DEDICATED TO FREEDOM OF THE ROAD - LET THOSE WHO RIDE DECIDE. September 2013

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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 September 2013 Contact Alex Waldron or Bob Fletcher if you are interested in volunteering for ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY CHAPTER IN MEMORY OF BROTHERS AND SISTERS LOST 33 rd ANNUAL FUNDRAISER AND STATE MEETING* Oct. 2:00 pm OCTOBER 11th,12th,13th 2013

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 Alex Waldron Vice President Bob Fletcher Secretary Lo Alexander Treasurer Stich Sgt. at Arms Bill Hardy Membership Z-Man Safety Open Products Lo Alexander PR Bill Hardy Legislative Z-Man Delegates Alex Waldron Natalie West Newsletter Deb Daggett Webmaster Open 2

4 Alex Waldron Hey everybody I just got a couple of things for this month. First off, Spooks and Scoots is coming up and it would be great to see you come out and help the Chapter earn some money by working the gate or just come out and have a good time! Anyone interested in helping out, give me or Bob Fletcher a call and let us know the best time for you to work the gate. Secondly, the Board had a meeting minus Bill Hardy and Stitch and we came to the agreement that there is too much hassle to try to do the Toy Run and the Rodeo together at two separate charges with the rodeo being $5.00 and the toy run being free. When you split it up like that it becomes two events and with us trying to put on a Poker Run as well we would be over our limit of permits for the year, which is three. So therefore, we decided to scrap the Poker Run as we have had no news, updates or anything for that event and just do the Toy Run, ending at the First Baptist Church at the mall. Also I personally believe, and our Board agrees, that the Toy Run and the Rodeo should be put on separately. So on that note I will wrap this up and talk to you guys later. As always for questions comments concerns call me at and at lx_waldron@yahoo.com. Thanks! Alex Bob Fletcher Greetings All: Our new meeting place is great. Thanks to everyone that came out to the meeting. I would like to also thank the new board for the work that they do. The weather is turning into riding weather. Bring a friend to our chapter meeting. Spooks is right around the corner and we can use help working the gate and support our neighboring chapter. Please come out and enjoy the event and help us with the gate duties. You don't have to be a member to volunteer. Oct is a great time to ride. Be safe and enjoy the ride VP Bob 3

5 Zman Thank you to our New Members: Wayne Dennis Renewing Members: Mark Dillon Reminder for Renewal: Please be sure to check your membership cards Expired in July: Marjorie Fyffe, Lora Parker, Brian Parker, Steve Ammerman Expired in Aug: William "Roscoe" Tomlin, Linda Vernon Due in Sept: William Cone,Tim Cross, Wendy Cross, Mark Dillon, Ron Galletti, Robert Gazzola, Greg Rager, Patricia Shifflett, Ron Shifflett, Ricky Shirah,Karen Sloan, Richard Sloan,Mike Thomas, Greg Vernon Due in Oct: John Gsellman, Andrew Hillier, John Kennedy, Christopher Young 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 Dewy meeting on October 20 th at Red Top Restaurant on North 98 in Lakeland with KSU at 8:30am sharp. If anyone has a place they would like to suggest meeting for future breakfast rides, let Alex or Bill Hardy know either at the meeting or by giving them a call. 4

6 Lo Alexander September 15, 2013 ABATE of Florida, Inc., Polk Co. Chapter meeting MINUTES The Eagles Aerie 5843 Brannon Road, Lakeland, Florida Thank you to today s meeting attendees: Ralph Snearly, Joe Imbrogno, Bob Fletcher, Tim McDermott, Renae Haruill, Bob Shelton, Dewey Cain, Mark Dillon, Barbara Watkins, Jan Reed, Dino Reed, Laura Perreault from Hillsborough Co. Jeff Schilling, Alex Waldron, Mark Zinser, Natalie West, Debbie Daggett, Don Jones, Vickie Bradshaw, Bill Cone, Maria Griffith, Lex Taylor, Lo Alexander, Earl Wemer, 1:15 The Pledge of Allegiance, and Moment of Silence were led by President, Alex Waldron who greeted everyone. He heard we had an excellent ride with Dewey. He then reported his findings using now available non-ethanol gasoline. We concluded that it is better for your bike to use 90 NON-ethanol than 93 WITH the ethanol. Vice-President, Bob Fletcher spoke of Spooks n Scoots and passed a volunteer sign-up sheet around. Dino of Hillsborough Co. said his chapter was grateful for all the work we did watching the gate for all these years. [By the way, it s lots of fun] October 11 th. 12 th.and 13 th Secretary, Lo Alexander thanked everyone for signing in and asked for corrections to the August minutes. FUB moved to accept the minutes, Z-Man seconded, and the MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY Treasurer, Jeff Schilling reported that we are doing well. Dewey moved to accept the Treasurer s report: Lex seconded. The motion was approved UNANIMOUSLY. Arms, Bill Hardy was absent and excused. Alex will call him to fill him in. The Poker Run committee list was passed around with a place for phone numbers. Membership, Z-Man noted our numbers are steady. Be sure to tell us of a change in your address. Products, Lo Alexander announced the Toy Run motorcycle parade T Shirt Design Contest. The Toy Run will be December 1 st. Your designs are due at the October meeting. The winner will be decided by popular vote. Legislative, Z-Man gave us the news. Both ABATE and the AMA have alerted congress to the motor damage caused by the addition of ethanol-e15. Bill 1539 has passed in Michigan. It allows road guards to stop and to direct traffic during a run. See Z-Man s article in this newsletter NEWSLETTER: Debbie Daggett is putting out the newsletter by herself and asks only that everyone get their submissions IN ON TIME [without having to be asked]. She plans to make sure that every member gets his newsletter in the manner he prefers-either by mail or electronically. Letters to the Editor are welcome! Really. OLD BUSINESS: Highway clean up folks will Shepherd Rd. and S. Florida the 7:00a. NEW BUSINESS: RE: The Toy Run. Dillon moved that we end the Toy Run at the Rodeo arena, not collect fees for the rodeo at the toy run, and that we sell the T-shirts rather than give them away. Dewey seconded. Discussion followed. The motion passed unanimously. [The Toy Run will still begin at Christina Park.] Good of the order: Dewey agreed to volunteer to lead the October Breakfast Fun Run. Adjourn: 2:07 Don moved, Z-Man seconded. The motion carried UNANIMOUSLY Respectfully submitted, Lo Alexander 5

7 Zman TALLAHASSEE Senate starting to prepare for the 2014 legislative session. Released schedules for committee meetings in Sept. & Oct. Senate President Don Gaetz, R Niceville, will kick off the first committee meeting Sept. 23 by meeting with committee chairmen. The Appropriations Committee will meet Sept. 26. The second round of meetings will run from Oct. 7 to Oct. 10. BILL PROPOSES REPEAL OF RED LIGHT CAMERAS Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, filed a bill aimed at turning off red light cameras that have popped up at intersections across the state. The measure (SB 144) would remove the Traffic Safety Act of 2010 from Florida law. The cameras are used to issue tickets to the owners of vehicles that run red lights, regardless of who is driving the vehicle. Brandes said in a news release "they were initially sold as safety devices, but I have come to firmly believe that they are now being used as backdoor tax increases". The state DOT in June directed local agencies to add at least 0.4 seconds to the yellow intervals on traffic lights. Research has found that yellow lights were set a half-a-second shorter than the recommended interval, which could result in the doubling of the number of tickets. A similar proposal failed to advance last session, but lawmakers included a provision in an omnibus transportation bill (HB 7125) that is intended to make it tougher for local governments to issue tickets to drivers caught on cameras turning right on red. WASHINGTON D.C. The U.S. EPA said that demand for ethanol-related fuel probably isn't enough to meet the requirements of federal law and changes may need to be made next year. ABATE & the AMA has repeatedly expressed concerns to government officials and federal lawmakers about possible damage to motorcycle and ATV engines caused by the inadvertent use of a new ethanol fuel blend called E15, which is 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline by volume. None of the estimated 22 million motorcycle and all-terrain vehicles in use is approved for E15, and it's use can even void manufacturers' warranties. 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). 6

8 It s starting to get cold, so be sure to get your long sleeved chapter shirt. The TOY RUN will be December 1 st this year. That means the TOY RUN T-shirt design contest is ON. Your next shirt may be one that you yourself designed. You do not have to be an artist, or draftsman, or have any skills at all to be our winner. Truly, it is your idea that is important. The print shop can do the lettering. The print shop can do wonders. You can use photos and drawings from magazines or your computer or just rough it out with your pencil. Why not give it a try? It s really fun to see someone wearing your design. (It is less fun to see them polishing their bike with your design. But it s all good.) Bring your designs to the October meeting. RE: The Toy Run. You re going to give a child a gift. Please give your chapter a gift-a gift of yourself. Come a little early and help Products with shirt sales. It takes two people. Getting the waivers signed is another important job. It isn t difficult, but it takes TIME. HELP HELP Be Safe, Be Creative. Be Helpful. Lo Alex 7

9 Bill Hardy Hey folks...been a busy month for me and wasn t able to make the meeting so I have nothing to report at this time. This submission is going to be a little unusual in that I am asking for someone who can work with me coordinating the safety issues at our events. I can be contacted at my , mrfxrman@hotmail.com, Thanks! I will be looking for volunteers for our poker run, when we have a date set. Ride safe Bill 8

10 Join Us! At our next meeting Oct 20, 2013 at 1:00PM EAGLES Post 5843 Brannen Rd Lakeland, FL Take South Florida to Sonny's Barbeque, follow Brannen Rd around the curve, it will be on the right. 9

11 I would just like to say that I was happy to see a lot of new faces, for me at least, at the last meeting!! Thank you for coming! Also, we are all in this for the same reason. To get the message out to people to watch for motorcycles, to fight for our safety and rights as motorcyclist and to have fun along the way. We need to join together and be the organization we can be. Strength is in numbers!!! Put feelings aside and let s work together to accomplish what we all want! Also, it would be nice to have updated addresses for everyone. If you prefer to have the newsletter sent to you in the US mail just let me know but I would like to send out reminders to those that have addresses for the meetings, poker runs, toy run, rodeo etc. We all get busy with our everyday lives and sometimes forget important dates. A reminder may help and I am willing to send them out. You can contact me at abatenewsletter@hotmail.com if I don t already have your address. 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. 10

12 Polk County Chapter Oct 20th Chapter Meeting Eagles Post on Brannen Rd W. Oct 25th Newsletter submission deadline State STATE MEETING* Oct. 2:00 pm Other Chapters October th Hillsborough County s 32nd Annual Spooks & Scoots 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 newsletter@polk.abateflorida.com 11

13 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 *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

14 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:

15 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 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: $ Membership Card Mailed: Copy of By-Laws Mailed: Membership expiration date: 2

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17 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Hillsborough County Chapter 33rd ANNUAL MEMORIAL RUN Hosted By the Hillsborough County Chapter & the Christian Motorcycle Riders (CMA) Christian Band 9 AM Bike Blessing & Devotional done by CMA 10 AM Run Line up at the Pavilion at 10:45 AM 11 AM Sunday, October 13, 2013 Run time approximately one hour Come Ride the Winding Hills of Central Florida In Memory of Brothers and Sisters Lost MEMORIAL RIDE BUTTONS (FOR RUN PARTICIPANTS ONLY) ALL ARE WELCOME NO FEES Please Visit the CMA area for a FREE Boot Shine & a Good Cup of Coffee - Daylight hours - Friday & Saturday