show downtown. Bill Tabor, Road Captain, said he and Leo Foster had gone to the Yoder, KS Days
Parade instead of the candy factory and were asked to convey the invitation for everyone to come
next year. Tish Seely, Events Coordinator, said that when the group was in Dexter, she was
approached for the whole chapter to be in their July parade next year which ends at the retirement
home. She was asked about the possibility of giving the elderly rides.
When talking about parades and events, Kenny Flower said that kids were asking for rides at the
Haysville Parade. This has come up at other events. We were informed that in order to provide
rides at events we need to have parental permission for children and a signed release form from
everyone regardless of age prior to the ride. For legal and safety purposes, helmets need to be
available and we should probably stay on the grass in case someone falls off. Safety first!
Wayne told us that remote chapters don't have as many resources as we do for activities and asked
what we thought about chapters hosting events for other chapters. The overall opinion was this
would be fun and Wayne said he would check out a couple of smaller chapters to see what they think.
He asked if anyone would be interested in going to Wellsville if they hosted something. Kenny said
that chapter events are usually listed in the Triker magazine that we all get in the mail so that would
be a place to look for things to do.
Linda Dunn has taken over the website and will be posting minutes, the calendar, upcoming events,
ideas, and photos. Anyone who has something that should be on the website, please get it to her.
In September of 2006 we all went to garage sales on our trikes on a Saturday in 2006. Dan brought
his trailer to haul the treasures we found at the garage sales. Some of the items found were donated
to the state trike-in as door prizes. We got a lot of attention that day and we ended by having a late
lunch. It really was fun and we need to see how many might want to do that again this next year.
Wayne asked if we wanted to have the monthly trike nights at his house like we did this past year.
Everyone said yes, so these will be scheduled for the last Friday of each Month. The first one will be
January 29th. Now all we need are projects!
Winter meetings will be held on
Sunday afternoons so more people
can attend. The next meeting is November 15th, 3 p.m., Golden
Corral East at Kellogg and Greenwich Rd. See below for what will
be discussed.
Wayne thanked Tish for doing a good job this year coordinating
events and Tish said that due to health issues, Shanon Shields took
over and filled in the gaps. Thank you both for a great year! Tish
will put the parades and other events on the calendar that we attend
every year and then we can fill in with other activities. Jerry Dunn
suggested that to help Tish and the group in general, if someone has an idea for a trip or outing, they
should help by getting the information so it doesn't end up on one person to do everything. Bill suggested
a trip to Hays, KS similar to what we did on the Abilene weekend. It would be a 3-4 hour ride, one way,
stay overnight and come back the next day. He is going to get the information together so it can be
discussed in the annual planning meeting next year.
Upcoming events:
November 1: Annual Wichita Toy Run. Meet at Spangles at Kellogg and Broadway at 9 a.m.
We will ride as a group to the staging area at Lawrence Dumont Stadium. We must
line up together to be together in the parade. Parade begins at 1 p.m.
Thanksgiving Dinner. Ryans Buffet, North Rock Road, 4 p.m.
November 15: Meeting, 3 p.m., Golden Corral East at Kellogg and Greenwich Rd. We will discuss
future events, the Kansas BTW Christmas Party, the upcoming Kansas BTW elections,
Trike Nights which will begin in January and revisit any old business that needs to
be talked about.
December 5: State BTW Christmas Party, Emporia, KS
January 29: Trike Night at Wayne's house
June 13-19: National Trike-In
June 25, 26, 27: Coffeyville, KS, SEK Chapter Trike-In
September 4: Black Arts Parade
There was no other business to be discussed and the meeting was adjourned.
/ld
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OPT Meeting
5/13/2009
Charlie's Truck Stop, Newton, KS
The ride to Charlie's for our OPT meeting was really good. The weather conditions could of not been any better.
And as usual, the food is always good and plentiful at Charlie's. Several things was discussed at this meeting to
include discussion on events and who was going to commit. Sarah handed out the Emporia Raffle tickets along
with a few instructions and comments. I think Sarah does an excellent job (I have to say that, I'm her husband!)
in keeping the OPT informed on the State Trike-in updates. After the meeting was adjourned, I noticed that there
was quite a few that hung around outdoors visiting before we all headed back home. Good meeting indeed!
....................Wayne Eck
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Annual Planning Meeting
February 8, 2009
On February 8th we had our monthly Open Prairie Trikers meeting at the Home Town Buffet. It was a nice place to eat;
looked almost like a miniature Dillon's from the outside. The meeting began with a search for the owner or future owner
of a cell phone, but it turned out to be Larry’s. Wayne brought the meeting to order around 3pm. Someone from the restaurant
came in wondering when we would be finished at this point, but there’s never a set time for ending when we get together.
If we could we would probably all stay past closing time if not for prier arrangements. During the meeting we discussed our
schedule for the summer months. One of the major plans was to change the overnight trip to Abilene over Dodge City due to
gang activity and possibly Dodge City’s wonderful aroma of cattle. One of the suggested sites to visit is the Eisenhower National
Library and Museum. During the meeting we were also introduced to our new treasurer Jerry. One of our associate partners
decided to close, but they donated the rest of their funds to us at approximately 75 dollars. To support OPT; Bob is taking
orders for motorcycle size license plates with OPT logo minus the “little curly q’s” at either end of the words Brothers of the
Third Wheel. They are for sale for ten dollars. The decision was made to follow last year and not hold our second Sunday OPT
meetings during the summer. Next month’s OPT meeting will be held at the new Golden Corral on the east side.
Until next time happy riding. ...Kirk DeVore
Dwight Rix
Hey ya all! Got an email from our fellow triker, Dwight Rix. He says he's off the insulin and controlling his blood sugar with a
good diet and a pill a day. He did have a bad infection and was sent to E.R. which in turn, put a temporary stop to his chemo
treatment. Although, when his sugar counts get back to normal he has about 5 weeks of treatment left. So we need to keep
Dwight in our prayers! ....Wayne Eck
Trike-night: IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN
It’s that time again when the annual Opt Trike Night hosted by Wayne; Sarah
and Jeff Eck gets in to full swing. In attendance
were Newly elected Road Capt. Bill Tabor ; Asst. State Director and State Treasurer Junior and Debra Hester; Asst. Opt Chapter
Director Dale “Pete” Walter; Opt Events Coordinator Tish and husband Dan Seely; Tom, Shannon and Andrew Shields; Kenny
and Keith Flower; Leo Foster who leathered up and rode his trike out; Jason and little Braden Hester and friend Shane; Opt Chapter
Director. and State Webmaster Wayne and wife State editor Sarah Eck. We were bless to have in attendance Laurie Grunden
who lost her husband and Opt member Gerald in a tragic automobile accident in 2007, it was great to have he out and to see she
is doing well. After a fantastic dinner prepared by the ladies most of the men headed out to the shop except for Bill Tabor as he
chose to stay in the warmth and fascinate whoever remained behind with stories of years past not everyone has a historian that
can give firsthand accounts of events that has happened over time he is very enjoyable to listen to and conversate with. There wasn’t
any trike work going on tonight which might be a good sign meaning everyone is ready to ride except Tom shields his trike is getting
a major conversion he is redesigning his front-end with Harley forks custom front wheel and getting a V6 upgrade. Junior and Wayne
was busy fabricating radiator supports and steering plates for Juniors V8 project “Shasta” as Jason worked on electrical wiring on
his ¾ ton truck and changed tires as Little Braden dashed back and forth thru the shop; everyone else sat around talking about what
their plans were for the upcoming season. .... Andrew Harris
