Matt Krueger Benefit Ping Pong Tourney

Friday evening the Watertown High School reminded me of when the world moved a little slower. Families were seen spending time together and friends were able to hangout without the use of game controllers and other electronic entertainment. What started as an idea to raise money for Matt Krueger and his continued battle over cancer ended in a social event not soon forgotten! New friendships as well as rekindled ones were many. A ping pong tournament (see link) was held to offset costs associated with Matt's cancer treatments.

Advertisements hit the high school a week before Christmas break, probably not the best time, however it was a start. A week after break, the hallways were filled with smack talk on who the winner of the tourney would be. I think in some small way, I may have fueled the fire on the talk (lol). You seemade that up, even peasants can spike or place a wicked spin that is next to impossible to return on this little ball. It's a game that doesn't require fancy equipment, a table, paddle, ball and just about anything that resembles a net will do. Students started pre-registering before the break and donations started to trickle in before the first ball was served. My goal was to raise $200.

The Event finally came and players arrived early. With the help of our volunteers, we were able to start a few minutes early. Raffle prizes included two IPod Shuffles (J&L Tire), two Balls of Fury Movie Baskets (Wal-Mart) and two prizes consisting of 12 cases of Arizona Ice Tea (River City Distributing). Concessions included popcorn, home baked desserts, cookies, candy, hot dogs, soda and water. Triana's Trophies donated six nicely engraved trophies for both 1st & 2nd place finishes. The School District provided the venue and custodial staff as well as two of the four ping pong tables. The other tables were donated by the Jacobson and Henriksen families. Members of the Tourin' Hawgs Motorcycle Club, Fire & Iron and Rhonda Nachtigall's marketing class worked at the registration, concession and raffle ticket areas. Our son Andrew and his girlfriend took care of the DJ duties, music and bracket boards. I would really love to list each person and family that donated money or time, but there were so many and not wanting to forget anyone I won't.

Remember when I said my original goal was to raise $200? After cleaning up, returning one of the two borrowed tables and sitting down for a drink or two, the donations were tabulated. The total prior to adding the receipts was a tad over $1000! This is truly amazing in such economic unrest. Watertown, you have once again come together to support a cause. The money raised will be turned over to the Krueger Family.

I hope to continue this ping pong phenomenon as a high school club activity during the remainder of the winter months. Stay tuned for more information! Thanks again to everyone that helped and donated! It is the volunteers that define the success of such an event. Click on Matt Krueger to see and read his blog and follow his path as he continues to be strong. He is overcoming the odds with the help of God, his family and so many friends (old & news)!

G-nome's visit to the Museum

Well, I finally made it to the Harley-Davidson Museum! The Museum is located at 400 West Canal Street in Milwaukee and less than an hour drive east of Watertown. If you have never paid a visit, then it is truly about time! As I traveled back in history to the #1 bike, I kept telling myself, "Owning a Harley-Davidson is so much more than owning any old motorcycle. It is about history, family (both new and old) and memories created along the way."

In 1915 Harley-Davidson began saving one model from the assembly line; each year they put this model aside. To have the foresight back then that this iron horse might lead to something was remarkable. In order to display bikes prior to 1915, Harley-Davidson went on a search world-wide to "buy-back" models from 1903-1914! The Museum is really a collection of the motor company's history. From motorcycles, to posters, billboards, pins, clothing, owners and the AMF years, Harley-Davidson shows why they continue to be around 105+ years after #1 was assembled. Harley built approximately 1000 shaft drive units in 1942 for the Army, designated XA (experimental Army). It was thought the shaft drive would hold up much better the sands of Africa. Very rare indeed, but on display at the Museum!

Not only does the collection include stock Harley-Davidson models, but those that are unique, belonging to Elvis "The King of Rock & Roll", Captain America and King Kong (consisting of 2 synchronized Knucklehead Engines, 13 feet long and 40 years in the making). See these photos at Shutterfly and remember to type in the password "chrome".

Many, including myself see the years in which AMF purchased Harley-Davidson in 1969 as when the quality in production was lacking. How many times have you heard someone talk about all the oil that sits below their AMF Harley-Davidson? Feel as you may, if it wasn't for AMF diversifying Harley-Davidson back then, HD would have probably gone the same route as Indian and all the other American made motorcycle companies, extinct. AMF helped HD to stay afloat during the years where sales were at an all time low. AMF introduced HD snowmobiles, ski boats, golf carts and so much more.

On February 26, 1981 thirteen Harley-Davidson senior executives sign a letter of intent to purchase Harley-Davidson Motor Company from AMF. By mid-June, the buyback is official, and the phrase "The Eagle Soars Alone" becomes a rallying cry. During the first year of operation after the "buy-back", Harley-Davidson shows a loss of more than $50 million! Still they fought to survive! Some 27 years later Harley-Davidson celebrated its' 105 anniversary of producing their name brand throughout the world!

I could go on and on, but you really need to experience the story yourself! Take the time and visit the Museum! While you are in the area, stop in at Cafe Racer for a bite to eat, stay away from their turkey pretzel bread sandwich if you are looking for meat. For those with a hungry appetite, try the pulled pork sandwich. To the south of the Museum is a renovated mattress factory building now known as "The Iron Horse Hotel".

That's all for now. Remember to visit this site often as articles will change and photos will include Daytona Bike Week.