The ever industrious and accommodating folks at Lone Wolf Harley-Davidson in the Spokane Valley of far-eastern Washington are gearing up for December 10 where for a $5 donation or new unwrapped toy destined for Toys for Tots is all that’s asked to have your photo taken with Harley Santa at the dealership from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. The same day is a dealership open house and cookie contest. Participate by making three dozen cookies and registering by 11:00 a.m. Cookie sampling is $5 with proceeds serving the Union Gospel Mission. The contest will be judged from noon to 2:00 p.m. For cookie lovers, expect crumbs in your beard and smiles all around. Lone Wolf, visible from I-90, is at 19011 E. Cataldo, Spokane Valley. If you have questions, phone the store at 509.927.7433 or you might find the details you seek in their calendar at lonewolfh-d.com or on their Facebook page. Beth and Greg have certainly proven they have what it takes to serve the Inland Empire seamlessly, and to breed loyalty among their valued customers. In eastern Washington and north Idaho, where it takes a couple generations of residency before names like newcomer, greenhorn or “not from here” are handles shed, the Ernst family has made us feel at home on their turf, and having done so, they’re beyond welcome on ours. They’re using Facebook Live recordings on their Facebook page to show viewers around. You can sure tell who among the crew are at ease in the glow of Facebook stardom. Kind of fun to watch even if you’re not yet acquainted. Check it out… Way up North, on December 17, Denali Harley-Davidson located at 1497 South Hyer Road in Wasilla, Alaska, is putting on their own event with Santa photos. The hours when Santa will be present remain a little foggy, but since the dealership is open 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., the Santa window is probably hovering between noon and five. However, it’s on you to confirm that. A twist to this event is that Santa is arriving on a chopper. Heli-Alaska is flying the jolly old elf in by helicopter and as time allows, they’ll be providing free helicopter rides for those under 18. But be forewarned, this is a first-come first-served event. The only thing they ask is a new unwrapped toy for the Biker Elves Toy Drive. Questions? Phone 907.373.3366 or visit their calendar on the shop’s Facebook page or at denaliharley.com and you’ll likely find what you need… Smokey Point Boulevard in Marysville, Washington, is the location of Sound Harley-Davidson who will also be having photos with Santa on December 10, from 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Their website was a bit scant on details but you can find our more by calling them directly at 360.454.5000 or take a moment and visit their handsome website at soundharley.com… Fairchild AFB soldier-in-residence Michael Woodey, an Air Force trainer in Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) is a longtime rider, as is his dad Rob. Rob and Michael are here annually for turkey hunting and we’re grateful for them relieving us of a few of the undisputed homeliest, non-native, highly-reproductive bird around. Wild turkeys have few natural predators and are happy to consume forage that’s needed by native ruffed, blue and spruce grouse, ring-necked pheasant and quail. This year Rob didn’t make it, so half the number of birds were bagged. There’s still another turkey season in this game unit, Rob, and it’s right now and through December 15. Please do come; bring Maria. Michael, you and that sharpshooter Corinne come too. Deal?… The fine fellow profiled in November issue, Where am I? winner Skip Bell, wrote a few days ago with some news I’d been hoping to hear. Remember I said to anticipate a follow-up on Skip’s search for a new family member, a canine, after the interview of Skip took place at an event in a park where six animal rescue operations came together for a day of adoption? Well Skip did find a new dog, but there’s more to the story. Skip found a father-and-daughter duo up for adoption, and as he explained it, “I couldn’t let them be separated, so I adopted both.” Congratulations, Skip… Merry Christmas everyone, thanks for your continued support of THUNDER PRESS—thanks for reading. Like a lot of us, I’m hopeful that in putting the strange and often embarrassing political cycle behind us we can all begin to come together, to create a kinder, more inclusive and more tolerant culture. So with that, I’m wishing us all a Happy New Year.
