DEDICATED TO FREEDOM OF THE ROAD - LET THOSE WHO RIDE DECIDE. December 2014 MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU!!!!!

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1 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Polk County Chapter The Iron Press DEDICATED TO FREEDOM OF THE ROAD - LET THOSE WHO RIDE DECIDE December 2014 MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU!!!!! Benefiting the Polk County Christmas Angels, Inc

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 James Doc Reichenbach Vice President Dennis Mudder Rudoi Secretary Shelly Johnston Treasurer Patti Nasrallah Sgt. at Arms TJ Painter PR/Communications Sarabeth Kohl Webmaster Dan Slo Mo Henderson Masterlink Editor C/O State Office Membership Grace Lord Safety Program Legislative Darrin Scribe Brooks Products Steve Caretaker Knee Legal Larry Crow Position Name Phone President Bob Fletcher Vice President Greg Vernon Secretary Lo Alexander Treasurer Jesse Hicks Sgt. at Arms Tim McDermott Membership Deb Daggett Safety Bill Cone Products Lo Alexander PR Linda Vernon Legislative Z-Man Delegates Tim McDermott Mike Gray Newsletter Deb Daggett Webmaster Steve Ammerman

4 2 Bob Fletcher Greeting ABATE Members; Thanks to everyone that came out to the last meeting. It looks like they have put in a bill to add some teeth to the texting law. We need to see where it goes. The Toy run is right around the corner and I hope to see everyone come out and ride with us. Thanks to everyone that came out for the road side clean-up. It would be nice to see a few more members/ Friends join us. Hope to see you at the next meeting. Bob Greg Vernon Hey All Get ready for our annual Toy Run, Love this time of year. It's about giving rather than receiving. Be aware and safe this holiday season as more cagers are on the road and not paying attention. As always it's always good to see the CMA Iron fisherman attend our meetings and as well as being members. Be thinking of our next Meet and Greet ideas and bring them with you to the next meeting...a big thanks goes out to Linda for the awesome chili she made for the last meeting. Remember to ride safe and ride free Greg Vernon, V.P.

5 3 Lo Alexander NOVEMBER 16, 2014 ABATE of Florida Inc., Polk County Chapter Meeting AGENDA Johnny G s 5153 North US 98, Lakeland, Florida THANK YOU to today s meeting s attendees: Alex McDermott, Ralph Snearly, Dewey Cain, Lex Taylor, Crazy Rick, Kim Struve, Muff and Muffett (CMA), Ray Redding(CMA), John Timothy ``Roadmap McDermott, Don Jones, Linda Vernon, Greg Vernon, Bob Fletcher, Bill Howe, 1:15 The Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence were led by PRESIDENT, BOB FLETCHER. Bob spoke briefly about the issues that he would manage: the TOY RUN permits, Roscoe s and the chapter trailer. Vice President, GREG VERNON also spoke of the TOY RUN, where are the Jeeps? Secretary, LO ALEXANDER thanked everyone for signing in. No corrections to last month s minutes were noted. Dewey moved to accept them as read. Tim seconded. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL Treasurer, JESSIE HICKS was absent and excused. Bob presented her report. Ralph moved to accept the findings; Dewey seconded. UNANIMOUS AGREEMENT Sgt.@ Arms, TIM McDERMOTT praised this morning s ride. December s BREAKFAST FUN RUN will meet at the Brunch Box. 9a! PR, LINDA VERNON broke the news that we have NO TRAILERS suitable for the children to ride in for the TOY RUN. Discussion followed. Safety Officer, BILL CONE was absent due to complications from previous crash. Membership and Newsletter, DEBBIE DAGGETT was absent and excused. Legislation, ZMAN was absent and excused, see Newsletter for his report. Webmaster, STEVE AMMERMAN is working in Chicago. OLD BUSINESS: Avon Park Rodeo Request, Bob will contact Inerstate Chapter. Discussion of TOY RUN. All is in place. NEW BUSINESS: There was no new business. Good of the Order: HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION Saturday, November 8:30a. the Seven Eleven at South Florida Ave. and Shepherd Road Also on Nov. 22 the Romp in the Swamp will 4p. See Greg for details..the Wreath Run to the Veterans Cemetery will be Saturday, Dec. 13. If you want to ride with us and the CMA, meet at 5:45am at Lakeland Harley. 6:00am to ride to Saddle Creek to meet up with the military and others.thanks to the PRODUCTS committee for the new ``ABATE----> sign..get drawing tickets from Dewey [quickly as tickets are due back next mo.] Thanks to Johnny G and to Linda for the chili. Adjourn 2:26p Respectfully submitted, Lo Alexander, November 18, 2014

6 4 Debbie D Membership Report Total Members: 128 Welcome to NEW Member: Vernon Pappy Shoots Due in November: Ron Delaulier Due in December: Joe Imbrogno, Vern Kreuser, Karen Robinson, Terry Robinson, Ralph Snearly Due in January 2015: Vickie Bradshaw, Don Jones, Tom Lowndes, Tony Shank, Linda Vernon Reminder for Renewal: Please be sure to check your membership cards 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

7 5 Zman LEGISLATIVE REPORT, DECEMBER 2014 NEWSLETTER Hey y all. This month s topics are: 1. Tougher Texting While Driving Law 2. MRF 2015 Legislative Strategy Agenda 3. Biker garb causes court to OVERTURN SEX CRIME CONVICTION (WTF!!) 4. Gun Owner Rights BILL WOULD TOUGHEN TEXTING WHILE DRIVING BAN A South Florida lawmaker Wednesday filed a proposal that would strengthen the state's ban on texting while driving, giving police officers more power to pull over motorists for tapping messages while behind the wheel. The bill (HB 1), filed by Rep. Richard Stark, D-Weston, will be considered by lawmakers during the 2015 session. Under current law, texting while driving is considered a "secondary" offense. That means drivers can only be cited if they are stopped by police for other reasons. But Stark's bill would eliminate that restriction, giving police more authority to enforce the ban. Also, the bill would double fines for people caught texting while driving in school zones or at designated school crossings. MRF Legislative Strategy Agenda At the 2014 Motorcycle Riders Foundation s (MRF) 30th Anniversary Meeting of the Minds Conference held in September in Kansas City, Missouri, a Legislative Strategy Session was hosted by the MRF s Legislative Committee. As has been done for the past several years, the MRF requested that it be attended by Sustaining State Motorcyclists Rights Organizations (SSMRO) Legislative and/or Executive Officers. We welcomed several representatives from our Sustaining Motorcycle Clubs and Organizations as well. The goal was to set the MRF s Federal Legislative Agenda for the 2014 Meeting of the Minds to the 2015 Meeting of the Minds annual cycle. The MRF s SSMRO partners responded once again with a majority attendance that resulted in a healthy dialogue focused on motorcycling. The MRF Legislative Committee remains extremely pleased at the aligned and clear direction we experienced again this year from our SSMRO partners. This level of agreement continues to allow for solid action plans to be developed by our Legislative Committee and our Board of Directors that can be effectively employed by our Government Relations Department and our SSMRO partners while in Washington D.C. and in working federal issues in their home states. Additionally, we continue to see productive gains in state legislative activities that support our federal efforts when it comes to protecting on-road motorcyclists, motorcycling, and its associated lifestyle. The MRF Legislative Committee continued the practice instituted four years ago of recording one vote per SSMRO in attendance. A full breakdown of each vote can be seen in the upcoming issue of the MRF Reports. The session this year was moderated by MRF Vice President, Jay Jackson, with support from MRF Vice President of Government Relations & Public Affairs, Jeff Hennie, and MRF President, Kirk Hardtail Willard.

8 6 MAP 21 upcoming reauthorization (the Highway Bill) To include Motorcycle 2010 type Grant Funding (the MRF to pursue the current levels of funding along with a request to tighten up language for qualification and use), continuation of the NHTSA Lobbying Ban, pursue reinstatement of the Motorcycle Advisory Council (MAC) to advise the FHWA (Federal Highway Administration), oppose any motorcycling related federal blackmails or federal sanctions contained in the highway bill; closely monitor for any action that would negatively impact motorcycles, motorcycling, and motorcyclists; seek to include HR1861 type language to ban motorcycle specific roadblock grant funding SAE Motorcycle Roadside Sound Test The MRF to NOT promote the use of the SAE Sound Test as a National enforcement standard, majority considered this a state issue NHTSA motorcycle-specific checkpoint grant program MRF to carry out a full effort to cut off specified use of funding for this motorcycle-based discriminatory practice, work with SMRO s to exchange information on passing anti-checkpoint laws within the state, work to get new HR1861 like resolution language written and introduced Continue monitoring the Federal Crash Causation study and the MSF Naturalistic study Strongly oppose any federal standard proposing stamping and certifying of motorcycle exhaust systems Continue to oppose federal agency activity regarding EPA Sound Emission User studies and the encouragement of state activity with federal resources again deemed to be a state issue Work to discourage ALL forms of distracted driving, and oppose all forms of funding blackmails or withholding of funds as related to motorcyclists, watch this issue closely for motorcycle specific discriminatory language Continue participation at the federal level where the definition of a motorcycle is under review taking advantage of any opportunity available to enhance and further clarify MRF will oppose any motorcycling, motorcycle, or motorcyclist-based discriminatory legislation or rules proposed by the U.S. Congress or by a federal agency MRF to seek a legislative vehicle to include motorcyclist anti-profiling language this upcoming session Continue participation in motorcycle related activity in the European Union, United Nations and Canada MRF to fiercely oppose any mandatory helmet or apparel standards MRF directed by our SSMRO s to not support the use of ethanol fuels higher than E10 or any other newly developed fuel blends including alternative renewable fuels without further testing on motorcycle engines and obtaining specific recommendations from motorcycle manufacturers approving their use, MRF and SSMRO s to continue to pursue passage of HR875 type language MRF to continue to insure the inclusion of motorcycles in ongoing Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) emerging technologies Pursue safer roadway design strategies at the federal level, include safer cable barrier research similar to European improvements in the discussion Continue to promote our theme of crash avoidance versus safer crashing, using the principles of HR1498 urging NHTSA to focus on crash prevention and rider education

9 7 MRF to pursue limiting funding of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for their increasing involvement in motorcycling safety issues MRF to pursue limiting of funding of CDC on their involvement in motorcycling safety issues through a relevant appropriations bill, pursue CDC lobby ban and seek to remove language where CDC suggests motorcycle crashes are preventable injury events. MRF to continue to support efforts to refocus the CDC on their mission as stated in the letter from Congressman Petri to the CDC on September 27th, 2013 MRF to monitor private organizations that oppose the legislative agenda or mission of the MRF and investigate their funding sources to make certain they are not receiving federal tax dollars MRF to monitor public organizations for funding sources when in opposition to our legislative agenda or mission and respond appropriately if they receive federal tax dollars MRF to monitor and report on transportation entities that are active in motorcycling but by their charters or mission statements are or should be non-relevant to motorcycles MRF to monitor and report on non-transportation federal agencies becoming increasingly involved in motorcycling such as the Government Accountability Office (GAO) MRF to continue to closely monitor the federally mandated Affordable Health Care Act for potential motorcyclist and motorcycling discrimination MRF to fully engage the EPA on upcoming activity on motorcycle emission regulations and motorcycle drive train mandates MRF to support the Black Box Protection Act, currently HR2414, seek introduction of similar language in the upcoming Congress to regulate black boxes in motorcycles, seek to clarify the rights of the vehicle owner to ownership of the recorded data MRF to research fair tolling concepts on federally funded roads and roads supported by federal bonds Federal Agency Motorcycle Design Standards MRF to oppose non-motorcycle manufacturer mandated specific design standards There was agreement that while the handling of non-motorcycle powered two and three wheelers such and mopeds, scooters, and the various cabin based steering wheel type vehicles was considered a state by state issue that there would be an effort to get these removed from motorcycle crash statistics if they do not have to follow the existing motorcycle licensing program in the state. With the current U.S. Congress, combined with our comprehensive and aggressive legislative agenda, the MRF Legislative Committee strongly encourages our SSMRO partners and our MRF members to actively engage in a lively motorcycling dialogue with their U.S. House of Representative and U.S. Senate Members as an immediate priority. We will need a strong presence going into the new 114th Congress as well. If your SSMRO needs any assistance in planning a trip to Washington D.C. to begin or strengthen the dialogue with your members of Congress, contact Jeff Hennie in the MRF office at or Jeff@mrf.org. We would also like to encourage you to finalize your plans to attend our national biker lobby day event in Washington D.C., Bikers Inside the Beltway, on Thursday May 14th, See our website at for more details. MRF Legislative Committee Members:

10 8 Dave DAD Dwyer, George Gorman, Jeff Hennie, Lenny Holcomb, Jay Jackson, Jim Legs Korte, Boyd McFail, Bob Myers, Todd Riba, Kirk Hardtail Willard (Chair) BIKER GARB CAUSES COURT TO OVERTURN SEX-CRIME CONVICTION By JIM SAUNDERS THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, October 29, A state appeals court Wednesday ordered a new trial for a man convicted of sexually abusing his former step-daughter because of the possible influence on jurors of people wearing leather jackets emblazoned with the name "Bikers Against Child Abuse." In a 2-1 decision, the 1st District Court of Appeal said the bikers were seen sitting in a hallway with jurors on the morning that the trial of Brian Scott Long was scheduled to start in Duval County. The majority of the appeals court agreed with Long's attorney that "an unacceptable risk was created that the verdict reached was, at least in part, a result of the pre-trial encounter with the insignia-laden bikers." "While we would not describe the bikers with a pejorative term such as mob, it is nevertheless the case that these individuals appeared at trial with the announced purpose of remonstrating 'against child abuse. Said the majority opinion, written by appeals-court Judge William Van Nortwick and joined by Judge Philip Padovano. "The bikers, then, sought to send an implied message to the jury that Long should be found guilty. Such a message has no part in a trial." But Judge Lori Rowe, in a dissenting opinion, wrote that the trial judge questioned the jurors and determined that they could be impartial. The trial judge, who denied a motion for mistrial, also told the bikers not to wear their insignia in the courtroom and not to congregate around the jurors. Several bikers were spectators in the courtroom during the trial. "Simply put, there is absolutely no evidence in the record that the jurors in this matter were in any way influenced by the presence of the bikers before and during the trial,'' Lowe wrote. "Indeed, the trial court, who was in the best position to monitor the atmosphere of the courtroom, found no actual or inherent prejudice as a result of the presence of the bikers in the hallway." Long was charged with multiple counts of lewd and lascivious molestation and sexual battery of his former step-daughter, according to Tuesday's ruling. The crimes were alleged to have taken place over several years, and the victim did not report them until years after she said they happened. The jury ultimately convicted Long of two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation and one count of sexual battery by a person in familial or custodial authority, the ruling said. Department of Corrections records indicate Long, 44, was sentenced in 2012 to 30 years in prison. Lowe's dissent said the case is the first time that the Tallahassee-based appeals court has ruled on the "question of whether conduct by a private spectator at trial can be found inherently prejudicial." But she pointed, in part, to the Florida Supreme Court's handling of issues involving spectator conduct, including a case in which a spectator during jury selection wore a shirt memorializing a murder victim. "The Florida Supreme Court has never held or implied that a defendant has been deprived of the right to a fair trial by private spectators displaying buttons, pictures, or other insignia inside the courtroom,'' Rowe wrote. "And, it has certainly never attempted to regulate the conduct of spectators outside the courtroom, in regards to the wearing of buttons, pictures, or other insignia." But the appeals court's majority wrote that the bikers knew the victim and could have shown support for her without the garb. The ruling said the bikers chose to wear clothing to send a message. "That message was the appellant (Long) was a sexual abuser and that sexual abuse was to be condemned by a guilty verdict,'' the ruling said.

11 9 WOMAN IN WARNING SHOT CASE ACCEPTS PLEA, WILL BE FREED IN JANUARY Facing a sentence of 60 years in prison for firing a gun at her alleged abuser, a Jacksonville woman Monday accepted a plea deal that will see her released in two months. Marissa Alexander will end up serving three years with credit for time served, plus two years of home confinement. Alexander, a 33-year-old mother of three, fired shots during a 2010 dispute with her husband, Rico Gray, in her Jacksonville home. She claimed that she feared a beating at his hands. Under the state's Life mandatory-minimum sentencing law, she faced at least 20 years for firing the gun. State Attorney Angela Corey originally sought a 20-year sentence, but decided to seek 60 years because two of Gray's children were present when the shots were fired. Although the shots hit a wall, Corey has said Alexander fired in anger, not in fear. The case drew national attention and sparked a new Florida law, the "Threatened Use of Force Act," which went into effect July 1 and provides immunity from prosecution for firing weapons in circumstances in which the actual use of force would be justified. On Monday, Greg Newburn of the group Families Against Mandatory Minimums called the case a glaring example of the unintended consequences of mandatory-minimum laws. "While there was disagreement about Alexander's guilt or innocence, no one outside the state attorney's office believed that 60 years in prison --- or even the original 20 years --- was an appropriate sentence for a first-time offender and a crime where no one was injured," Newburn said in a statement. In a 2012 trial, Alexander tried to invoke the state's stand your ground self-defense law, but a jury found her guilty. That verdict was overturned by the 1st District Court of Appeal, which found an error in the judge s instructions to the jury. As a result, Alexander had faced another trial next year. GUN BILL COULD REKINDLE DEBATE ABOUT SCHOOL SAFETY After the issue drew heavy debate during the 2014 legislative session, a House Republican is bringing back a proposal that could lead to some public-school employees or volunteers carrying guns on campus. Sarasota Republican Greg Steube last week filed the proposal (HB 19) for consideration during the 2015 session. Under the bill, a school superintendent, with the backing of the local school board, could authorize a "school safety designee" to carry a concealed weapon on school property. That designee could be an honorably discharged military veteran, an active-duty member of the military, National Guard or reserves or an active-duty of former law-enforcement officer. The designee would have to be licensed to carry a concealed weapon, complete a school-safety program and pass a background screening. The bill says the Legislature would not mandate that schools have such designees but that it is "the intent of the Legislature to prevent violent crimes from occurring on school grounds. The Legislature acknowledges that the safekeeping of our students, teachers and campuses is imperative." House members voted in April to support the 2014 version of the bill, but the proposal did not pass the Senate. Critics argued that the state should spend money to put more trained law-enforcement officers, known as school resource officers, on campuses instead of moving forward with the designee idea. I d like to say I hope everyone had a Great Thanksgiving, and look forward to seeing y all at the Toy Run. Until next month, ride safe and enjoy, Zman Hello Everyone, Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We are gearing up for our TOY RUN on December 7th. Hope everyone can make it. It should be an awesome day. Thank you to everyone who showed up to the last meeting. I hope to see more faces this month at our meeting. Everyone needs to pass the word about our TOY RUN so we can have a good turnout. Remember that all the gifts brought will benefit children in Polk County. That s all for now. I hope everyone has a great month. Ride safe! Linda Vernon, Public Relations

12 10 This month s run will be led by Tim Roadmap McDermott. Meet on Dec 21st at the Brunch Box on 92, Lakeland at 8:00 am for breakfast. If you don t want to eat be there for KSU at 9:00am sharp. If anyone has a place they would like to suggest meeting for future breakfast rides, please let us know at the next meeting or call our Sgt. of Arms.Tim McDermott. Steve Ammerman Hi Polk County, As of this writing, I m still in Chicago. I m networking with ABATE of Illinois and I ve joined the DuKane Chapter. We ve been discussing goals and methods. I ve found a few things that we could try for fund raisers and membership goals. I m now scheduled to be home at the end of the second week in December. I may miss the Toy Run, but I ve been promoting it on 4 Facebook pages including my own. I will be back for the December meeting. One of the things I ve been working on up here for our chapter will be seen at the December Chapter meeting, so don t miss it. Through ABATE of Illinois; I met a riders group called the Rescue Riders. They are riders trained in basic first aid and accident scene management. It just so happens that they have an instructor in the Orlando area. I spoke with Mr. Timothy Tobin and he has agreed to come to the December meeting and give us a presentation on what the Rescue Riders are all about. Steve

13 11 A special thanks to Lo and Tim McDermott, Bob Fletcher, Ralph Snearly, Zman, Joe Imbrogno, Barbara Watkins and Dewey Cain for your help with the Highway cleanup. Next date for this will be in Feb ABATE came to Florida in the mid 1970 s. 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).

14 12 Motorcycle Escort Join us at Saddle Creek Corporation to Escort the Wreaths by police escort to the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL and help us Remember Honor & Teach December 13, 2014 Saddle Creek Corporation 3010 Saddle Creek Rd Lakeland, FL We ask that you arrive at 6:00am, we will leave by 8:00am. Our goal is to reach 10,000 Wreaths, help us by Sponsoring a wreath, sponsorship forms are available at: wreathsacrossamericabushnell.com

15 13 ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC Polk County Chapter s Benefiting the Polk County Christmas Angels, Inc ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC., POLK COUNTY CHAPTER INVITES YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MOTORCYCLE PARADE POLK COUNTY CHRISTMAS ANGLES WILL BE ACCEPTING DONATIONS OF NEW UNWRAPPED TOYS That will benefit only POLK COUNTY CHILDREN GATHERING AT CHRISTINA PARK 11:00AM FREE ADMISSION W CR 540A LAKELAND, FL KICKSTANDS UP PROMPTLY AT 1:00PM Ending at Johnny G s 5153 US Highway 98 N Lakeland, FL Decorate your bike to show Your Christmas spirit For more information call Greg (V.P.) at or or president.polkcountyabate@gmail.com Event ending at 4:00 pm Membership and safety information available NO PETS, GUNS, OR ATTITUDES DONATIONS TO ABATE Of Florida, Inc. ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLE FOR FEDERAL TAX PURPOSES ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. AND POLK COUNTY CHAPTER DO NOT CONDONE

16 Join Us! At our next meeting Dec 21st, 2014 at 1:00PM Johnny G s 5153 US Hwy 98 North Lakeland, FL 14

17 15 Hey Guys!! Just want to say I hope everyone had a very Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!! Christmas is coming upon us so I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! Be safe in your travels during the holiday season!! Hope to see you at the next meeting! I still need help finding a few members with NO address. If you know how to get in touch with any of the people on this list, will you please either give me their contact information or have them contact me? State is wanting me to get their up-to-date addresses so they can at least receive the Master Link if not the Newsletter. Thanks for your help! Jim Barber Al Billings, Marlena Billings Jim & Kat Brayman David Domings Scott Klarer Urk Oldham Robin Peer Anthony Pewonski Brian Rutledge Rick Thorstead Paul Ware Paul Wilhelm Until next time, enjoy the ride and be safe! Deb 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.

18 16 Polk County Chapter Dec 7th POLK COUNTY ABATE s TOY RUN Dec 21st BREAKFAST RUN, Brunch Box on North 92, see newsletter for details. Dec 21st Chapter Meeting Johnny G s, 5153 Hwy 98 North Dec 27th Newsletter submission deadline State DEC 13 th Treasure Coast Chapter is hosting ABATE of Florida, Inc. s State Mtg Other Chapters Dec 6th Inerstate 29th Annual Toy Run Dec 6th First Coast Toy Run Every TUES 6-9 PM BEEF O BRADYS Northside Lakeland Every WED 6 PM -?? MOJO s - Lakeland Every THURS 7 PM -?? JOHNNY G s Lakeland 7 PM -?? LA s MIDWAY Across from Winter Haven Airport Every FRI 7 PM -?? POUR HOUSE Havendale Blvd, Winter Haven 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 abatenewsletter@hotmail.com

19 2 ABATE-Polk County Chapter Life 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 *Medical Malpractice *Social Security Claims *Wrongful Death *Automobile Accidents *Probate & Insurance 3900 South Florida Avenue, Suite 205 Lakeland, FL Toll Free or visit us at ABATE of Florida member since 1993

20 3 Contact your elected officials - They work for YOU! For corrections to this listing please newsletter@polk.abateflorida.com Governor Rick Scott 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 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 McKeel R-District 40 Legislative Assistant: Joseph Clements 222 The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 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 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:

21 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: 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 Accommodations: All hotel accommodations and related special requests must be made directly with the hotel. 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: polkcountyabate@hotmail.com. All applications are subject to approval FOR ABATE OFFICE USE ONLY Membership dues paid by: Cash Check Money Order Total Paid: $