December, 2004 The Loyal Sons’ Run On November 14th, four Manomet Mystery Riders joined the Loyal Sons of Christ Jesus MC on their Toy Run to Wareham from the Stop n’ Shop parking lot in Plymouth. 6 bikes and 2 cars headed to the Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene. We were greeted by the church staff who generously prepared chicken soup, chili and some hot coffee to thaw out the bikers who brought them toys. It was a cold ride but worth the effort. Needy families from the area who may not otherwise be able to afford to buy gifts, will come and pick out some toys for their children this Christmas. Pilgrim’s Hope Shelter After our MMR meeting in November where we made a donation, I decided to check out the shelter supported by the Plymouth Area Coalition. I rummaged though my closets and grabbed up some of my winter jackets. (They are actually in need of children’s new or used coats but are grateful for any donation that is in good condition.) The shelter houses 10 families at a time who stay on average of 1 year to 18 months until they are placed in adequate housing with support from the Mass. Department of Transitional Assistance. Currently 19 children, ranging in ages from a newborn to 7 years old, live at the shelter with their moms. Usually, only one father is among the families but now there are three men living at the shelter. The Kingston and Plymouth wings have 5 bedrooms on each side, 2 communal kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms. A dad carrying a toddler held open the door at Pilgrim’s Hope and directed me to the office. I met an older woman named Bridie who has worked there on weekends for the past 7 years. She was more than happy to explain their operation and showed me around the facility. In the basement, I toured Santa’s Workshop. Wal-Mart is a large donor and responsible for many of the toys and clothing in this room. Eligible families from the area can come and request toys for their children at Christmas time. The food pantry had many boxes being prepared for Thanksgiving dinners. Last year, the Coalition helped 141 families at Thanksgiving and 150 at Christmas. The last room I was shown was filled with furniture slated for families once they have found a permanent home. When making a donation keep in mind that furniture should be in decent shape since the families receiving items won’t have the resources to fix things up. Clothing, furniture and household goods for their “Fair Exchange” program can be dropped off at the “Shed”. But the most valuable thing you can donate is your time so become a volunteer, especially at the food pantry in the summer or to sort donated goods at the “Shed”. To learn more about adopting a family call Jean Delaney at 781-582-2010.
December’s Rider About 18 years ago, I talked Amy into going for a bike ride on my 650 Yamaha Maxim. She was nervous at first with the idea of being on a motorcycle but quickly got over it and fell in love with it and me. We rode all the way to the altar! A couple years later, due to the child rearing years, I sold that bike and vowed to someday own a Harley. Well, 12 years later after a trip to Fort Lauderdale with eight other guys including Will Schobel who now is also a MMR member, we rented Harleys and rode out to Key West and swung through Miami. I realized upon returning home that the time had come to fulfill my dream and vow. My search began on the Internet and to local Harley dealers. It ended at Boston Harley in Everett, Ma. It was love at first sight when I came upon my 2002 Heritage Springer. Amy and I set out for a ride to Plymouth one night and had no idea about the journey which was about to begin. After circling the infamous “Wall” where there seemed to be a multitude of bikes of all kinds parked in front a leather clad group of bikers, we finally decided to stop. I could feel the eyes upon us as I carefully backed between two bikes hoping not to hit one and setting off a Domino toppling effect. To my surprise and relief we were greeted warmly by Chuck & Ellen Sherman and Lee Johansson. Later that week, on my first group ride, I was impressed by the group’s concern for safety and taken back by the feeling I got while riding in a group of such numbers. Bill Ferguson led the ride and I was blown away by the variety of back roads I never knew existed on the trip along the North Shore. On our way back to Plymouth, we stopped at Jen & Rob Staines’ home. There, we ordered up some pizza and hung out in the pool. It was there and then that I remember saying what has been occasionally repeated in conversation, “Man I gotta join this club!” The rest is history. Amy and I are now proud members, in fact she even has gotten her license and owns her own 2001 Dyna Wide Glide. In closing, I would like to add that this is a great group with great people, way too many to mention in this brief article. Hope to ride and talk with as many of the members as possible in the future. Ride on!
Letter from the President We have shown our respect and earned the respect of many motorcycle clubs and organizations. We are known as a group of riders who welcomes new comers with a smile and hand shake. We have had many good times and have been there to support our friends and family in times of need. As we move into 2005 let’s not forget these things, and I would ask that we continue these traditions as a matter of pride. Remember an organization is only as strong as its members, support your Executive Officers and enjoy your hobby. I wish you all good health and prosperity! Best Regards, Chuck Sherman
Paulatics On a Summer night ride up Rt. 3A, just passing Bert’s restaurant in Plymouth, we get a spectacular view at sunset. Ahhh, and that wholesome salty air of the ocean, or is that low tide, eewww? It’s just one of the things you can’t appreciate in a car with the AC blasting. Another is the perfume of fresh pine as we snake our way through the State Forest. No need to hang any of those little tree air freshners from our rear view mirrors. Then there’s skunks. Everyone has experienced their unique stench. We’re accosted by their musk 50 feet prior to swerving around their dead carcass. Other rotting critters will just make us gag as we try like hell not to get any on our tires. Cruising up the highway on our way to White Water rafting this Summer, we were behind a semi hauling garbage. The offending vehicle was at least a mile away from our watering eyes and wrinkled noses - Pee U! Speaking of lingering odors, to all teenagers: bikers would make excellent NARCs (if we were the ratting sort) but hey, we’re too busy catching a contact high just riding behind you stoners to turn you in. The breeze in Autumn has it’s own crisp smell of freshly mowed grass or bailed hay, achoo! That is, unless you have allergies. Now, what’s that, stinky feet? Nope. The Fall also brings us the the sour tang of decaying leaves. Bikers enjoy taking in the pleasant puff backs from people’s wood burning stoves or the burning brush from their yards. Mmmm. But puff backs from leaking oil fumes off an old Sporty? It’ll send your head reeling getting stuck behind one. And finally, there’s Winter, cold pure gusts smack us in the face on one of the few mild days we’re able to get on our bikes. We’re not so much concentrating on breathing in the snow around us as we are dreaming of the aroma of a nice hot cup of coffee awaiting the end of our brief jaunt. Let’s just skip the bouquet of budding flowers of Spring, too obvious! Plus, I’ve run out aromatic adjectives. Smell ya next year!
Champ Homes The Heberts are close friends of one of our members, Lisa Lunedei. Lisa feels that the Heberts are extraordinary, kind and compassionate people. She asked them how they got started running Champ Homes? Paul and Carolyn told her that they began by opening a restaurant in Somerset to create jobs in the community. Another goal was to raise money to sponsor water wells in other parts of the world. They never did achieve this goal because when looking around their own community they realized that there were people among them who were homeless. They found that some of their own employees didn’t have anywhere to sleep so the Heberts opened their home to those who needed a couch to crash on. It was then that they got involved in a soup kitchen which started out of the back of someone’s car. The Miracle Kitchen opened with the help of the Salvation Army and 12 area churches at the Hyannis Armory. Noah’s Shelter evolved, in 1984, with the help of the Housing Assistant Corp. and the local community for people to stay during the winter. In 1987, the Day Star Place was founded to reach those needing a place to stay during the day since back then, nothing existed. Case managers were assigned to assist those with mental and emotional problems. Day Star is still helping people today. In 1992, at the bequest of Alice O’Neill, the first “Champ” Home was established with her generous endowment. Champ Homes are residential community group homes. The Heberts currently run 3 homes and have helped close to 1,000 homeless people from ages 17-70 over the years. Champ Homes are run by 3 full-time employees, 4-5 part-timers, volunteers from the community and residents who are able to contribute by doing whatever they can in their process of healing. The residents learn how to help themselves. Carolyn was overwhelmed by the Manomet Mystery Rider’s recent donation. This kind of support as well as our moral support gives them the boost they need to continue their mission. To make a personal donation to further their cause contact the Heberts at: 508-771-0885 or at www.champhouse.org. |