DEDICATED TO FREEDOM OF THE ROAD - LET THOSE WHO RIDE DECIDE. June Its election time! WILL YOU BE THERE?

Transcription

1 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Polk County Chapter The Iron Press DEDICATED TO FREEDOM OF THE ROAD - LET THOSE WHO RIDE DECIDE June 2013 Its election time! WILL YOU BE THERE?

2 Our Mission Statement: WHO WE ARE ABATE is a non-profit organization of motorcycle enthusiast from all walks of life. We lobby and educate the government and general public to promote motorcycling in a safe and positive image. We endeavor to enlist the cooperation and participation of all organizations and individuals that share a similar interest in preserving our American tradition of Freedom. We promote motorcycle safety, training & political awareness. We ARE NOT A CLUB OR A GANG. We fund our work through toy runs, poker runs, campouts, and other motorcycle activities. We are your neighbors and friends who work, pay taxes, and get involved with our community. We serve and support our country and believe in freedom. We use all legal means to protect our rights without infringing on the rights of others. ABATE of Florida, Inc. is incorporated under the laws of Florida as a motorcycle rights organization or a MRO. ABATE of Florida, Inc. currently is the only political MRO in Florida representing the interests of it s members and the motorcycling public at large. ABATE of Florida, Inc. is dedicated to securing and protecting the rights of all motorcyclists in the state ABATE S Objectives are to: Keep all bikers informed on legislative actions and events that affect their safety and rights. Be a powerful political force in legislation that affects Motorcycle safety and rights. Provide a lobbyist that will represent ABATE interests at State and National levels. Promote voter registration and to motivate members to speak up for their rights. Promote safety without infringing on individual rights and freedoms. Educate the public and Motorcycle Awareness and safety Issues. ABATE s Accomplishments: ABATE was the driving force behind the changes in Florida s Helmet Law. Florida Motorcyclist, over the age of 21 and who carry at least $10,000 medical insurance coverage now enjoy the Freedom to Choose whether to wear a helmet or not. ABATE has developed & copyrighted The Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Program (MSAP). The program is presented to non-motorcyclists to educate them on how to safely share the road with motorcycles. It is taught in local schools & to civic organizations at no charge in the hope of reducing motorcycle accidents and deaths through education, not legislation. ABATE had gained a positive and respected position in Tallahassee. Because of our Lobbyist and Legislative efforts, State Representatives are aware of ABATE members and our vigilant quest. ABATE reminds travelers every day to Look Twice Save a Life, Motorcycles are everywhere through our billboard campaign. Disclaimer The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of ABATE of Polk County Chapter or ABATE of Florida Inc. This newsletter encourages all members to submit ABATE related material, photos, events, and commentaries, etc. ABATE of Florida, Inc. and the Polk County Chapter of ABATE accepts no responsibility for the comments, views or opinions contained in the newsletter. Polk County Chapter reserves the right to edit or omit any article submitted for publication. All materials submitted to Polk County Chapter for use in this letter becomes property of the chapter. Guidelines for Submissions Members are asked to submit articles, photos and other materials that would be of interest to their fellow members by 11:00pm on Friday following the Meeting. All board members are encouraged to submit their articles as soon as possible following the monthly meeting. Please do not submit slanderous or accusing letters, profanity or nudity. Identification Statement ABATE of Florida, Inc. Polk County Chapter PO Box 2743 Lakeland, FL

3 Position Name President Danny Doc Fish Vice President Emory Griffis Secretary Bob Alexander Treasurer Patti Nasrallah Sgt. at Arms Dennis Mudder Rudoi PR/Communications Rhonda Griffis Webmaster Dave Lockdown Rich Masterlink Editor Bob von Bulow Membership Val Loper Safety Program Johnny Buff James Legislative Darrin Scribe Brooks Products Steve Caretaker Knee Legal Larry Crow Position Name Phone President Chris Brandfass Vice President Tim McDermott Secretary Lo Alexander Treasurer Stich Sgt. at Arms Brian Parker Membership Mark Dillon Safety Products Chris Brandfass PR Bill Hardy Legislative Mark Dillon Delegates Chris Brandfass Patty Brandfass Newsletter Lora Parker Webmaster

4 Chris Brandfass First off we have a new meeting place the VFW Post #8002 on North 98, Butch the commander sent a letter saying we did not keep up our end of the deal to support the VFW Hall. So out we go, I personally feel it was vice-versa but oh well onward we go. Meetings were voted on to start at 3:30pm, so we ll see how this works out for us. Now we will have a brunch run before the meeting, maybe more will show up, since we will be leaving later or not. Doesn t matter to the ones who really like to ride will be there. Now that the Rodeo is over I want to thank all the volunteers who worked the event. It was hot and I thank you all, we did an excellent job putting it on, and thanks to the few members who attended. But for the chapter as a whole excluding the volunteers and few who attended and people who had to work, your support is non-existent, underwhelming, flat out pure sorriness, why do you even belong. Including all life members, according to our records we have 150 some members, couldn t prove it by our events, and you must not have any friends either, a lonely bunch we ABATER s are. Why don t we get more members, well that s easy to figure out. We don t go out and we don t have any friends, simple right! The evidence supports that part or is it a petty personal thing you don t attend, either way the excuses are endless any past president can tell you that! So just as we all reap in the harvest, we all reap the losses the chapter as a whole is responsible for its success or failure of an event, not the people who put the event together. So this even as a whole was a failure as far as participation and support. Now as far as was it a fun event to do and play in all who came had an excellent time playing and watching. So there for if it was a success, it was said that out of all the rodeos ours is a premier event possibly the best set up of all. So we do have a good thing here we just can t count on the chapter to support it. We need to take it to the people then they ll come to us. Finally I d like to finish by saying how much I appreciate all the work my board members did during my tenure as president, y all did an excellent job and a very special thanks to Tim McDermott my VP as I couldn t have done it without his huge support and help., outstanding job Tim. I also want to thank all the non-member volunteers you all are an awesome bunch and a special thanks to Terry Schelling (Puddles) you do an excellent job as Supervisor of Elections, a non-member volunteer three straight meetings in a row that she s attended. How many of you annual and life members can say that. Sorry this isn t an all sugar & spice or touchy feely kind of a letter, I am just not feeling it! Chris B Tim McDermott No Submission for this month Quote of the Month Life is overflowing with the new. But it is necessary to empty out the old to make room for the new to enter. ~ Eileen Caddy 3

5 Mark Dillon NOTE: You must be a member in good standing to vote in the June chapter officers election. Thank you to our New Members: Charlie Cline Renewing Members: Jim Fyffe, Bill Hardy, Tim McDermott, Joe Towry Reminder for Renewal: Please be sure to check your membership cards Expired in April: Bill Yamnitz, Walter Brown, Jr., Melissa Brown, Michael Harman, David Melanson, Thomas Morris, Virginia Gardner Expired in May: Joanne Gunner Fletcher, James Alexander, Earl Thibeault, David Benedict, Darrell Warren, Brenda George, Fred Russell, Pat Smalley, Tina Linder, Larry Linder, Andrew Scott, Kimberlly Helmick, Lindal Tillery, Scott Hamilton, Robert Macknosky, Marjorie Warren, Richard Hume, Kevin Clem Due in June: Victor Jason, Chris Brandfass, Patty Brandfass, Richard Nesbitt, Patricia Davis, Kathy Barstow, Gary Davis, Kenny Barstow Due in July: Marjorie Fyffe, Lora Parker, Brian Parker, Steve Ammerman Please renew a month early to avoid expiring and losing your years of continuous membership. Dues can be paid at our Chapter meeting or mailed to our PO Box 2743 Lakeland, FL If you have not updated your contact information recently or or did not receive your renewal card, please send me an with your correct info at membershipabatepolk@hotmail.com or mail updates to ABATE of Florida Inc. Polk County Chapter PO Box 2743 Lakeland, FL NOTE: This is not an ABATE event This month s run will be led by Tim McDermott meeting on June 16 th at the VFW Post 8002 (meeting hall) on North 98 in Lakeland with KSU at 11:00am sharp. We will be eating lunch on the run, then to the meeting at 3:30pm. If anyone has a place they would like to suggest meeting for future breakfast rides, please call me ( ) or let me know at the meeting. Brian 4

6 Lo Alexander May 19, 2013; ABATE of Florida, Inc. Polk County Chapter Meeting MINUTES VFW Post #8002; 9398 US 98 North, Lakeland Florida THANK YOU to today s meeting attendees: Mark Dillon, Bill Hardy, Kyle Parker, Krys Parker, Natalie West. Alex Waldron, Terri Schilling, Jeff Schilling, Patty Brandfass, Chris Brandfass, Moe Hillier, Joe Towry, Robert Macknosky, Dewey, Bob Fletcher, Z Man, Deb Daggett, David Waldron, Jim Fyffe, Tim McDermott, Linda Vernon, Greg Vernon, Charlie Cline, Tom Lowndes, Brian Parker, Joker, Maddog, Earl Wemer, Tim Daley, Lo Alexander 1:28p President, Chris Brandfass led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence. He then read the letter from Butch, the commander of our previous meeting place VFW Post #2297. The informal note contends that we are not welcome anymore because we did not support their activities and that some unknown person drank beer in their parking lot and left the cans. Our ABATE events and support of others events are a matter of record. [None of us drink that particular brand of beer.] Please volunteer to help at the Rodeo. Get there early and practice. Have a plate of pulled pork, baked beans, potato salad, bun and soft drink for a very reasonable price..chris will be going to the State meeting in June. Vice-President, Tim McDermott urged us to help out Saturday at the RODEO. Secretary, Lo Alexander thanked all for signing in and stated we will need help at the front gate getting the waivers signed. Mack moved to accept last month s minutes and Tim seconded. UNANIMOUS ACCEPTANCE Treasurer, Jeff Schilling gave an up to the minute report which was well received. Bob moved to accept and Moe seconded. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL Arms, Brian Parker thanked Dewey for leading an awesome ride. He asked us to please come out. Roadmap volunteered to lead next month s Fun Run. Membership, Mark Dillon reported our numbers and urged people to renew before their membership expires and they have to start all over. PR, Bill Hardy told us the publicity is in place, water will be available in the arena, and that alternate referees will be ready to stand in when someone needs a break. Legislative, Mark Dillon explained that the Stiffer Penalties Bill died in the DOT committee, the ABATE monies are in the budget waiting for a signature, and Road Guards are being trained but are not yet legal. See Dillon s article for more info. Products, Chris Brandfass and wife, Patty were wearing the new summer chapter shirts--wife beaters in yellow imprinted with the Polk County eagle. Black is also available. You can also supply your OWN shirt to be printed upon. Webmaster, Steve Ammerman resigned via Facebook. Past President Lora Parker volunteered to be acting WM. Old Business: Rodeo. Come help and/or participate. ELECTIONS: After asking each person if he was willing to run and asking the membership for nominations and presiding over discussions, Terri Schilling, the Supervisor of Elections, announced the candidates for Office: Office Nominee President Alex Waldron - accept Vice President Mike Gray - decline, Natalie West - accept, Joe Imbrogno - absent, Mack Macknosky - decline Treasurer Jeff Schilling - accept, Natalie West - decline Secretary Lo Alexander - accept Arms Brian Parker - decline, Bill Hardy - decline, Jim Fyffe declined, Earl Wemer - accept Membership Mark Zinzer - accept PR Bill Hardy - accept, Mike Gray - decline Legislation Natalie West - decline, Steve Ammerman - absent, Lex Taylor absent, Mark Zinzer - accept Products Lo Alexander - accept Webmaster Steve Ammerman - absent Delegates Alex Waldron - accept, Natalie West - accept, Brian Parker - decline, Bob Fletcher - decline ALTERNATES Dewey Cain accept, Mike Gray - accept Newsletter Debbie Daggett - accept Safety Mike Gray accept New Business, THE NEW MEETING HALL. Brian moved that we make VFW Post # 8002 our new meeting hall. Bill Hardy seconded. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. However, our former time slot is taken. BOB, the commander, offers 3:30p. Dewey moves and Dillon seconds, that we meet JUNE the new meeting hall and discuss the matter further. MOTION CARRIES. Good of the Order: Welcome, new member Charlie Cline! Mike Gray just completed 497 miles non-stop on his new Sportster! Adjourn: Dillon moved; Moe seconded. 2:30p All approved. Respectfully submitted, Lo Alexander 5

7 The Election Verification Committee met and determined that following: Natalie West is not eligible for the office of Vice- President. There are only three documented instances of her attendance at Polk County ABATE meeting during this fiscal year. Respectfully submitted, Lo Alexander Mark Dillon You once again have a chance to exercise your right to vote. The chapter officer elections will be held at the June meeting. Nominations were held at the April meeting and again at the May meeting. This is the time to show your support for our chapter by participating. From Florida: Unfortunately the stiffer penalties bill died in transportation committee and hopefully will be introduced in the next session next year. For more information on bills in Florida you may be concerned about see: and Illinois has passed a road guards bill which will go into effect July first. It allows training to certify road guards to stop and direct traffic during group rides. ABATE of Florida Inc. four legislative focus items: They are: Senate bill SB 1754 the stiffer penalties bill ; program to allow ABATE to provide Road Guards for sponsored rides; our concerns over motorcycle only checkpoints (which have occurred in some states), and the growing possibility of the federal government raising the ethanol content of gasoline to 15%. These are things that deserve our attention. The future of our motorcycle rights and freedoms can only be protected by people who are willing to fight for them. Mark Dillon Dillon ABATE came to Florida in the mid 1970s. At that time it was a group of individual and unaffiliated chapters. In 1979, ABATE of Florida, Inc. was formed by the individual chapters. This union was the basis for today s organization. Throughout the years, ABATE of Florida, Inc. has strived to be an effective political force for the rights of motorcyclists in Florida. We have also attempted to keep up to date on all legislation on a federal level and have tried to input our concerns to our federal officials. ABATE of Florida, Inc. has hired a professional lobbyist to aid us in our fight for freedom of choice. Our lobbyist has also been instructed to keep a close watch on all State or National legislation that would affect all motorcyclists. ABATE of Florida, Inc. is also a member of the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association), N.C.O.M (National Coalition of Motorcyclist) and MFR (Motorcycle Riders Foundation). 6

8 We have a new meeting hall-much better than the last one. Post # 8002 has a large grassy back yard with picnic tables. It has large interior spaces too. More important, the people are friendly and nice. Of course, where there is a great venue, there will be many groups wanting to meet. So WE have to make some decisions. One is determining either a new place to meet for a 1:00p meeting OR accepting the 3:30p meeting time that was offered. We COULD meet 1:00p. When do we ride? Do we start 2 ½ hours later? Do we have a brunch fun run? OR do we meet, ride, then eat? Do we ride, meet, eat, ride? Do we ride, eat, ride, go home, meet, eat, ride? Could we try each arrangement first, then decide? Bring your ideas to the meeting. While you re there, VOTE the board up or down. Till then, Ride safe all the time. Lo Bill Hardy Well we had a good breakfast run this month, thank you Mr. Cain. The nominations for this year s officers are done. Not gonna be much of an election, being all nominees are running unopposed, still check out the newsletter to see who this year s officers will be. Who knows, maybe some of you may have an idea that you can do the job, and be an ABATE officer. I for one welcome competition and while I'm at it...we have around 160 members, although only a handful show up for the meetings. Come on people, how can we be a part of an organization, and not participate? This is my third year as a member and I've met about twenty members. What's wrong with this picture? How can we sit back and let a very small percentage make the decisions for a somewhat large group? Show a little incentive, and show some faces at a meeting once in a while. Okay that's all i have to say about that. RODEO, it was a lot of fun. Ride safe, ride free and have fun. See ya where the rode takes us. Bill 7

9 Join Us! At our next meeting June 16, 2013 at 3:30PM VFW Post US 98 North Lakeland, FL Please note any political information in the chapter newsletter is for your educational purposes only and is not meant as promotional materials. All members are encouraged to submit articles, photos, and other materials that would be of interest to their fellow members by 11:00pm on Friday following the chapter meeting except when announced otherwise. All board members are encouraged to submit their articles as soon as possible following the monthly meeting. Please do not submit slanderous or accusing letters, profanity or nudity. 8

10 ABATE Polk County Chapter life member ABATE Polk County Chapter member ABATE Polk County Chapter life member ABATE Polk County Chapter member ************************************************************ LEX TAYLOR, PA ALL PERSONAL INJURIES Patricia Boone Leslie Harold REPRESENTING THE INJURED SINCE 1972 Phone Fax *Motorcycle Accidents *Wrongful Death *Medical Malpractice *Automobile Accidents *Social Security Claims *Probate & Insurance 3900 South Florida Avenue, Suite 205 Lakeland, FL Toll Free or visit us at ABATE of Florida member since

11 Contact your elected officials - They work for YOU! For corrections to this listing please newsletter@polk.abateflorida.com Governor Rick Scot The Capitol 400 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL Senator Darren Soto D-District 14 Legislative Assistant: Christine Aleknavich 220 Senate Office Building 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL Soto.Darren.web@flsenate.gov Senator Kelli Stargel R-District 15 Legislative Assistant: Rachel Barnes 324 Senate Office Building 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL Stargel.Kelli.web@flsenate.gov Representative John Wood R-District 41 Legislative Assistant: Emily Nance 214 The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL Representative Mike La Rosa R-District 42 Legislative Assistant: Rebekah Hurd 1302 The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL Representative Ben Albritton R-District 56 Legislative Assistant: Kevin Cleary 222 The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL Senator Denise Gimsley R-District 21 Legislative Assistant: Larry Ford, Andrea Jahna and Marty Mielke 306 Senate Office Building 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL Grimsley.Denise.web@flsenate.gov Representative Neil Combee R-District 39 Legislative Assistant: Barbara Blasingame 1302 The Capitol 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL Representative Seth McKell R-District 40 Legislative Assistant: Joseph Clements 222 The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL Senator Bill Nelson D-Florida 716 Senate hart Office Building Washington DC F: bill@billnelson.senate.gov Senator Marco Rubio R-Florida 317 Hart Senate Office Building Washington DC Representative C.W. Bill Young 10 th Congressional District Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC F: Representative Bill Posey 15 th Congressional District 120 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC F: Representative Dennis Ross R-Lakeland 12 th Congressional District 404 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC F:

12 Calling all members we are looking for letters from YOU!!! It does not have to be about the chapter it can be about legislative issues, community activities that have happened or other vital information. Please send your submissions to either PO Box 2743 Lakeland, FL or Upcoming ABATE Events Polk County Chapter June 16 th Chapter Meeting VFW Post 8002 June 21 st Newsletter submission deadline State July 13 th Leadership Seminar 9am - Days Inn and Suites Clermont July 14 th Presidents/Vice Presidents Meeting 9am - Days Inn and Suites Clermont August 10 th State Meeting 2pm Hosted by West Coast Chapter Other Chapters June 22 nd Daytona Beach s Poker Run for Autism June 29 th Palm Beach s Freedom Rights Rally

13 Saturday, July 13, 2013 Sunday, July 14, 2013 At the Days Inn and Suites N. US HWY 27, Clermont (Meeting Hall Downstairs in Hotels Ballroom) For Reservations Call: (352) Special Rates for ABATE These Leadership Seminars are for ALL CHAPTER OFFICERS. Each seminar will be presented by the State Board Member based on his or her respective office. These seminars will offer a good overview of the duties and responsibilities of a Chapter Officer and will give attendees a chance to get answers to their questions on an individual basis. TIME 8:00-9:00 9 :00-10:00 10:00-11:00 11:00-12:00 12:00-1:00 1:00-2:00 ROOM A Treasury (part 1) Treasury (part 2) Treasury (part 3) Treasury (part 4) Lunch Safety ROOM B Products Delegates Secretary Sgt-At-Arms Lunch Insurance ROOM C Legislative (part 1) Legislative (part 2) PR/Communications Newsletter Lunch Membership 9am - 12 Noon Presidents/Vice Presidents Meeting For further information contact: ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. State Office (386) DONATIONS TO ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLE FOR INCOME TAX PURPOSES ABATE DOES NO CONDONE DRINKING AND DRIVING

14 ABATE of Florida, Inc Polk County Chapter PO Box 2743 Lakeland, FL Dues, Donations, and fees to ABATE Events, etc. are not Deductible for federal income tax purposes Use a separate form for each member; duplicate form as needed. First: MI: Family/Last: Nickname : Address: City: Province/State: Postal Code: County: Phone: ( ) Is this a contact information change: Yes No How did you hear about ABATE? May we use your phone number for our Phone Tree? Yes No Are you a registered voter?: Yes No Newsletter Delivery? Mail Please choose: New Membership $20 Renew Membership $20 Lifetime Membership $150 Signature: Date: All members receive, with their paid membership, a membership card, our bi-monthly MasterLink magazine, chapter newsletter, chapter voting privileges, personal involvement in statewide legislative actions and their freedom to ride! Don t forget to renew your membership at least one month early to avoid gaps in membership. Please contact us for more information: president@polk.abateflorida.com All applications are subject to approval FOR ABATE OFFICE USE ONLY Membership dues paid by: Cash Check Money Order Total Paid: $ Membership Card Mailed: Copy of By-Laws Mailed: Membership expiration date: