On November 18, 2021, Folks on Spokes held their annual Pizza party at Aurelio’s in Frankfort after a one-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Thirty-eight members came together to reflect, elect officers, vote on T-shirt designs for the Spring Fling and of course, eat some pizza! Unlike some past Pizza Parties, the weather cooperated this time without snow or other winter-like nuisances. Masking and other pandemic protocols were followed, and our server Linda provided social distancing of the tables. Lots & lots pizzas were available, but we made a pretty good dent in that area. Not many leftovers!

After that, the evening’s business began. A brief welcoming statement reflected on accomplishments in 2021. One was the overwhelming success of the Spring Fling (finally, good weather & good post-pandemic timing!); the other was the invention of the “Campfire Social”, which brought a good group of members out in the middle of winter. The next order of business was a tribute to Al Sturges, who recently retired from the board of Ride Illinois after almost 30 years of service.  Additionally, he has had many, many years on the board of Folks on Spokes. After thanking Al for his service, the next order of business was the T-shirt design for the 2022 Spring Fling, which is tentatively set for June 5, 2022. Jim T’s design was the winner! Finally, the election of officers was held; the officers of FOS 2022 are:

Jo Dell Albi, President

Karen Swenson, Vice-President

John Victor, Treasurer

Sally Kleinschmidt, Secretary

We thank everyone who came out; looking forward to another great year!

September Fall Picnic

On September 19, FOS held its annual picnic at Hickory Creek Preserves in Mokena, IL. Thirty five members were able to attend.  The day was great although a bit HOT!   But there was a nice breeze and in the shade it was pretty comfortable.  We had two special guests, Charlie (pictured in the slide show) and Toby who came with their respective parents Hugh and Bernie.  Several members biked and several took a long walk on the trail.  The food was very good and was catered by our sponsor Hienie's McCarthy's in Orland Park.  We had a choice of beef sandwiches, mostaccioli or fried chicken.  Yum!  Desserts were brought to share and there were plenty.  Lois  won the raffle - a gift certificate to Hienie's McCarthy's.  As with other FOS socials, everyone had a good time and enjoyed the day.

Our first campfire social at Goodenow Grove, Feb. 20, 2021

After weeks of bad weather and a series of cancelations, we were finally blessed with a beautiful day for an outdoor social event.  Fifteen members came bringing chairs, their lunches and treats.  Roasted marshmallows and s’mores were enjoyed by nearly everyone that attended.   Who could resist!  In addition to enjoying the company of friends and a great fire, a few members went skiing and others hiked through the woods.   The snow was deep but the sun was inviting so no one seemed to care.  It was all part of the adventure.