The Beginning - Year 1
In January 2008, several people interested in forming a STAR Chapter in Hanover, PA gathered at Little's family Restaurant to discuss the possibility and start to organize. A date was set for April 5, 2008 and the next few months, the group continued meeting and learning the way of STAR. Clark Miller was designated the groups coordinator as he already had been a member of Central Maryland Chapter #262. The group set out to raise funds, design a logo, and get a presence on the web. finally, on April 5th, with both the State Director, Jim Leasure, and the Regional Director, Gary Bunney, in attendance, the Original Charter for Chapter #441 was signed. All signing that day were deemed "Charter Members" and given a special rocker signifying the achievement. In May 2008, at the monthly meeting, nominations and elections were held. Clark Miller was named the Chapter's first President with Scott Noel as his Vice-President.
The Chapter also voted on their logo and name. The Mason-Dixon Chapter #441 would be represented by an oval design with a background of both the Maryland and Pennsylvania standards blended to represent the two states in which the chapter borders. In the forefront is the STAR Touring and Riding Logo.
Chapter #441 immediately made their presence know to both the STAR and local communities. That year, the chapter attended the Capital City Chapter #430 Charter signing, 2008 PA State Picnic at Valley Forge, 2008 Mid-Atlantic STAR-B-Q in Cornelius, NC, and their first Rolling Thunder Demonstration in Washington, DC. Additionally, the group was visible with charitable contributions by attending benefit rides such as the God Bless America Ride and the Purple Heart Ride, as well as many others benefiting local organizations.
Doing It Our Way - Year 2
With a year under the belt, a growing attendance, bigger bank account and all the administrative parts of starting the Chapter out of the way, Chapter #441 could now grow into the solid group of friends all wanted. With a change at President, Andy Zendek guided the chapter to another successful year for the chapter.
In 2009, Chapter #441 sponsored their own charity run. The House The Homeless Run started as an idea and in the first year on a cold damp day still attracted over 30 bikes from both Maryland and Pennsylvania. In a chilly ride through Southern York County, the bikes rode to help the area homeless, ending at the Hanover Texas Roadhouse for lunch. After a successful ride, the group decided to make this an annual event.
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Director picked Gettysburg for the STAR-B-Q destination. With over 400 cycles in attendance, the STAR-B-Q was the most successful to date raising thousands of dollars for the Feed The Children Organization which STAR National sponsors. On a Friday afternoon, over 150 bikes clogged the Gettysburg circle as they escorted a 47 ft. tractor trailer to the Adams County Food Bank, feeding over 400 families that day. Of course there was fun, games, a bike show, rides through the battlefield, dinner, and of course the auction where over $15,000 was raised for the hosting Chapters to be put towards additional trucks of food. Much of this money was spent on an additional truck in November. The chapter organized a ride to the York County Food Bank to spread the wealth throughout the area, again, feeding over 400 families with the truck's contents.
Of course, the year did not go by without any fun. The chapter took part in several monthly chapter rides, Rolling Thunder again, and ventured to Deal's gap, NC to ride the Tail of the Dragon and the Cherohala Skyway. There were some stressful times this year, but the chapter learned that we can accomplish anything we wanted as long as we stuck together and no one could break our will.
The year culminated with the first ever Christmas party. The Road Captain Award was handed out to the first recipients and will be continued for worthy individuals. A Year In Review was produced and handed out the members, and of course, the Secret Santa gifts were so much fun.
Maturing Together - 2010
Andy's second year as President saw the chapter settle into a good group of friends who just love to ride every chance possible. This year, a Ride Committee was formed to help infuse new ideas into the group and give us someplace else to go.
The group attended several other chapter's Feed The Children Rides and other charity rides as well. The 2nd Annual House the Homeless ride again created funds for the area homeless as well as provided a great ride through the country followed by lunch at Scozzaro's. This year there were a lot of single day long rides such as pat's Steak's in Philly, Thunder In The valley, and culminating in the Chapter IronAzz Ride to Buffalo, NY. Leaving at 0700, the chapter made a suicide run to Batavia, NY, then to the Original Buffalo Wing Restaurant, The Anchor Bar, and back home, all in one day.
Finally, the chapter hosted a second Christmas Party where a second Year in Review was produced, and a second year where something was broken. It is doubtful that we will be allowed back next year.
Continuing the Ride - 2011
Kay Keller was voted President for the 2011 season. This year the group would travel to Arlington National Cemetery, Rolling Thunder, and many other destinations throughout the area. The STARS of Hope Ride that was sponsored by the chapter brought much needed food and donations to a local food bank in Dover.
This year, 3 members of the group formed the Wyld Hogz and decided to ride over 4000 miles in 11 days with the goal of reaching the Alamo. On the way home, all three guys decided to get branded in New Orleans. Next Hogz trip will be the pacific in 2013.
Of course we had a party again this December. Held at the Cross Keys Diner, there was the usual year in review, but after dinner, there was much dancing and drinking where Pepe made an appearance.
