And for any of you who have news to share, friends to embarrass, a funny tale to tell, or life celebrations to broadcast and you live in the Northwest, e-mail me at susan@tohonor.org.

Aside from November being a time we traditionally give thanks, a.k.a. Thanksgiving, it’s also when the motorcycle community could carry the handle of “Toys R-Us” as we get holiday duckies in order for all the toy runs that will happen between now and Christmas. There are ample opportunities to take part throughout the Northwest and the undisputed Western Washington lollapalooza happens early enough in December that it needs to be included here. But let’s start off with early November and the Inland Empire collaboration headed by some real Road Dogs. Ernie Crocker has lived in Hayden, Idaho, for about 15 years and has operated a ministry for bikers since 1995. On November 5 an event that’s been turning heads and bringing smiles to children for two decades returns with the Kootenai Chapter of ABATE (a.k.a. Road Dogs) of North Idaho Toys for Tots Toy Run. Ernie explained that there are no costs associated with the event, and admittance is a toy (no stuffed animals, please). The ride begins at Lucky Lawrence’s at 1704 Government Way in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and will include five stops, ending at the Grail Restaurant for a potluck. “All the money we raise is to buy toys.” They work with the Marine Corp League and as Ernie explained, “usually have between 100–200 bikes.” Teri Taranda has covered this event more than a couple times and I’d guess she’ll be in your midst again, Ernie. Toy donation barrels are located at Post Falls Walmart, Lone Wolf Harley-Davidson in Liberty Lake, Lawrence’s in Coeur d’Alene, Helmet Outlet, Specialty Recreation & Marine and of course at the Grail Restaurant. If you have questions for the organizers, 208.691.5008 is Ernie’s cell. When I caught up with Ernie he and his wife were walking their dogs, meandering home from some time with family. Darned cell phones, huh? Thanks for letting me interrupt, Ernie… For about 12 years we’ve carried a monthly feature that’s been a great deal of fun for me and for our readers. Hats off to: Ralph and Bernadette Prosser in Spokane, Steven Martinson in Santa Rosa, John NovoGradac, Dennis and Claudia Rodriguez, Steve Peters, Bill Breckon, Stephanie Cooper, Eddie and Terrell Pinson of Boise and many others who’ve been kind enough to play the Where am I? game over the last two months. And while I don’t always manage to connect in calls or e-mail follow-up, please know I appreciate that you’ve stayed in the game… November 13 is the day for the 22nd annual Emil Kreofsky Memorial Teddy Bear Run & Chili Cook-Off in Vancouver, Washington. Grab a new stuffed animal and head to the Clark County Public Utility District’s Electric Center at 1200 Fort Vancouver Way where registration begins at 9 a.m. Columbia Harley-Davidson will host this memorial event to honor Emil, the grandfather of current owner/operators of the oldest Harley-Davidson dealership in the Northwest. Here’s the deal: Emil’s uncle had the 1912 Harley-Davidson dealership in Portland and he gave Emil a hand starting his own dealership on Columbia Street in Vancouver, Washington, back in the day. Since the humble beginnings in 1945, and a host of relocations and growing pains, Emil’s Washington State Harley business has remained in the family. Emil passed the business to his son Jim, then Jim passed it to his daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Jason. It’s pretty impressive, this more than 60-year family affair. So on the 13th expect a chili cook-off and a lot more when you arrive at the dealership at 1314 NE 102nd. For more info on the day’s event visit www.columbiahd.com or phone 360.695.8831 and talk with Jamie… OK, the advance notice I spoke of above is for the 34th annual Olympia Toy Run. It’s Saturday, December 3; the cost is $15 for a solo rider, $20 for two-uppers or a new unwrapped toy. The parade factor with bikes four abreast and streets on the parade route lined with grateful onlookers of all ages cheering the bikers on is pretty amazing. Are you curious? Head to www.olytoyrun.com for a great intro. You’ll gather in Lacey, Washington, where registration begins at the South Sound Center at 10 a.m. and aside from milling about, there will be other offerings while things get organized for takeoff on the very well-defined parade route at 1:00 p.m. This is major goose-flesh-feel-good stuff so if you happen to be in the region, you’d find yourself mighty pleased to take part. There’s a great photo gallery of former years along with the parade route, directions and more on the website. All are welcome, and the only new twist for former parade-goers is that no candy is to be tossed out to the folks on the parade route. Seemed like a good idea at one point but it proved otherwise (for obvious reasons)… Happy Thanksgiving, everyone…