Hello all and HAPPY SUNDAY! It is a beautiful day here on Ft. Myers Beach, and my ride to Harley Davidson of Naples to attend my first meeting with the local chapter of HOG was excellent!
Paradise HOG. is one of 1400 chapters of the Harley Owners Group around the world doing GOOD things for the community, and I am a proud new member!
I am not much of a "group" person, have always ridden alone for the most part, and never worn colors for the primary reason that I have friends and acquaintances from many patch organizations and never really wanted to "cross sites" with any of them. For the most part patch organizations are great, with people who care about a cause of some kind and I would trust them more than most other people I know, so when I began to embrace the Harley Lifestyle for more then just a great ride, I started associating with more HOG members.
Since my wife Sonja works for Harley-Davidson of Naples, and is friends with HOG members, I decided to check it out. My friend Don Z got me excited about the notion of joining and for one reason or the other, today was my first chance to be in on one of the meetings.
I had already met a lot of the members of Paradise HOG but I did not realize how many people were actually involved. Over 200 members, with what appeared to be around 65 or so in attendance in today's meeting. I was impressed! Not only by the numbers but by the things I heard from the board members and members at large.
It is kind of nice to see how our local community can be touched by organizations like HOG. I can only imagine if you multiply times 1400 the involvement and good works being delved out to people from HOG chapters across the globe, how many lives are being touched.
After the events of the week in Connecticut I wonder how groups like HOG could be instrumental to help out in tragic events, or even PREVENT tragic events like the one that happened in Sandy Hook if more and more people became actively involved.
My hat goes off to Director Mike Antonucci and his Board for putting together what appears to be a class "A" organization.
I don't know how I can plug in, but I look forward to becoming an active member of this organization and sharing some of the rewards of being part of a team of people who care about things and each other in a world that seems to have gone a little crazy.
Someone once told me "Good works won't get you into Heaven". Well, I guess I have to agree with that, even with my little bit of Biblical knowledge I suppose that is true. However, good works maybe can get us through the "hell" we are living in right now. Focusing on community, sharing, helping, laughing together, maybe even shedding some tears, in a place where you feel accepted no matter who you are, it's pretty cool!
Thank you Paradise HOG for accepting me as a member. I look forward to working with you all.
Again my prayers go out to the Families and the Community of Sandy Hook Connecticut for the tragic event that will forever be remembered in a way that is not good. Peace to all the little ones. You are in God's hands now. Love to all 7 of my grand babies. Love you guys.
God Bless America! Ride Hard, Ride Long!
Gator D is headed to Bonita Bills for some fresh air and relaxation! SEE YOU LATER ALLIGATORS!
Another great ride and day to be out on the bike. With the Sun and Wind in are faces.
ReplyDelete