Thinking outside the pizza box!

Annual 2024 Folks on Spokes Pizza Party

Thursday, November14, at Aurelios in Frankfort

 

Members started to arrive a little early at Aurelio’s, but no problem! Linda, the banquet manager, had all the soda and ice water you could want. Some members ordered with Linda or went to the bar for something a little stronger. A little before 7 pm,  members and guests began their meal with a refreshing green salad. Soon after, several different pies were brought out: Cheese, veggie, sausage & mushroom, pepperoni, meat-lovers. Iit was all very good. For those who liked dessert, they had a “help yourself” soft-serve ice cream machine.

 

After that, the evenings business began. JoDell welcomed the group, touched on this year’s Spring Fling and then proceeded to present the slate of officers, they were:

 

Jo Dell Albi, President

Lois Jacob, Vice-President

John Victor, Treasurer

Sally Kleinschmidt, Secretary

Laifau Chung & Kathy McElligott, members-at-large

 

JoDell then announced this year’s raffle winners, Mary Lynn and Lois. Larry announced the mileage awards for 2024. Congratulations to all winners!

 

This year’s event had several things that were new to the Pizza Party:  A cycling jersey auction, a for-sale table, and a donation table. These new additions could make a comeback in 2025. Members made bids on the jerseys, bought brand new t-shirts and made donations for items brought in by members. Prez JoDell then surprised Jim T. with a certificate of appreciation for all the hikesand bike rides he has been leading, and had the club pay for his family’s 2025 annual dues! Finally, JoDell offered a “penny for your thoughts” initiative. Members could vote on whether to have the Fall picnic in September or August by placing a penny (supplied by the club) in either the September bowl or the August bowl. Believe it or not, it ended up being a tie!

 

We thank everyone who came out.  We’re looking forward to another great year!

 

 

 

September Fall Picnic

Mother Nature was not being very cooperative for our annual September picnic. It rained the whole time. But as Pres JoDell put it, "We are Folks on Spokes.  We host bike rides in the snow." So, at least it wasn't snowing!  We had 15 hardy folks. This year we met at a different shelter. There were a lot of trees which helped to break the wind & the rain.  Everyone was able to stay dry while they ate.

People started arriving shortly after noon, and lots of members provided homemade desserts. The usual lawn games were brought to the event; there was an attempt at playing Bocce ball. Unfortunately, the rain made it nearly impossible to play, plus the members got very wet!

Everyone cheered as Lee pulled up at one o'clock with catering boxes from Heinie McCarthys. Greek and fried chicken were the main course, with several sides. People ate and chatted for quite a while, and then it was time for the raffles. Rick and Lee were our big winners, and both chose pumpkins as their prize! Despite the rain, everyone seemed to have a good time. Folks On Spokes members are like that. 

Ride to Joey's Hot Dogs

On a very hot Saturday morning, several bikers set out for a ride to Joey's Hot Dogs.  Riders met at Hickory Creek Preserve Junction in Monee and rode about 11 miles to meet up with some non-riders for a hot dog lunch.  4 riders + 3 non-riders = 7 satisfied hot dog eaters!

They went in search of ice cream…

July 20^th was a beautiful, sunny Sunday. This was the day that “Folks on Spokes” had their annual ice cream social ride to the Plush Horse Ice Cream Parlor from Bremen Grove. This ice cream shoppe is a local legend.  It began in 1937 as “The Hobby House” and was renamed to the “The Plush Horse” in 1951. It is consistently voted “The Best” in local media contests throughout Southern Chicagoland.

 

Riders and non-riders  met up at the Plush Horse about 1:00 pm. JoDell extended an invitation to the Major Taylor club as well, and a group of their members greeted the FOS members as they arrived around 1pm. Between the riders (Major Taylor and non-riding FOS members), there were 14 at the event.

 

It seemed like the ice cream scoops from the Plush Horse get larger every year. As evidenced by some of the photos, the cones & cups were briming over with ice cream deliciousness! It took a while, but everyone finished their treats. The six FOS riders remounted their bicycles for a 9-mile return to the starting point in Tinley Park.  Everyone was fueled with copious amounts of sugar, which powered the riders on to their destination. No fear, their search for ice cream was over, at least for now!

 

March 9, 2024
Isaac Walton Hike and Campfire Lunch

General Meeting and Social, Feb. 15

Our General Meetings are quarterly and usually held on the third Thursday of the month. Eleven hungry members answered the call-out to meet at a Mediterranean restaurant in Tinley Park that Prez JoDell found, called SemSem. They gathered for really good food, lots of conversation, and JoDell managed to squeeze in the meeting as well. JoDell handed out cash to help defray the cost of the meals for the members; the meals were large, and the sides were plentiful, so lots of people took home leftovers.

During the meeting, JoDell announced that there is another community open house concerning the extension of the Old Plank Road Trail. It will deal with the Chicago Heights portion of the proposed extension of the trail. Plus, there will be an Old Plank Road Trail (OPRT) public survey too.                                                                               

JoDell spoke on decisions involving the last campfire of the season. Jim T. had the idea of going somewhere different this year; several people worked on finding alternatives for Plum Creek, and Jim decided on Izaak Walton in Homewood.   It will be on March 9. The club's firewood is currently being stored at Andi’s and will be given to Jim prior to the campfire hike. It’s been a good hiking season, and there are still a few more hikes to go!

Feb 3, 2024
Campfire Social

Our first social event of the year was held at Goodenow Grove in Crete.  The event began with a short hike starting at the campground, through a somewhat muddy trail, to the lake and around back to the start.  This was a leisurely hike which was a nice departure from our usual.

Once the hikers returned, the fire was lit and food was set out.  Everyone had their lunch ready to grill and several brought food to share.  An assortment of chips, dips, and deviled eggs were set out.

Toward the end of lunch, Wes and Sally led a brief memorial for longtime friend and FOS member Tony Lakota.  Wes had a fabulous picture of Tony which he brought for the event and Sally had one as well.  Several members shared memories of rides and other social encounters with Tony.  

Following words of remembrance, some went to the nature center where the Birds in Art was displayed.  This was very worthwhile and enjoyable display.

The party broke up a little after 3:00.  It was difficult to leave.  Not only were we enjoying the conversation, but the sun had come out!    This campfire was a very successful event with 16 members and one guest attending.