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We got lucky, REAL Lucky. It was December, and it seemed the rest of the world (at least the eastern seaboard) was getting freezing rain and record snow. We had clear skies, above normal temperatures, and it was Saturday, December 6. Time for the Greensboro Christmas Parade. And the GoodOleVolks of Greensboro were ready. There were fourteen(14) of us ready for the parade. Thanks to Tom Wallace for all the paperwork and meeting with the parade officials.

Again we met at Herbie's and ,after breakfast, traveled as a caravan to the parade lineup area. Thanks to the parade officials we had a section of street just for us. Our own staging area. With the temperature in the mid 40's and a slight breeze occasionally, we couldn't have asked for better weather to make those last minute touch ups and to decorate the cars in holiday fashion.

The parade started at noon and was televised live by WFMY-TV (2). An estimated 75,000 people had a chance to see the best VW club in the area, and to glimpse some of the best looking bugs, 'punch buggies', and VWs around. The best way to enjoy a parade? Be in the middle of it. Take a look at the 'Activities' section of the website for pictures from the parade.

After the parade we traveled as a caravan to Golden Corral on Lawndale Drive for lunch. This is a great way to be together, plenty of food and GoodOleVolks. Mark your calendars, and make plans for the parade next year. We might even plan on being in additional parades next year.

I hope every one has a wonderful holiday season, with all the blessings that come with it. We look forward to seeing you in the coming months and having you join us for any of our meetings and activities.

What a great day for a ride! The day was Saturday, November 22, and the weather was clear, and 70 degrees. A perfect day for a 'winter' ride. Meeting at Herbie's that morning were ten(10) VWs with their hungry drivers and a few passengers. We were headed for breakfast, and it was in Winston Salem.

A short ride on the interstate provided a great view and helped to increase our appetites. Our destination was Billy Bob's Diner on the other side of Winston Salem. And when we arrived there were additional VWs waiting for us. All of this had been arranged by Dave Tosi, and it was a wonderful treat. Dave had a section of the parking lot set aside for us to park and it was arranged for us to have a private dining room. It was quite a sight, seeing all those VWs lined up in the November sun. All 13 cars, busses, trucks, and buggy. The food and service was great. Thanks Dave, a perfect job.

After breakfast a number of us headed for the Cookie Factory. Now the view changed from interstate travel to North Carolina scenic byways. I think a better view, more interesting scenery, fresh air, and country travel. The destination this time was further southwest from Winston Salem. Even though we had just had a big breakfast, maybe it was the fresh air, I was looking forward to the smell and taste of freshly made cookies. Mrs. Hanes Moravian Cookie Factory was just the place.

The Cookie Factory has been making cookies for a very long time, and they have gotten their product to perfection. Thanks to Mr. Hanes for a personal tour and tasting party. It was difficult to decide which cookie was best, so we bought some of each. If only they had milk...

Lee has added these two events to the GoodOleVolks event schedule for next year. Mark it on your calendar for November 2004, the trip to Billy Bob's for breakfast, and then the trip to the Cookie Factory.

Hello folks!

I hope everyone survived Hurricane Isabel and the following heavy rains that have roared through our area. Last Thursday, believe it or not, we actually met at Herbie's, despite the hurricane blowing through. We had two busses, a bug and a chassis in a pickup truck bed, but there were at least ten adults and two children. Needless to say, we did not drive “Quigley” (our Dune Buggy) that night. Most brought their “other” cars due to the weather. We almost had Herbie's to ourselves and it was very nice to sit and talk while the wind and rain did its thing.

Tonight (the 25^th) was a great night. Lots of new faces and cars. We’re always glad to welcome them at anytime they can make it.

A late arrival was another Meyers Manx dune buggy. What a thrill to have another in the group. Quite an outstanding vehicle and we hope to make its owner a permanent attendee to our gatherings. Quigley was needing a pal, now he won’t be lonesome. We’d like to get the word out to other buggy and rail owners that we’d love to have them attend the gathering. Lots of fine looking Beetles were on hand tonight. The group just keeps getting better and better.

There is one of our own serving his country in Afghanistan. Devin Eckert is a helicopter mechanic and will be in Afghanistan for at least a year. They apparently only have water to drink and it’s getting pretty boring. Richard Bailey is a Vietnam Vet and has asked that we cause him to break his bank account for postage. He is asking everyone to go to the store next week and buy your favorite flavor of powdered Gatorade and bring it to him at the next gathering. Put a note on the canister to Kevin with your name and address and Richard will mail the Gatorade to Kevin and comrades. If you can pick up a canister every week or so for Richard to send we can make our soldiers lives a little brighter. (at least tastier) This would be a nice way to let Devin know we are thinking of and remembering him.

There is a yard sale trip to Reidsville planned for Saturday (September 27) morning. Be at Herbie's at 7:30 am for a caravan over. There is also a car show at a Reidsville Fall Festival and we may stop in for that.

There is a Caravan planned to Darlington on Sunday. Be at Herbie's at 8 am to meet up and make the drive as a group. Craig is heading this up.

On October 3, 4,and 5^th in Sevierville, TN, there will be a bus rally. This is a bus event, but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if others attended.

Also in the planning stages is a Caravan on the Parkway with a “bring your own” picnic planned at a members home near Hillsville. Tentative schedule is for October 18^th or 19^th. (personally, I’m for the 18^th) Please watch for more information. (Or better yet, come on out to Herbie's and catch up on the news).

We still have a few Tee shirts and calendars left. Great bargains and a wonderful way to support the website. Remember, you don’t pay dues. See Richard if you’re interested. Calendars would make a great Christmas gift for your favorite VW lover.

Also in the planning stages is participation in the Greensboro Christmas Parade. We understand that it will be free this year, but a limited number of vehicles will be allowed to participate. More details to come later.

How would you feel about participation in some surrounding parades? Let me know, yes or no. Maybe some that couldn’t make one could be in another and the club could have more publicity and you could have an active part in representing the club.

I guess that is about it for now. Drive safe and we’ll see you next week.

Shearin

What a great night!

Well folks, we couldn’t have had a more perfect night to gather together at Herbie's Place. The temperature was on the cool side, a full Carolina Moon was shining and great cars and their owners got together for a very nice night. It wasn’t the largest gathering we’ve ever had, but it still was impressive.

Corry brought his iridescent drag bug for the first time. Very impressive. We very much enjoyed meeting him and his lovely family. April was there with her VERY orange Thing and we were happy to welcome her to the group. We understand that her schooling comes first, but we’ll be glad to see her anytime she can make the gathering. There was an outstanding Ghia Station wagon (!?) if you can believe it. What a beautiful job was done on this custom and it accompanying Beetle. Great interior and paint job on both cars..

Mark and James both had vehicles to post on the website for sale and that has already taken place. We hope they have success in their sale.

The Good Ole Volks Calendars have finally arrived. Hot off the press and Very Nice! The price is lower than expected, Richard is asking $15.00 each. If we have to mail it to you there will be a slight increase in price for Shipping and Handling. Still a Bargain! A 16 month calendar for less than a dollar a month. And with our special cars, no less!

There was a limited number of these printed, so get yours while you still can. Some feedback would be appreciated on these. Do you think a 12 or 16 month calendar is better? Is the layout acceptable? Let us know so we can plan the next one.

There are still some Tee Shirts available. Richard also has some children’s’ sizes for the little ones. These are only $10.00 each and a great way to show loyalty to our club. Remember, the profit from these items go to support the website, since we don’t have any dues to pay as club members. (and to keep cost down, there is a very small profit margin)

On the Thursday before the Labor Day holiday, Patty Stokes with the Northwest Observer came out to Herbie's Place to interview our club for a feature article. We haven’t heard yet when the edition will be out, but be on the lookout for it. We think she really enjoyed meeting everyone, and her ride in Quigley just wasn’t long enough. She is welcomed back anytime.

A special thank you to Scott Davis for his hosting of the Busses in the Bone yard over the Labor Day weekend. A very unique experience for those of us that are not use to camping in such surroundings. We had great fun with the other folks from Tennessee and Greensboro. It’s a beautiful area to hike and enjoy the scenery and not a single mosquito the entire weekend. Pure Heaven.

In the planning stages: A Caravan on the Parkway the third weekend in October. We would probably leave Herbie's’ Place about 7 am and maybe go up to Mabry Mill. Then down the Parkway to a members home near Hillsville where we could have a picnic. We would, of course, take our food and drink with us. It would be wise to take folding tables and chairs too. Then we could come down Highway 52 through Mt. Airy, Pinnacle, King, Kernersville and back to Herbie's. It would probably cover about 200 miles. Again, feedback is appreciated.

A member is also talking about a caravan to a friends house on Lake Norman. Taking the back roads from Lexington on Highway 150. Once there we could have a picnic and fish or whatever takes our fancy. (within reason of course). Think it over and bring your input to the next gathering.

Somehow with all the shows and activities coming up, September and October need to have about twice the number of weekends in them for us to get everything done we want to do. Any suggestions?

Sorry this has run so long. There was a lot to catch up on. I’ll try not to get so far behind in the future. If anyone has anything to add to Bug Bites, email it to me. I’ll welcome your input anytime.

Until the next gathering

Drive safe and God Bless

Sheari

August 21, 2003

Hi folks!

I hope everyone got to see the great job the Fox 8 and Roy’s Folks did on our club. They did a spectacular job and it certainly got us some great publicity. By the number of “walk-in” visitors we had tonight I think word of the clubs’ existence is finally getting around.

It’s always a pleasure to see new faces come to the gatherings. Those of you that have been coming for a while, be sure and welcome these newcomers and make them feel a part of us. Regardless of how large this group will get, we need to keep in mind that we don’t want to have anyone feel left out. New friends are our silver and old friends are our gold, and we will be richer with of both of them.

A big “thank you” to our Asheboro friends for making the trip again tonight. It’s always great to see them roll in and have them visit with us.

Richard has sold all but three of his Good Ole Volks tee shirts. Way to go Richard! The three he has left are extra large. A steal at only $10.00! Contact him if you’re interested.

The Good Ole Volks 16 month Calendar will, hopefully, go to the printer on Monday. We have some really great pictures of our club vehicles featured in this calendar, so be sure and show your support and get yours when they become available. There will be a limited number, so let Lee know if you are interested in one (or more) The profit made, after expenses, will be used to offset the cost of our website. Any overage will help support our Spring car show.

We did have one incident tonight that needs to be addressed:
Someone dialed 911, twice, at the pay phone at the front entrance of Herbie's. We know that some children were playing and running around unsupervised while we were gathering. But when undercover police show up and start asking who has been standing by the phone, it makes us look very bad. If the owner of Herbie's is charged for those bogus calls, we may find that we won’t be welcomed anymore. Please be a responsible parent and keep your children with you at all times, or at least make them behave in a responsible manner. If that is not possible, maybe they should stay with a sitter. We all want to have a good time, but your children should be under your supervision.

Please remember not to park in the spaces at the immediate front of the restaurant. These are to be left for the rest of Herbie's’ non-VW patrons.

And be sure and return any drink glasses to the restaurant that you may walk about with. Sally is very understanding when we take our drinks outside, but they should not have to spend the money it takes to replace lost glassware.

You really outdid yourselves on Thursday night. Thanks to our friends in Asheboro, who brought 14 vehicles, we had a record turnout for Fox 8. There were 47 vehicles in the lot and the overflow at Herbie's. There are several folks that a special “thank you” should go to.

Mickey Shaw and his associates from Asheboro made a special trip up in caravan fashion to attend our gathering. I don’t think I have ever seen a more impressive site than to watch all those beautiful cars pulling in to the lot at Herbie's, in mass. I can’t imagine what the others on the road thought, but I bet they were impressed too. A special thanks goes to all of you who made that effort to be here. Every car was of show car standards, and they have every right to be very proud of them.

Erick brought his camo “Thing” with his “new” caravan travel trailer pulled behind it. I believe this is pictured elsewhere on the website. What a treat! It should show the RV manufacturers that you don’t have to have lavish setups to travel in style. According to Erick, it was just a spur of the moment decision to visit us with his rig and we certainly appreciate his decision.

Erhard Kostler brought his Schwimmwagen for all to view. What a wonderful part of history this gentleman owns. Not only is it Volkswagen history but world history as well. This vehicle is so unique it should be in a museum, but we are proud that he shares its’ uniqueness with our club and attending friends. Its’ not easy to trailer it from one place to another, with the loading and unloading it every time, but we really appreciate his efforts and his sharing.

We appreciate Elliott for the interview with his single cab. I know he had worked all day getting it cleaned up for the gathering and though I wasn’t close enough to hear the interview, I understand he did a great job.

David Weatherly, with “Roy’s Folk” at Fox 8, WGHP was at Herbies early to get the full effect of the gathering. Having been a former VW owner, he knew the special feelings we all have about our cars. I don’t think he had a clue on what to expect from us. He had a blast! He interviewed several folks with their cars, he caught the caravan coming in from Asheboro and when it finally became dark enough, a couple of the fellows did a “flame out” for him. He loved it! He assured me that he would let us know when the segment would air in time for us to get the word out. If you know those that don’t “email”, please let them know. We don’t want to leave anyone out after they made such a special effort.

I happened to see Roy Ackland at another event on Friday night and he sent his apologies for not making it to our gathering. He really regrets not being there. He said how much fun David had and what a great group we had. Having to get up at 2:30 am to do a TV show can put a dent in what events you get to attend. Maybe next time he’ll be able to make it.

Every car there looked GREAT. I appreciate all the hard work everyone put into the show on Thursday night. Lee had a visitor (not a participant) ask him if this was a yearly event. He told her “no, we meet here every week.” She proceeded to tell him that she used to have a VW and that she would be coming by more often.

Another friend that we saw on Saturday night, who has never attended but keeps up with our happenings, told me that he had a letter from a SC gentleman that bought a 67 standard bus. The man had found some receipts for work done on the bus that had our friends name on them. Our friend had purchased the bus new in 1967, with 3 miles on it, in TN. He sold it five years ago for just $500.00 less than the purchase price. Apparently the SC gentleman was the 3^rd owner and he wanted to meet our friend. Our friend told him about this great VW club we have here in Greensboro and if the SC fellow and his wife would like to come up and stay for a few days, our friend would bring him out to our meeting, with the bus. Does word get around or what?

If we could use the vehicles that attended the gathering on Thursday night as a base for a car show to benefit the American Heart Association next June, we would be well on our way to having an extremely successful show. June 12^th ,2004, is the date to mark on your GOV Calendars. The Heart and Stroke Walk with be on that date at the Greensboro Country Park and that will be the date of our Public Vote car show.

We used this past car show as a learning experience and it was. Next year will be done a bit differently, but we hope with greater results for the Heart Association. We are extending the donation gathering to include corporate matches, donations from friends, family and neighbors. Checks will be accepted made out to the American Heart Association, but cash will help too. Any way that you can gather in donations to the American Heart Association will better your chances of winning the car show. Be creative. Remember: EVERYTHING used in promoting this show is donated. There is no expense that comes out of your pocket except time and the gas to get here.

We are looking now for sponsors to donate prizes to give out to our winners. Hopefully we will have some vendors (food and drink) and some type entertainment for the kids this next year. Suggestions would be appreciated for us to check out and contact. I’m in the “members list” so you can email me.

Remember that we are the guests at Herbies. To keep our welcome open please remember to make it worthwhile for them to keep having us there weekly. If nothing else, please go in and get something to drink from “our” waitress, Sally. Since she is trying to go back to school, she really appreciates the tips we leave and she has always been good to us. We want everyone to be in this win-win situation.

First of all I want to sincerely thank all those who were involved with the surprise "dinner gift" that was presented to Lee and me on Thursday night. I don't know who was involved or how you pulled it off, but it was very much appreciated, and very humbling. Thank you again for a wonderful surprise gift. You couldn't have done anything that would have pleased us more. We will certainly enjoy your thoughtfulness and generosity.

We hope all that can, will attend next Thursday night. (August 14th) We have contacted Fox 8 and Roy Ackland and the crew from "Roy's Folks" will be coming out to do a story on the club. Get those vehicles shined up, wash your face and come on out. We'd like to have a great turnout with lots of variety for the show. If we have overflow we have permission from Applebee's to use the first row of places next to Herbie's lot. Get there early for a good space. Remember not to park in the row next to the front of the building. We told Chu we would leave that open for "outsiders".

This will be a "rain or shine" event. Lets make it happen in a positive way for the club and community.

I guess that's it for now. Thank you again for all your support and we look forward to seeing you on Thursday, anytime you can make it.