I received word from the Biloxi HD dealership that they have settled on Saturday, September 16th, as the date for the picnic and fund raising event for the Hope Haven Home in Biloxi. DeDe informed me that they had been hoping to have the event a State Park but that it had become apparent no facilities of that nature would be repaired in time for the event so they have decided to have it at the local Harley Shop. She also informed me that many, many of the rebuilding projects had recently received "stop work" orders because of government and other regulatory issues. She stated that since Hope Haven was over 50% rebuilt, they were being allowed to continue.

She again invited our club members to come to Biloxi for the event and she informs me that there are sufficient hotel resources available to accommodate anyone who wishes to attend. Unfortunately, due to family care needs, Kathy and I will be unable to attend on this weekend. If any club members can and want to attend, please contact me ASAP so that plans can be made and so that I can send the check by you to make a presentation. This would be an excellent early Fall trip over a long weekend!

My most recent correspondence with the DeDe Ladner indicates that their HOG Chapter's fund raiser for Hope Haven has been postponed until September of this year. She will be in touch with me regarding further details at the end of April.

As has been reported at club meetings, we have been in correspondence with the HOG Chapter of the Biloxi Mississipi HD dealer regarding supporting their club initiative to assist in the rebuilding of Hope Haven, a local residence for youth that was completely destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

As of this writing, The Army Corp of Engineers has rebuilt the structure of the home. However, monies are not currently available to complete interior fabrication and/or supply the home with those items needed to bring the home back to operating condition. The youth continue to be removed at distant places as I write this update.

In recent correspondence with Denise Ladner of the HOG Chapter, she has indicated that their club will continue on with a fund raising effort this Spring to assist the home in getting back to operation. Her HOG Chapter will be meeting on March 14th and she will update me on the plans at that time.

She continues to invite our participation and to express their appreciation for our efforts. We are invited to attend their fund raiser if at all possible. I hope to have some images of the pre and post conditions of Hope Haven in the near future. I will keep you updated as I receive more information.

--- Cecil