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On November 12, 1995, thirty-five people got together in the back of Hunt's Drive-In on Farmington Rd. in Peoria. This was the first organizational meeting of a yet unnamed chapter of Gold Wing Road Riders Association. In attendance was Mel Spears, the Illinois State Director. We were given a choice of letters and decided that 'Z' had the most pizzazz! And thus it began.
Chapter Z's first Directors were Buck and Doe Worthen with Larry Lauterbach as the Assistant Chapter Director. Steve Hatten started his career as Chapter Educator and Bruce Clifton kept an eye on our nonexistent funds as Treasurer. Gary Lawson began writing Chapter Z's award winning newsletter while Larry and Peggy McGhee were the Chapter's first Ride Coordinators (without a CB).
One of our first major decisions was to decide on our "Chapter" colors. After much debate we chose Purple & Gold and still wear them proudly. The second decision was to choose a logo that would easily identify our Chapter, state and organization. Joann Workman's creativity is still easy to spot on our banner and t-shirts at any rally you attend.
In order to present Illinois' newest Chapter, a huge 'Kick-Off Party' was planned for January 27, 1996, to be held in Pekin. There was a lot of hard work, fun, laughter and tears that went into planning, starting with attending other chapter meetings to issue invitations, gathering auction items and door prizes, filling a Bake Sale table, making up games and creating Z's mysterious surprise guest star.
When the day of the "Kick-Off" finally arrived, with sub zero temperatures, guaranteed to keep all but the most intrepid at home, there were some very disappointed people wearing their new purple t-shirts. Our only excuse was that most of us were new to GWRRA. We should have realized it would take more than cold weather to keep our new family away. Over 250 fellow members of GWRRA showed up to get us off to a roaring start. Our auction led by Bruce Conger of Iowa E, was not only a huge success, it gave our treasurer something to do. We made so many friends that evening. And that was just the beginning for "Z". The high spot of the whole evening was the hilarious introduction of the first Chapter Z-Man, Bruce Clifton (the first live mascot in Illinois.)
Chapter Z's second meeting took place at Hunt's with 51 members and guests. It wasn't long before we outgrew our first home and moved to the Golden Corral in Washington, Illinois for our gatherings. We are very fortunate in being able to display our banner and various plaques and awards in the meeting room at the Golden Corral.
Chapter "Z" became one of the first sponsors of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's Ride for the Cure. As a part of the event "Z" has helped raise over $50,000 to help combat breast cancer. "Z" is also a major part of a coalition of motorcycle clubs that sponsor BASH (Bikers Against Street Hunger.)
As "Z" grew and started attending more rallies and watching the shows, we got the urge to strut our stuff. In 1998 we participated in our first "Best Dressed Chapter" competition and started our collection of trophies and plaques.
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1996 |
Chapter Directors BUCK & DOE WORTHEN |
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COY STEVE & TAMMY HATTEN |
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1997 |
Chapter Directors DAVE & LOU NEYRINCK |
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COY STEVE & TAMMY HATTEN |
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1998 |
Chapter Directors DAVE & LOU NEYRINCK |
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COY BILL & SUE BAKER |
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1999 |
Chapter Directors JUNE & DERRELL AGEE |
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COY BILL & SUE BAKER |
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2000 |
Chapter Directors GAIL & BILL ONKEN |
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COY TONEY & CAROL BUZICK |
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2001 |
Chapter Directors TONEY & CAROL BUZICK |
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COY BILL & LINDA LIBERTY |
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2002 |
Chapter Directors TONEY & CAROL BUZICK |
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COY BILL & LINDA LIBERTY |
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2003 |
Chapter Directors TONEY & CAROL BUZICK |
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COY JIM & DEE TILTON |
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2004 |
Chapter Directors DON & SHARON ADAMS |
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COY BILL & GAIL ONKEN |
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2005 |
Chapter Directors CAROL & JOHNNIE FLEMMING |
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COY BILL & GAIL ONKEN |
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2006 |
Chapter Directors JIM & DONNA PEREGOY |
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COY JIM & DONNA PEREGOY |
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2007 |
Chapter Directors GAIL & BILL ONKEN |
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COY JIM & DONNA PEREGOY |
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2008 |
Chapter Directors GAIL & BILL ONKEN |
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COY MIKE & JAN BUZICK |
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IOY LARRY LAUTERBACH |
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2009 |
Chapter Directors GAIL & BILL ONKEN |
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COY RANDY & MELODY HOUSE |
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IOY KAREN PAULI |
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2010 |
Chapter Directors LOU & DAVE NEYRINCK |
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COY KEVIN & DIANA REEDER |
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IOY CHARLIE GREENE |
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