November, 2005

Paulatics
by Paula McCallum

Batman had Robin. If Superman had a sidekick it would have been Lois Lane. She wasn’t as fast a speeding bullet (nor able to ride a very large motorcycle), yet her strength lied in her ability to write for the Daily Planet. This skill allowed her to stay in tune with and meet many of the good folks of Gotham (Gellars). She listened to what they had to say. Discovered their needs or desires and reported on them with every publication.

She “Stormed the State House” and attended MMA meetings to capture the pulse of what was happening in her community. She got involved with the inner workings of the Justice League (E-Board) by attending all their meetings, by lending a hand and her talents at all their group events and managed to organize a run or two on her own. Lois was even willing to take on Jimmy Olsen’s role when the occasions presented themselves.  “Say cheese”.

In the future, she plans to keep Superman (the President) grounded. Her organizational skills will be a strong asset (and not Kryptonite) to him and to the group as a whole. Her deep respect for the other members of the E-Board and all MMR will allow her to recognize their shared dedication and commitment to the organization. The oodles of ideas, enthusiasm, quirky sense of humor and need to put in her 2 cents will now be more powerful than a locomotive (with an E-Board Vote).

You can be assured that she’s willing to get the scoop and put in more effort than she has this year to help the Manomet Mystery Riders leap tall buildings in a single bound. Right now consider her a diamond in the rough but given the opportunity you can just imagine how she’ll shine.
p.s. Yes, she still intends to write the newsletter. Vote “P 4 VP!”

Hi, my name is Rob Staines and I am running for Vice President. I have been a member of the Manomet Mystery Riders for 5 years. I really enjoy riding with this club and feel that the charitable donations we make are very important to the community and make a big difference. I enjoy that this club is made up of mostly people who just enjoy riding and want to be out enjoying the road and the good weather.

I would like to volunteer my time to help maintain the charitable work of the club. I feel that I am easy to approach and will always be willing to make your concerns heard to the rest of the board. I would like to see the club continue the way it was intended to be, for us to just enjoy the riding, give what we can and enjoy the camaraderie of friends. I would like to have your vote in November.  

Jack Cribbs - My reasons for running for Vice President are simple. First, I'd like to continue serving the Manomet Mystery Riders in a different position other than Road Captain. Secondly, I'd like to serve with Deane Laitinen as President, as I believe with all the things that he does behind the lines that he would be a great President, however, if Anthony is elected, I will still support him with all my ability.

I was privileged to be the first President of this wonderful organization and I am proud to have been one of those who helped hammer out our by-laws and create a club that promotes Fun, Safety and Benevolence.

I am someone who generally will speak my mind but I always listen to reason. I believe in the democratic way of life and I think that every person in this group should have a voice in the major decisions concerning this group.

We will continue to grow and be more successful every year no matter who we elect, and I will support any E-Board, because our goal is the same.  

Hello fellow members, as the current Vice President, I would first like to thank all candidates for this up coming election and to wish them all luck. I understand the commitment you all are ready to make and commend you all for it. I also want to send out a big Thanks to all the officers and board members which I had the privilege to serve with over the last year. I must say, that after a very shaky start, we managed to all pull together and have a very productive and rewarding year. Kudos to people with experience like Deane, Deb and Bill who helped us along through the traditional obligations and annual functions of our group events. As for my opponent in the Presidential race, Deane is as fine a nomination as you can get. He has been around for a long time and is a big contributor and a fine example of a Manomet Mystery Rider. Win or loose I can say that either one of us would happily continue to support the club as best we can in some way. As I should, I do have to shed some light on who I am and what I stand for.

First, both my wife Amy and I have been proud members for the last three and a half years. In that time besides making many new and life long friends, I have served as an E-Board member and currently had the privilege of being your Vice President. Those of you who know me can attest to the fact that I am and truly believe in listening to what everyone has to say. This may sound small or unimportant to some but to those who have trouble with getting there opinions heard can appreciate it the most. With that said I also believe that if you've expressed yourself and the general feeling of the group does not share your opinion you must not be upset but move on, period. I believe that perhaps a suggestion box at the meetings could help some members express themselves in a personal or even anonymous way which could be read at the next E-Board meeting. This could help the board have a better feel of the diverse opinions of our membership and what kind of job we are doing.

I firmly believe in focusing on contributing to Local charities as opposed to National charities. I say this not because of reasons of vein notoriety but because we are a proud and well known group in this community and are funds are limited. We also can monitor and actually see the difference our contribution have made and that's a good thing. Personally I would like to see a two year staggered term policy for our E-Board officers. This way we would always have half the board left over from the previous year as new ones come in therefore always having the stability of experience from the previous year to help with the transition. On the Presidency, He or She should continue only one year terms and if interested in running again, they would be running on there last years performance.

In closing, I want to say thanks for having the opportunity of being your Vice President for the past year and if I am elected to President I promise to listen first- act second-hold a steady course and represent this club as well, as all of the for founders- past presidents and officers have done in the past. Thank you. Sincerely, Anthony W. Andrade, Vice President  

I am Deane Laitinen and I’m running for the office of President of the Manomet Mystery Riders. My membership dates back to “day two” as I became involved with the MMR just after its original organization. I have seen a lot of changes and been part of a lot of growth.

Most recently, I served as Vice President for three years and I have, on two different occasions, collectively served on the E-board for two years. During those times I was the editor and publisher of the MMR’S monthly newsletter and also the membership chairperson & at that time I established a computerized database from a handwritten list. While serving my three years as Vice President, I had the honor to represent our group & the MA Motorcycle Assoc. (MMA) meeting with Governor Mitt Romney, Senator Bob Hedlund, Senator Therese Murray, and State Representative Vinny DeMacedo discussing motorcyclists’ issues. I have participated in the “Storm the Statehouse” several times.

The local radio stations and newspapers have interviewed me as well as I have issued press releases to them on our activities. This past year I represented the MMR at the round table meetings.

My hobbies include riding and “showing” my ‘78 Vette, boating and scuba diving and during the winter I enjoy downhill skiing.

I have always taken an active roll in our events and have become a familiar face at the meetings and on as many runs and other fund raising events as my schedule will allow. My other activities include: life member of the John Alden Sportsman’s Club, the South Shore Corvette Club, Cape Cod Ski Club, and the American Legion Post 40 in Plymouth.

Being semi retired I believe I can dedicate more time to the MMR. I am asking for your vote and I look forward to guiding the group into the future with a thought to further the camaraderie between members and be available to the membership for their input and suggestions.

My main objectives will be to promote safety first, continue to support our community through our charitable activities & most of all have fun on our rides!

E-Board Candidate Introductions

Hi! A lot of you don't know me. But the original members of the club all know me. I was a member way back when ...

I traded my 2003 Electra Glide for my business. (Scooter Lou's) 165a State Road, Sagamore Beach, Rt 3a. So there I was with no bike. (Like Monty Python’s Holy Grail* with the "fake horses".)

In May of this year, I took in a 2000 Indian Chief on consignment and fell in love. Against my wife's better wishes I bought it for myself. I asked her "please not to let me make a choice between you and the Indian." She is a wise woman. I got the bike and I still got her.

I've accomplished a lot in my life and have some creative ideas. I would like to bring some of my humor and wisdom to the E-Board. I would appreciate your vote. Thanks, Lou Winz

My name is Ed Kelley (aka) DJ Crazy Eddie and as Anthony refers to me as Sir Edward of Scituate. I am 51 years young and grew up in Weymouth and graduated from Weymouth North High School in 1973. I Joined the Navy in 1975. did 4 years active & 3 years reserves. Worked for the Post Office for 23 years and took early retirement in 2003. I have been a mobile Disc Jockey for12 years. I am divorced and have 2 grown children, a Daughter age 26 and a Son age 28 who is serving our country in the US Army. I have been riding since 1994 when

I got divorced. I ride a 1989 Harley Davidson (Electra Glide Sport). I have been to Laconia, Myrtle Beach, Daytona, Sturgis and Rolling Thunder (Run to the Wall in Washington DC).

I coached Youth Hockey & Baseball, am a member of the Scituate Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus and of course the Mystery Riders, and I have run the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Scituate for the Chamber of Commerce for the past 8 years.

Hi, I’m Lisa Lunedei, this past year, I was a member of the E-Board. I feel that my concerns have always been for everyone in the Manomet Mystery Riders not just for a few people. I’d like to keep this focus to see the club continue being fun and making it an environment that everyone can enjoy. I’d r e all y appreciate your vote.  

How did I get into the Manomet Mystery Riders and Why do I want to be the Secretary? by Jane Callahan
When Hawk and I first started going out, he bought a Sportster and we had some great rides on it. Hawk talked about wanting to go on longer rides and some day getting a bigger bike. I knew then that riding would be an important part of our lives.

When I met the Manomet Mystery Riders, I felt they were the group for us. I knew it would add to the enjoyment to go on rides with 1) experienced riders who know how to ride safely, 2) know the good places to go on the best routes with thoughtful, detailed planning, and 3) friends who truly "look out" for each other. Whether you have a breakdown, run out of gas, get sick or hurt, etc. you have buddies who won't leave you! The adventures are much better with the security of a group who has loyalty, trust and camaraderie with each other. What a great bunch of people! And the Manomet Mystery Riders are fun! What a bunch of characters! Hawk and I had laughs and great stories in spite of days of pouring rain on our honeymoon in Nova Scotia this summer. The club has a heart, too. The Manomet Mystery Riders generously support charities and sponsor families at the Holidays. It makes you feel good to help others.

So, now that I've told you why I like the group so much, why do I want to be Secretary? I would like to contribute what I can to this wonderful club. And I would enjoy recording and reading minutes at the meetings, sending and reading correspondence and helping with "secretary duties". Also, it is a good opportunity to "stay on top of the schedule of events" and I know Hawk and I want to do more rides. If I am Secretary it will be an honor to help at the meetings, events and work with the rest of the officers, E-Board and members.

Who Holds the Purse Strings?

Bill Ferguson is running unopposed as Treasurer so he needn’t try to seek out your vote. But for those of you who don’t know him (are there any?), he and his buddy, John “Big Dog” McCloud, began the Manomet Mystery Riders in 1999. Bill has served the MMR in many ways including being a former Treasurer, hocking t-shirts as the Ragman, being a Road Captain, and serving on the E-Board.

He’s a huge promoter of the MMR, meeting bikers in and around Plymouth inviting them to join us and dropping flyers in helmets. He has organized many trips including white water rafting and most recently to Nova Scotia. I’d venture to say that he has led and attended more rides than anyone else in the MMR.

Thanks Bill for all that you do for the MMR and I’m sure you’ll do a great job this year as our Treasurer.  

Membership Factoids                   
by Paula McCallum

In January of 2005, the MMR began with 178 members. There was a sharp drop off of 43% by February. Probably because nobody’s giving much thought of being in a motorcycle group in the dead of winter or simply that folks hadn’t caught up in paying their dues yet. Because as the year progressed, by April, we’d gained back 20% of our membership and have been steadily increasing on an average of 4% every month. We’ve already exceeded where we were last January (183) and may climb even higher by year’s end. 22% of our membership are MMR newbies with an equal amount of previous members not renewing.  

Hogs & Wild Boar at the Crane Brook
23 bikers joined us for brunch on October 2. We called ahead to let them know we were coming at Gellars. On this perfect Fall day, we began with a leisurely ride through Plymouth back roads and the State Forest. Everyone paid close attention to the sand which accumulated around the bends. When we arrived, they had set aside a quaint room just for us. The owner even took the time to welcome us all there. I dined on the Wild Boar and Papadella pasta which was very rich and yummy. The menu was a bit pricey but a nice treat on a Sunday afternoon. Everyone enjoyed themselves, enough so that a few non-members asked for applications.

Ticket for Parking at the Wall by Paula (a.k.a Scarface) McCallum Apparently I’m Al Capone in this town. Taken down for a minor infraction (like tax evasion) rather than the issue at hand.

I was given a $20 ticket at the Wall for parking in a prohibited/restricted area. In my defense, I took photos of the space in question and pointing out the “No parking from here to corner” sign which is placed after where I parked my bike. The curb which wasn’t painted yellow and the fact that it was a non-metered spot.

I sent in my ticket along with my explanation, confident that the Plymouth Parking Clerk would exonerate me in this open and shut case. Unfortunately, things did not go my way. They nabbed me on a technicality.

I had been told by several bikers that I needed to write on the back of the ticket to get it dismissed. Figuring that I couldn’t write on the return address portion, I separated the front from the back which was put together like a (just pay the ticket & shut up) envelope.

A few days later, I received a letter stating that the ticket couldn’t be dismissed for the reasons I stated because of MA General Law, Sec 20D of Chapter 90. I looked it up. They got me for “Tampering or destruction of a parking tag”. The Rock visiting hours are from 3-4pm weekdays.