A B A T E. October/November MAIL TO: November 9 Toy Run. Bi-Monthly Newsletter. rotherhood gainst otalitarian nactments

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1 ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. Peace River Chapter P O Box Murdock, FL MAIL TO: A B A T E merican ikers imed oward ducation rotherhood gainst otalitarian nactments Bi-Monthly Newsletter October/November 2014 November 9 Toy Run

2 Peace River ABATE Contact List President Johnny Martin (941) Vice President Big John Little (317) Secretary Jane Brotz (941) Treasurer Bill Bird (941) Sgt-At-Arms Dave Adams (941) State Rep Billy Bird (941) State Rep Bill Neal (941) Membership Annette Rohler (941) Products Melita Ballard (941) Public Relations Susan Hurst (941) Newsletter Ads Susan Hurst (941) Legislative Billy Neal (941) Safety OPEN POSITION Chaplain Paul Pawlicki (941) Chapter Newsletter Editor Susan Hurst (941) Webmistress Peace River ABATE of Florida WHO WE ARE We are a non-profit organization of motorcycle enthusiasts from all walks of life. We lobby and educate the government and the 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, and political awareness. We ARE NOT A CLUB OR A GANG. We fund our work through toy runs, poker runs, camp-outs, and other motorcycle activities. We are your neighbors & 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. OUR GOALS: To become a powerful and viable political force in legislative matters concerning the motorcyclist. To promote the safe riding habits without infringing on individual freedoms. To motivate the bikers to write letters to their legislators before, during, and after the legislative session. To furnish our members with a newsletter to keep all bikers informed in regards to upcoming legislation. 1 38

3 May Meeting Minutes - continued Newsletter, PR, Website: Susan Hurst August/September newsletter will be out August 1. Need correct addresses. Working on having PR at different events. That Patriot Riders, leathernecks and defenders will be joining with us for the Toy Run on Sunday, November 9. Butch Emy said there s Patriot Guard Riders which are national and there s Patriot Riders America and they are in Charlotte County. Susan will check to see which one it is. She is starting from scratch to make the website more userfriendly. Patti from the state is helping with obtaining a new software program. Website should ne up in the next couple of weeks. Products: Melita Ballard - ABSENT Safety: POSITION STILL OPEN. Jim Kiefer will cover until we get someone permanent. Legislative: Billy Neal New Charlotte County candidates are putting out their signs. He needs information about the different district candidates. Old Business: NONE New Business: Mike Duffy, President of the West Coast Chapter of ABATE, wants to help us with anything we need. Good of the Order: Jim Kiefer said a Bike Night is every third Thursday at Englewood Event Center, 7pm. Jim Kiefer also said Friday, August 1, at Englewood Event Center, three bands will be playing; $25 fee. A new band is starting at 7:30pm; Jim s band at 8:30pm; and Head East at 9:30pm. He has advance ticket sfor sale. Paul Pawlicki said CMA Bible Study is on the 4th Tuesday at 7pm. Progressive is at $275; still no winner. Motion to adjourn: Greg Borden, second, Darrell LaCourse. 37 President - Johnny Martin Hello fellow Freedom Fighters! I hope you were among the folks that donated school supplies with us on August 24th. This is something we look forward to every year. Along with our Food Run and Toy Run, we always look forward to giving back to the community. You can t expect the community to give us any support if we don t support the community as well. It s also very rewarding and has been known to give folks a case of the Warm Fuzzies! We re still looking for sponsors for our annual Toy Run in November. If you own a business or know someone who owns a business (go to your boss at work), please talk to them about sponsoring this truly giving event. It s all about the kids! So many children don t have the luxury of having parents that can afford gifts for Christmas. With sponsorship of this event, a business can get their name and logo on any and all advertising for this event and they can write it off on their taxes as an advertising expense! They can also have a booth at the event free of charge. Ultimately, the more money we can raise for this event, the more attractions we can have at the event. The more attractions we have at the event, the more people that will come bringing toys. We had about 300 bikes last year, I would like to see that doubled this year! Lastly, if you ride to work in the wee hours of the morning as I do, you ve probably noticed a slight chill to the air. Well, a bit more chill than there has been anyway. That can only mean one thing; soon there will be millions of old people who can t drive for crap heading to Florida! Be prepared. It s inevitable. They are coming! Run for the hills! (what hills?) Anyway, remember that your riding habits are going to change in the coming months. Allow yourself more time to get to your destination as snowbirds like to drive slow. Don t follow too closely as they often will stop and/or turn at a moments notice or, in many cases, no notice at all. Always look for an escape route BEFORE trouble happens. 2 Continued on page 3

4 President s Report - continued... You can t always stop in time and may have to veer to the left or right to avoid a collision, so keep a thought about which way you will go if something happens suddenly. Keep an eye out for things that may cause a snowbird to stop and/or turn suddenly like yard sales and flea markets. Snowbirds often slow way down when traveling over a bridge so they can enjoy the view and/or take pictures. Watch for this as well and be prepared for sudden lane changes. It s going to happen but if you re ready for what may come your way, you can still enjoy a nice ride! Sure, you can flip them off and blow your horn if it makes you feel better (I do), but don t let these buttheads rob you of what you love best: riding! Be prepared for anything! Until next time, ride safe, ride free, thanks to ABATE! July 27 Meeting Minutes - by Annette Rohler Call to Order: Greg Borden Prayer: Paul Pawlicki President: Johnny Martin Announced Dave Adams as new Sgt. At Arms. Five-Star Event camping at Peace River Campground Friday and Saturday, August 8 & 9. $5 gate fee with food, vendors, and music. We sponsored the State Meeting on Saturday, August 9 at the Arcadia Women s Club.Want a good turnout since we re sponsoring it for the first time in 10 years. School Supply Run is after the chapter meeting on Sunday, August 24. Going to Charlotte County Teacher s Supply Depot. Pre-Biketoberfest is at Tarzan s on Sunday, September 21 from 1-6. $10,000 ticket on sale $5 each. Drawing on Saturday, March 14, Do not need to be present to win. $7,000 first place, $2,000 second place, and $1,000 third place. 7,500 tickets printed. Vice President: Big John Little Went to Leadership meeting in Clermont. Doc is looking into cycle safety training through ABATE. Is in infancy stage right now and hopefully will be ready in 2-3 years. School Supply Run! A huge thank you to Greg Linehan (Wittmer Linehan Attorneys) on his donation to the School Supply Run! Greg and his lovely daughter spent time with the members of the Peace River Chapter on our Thank you, Greg, for helping make a difference in the lives of the children in our area! Secretary: ABSENT. Stand In: Annette Rohler 3 36 Treasurer: Bill Bird Gave treasury report. Asked for motion to accept. Motion Bill Neal, Second, Susan Hurst. Sgt. At Arms: Dave Adams Greg Borden gave Dave his noose. Membership: Annette Rohler Read renewals, Life anniversaries and new members. 302 members and 3 new members today Continued on page 37

5 NEW Meeting location! Tarzan s Jungle Bar! Goals and Purposes of ABATE * To print a newsletter keeping all bikers informed in regards to legislative actions and events around our state and throughout our country * To become a powerful and viable force in legislative matters concerning motorcyclist rights * To promote voter registration and motivate members to write to their legislators * To promote the safe riding habits without infringing on individual s rights That s right! It was voted on and accepted at our April meeting, that our new monthly meeting will be held at Tarzan s Jungle Bar! Bernie, the owner of Tarzans, AND a Peace River Chapter Member, will NOT be charging us a monthly fee. We will be holding our monthly meetings at Tarzans, starting at 11:00. Tarzan s is closed to the public during our meeting. So, the place is all ours! * To provide for a lobbyist Our monthly meetings are held every 4th Sunday of the month! We meet at Tarzan s Jungle Bar 9071 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice Peace River ABATE of Florida 9071 S Tamiami Trail, Venice Corner of River Road and Tamiami Trail 35 4

6 School supply run photos! Membership (continued) November 2014 LIFE ANNIVERSARIES Dave Adams - 1 year Kande Lafferty - 8 years Greg Borden - 12 years Jeanne Lewis - 8 years Donald Campbell - 29 years John Martin - 4 years Mark Coffman - 21 years Chip Meyers - 16 years Lawrence Cox - 10 years Greg Ortel - 20 years Bill Furst - 16 years Al Petrillio - 16 years Brett Gambuzza - 2 years Norman Randall - 20 years Lori Gardner - 12 years Bob Sherman - 14 years William Gardner - 13 years Dale Smith - 12 years Collette Gibbs - 9 years Brian Snyder - 8 years Gerald Hines - 14 years John South - 13 years George Kauffman - 12 years Joe Stella - 25 years November 2014 LIFE ANNIVERSARIES Michelle Adams Joe Jupina Buddy Cook Danielle McCarty Mo Cook Ed McCarty Jon Houghten Herman Mizell New Members - Welcome!! Michelle Adams Buddy Cook Mo Cook Houghten, Jon Joe Jupina Danielle McCarty Ed McCarty Herman Mizell 5 34

7 Peace River ABATE Mascot! Moving? Moved? If you are moving or have moved, you must contact our membership trustee, Annette Rohler, and provide her with this new information. She is the only person that is to receive address and phone number changes. You can reach Annette at: Do YOU have a new Address? So many times we are inundated with complaints that people aren t aware of what s going on in our chapter. From, I don t get my newsletter, to How come I didn t hear about this new motorcyclerelated legislation being voted on? Mr. Ali Bird was busy helping us do the product inventory. Well... Actually... He was using Susan s lap as his area to oversee the workers! Instead of being reactive, why not be pro-active! Let us know if you have an address. is the quickest, fastest way for you to be informed with all that the Peace River Chapter is involved in. So, today, while you re reading this paragraph, go ahead and set down the newsletter, go over to your computer and send an to: PeaceRiverABATE@gmail.com 33 6 Let us know of your address TODAY! We don t sell our lists and don t send SPAM - unless you like your Spam fried with a couple eggs on the side.

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9 All things new - by Chaplain Paul I had to do it. I had no choice, but after close to 150,000 miles I had to trade my Harley in on a new model. Although it served me well it was a love/hate relationship on many occasions. It was a difficult decision to make and if I had a magic wand I would have renewed my Harley rather than replace it but after an increasing amount of repairs both mechanical and cosmetically, it was useless. She was just too tired to safely take me without the delay of repairs on my many journeys. So regretfully the decision was made and now I am on a new set of wheels. For me it is bitter Sadly, things just wear out. Going back to old neighborhoods, reunions with old friends after a few years and looking in the mirror it all becomes obvious to us that nothing remains the same. Harleys wear out, neighborhoods deteriorate and our bodies age. Our good looks decrease proportionate to the increase of our waistlines! Wouldn t it be nice if we could just turn back the hands of time and be renewed? In Revelation 21:5 Jesus promises, I will make all things new. Not replaced, not reconditioned but new. That means us who are in Christ will be make new once again. No wrinkles, no beer belly and no worry. Everything new including a new and perfect Jerusalem with streets of gold and crystal water. Beauty and peace beyond worldly description or The promise is those of us who are in the Book of Life, that is in Christ, will never hunger or thirst. Big John Little - Vice President Hello, we have our annual toy run coming up on November 9th. Again if you would like to help out we are always needing folks to step up and help out. So, if you were wondering what you can do to become more involved in the chapter here's a great way to start. The weather is starting to change up North; it's getting colder up there. So, all the folks will be making their trek down to warm sunshine. With that comes more traffic and more drivers not paying attention to motorcycles. It has been nice to ride these past few months but we all know how dangerous it can be riding these next few months. So be careful when you re out on the roads enjoying your ride. Unfortunately, we are the ones that have to be on the lookout for the other drivers. It's getting close to election time, get out and vote. If you re not happy with the way things are done and you didn't vote then you have no right to complain. If you want things to change then YOU have to take action. Don't just sit on the sidelines thinking, Man, I shoulda done something about this! Whether you believe it or not your vote does count! You can make a difference. Until next time Ride safe everyone Big John We will feel no sadness but have everlasting joy in a new improved body. And most important, no Harley payments. 31 8

10 Legislator Contact Information: Marco Rubio RFL United States Senate 317 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC PH: FX: Tampa Office: 3802 Spectrum Boulevard, Ste. 106 Tampa, FL Bill Nelson DFL United State Senate 716 Hart Senate Office bldg. Washington, DC PH: FX: Ft. Myers Office: Justice Center Annex Building 2000 Main Street, Suite 804 Ft. Myers, FL Nancy Detert Dist Senate Office Bldg. 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL PH: District Office: 417 Commercial Court, Suite D Venice, FL PH: FX: SENATE FOR SOUTHERN SARASOTA COUNTY Ken Roberson Dist House Office Bldg. 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL PH: District Office: 17825B Murdock Circle Port Charlotte, FL PH: Ken.roberson@myfloridahouse.gov Wednesday Night If you re looking to do something different, fun, and exciting, then saddle up on your motorcycle and meet the Wednesday Night Crew! The WNTC are always looking for a new adventure as well as blowing the cobwebs out of the bikes! This is a great mid-week adventure that welcomes anyone! The WNTC meets at the corner of 776 and 41, at the BP gas station. They leave PROMPTLY at 7:00pm! If you arrive at 7:01pm, you ve missed the party train! Vern Buchanan FL Dist Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC PH: FX: Sarasota Office: 235 Orange Ave, Suite 201 Sarasota, FL PH: FX: Tom Rooney FL Dist Longworth House Office Bldg. Washington, DC PH: FX: District Office: 226 Taylor Street Punta Gorda, FL PH: FX: Connie Mack FL Dist Cannon House Office Bldg. Washington, DC PH: FX: District Office: 804 Nicholas Pkwy E, Suite 1 Cape Coral, FL PH: FX: Bill Galvano Dist Senate Office Bldg. 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL PH: District Office: 1023 Manatee Ave West Bradenton, FL PH: Lizbeth Benequisto Dist Senate Office Bldg. 40 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL PH: District Office: 1926 Victoria Ave 2nd Floor Ft. Myers, FL PH: Doug Holder Dist House Office Bldg 402 Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL PH: District Office: 8486 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL PH: Doug.holder@myfloridahouse.gov So, in the mood to do something different? Step up and step out on Wednesdays! Peace River ABATE of Florida 9 30

11 New Peace River ABATE Addresses There are some changes to the Peace River ABATE addresses. Please make note of the following: Newsletter: Please send any classified ads, photos (in jpeg format, please), and stories to this address. DO NOT send any change of address or phone numbers, please! That information goes to our membership trustee, Annette Rohler, ONLY. Website: If you are having problems with our new, updated website, please send an to this new this address. Chapter: Use this address for general questions about the Peace River ABATE chapter

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13 Insurance Made Simple Support these businesses that support Peace River ABATE Toy Run Sponsor! Support these businesses that support Peace River ABATE Michelle Adams is a benefits specialist that finds what s right for YOU! Over 65 - Medicare Advantage, Supplements and Part D Plans Under 65 - Health Care Reform Certified Small Group Insurance - Health and Disability Dental and Vision Plans Long Term Care and Critical Illness Quotes Life Insurance Quotes Call Today! NO Obligation! Michelle Adams Independent Health and Life Insurance Agent MichelleAdams0826@hotmail.com 12

14 Krazy Biker Katz Support these advertisers that support Peace River Chapter Items for Sale! Sportster sheet metal-turtle tank, full front fender, "fat" rear fender slip-over. Fuel caps, Pingel fuel valve, some mounting hardware. Will fit 1980s evo Sportys, others possibly. Good condition. $350. Sportster or narrow glide replacement windshield. Plexiglas only. New in plastic. $50. Saddlebags with frame from 1997 Heritage Softail. Fair condition. $200. Roadking saddlebags. Bags only. Fair condition. $200. Other miscellaneous small parts. Call or Bill. or call North Port. All prices negotiable. Thank you.. Find great biker accessories and leather at Support these advertisers that support Peace River Chapter 13 26

15 December 2014 NO CHAPTER MEETING School supply run photos! Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Ride Trike Sherry Toy Run Ride Ride Ride Ride 25 Christmas Day 26 Boxing Day 27 New Website We have a new, updated website! Check it out! PeaceRiver.ABATEFL.com 17 14

16 August 24 meeting Minutes - by Annette Rohler Chapter member - jim Kiefer of maiden cane! Call to Order: Greg Borden Prayer: Frenchy President: Johnny Martin. Keeping today s meeting short due to School Supply Run right after the meeting. Mary Fred Clemons put a letter to the editor about Peace River Chapter of ABATE and today s run. Vice President: Big John Little. While at the state meeting, found out that ABATE will not be using the same campground for Daytona Have not heard about a new one yet. Secretary: Jane Brotz. New and thanked everyone for voting for her. Minutes approved Mark Shevitski and second Bill Bird. Treasurer - Bill Bird. Lost money on the state meeting and 5- Star at Peace River Campground. Should get deposit back from Arcadia Women s Club. Report approved Mark Shevitski and second, Big John Little. Sgt. At Arms: Dave Adams. Good time at 5-Star and no problems there. Jim rockin the house at the Englewood Event Center! johnny martin & mary fred clemmons Membership: Annette Rohler. 309 members as of today. Introduced newest members that were at the meeting and handed out membership cards and Welcome Packet. PR, Newsletter, Website: Susan Hurst. School Supply Run today. Sarasota Sheriff to block intersection so we can get out and do flip easily. Billy Neal will be Road Captain. Attorney Greg Linehan will be at the run. Working on Pre-Biketoberfest for September 21 and Toy Run for November 9. Need sponsors badly. Have a couple now that will only cover insurance and fairground rental. Website will soon feature membership renewal on line. Can pay with Pay Pal. 15 Continued on page Johnny Martin receiving a thank you letter from Mary Fred Clemmons, Executive Director of the Charlotte Local Education Foundation 24

17 Membership Report - Annette Rohler October Expirations Melita Ballard Henry Hartman Jerry Baumgartner Ann Maloney RC Camp Matt Maloney Paul Carbonneau Jerry Mason Jack Concannon Ed McDonald John Green Larry Roy Bill Grimm Lisa Ruppert-Waldt Jeanne Grundborg Joe Walsh Roland Grundborg November Expirations Jim Bocckman Art Koehler Al Churchill Joe Konkolics Dan Cinaglia Frank Mortimer Marc Clarke Leo Roberts Norm Coleman Kathy Rogers William Dame Annette Rohler Ken Davis Nick Stamis Butch Erny Lena Vitale Gerald Green Bobby Watkins Jim Kiefer Kathryn Weldon V. Knight October LIFE ANNIVERSARIES Bob Berry - 12 years Denise Gonzales - 19 years Joe Correll - 6 years Keith McConnell - 15 years Kim Eiss - 13 years Sharon McConnell - 15 years Ron Evans - 19 years Gary Vogel - 6 years Doug Fluty - 14 years Bruce Waldt - 16 years Joe Galati - 21 years Bruce Williams - 21 years 33 August 24 Meeting Minutes - Continued... Products/Saftey. We don t have a person yet. Bill Bird has inventory of our items and there s a lot! Bike Night at Bandito s on Saturday, August 30 from Bill will have lots of old t- shirts and pins for $1 each or 6 for $5. Have a lot of chapter t-shirts, and style and/or color $10 each or 3 for $25. Need to get inventory down and sold to get anything new. Billy Neal ordered 10 Spirit Bells from the State Meeting. One side says ABATE and the other side says SAFE PASSAGE. Will have these by October. Cost was $10. Not sure what price will be for resell. Johnny said you do not buy the bell for yourself; you buy it and give it to someone else to put on their bike for good luck. Bill Grimm asked about patches. Bill Bird said we are having trouble finding someone that will embroider them. Grimm knows some lady and will give info to Bill. Nick Stamis knows someone that does t-shirts and will give info to Bill. Legislative: Billy Neal. August 26 is Primary Elections. Redistricting at Tallahassee judge approved and is straightened out after a lot of tax payer money being spent for nothing. Drivers Education needs to get funds through the state and working on that. Helmet Law back again. In Louisiana the law got repealed and helmets are back on. 501c3 is coming along so we can have the safety money instead of it going into Florida s general fund. Working on list for cycle-friendly candidates for election in November. Will get list at next State Meeting in October. He needs to know who is cycle friendly that s running in Sarasota County. Greg Borden will find out. Tracey LaCourse and Jane Brotz know of a doctor that is running and will see if he ll come to a meeting. Billy asked to get that info to him. State ABATE business; We were able to get out of the campground contract. No one has been camping there anymore. Same thing happened in Tallahassee Run and made Continued on page

18 August 24 Meeting Minutes - Continued... Arrangements through KOA. KOA has been raising prices and minimum days stay. Tally Run will be lining up behind Super 8 Motel and is second weekend of April Old Business: President has three packs of tickets to sell for the $10,000 drawing. Billy Neal and Greg Borden also have plenty to sell. Toy Run needs donations and Sponsors! Pre-Biketoberfest Sunday, Septmeber 21 at Tarzan s 1-6pm New Business: looking into Square machine for products for payment by credit/debit cards. Nick Stamis said Phone Swipe is cheaper; it s 2.65 per transaction and Square is 2.75 per transaction. Bill Bird will check into this. Good of the Order: Darrell LaCourse said member Jim Kiefer s band, Madin Cane will be at Englewood Event Center, Friday, September 26. Tickets $25. Annual Food Drive - Sunday, November 23 Every year, the Peace River Chapter of ABATE supports a food drive for the Community Life Center. This year is no different. After our Chapter Meeting on Sunday, November 23, we will be heading out to the Community Life Center as a group. What s so special about this is the beautiful people that wait for our arrival. We are greeted with warmth, love, and gratitude. In addition, we are served a lovely meal made by these caring people. Load your bikes (or cars) up with non-perishable food and be a part of something special! Questions? Contact Pastor Paul. Nick Stamis said he s finally found a doctor helping him with PTS and doing great. He has information about the doctor for anyone else needing information. Greg Borden said for bikes to line up on the road in back of Tarzan s for everyone to get out to do the flip today. Move bikes from front to back to pull out to leave. FLBIKER.com is doing Rolling Bike Nites and this is at Banditos, Saturday, August 30 from 5pm to 11pm. Bill Bird with products and Annette Rohler with membership will be there. Darrell LaCourse said that after School Supply Run, meet back at Tarzan s for Ice Bucket Challenge. It s $10 each and if you dont do ice bucket, it s $100. Will nominate candidates and State ABATE. We lost Barb Neal to this in February. Billy Neal said we also lost Dave Bender a few years ago to ALS. Greg Linehan presented $250 check for the School Supply Run. $309 in Progressive. Still no winner! Adjourned at 11:40am

19 Pre-biketoberfest photos! New Website We have a new, updated website! Check it out! PeaceRiver.ABATEFL.com 21 18

20 October 2014 November 2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Ride Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Ride 9 10 ABATE Spooks n Scoots 11 ABATE Spooks n Scoots Ride ABATE Spooks n Scoots 13 Columbus Day Ride 16 Daytona Biketoberfest 17 Daytona Biketoberfest 18 Daytona Biketoberfest 9 TOY RUN Veterans Day 12 Ride Daytona Biketoberfest 26 CHAPTER MEETING Ride Ride Halloween Hap's 64th year Open House 16 Great Teddy Bear Run 23 CHAPTER MEETING Ride Ride West Coast Iron Horse Rodeo 27 Thanksgiving Hap's Jolly Roger Run 19 20