Flood Run & Summer Blues Jam 
To Be Held September 23 

On August 27, over 40 motorcycles arrived at the Courthouse Square in Owego for the rained out Flood Run to benefit victims from the flood of '06. With rain gear and goggles, the group decided to make a shorter run with pride as they waived to residents in flood affected areas.  For those who arrived in the pouring rain, the weather was ironically indicative of what the dollars were being raised for. "It's rather strange that we got similar weather on the day of our ride," said Don Wheeland, owner of Hiawatha Motorcycles, one of the organizers of the event. Wheeland, along with several others, suffered significant loss during the recent flooding. But the small group was able to take a shorter route in spite of the weather, and several of the bands arriving for Summer Blues Jam were able to entertain their brave guests throughout the afternoon at the Jail House Restaurant.

 But the organizers insist on helping bring the victims of the 2006 flood to higher ground. With a new date in mind, of September 23, 2006, the organizers will once again bring motorcycles together to raise as much money possible for the agencies who are still offering help to flood victims from around the community. Summer Blues Jam will also reschedule, for a third time, and will offer music free to the community.

 In the meantime, the organizers have deposited the dollars raised thus far into a Flood Run '06 fund that has been set up at the Community Bank, NA. Anyone wishing to make a donation to the effort can do so at the Community Bank in care of Flood Run '06. 

 Riders who registered for the rained out ride will be able to ride for free in the rescheduled run. The new date will welcome registration at Hiawatha Motorcycles and the Courthouse Square between 10:30 and 12:30 with the departure for the 85-mile escorted ride planned for 1:00 pm. 

 The Court Street side of the road will once again be closed off for motorcycle parking and the rescheduled Bike Show that will award trophies for various categories. 

 For more information you can contact Don Wheeland at 349-8225 or Kurt Kemmerling at 343-9741. You can call the Jail House Restaurant at 687-9811 for information about Summer Blues Jam.