Southwest Chapter of ABATE of Florida April 2011 Newsletter

8/7/2019 Southwest Chapter of ABATE of Florida April 2011 Newsletter

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APRIL 2011Volume XLV, Issue X

INSIDE THIS

ISSUE:

Presidents Message

Membership Report

Renewals

Events Minutes

Calendar

Mary Francis Pics

RENEWALS ON PAGE 6 - ARE YOU DUE TO RENEW ?

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE JAN - MAY 2011

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER

OF ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

MAKING WISHES COME TRUE

KEEP EYES PEELED FOR BEARS FOR BEARS INFO IN MAY ISSUEMAY IS MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH


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ABATEof Florida, Inc.

Southwest ChapterPO BOX 60745 Fort Myers, FL 33906

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Name ____________________________________________________

Mailing Address: _________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code ________________________________________________________

Email Address: ____________________________________________

Phone: _______________________________ (Include Area Code)

May we use your phone number for our phone tree? YES NO

Are you a registered Voter? YES NO

Please Lister your voting districts from your Voter Registration Card:

_________ FL House _________ FL Senate _________ US Congress

Name of Chapter you wish to join _________________________________________________

Select ONE of the following:

____New/Renewal - Annual Membership Due $20.00

____ Lifetime Membership $ 150.00____ Transfer Membership to: ____________________________________________________

____ Change of Address: ________________________________________________________

Signature __________________________________________________ Date: ____________

Sponsored by Chapter Member : _________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

CHAPTER USE

Dues Paid by Cash Check Money OrderMailed Date: Membership Card _________________________

Copy of By Laws _________________________

Membership Expiration _________________________

Memberships are open to anyone 18 years of age or older All members receive with their paidmembership a membership card, our bi-monthly Masterlink magazine, Chapter Newsletter,

Chapter voting privileges and personal involvement in Statewide legislative actionsand their freedom to ride

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER OF ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. PG. 2


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ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

MISSION STATEMENTWHO WE ARE

We are a non-profit organization of motorcycle en-thusiasts from all walks of life. We lobby and educatethe government and the general public to promotemotorcycling in a safe and positive image. We en-deavor to enlist the cooperation and participation ofall organizations and individuals that share a similarinterest in preserving our American tradition of FREE-DOM. We promote motorcycle safety, training, & po-litical awareness. We ARE NOT A CLUB OR A GANG.We fund our work through toy runs, poker runs,campouts, and other motorcycle activities. We areyour neighbors & friends who work, pay taxes, andget involved with our community. We serve and sup-

port our country and believe in freedom. We use alllegal means to protect our rights without infringingon the rights of others.

OUR GOALS

To become a powerful and viable political force inlegislative matters concerning the motorcyclist.

To promote the safe riding habits without infringingon individual freedoms.

To motivate the bikers to write letters to their legisla-tors before, during, and after the legislative session.

To furnish our members with a newsletter to keep allbikers informed in regards to upcoming legislation.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily thoseof ABATE of Florida, Inc. and or the Southwest Chapter.This publication allows members to express their beliefs and opin-ions. ABATE of Florida, Inc. and Southwest Chapter accept noresponsibility for the comments, opinions or views contained inthis newsletter.

Please direct correspondence in reference to this publication to:Frankie M. Kennedy Sr.(cell) 239 849 9065(fax) 239 772 3320

Donations to ABATE of Florida, Inc. are not deductible for Federal Tax

Purposes.ABATE of Florida, Inc. 2010 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Southwest Chapter All Rights Reserved

ABATE of Florida, Inc. and the Southwest Chapter do not condone drink-ing while riding or driving

IDENTIFICATION STATEMENTSOUTHWEST CHAPTERMONTHLY NEWSLETTER

ISSUE DATE: APRIL 2011PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY

ABATE of Florida, Inc.Southwest Chapter

PO Box 60745Fort Myers, FL 33906

PRESENTLY, MEMBER MATERIAL DEADLINE ISTHE WEDNESDAYBEFORE EACH CHAPTER

MEETING FOR BOARD APPROVAL FORSUBMISSIONS

NEW ADVERTISERS OR AD CHANGES MUST

BE SUBMITTED BY THE

15TH OF EACH MONTH

Southwest ChapterMeeting Schedule

April 17th, 2011

@ 10 a.m. atVictory Lane Caf

Located at

4150 Hancock Bridge Pkwy.,North Fort Myers, FL 33903

239.995.0340


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Presidents ReportMARCH2011From the desk of The Chief

As always I hope this newsletter finds all in goodhealth and spirits.

I am saddened to bring you news that we lostlongtime member Ron Berg this past month I willbe attending his service this Sunday at the VFWin the Cape, Ron was also a member of RollingThunder, Hog and the VFW, he and I rode manymiles together and I will surely miss my friend.Ron passed quietly at home surrounded byfriends and his wife of 32 years, please keepBrenda in your prayers.

On a lighter note the Southwest chapter madethe wish of a lifetime come true for Ms MaryFrances a 97 year old lady from Punta Gorda herwish was to ride on a motorcycle before she diesand with the help of our very own Keith Bakerand a handful of Southwest members we traveledup to her assisted living community and madeher wish come true. Special thanks goes out to

Dylan Baker for giving up his seat on dads triketo let Mary Frances realize her dream, TheSouthwest chapter gifted Mary with a chapter tshirt as well as a watch out for motorcycles shirt,I let her wear my helmet for her ride and whenthe ride was over I let her keep the helmet as amomento of her dream come true. We also re-quested that she call us again on her 100th birth-day so we can take her out riding again. It was a

feel good day for all that attended and a memorythat im sure we all will treasure for many years tocome.

Burn out Bob our Sgt at arms has started a newbike night at the Clubhouse on Santa BarbaraBlvd in the Cape festivities begin at 6:00 pm onTuesday evenings and go till around 10:00please try o make it out to one of these we had a

fantastic time this past Tuesday. Also pleasekeep Marsha Bobs beautiful bride in your prayersas she is very ill please lets all pray for a full re-covery.

Victor Piorkowski has stepped up once again to

cover the April state meeting with me this is thebig one folks its our annual Freedom Rights rallyand ride to the capitol, Historically the Southwestchapter has a good sized contingency attendingbut with things the way they are for many folksthis year it will just be myself and Victor repre-senting the Southwest chapter in Tally.

As many of you are aware we have many posi-tions open on the board of directors we reallyneed your help folks if there is anything you cando to help us fill these openings please do nothesitate to let someone know we will help you tolearn your position we just need to fill these voidsas soon as possible.

Rob Cran has stepped up to cover the treasuryposition and is working very hard to bring us cur-rent with the state office we are frantically lookingfor a membership director as I am currently han-dling the presidents position the membership and

products positions as well as working a full time job I really need help, again if there is any wayany of you can help please let me know.

In closing I want those of you that support thischapter to know that your efforts are greatly ap-preciated and I thank you for all that you do for

ABATE of Florida Inc. I hope we can begin tobring our chapter members out and get them par-ticipating in the many events and rides etc that

we do every month. I really hope to see some ofyou guys that I havent seen around much lately.Thank you and please know that it is not only mypleasure to serve you but it is also an honor anda privilege.

Ride Safe,

Frankie


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ABATE of Florida, Inc.

Southwest ChapterPO Box 60745, Fort Myers, FL 33906

President Frank Kennedy 239.849.9065 [email protected] President Wayne Cerra 239.989-3349 [email protected] Scott R. Turner 239-633-5765 [email protected] Rob Big Bird Cran 239.997.2852 [email protected] At ArmsBob Burn Out Bob Penn 239.573.6487 [email protected] Sergeant At Arms Pat Jablonski 203.232.2695 [email protected] Piorkowski 239.823.6159 [email protected]

Assistant Quartermaster Open Position Email Frankie in reference to this position @[email protected]

Safety CoordinatorAlberta Birdie Clark 239.770.0096 [email protected] Coordinator Earl Smokey Clark 239.770.0096 [email protected] Coordinator Richard Mocny 504.232.9702Legislative Ken Teddybear Miller 239.693.7035 [email protected] Delegate Earl Smokey Clark 239.770.0096 [email protected] Delegate Richard Mocny 504.232.9702Alt. State Delegate Frank Kennedy 239.849.9065 [email protected]. State DelegateAlberta Birdie Clark 239.770.0096 [email protected] Trustee Open Position Email Frankie in reference to this position @

[email protected]

WebmasterTaylor Musburger 239.334.1620 [email protected] Open Position Email Frankie in reference to this position @

[email protected] Rob Big Bird Cran 239.997.2852 [email protected] Wayne Cerra 239.541.8879 [email protected] EditorBarbara L. Bardell 239-822-3272 [email protected] Musburger 239.334.1620 [email protected]/Communications Ken Teddybear Miller 239.693.7035 [email protected] Vice President Wayne Cerra 239.541.8879 [email protected]

Chapter Chaplain Tom Provenzano 239.267.8641 [email protected] Captain Robb Rabell 239.458.3136 [email protected] Captain Vic Piorkowski 239.823.6159 [email protected]

HELP SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MRO**MOTORCYCLE RIGHTS ORGANIZATION

ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. 2010 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Southwest Chapter All Rights Reserved

Donations to ABATE of Florida, Inc. are not deductible for Federal Income Tax PurposesABATE of Florida, Inc. and Southwest Chapter Does Not Condone Drinking and Driving


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Risking it All!

I will never forget the first time I took a ride, by myself,on a motorcycle. To be perfectly honest, it was on aCushman scooter - all 5 horsepower (Hey! Thosethings will do 55 m.p.h., all day)!

I was about 12 years old and my schoolmate, Cliffhad invited me over to his home after school, for theafternoon. Cliff lived in a house, which was also the

office for his parents' trailer park. Cliff had to getaround the park to do his chores. Somehow, he hadtalked his parents into getting him a scooter to ac-complish his tasks, transporting him over this hugeexpanse of property.

Sometime, during the afternoon, Cliff invited me to tryout the scooter for myself! The decision was compli-cated by the fact that my mother had warned me not

to ride on a motorcycle or powered scooter. It wassort of like the BB gun warning to little Ralph, in theChristmas Story movie, "You'll shoot your eye out!"

Was it worth taking the risk of being in conflict with aparent and being grounded forever? Was it worthtaking the risk of possibly having an accident? Whatabout the risk of my first time ride being discovered?Or, was I going to enjoy that first time ride? Would Ibe liberated from the fears and uncertainty! I wouldnever know until I took that risk!

Jesus is asking you to take a leap of faith in followingHim. It's sort of like many we've seen in news storieswhere the firemen are ready to catch someone, asone leaps from several stories high, from a fierybuilding. And, that person takes a risk of beingcaught/rescued, as there is no other way down to the

safety of the ground. Jesus knows that you may havthe "jitters." He is asking you to just safely land in Hisnet and/or even His loving arms.

Bikers are natural born risk takers. So, why not takea risk with Jesus? You really have nothing to lose.Do you? Jesus said, "Take courage. It is I. Don't beafraid." - Matthew 14:27

Please pray this prayer: "Dear God, the God of Abra-

ham, Isaac, and Jacob, my heavenly Father, I con-fess that I am a sinner and have been separated fromYou. I ask forgiveness of my sins. I repent and ac-cept this gift of repentance. I confess with my mouththat your son Jesus is my savior and died for me. Ibelieve in my heart that You raised Him from thedead. I receive Jesus into my heart and ask Him tobecome the center of my life. I ask, in the Name ofJesus. Amen."

Blessings,

Pastor Tom (Estero River ABATE Life Member andSouthwest Chapter Chaplain) and Pastor Kathy (SW

ABATE Life Member - Foursquare Chaplain)-www.messiahsmessengers.org [email protected] 239-267-8641


DEAR FELLOWABATE MEMBERS


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SOUTHWEST CHAPTER

LIFE MEMBERS

Keith BakerDarrell BarnettDenee BartelsScott Blink

Chet ButzJames Burkholder

Nora BurkholderDon CampbellFrances CazesWayne CerraJonathan ConantTerry CovingtonAudrey CranMaggie Cran

Rick CranRob CranRobert Cruz CrusanGinny DAstiBiffle DavisMary Dicenzo-PorterAl DiagiacoFrank DisommaCindy DoakRandy Eck

Brian GalvinSonny GartrellLynnda GrayBob HallHarry HooverGeorge HuttmanSusan Red Huttman

Dan JacksonCindy CJ JordanFrankie Kennedy

John KennedyEd LaCombeKD Marlowe

Russell MayRev.Rea MeansDon Meredith Jr.Jo Ann MillerKenneth Miller

Jim MozeleskiTerry PadillaBob PennAsuncsion PeppersRichard PeppersKathleen ProvenzanoRev. Thomas ProvenzanoBill RobinsonJanet RolfeTabitha RossiRoland SalsberryJencye SchmittJerry SchmittBruce ScheinerElsie SeifRobert SimonKelly SmithRichard StergulzSandy StergulzGrandpa StewartLynda StewartScott TurnerRuth Vorys

Teresa WebsterD. Payton WellsMichael WielandJama WyattSteve Wyatt


RENEWALS

PEGGY LETTERELLOROBERT LETTERELLOEILEEN HORANPATRICK JABLONSKI


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VP Report,

Hello fellow members and riders,

The weather has been nothing short of great

these past few weeks. Why not get out andsupport the local bike nights and your chap-

ter. We are currently still holding Wednes-

day bike nights at the Paradise Tiki Hut and

Victory Lane and now Burn Out has put to-

gether a Tuesday night at the Club House on

Santa Barbara, near Hustlers. Come by and

check it out.

We as a Chapter are in need of help. Cur-

rently we could use help with Membership,

Products and Safety Director. Elections are

also coming up fast and all positions are up

for voting in new Board.

This past ride took us to Punta Gorda where

a 97 year old woman requested a wish foun-

dation to secure her a ride on a motorcycle,

a true lifelong dream. The SouthWest chap-

ter President took this under his wing and

made it a fantastic, feel good event. Thanks

to all who made this dream come true.

SouthWest members in attendance included,

Pres. Frankie Kennedy, VP Wayne Cerra,

Asst. Sgt of Arms, Pat Jablonski, Advertis-

ing, Rob Big Bird Cran, Keith and Dylan

Baker, Note: Dylan was excited to give uphis ride to see this womans dream come

true so he took the back seat of Big Birds

ride, safe and secure. And lets not forget

Jeff Hoover a member of Caloosahatchee

Chapter.

Frankie gave Mary Frances the helmet she

wore as a memento and she received a

Southwest chapter shirt and an ABATE

safety shirt. Not only was Mary Frances ex-

cited to finally after 97 years ride on a mo-torcycle with the gang but her Daughter,

Jane, got to relive her college days as she

was able to ride with Wayne and was just as

excited as her mom. Frankie had a rider, but

we never know whos going to show up on

the back of his bike at any given time, but

this time it was Paula who was at the event.

Mary Frances, 97

Sterling House of Punta Gorda

250 Bal Harbor Blvd.

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Get out and ride

______________

Membership report

One new member, Vincent Panipinto, one

renewal, Pat Jablonski and a new 6 month

ad for the ClubHouse.

_______________

Safety Report

We are currently looking for a new SafetyCoordinator. At this time all classes are cur-

rent.

Victor Piorkowski and Taylor Musburger

are looking into a Junior ABATE program.


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Motorcycle & Automotive

REPAIRS

Quality WorkmanshipFRANKIE KENNEDY

239.849.9065

Thank you for your supportOf

The Southwest Chapter

Of ABATE of Florida, Inc.


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www.splittinthebreeze.com


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SOUTHWEST CHAPTERMEETING MINUTESMarch 27, 2011 Time: 10 am

Attendance: 15 Members/2Guests

PRESIDENTS REPORT:

Frankie called the meeting toorder at 10:20 AM with Pledgeand moment of silence.Frankie in-formed chapter thatRon Berg had passed away last

week and Stoney Stonebreaker a couple weeksback.Trudy is still re-covering. Also, keep Brenda Berg,Lyn and Rob Assenio, in our prayers.Vincent J. Panipinto of PRE Paid Legal and hisassociate Ronald L. Maglothin. They also represent

Identity Theft Protection by the SHIELD.If anyone has any questions on Identity Theft orwant to protect their future with a Pre Paid LegalTeam, Call Vincent @ [email protected] check out www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/vincenza or phone 239-825-2857, Vincent is anIndependent Associate.Vincent joined the chapter, welcome VictorAprils meeting will be moved to the 3rd Sundaydue to Easter falling on the 4th Sun-day.Todays senior wish ride will follow after todays

meeting. The new 5 star pin will be approved bynext meeting thanks to Biffle Davis. A new bikenight is being held at the Club House on SantaBarbara, Tuesday night 6 10. Great food and thishas been put together by Bob Burnout Penn.Come out next Tuesday and support your chapter,as well as Wednesday nights at the Tiki and Vic-tory Lane.

VPs REPORT:

Wayne is still looking for people to step up forsome much needed positions. Open positions are,Membership, Products and Safety. If you wouldlike to help make your chapter successful, pleasesee Wayne, if you have any interests. Also, we areonly a couple months away from chapter elections.SECRETARY REPORT:Scott Turner, excused absence. Minutes recordedby Wayne Cerra, VP. February minutes as writtenin the newsletter motion to accept by Gator, sec-ond by Rob Cran, Motion pasted.TREASURERS REPORT:

Rob Big Bird has updated the accounts and re-ports are almost complete. Bob Penn made a mo-tion to accept report subject to audit, Gator sec-ond, motion carried.MEMBERSHIP:

1 new application, 1 renewalADVERTISING:1 new ad taken in at the meeting.SARGENT AT ARMS REPORT:Be safe, no accidents or issues to report. Therewere 30 bikes at the first Club House bike nightlast Tuesday.MEMBERSHIP: Position open at thistime,looking for someone to step up.NEWS LETTER: Barbara Bardell, excused ab-sence. If you are not receiving your newsletter on

line by e-mail please make sure to send her an e-mail and put add to e-mail list in the subject line.Every-thing going in newsletter needs to be to Bar-bara by Wednesday after meeting. New ads mustbe turned in a week before meeting to get boardapproval.LEGISLATIVE:Ken Teddy Bear gave an update on the stifferpenalties bill and gave the chapter an overview onthe proposed new by-laws.WEB SITE: Please check out web site by Taylor.

All newsletters are currently on line as far back as2008.SAFTEY: We are looking for a new safety directorand staff. See Wayne if interested in a position orwant to get certified to teach classes.OLD BUSINESS:Proposed by-law changes discussed and voted onby chapter. The vote was unanimous against ac-cepting the changes as a whole.NEW BUSINESS:

Wayne asked to accept the renewal of sustainingmembership in the Motorcycle Riders Foundationfor a cost of $100.00. Motion to accept by RobCran, second by Gator, motion passed.As to the Junior ABATE program, we need some-one to look into getting this started, Vic and Tay-lor stepped up. May 31st, A Nursery School willhold an event to collect Teddy Bears for our Bearsfor Bears event in May.MOTION TO ADJOURN:Taylor, second Bob Penn, motion carried.

MEETING MINUTES


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MISSION STATEMENT

ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

WHO WE ARE . . .

We are a non-profit organization of motorcycle enthusiasts from all walksof life. We lobby and educate the government and the general public to pro-mote motorcycling in a safe and positive image. We endeavor to enlist thecooperation and participation of all organizations and individuals that sharea similar interest in preserving ourAmerican tradition of FREEDOM. Wepromote motorcycle safety, training, & political awareness. We ARE NOT ACLUB OR A GANG. We fund ourwork through toy runs, poker runs,campouts, and other motorcycle activi-ties. We are your neighbors & friendswho work, pay taxes, and get involvedwith our community. We serve and support our country and believe in free-dom. We use all legal means to protectour rights without infringing on the

rights of others.

OUR GOALS . . .

To become a powerful and viable po-litical force in legislative matters con-

cerning the motorcyclist.

To promote the safe riding habits with-

out infringing on individual freedoms.

To motivate the bikers to write lettersto their legislators before, during, and

after the legislative session.

To furnish our members with a news-letter to keep all bikers informed in re-

gards to upcoming legislation.

SUPPORT YOUR

CHAPTER EVENTS


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Our Brothers and Sisters of

Estero River - Chapter Events

Red White & Blue Bash June 19th, 2011

San Carlos Country ClubCelebration of incoming/outgoing board/

poker run

5 Star Event July 23rd, 2011 (Tentative)

All 5 SW Florida Chapters host this event.

Southwest Chapter of


Bears for Bears and Safety Awareness

Sunday, May 22nd, 2011Details to be determined

5 Star Event July 23rd, 2011 (Tentative)

All 5 SW Florida Chapters host this event.

Southwest Chapter Birthday Party

Sunday, September 25th, 2011

Details to be determined

Christmas Run

Sunday, December 11th, 2011Details to be determined

Our Caring Circlewill be posted each month.

This month please keep in yourthoughts and prayers thefollowing members and

their loved ones.

Burnout and Marsha Penn239.573.6487

Teddy Bear [email protected] Berg (823-2173),

Lyn & Rob Assenio,Trudy & Robb Rabell (458-3136),

Jim Rosser (283-5301)Theresa Baker (549-3409)

A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT AND THANKSTO OUR LOCAL EVENT PROMOTERSFOR THEIR SUPPORT OF OUR MRO


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LEGISLATIVE REPORTApril 2011

Good Morning Freedom Fighters:

From ABATE of Florida, Inc.

Hey Everyone,I know that you have been busy calling

and e-mailing Rep. Drake to get our HB 403 onthe agenda. But at this point he has not placedit on the agenda for the House Transportationand Highway Safety Subcommittee. We allknow how important it is to get passed thiscommittee, because it will die if not passed bythis committee.

Doc is busy up in Tally with talks goingon up there because our Bill has a lot of sup-port. However, we can still do a big part bykeeping the phones busy and e-mails hum-

ming. I have talked to some legislator's officesthat told me they have been contacted by sev-eral ABATE people this week.

I have asked a lot from you the past twoweeks, but I need your help again! This timewe are going to focus our calls on the OTHERmembers of the House Transportation andHighway Safety Subcommittee. If we can getenough people to call and e-mail them aboutHB 403, maybe they will convince Rep. Draketo put up the Bill so the bikers will stop calling.

I have already called each members office andasked for their help in getting HB 403 on theagenda. All the office were friendly and saidthey would pass the message on to the Repre-sentative. This is basically what I said: My name is ______, I am a member ofABATE of Florida, the State's largest motorcy-cle rights organization. I am calling to ask forRep. ____ help with HB 403. It is scheduled togo to the House Transportation and HighwaySafety Subcommittee, however, we are having

trouble getting it on the agenda. I was hopingthat since Rep. _____ is a member of thatcommittee he/she could help us get it on theagenda. Thank you very much.

Most asked about what the bill wasabout, which I explained and said they wouldmake sure the Representative gets the infor-mation. Most said they already know aboutABATE and Doc, so that made me very happy.One Representative from the Jacksonville area

said they already knew about our Bill from theABATE members there.

So, again I stand before you with my hatin my hand, asking for your help.House Transportation and Highway SafetySubcommittee Members and what area theyare from. If they are your Representative, tellthem that you vote and invite them to speak at

your Chapter meeting this summer!!!

Rep. Irving [email protected] Boca RatonRep. Janet Adkins

[email protected] Fernandina BeachRep. Larry [email protected] St. Pete

Rep. Ben [email protected] BartowRep. Frank [email protected] MiamiRep. Lori [email protected] Delray BeachRep. Doug [email protected]

1-850-488-8188 MiltonRep. Jeff Clemens

[email protected] Lake Worth

Rep. Mike [email protected] KissimmeeRep. Peter [email protected] Tarpon Springs

Rep. Darryl Rouson dar-

[email protected] 1-850-488-0925 St. PeteRep. Richard Steinberg [email protected] Miami BeachRep. Mike Weinstein [email protected] JacksonvilleThanks, I know we can do this!Scribe
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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SB 608 continues to roll through theSenate as it passes the Senate Criminal Jus-tice Committee with a vote of 5 0. Doc againtestified before the committee. You can listento the pod cast of the meeting at http://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/Show/CJandclick on the pod cast link for the 3/22/2011meeting. Our bill comes up at the 1 hour and 9

minute mark in the program, so you may justskip to that section.

Doc told me that the Senators com-mented that they have received HUNDREDSof calls from ABATE members about this bill.Our voice is being heard in the Senate and Ithank each one of you that have called and/orsent an e-mail to the legislators. We just haveto keep this ball rolling until it passes. Then wecan start calling the Governor!!!

SB 608 will now be heard in the Senate

Budget Committee. This committee is HUGEwith 20 Senators sitting on it, so there is agood chance that your Senator will be on thisone. As you know, a constituent calling to askfor support carries a little more weight. MySenator is on this, and I have already spokenand e-mailed his office asking for support ofSB 608.

Here are the Members of the SenateBudget Committee. Let's let them hear ourvoice!!!

Sen. JD Alexander (Chair)[email protected]

Sen. Joe Negron (Vice Chair) [email protected]. Thad Altman [email protected]. Lizbeth Benacquisto [email protected]. Ellyn [email protected]. Mike Fasano [email protected]. Anitere Flores [email protected]. Don Gaetz [email protected]. Alan Hays [email protected]. Arthenia [email protected]

Sen. Evelyn Lynn [email protected]. Gwen Margolis [email protected]. Bill Montford [email protected]. Nan Rich [email protected]. Garrett [email protected]. David Simmons [email protected]. Gary Siplin [email protected]. Eleanor Sobel [email protected]. John [email protected]. Stephan [email protected]

5027TEDDYBEARS NOTE:Senators Lizbeth Benacquisto and

Garrett Richter are both members of the LeeCounty Legislative Delegation and representparts of Lee County.

When contacting Lizbeth and Garrett,please let them know that you are from LeeCounty and the Southwest Chapter. They andtheir staff will be very pleased to hear fromyou.

Here is the amendment that Doc has added toSB 1150 the DHSMV Bill. It changes the statute to allowa tag that is perpendicular to the ground with the num-bers reading from top to bottom to be permanently af-fixed to a motorcycle. It takes the need for a pre-paidtransponderoutof the statute.

FL Vertical Tag Legal Language Fix...

ABATE of Florida, Inc. has been able toadd an amendment to Senate Bill (SB) 1150,the Dept. of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles'Bill. This additional language changes the cur-

rent statute 316.2085(3) to allow a tag that isperpendicular to the ground (with the numbersreading from top to bottom) to be permanentlyaffixed to a motorcycle. It also removes therequirement for a pre-paid toll transponder.

The exact language of the proposed

language is (underline is new language, strike-

through (Italics), is deleted language):

http://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/Show/CJhttp://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/Show/CJhttp://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/Show/CJmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/Show/CJhttp://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/Show/CJ


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316.2085 Riding on motorcycles or mopeds.(3) The license tag of a motorcycle or mopedmust be permanently affixed to the vehicle andmay not be (adjusted or capable of being)flipped up, inverted, reversed, or in any otherway rendered to make the letters of the tag il-

legible from the rear while the vehicle is beingoperated. (No device for or method of conceal-ing) Concealing or obscuring the legibility ofthe license tag of a motorcycle is prohibited(shall be installed or used). The license tag ofa motorcycle or moped may be affixed horizon-tally or vertically to the ground so that the num-bers and letters read from left to right or fromtop to bottom.(Alternatively, a license tag for a motorcycle ormoped for which the numbers and letters read

from top to bottom may be affixed perpendicu-larly to the ground, provided that the registeredowner of the motorcycle or moped maintains a

prepaid toll account in good standing and atransponder associated with the prepaid tollaccount is affixed to the motorcycle or moped.)

This new language is not yet in effect;but is expected to become law in July 2011.

CLEMENCY BOARD MAKES RIGHT RES-TORATION TOUGHER

Convicted nonviolent offenders will no longerautomatically get their civil rights restored afterserving their sentence under a slate ofchanges approved Wednesday by the gover-nor and members of the state clemency board.

With little debate, the panel unanimously re-versed changes made four years ago that hadallowed offenders who had completed theirsentence, probation, restitution and other re-

quirements to more easily regain their ability tovote, qualify for certain professional licensesand other rights afforded most other citizens.

Under the new rule, nonviolent offenderswhose crimes were less severe would be ableto apply to get their rights back five years aftercompleting their sentences and all other re-

quirements, such as restitution. More seriousoffenders would be required to wait sevenyears before beginning the application proc-ess.

From Lockdown:

Driver Responsible for Killing Four Motorcy-clists in 2010Finally Going to Trial in April

Deland, FL, March 15, 2011 On June 16,2010 the Florida Highway Patrol and the Sum-ter County Sheriffs Office executed an ArrestWarrant for Paul Sermons. He was taken intocustody under a total of nine charges includingDUI Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide forthe March 13, 2010 crash that resulted in thedeaths of John Holmes, Patricia Beihayn, Wil-

liam Barker, & Patrice Poole as they were rid-ing down County Road 476 in Sumter CountyFlorida.

Last year, the Florida Highway Patrol hadstated that not only was Sermons driving on asuspended drivers license, he was also drunkat the time of the crash. He has been held atthe Sumter County Jail under a $202,500 bondsince his arrest.

When contacted by ABATE of Florida memberNancy Painter & State Asst. Sgt-At-Arms T.J.

Painter, Bill Catto, the prosecutor assigned tothis case, stated that doing these type ofcases is a majority [sic] portion of my job. At-torney Catto further stated that I am obviouslyaware of what the position of ABATE [sic],and welcomed ABATE members and othermotorcyclists to attend the arraignment andother hearings as this case progresses.ABATE of Florida, Inc. has rallied motorcyclistsfrom all over Florida and have been present ateach of the hearings throughout this case.

On March 22nd at 9 am there will be a Pre-Trial Hearing at the Sumter County Court-house in this matter. After that, Judge WilliamHallman, III has set the trial in this case forApril 4, 2011 at 8:30 am. Casey Staley, Chap-ter President of ABATE of Floridas LakeCounty Chapter, will be riding to both theseevents. We ask that anyone concerned withthe negligent drivers in Florida killing motorcy-


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cists please consider attending the hearing

and trial to show support for the victims fami-

lies as well as to show the judge and jury that

the motorcyclists killed in the March 2010

crash are not alone. Please contact Casey

Staley at 407-469-2455 or [email protected] for more informa-

tion.

Former Senator & Motorcyclists Rights Advo-

cate

Severely Injured When His Bike is Cut Off

Tallahassee, FL, March 16, 2011 - Former

Wisconsin State Senator David Zien, a strong

motorcyclist rights advocate, was airlifted after

being seriously injured this past Sundaymorning while riding his Harley Davison mo-

torcycle on I-10 in Jackson County, FL. Ryan

G. Matheny of Ohio was driving his SUV with

a suspended drivers license when he at-

tempted to change lanes, lost control, and

flipped the SUV directly in front of Zien.

The collision resulted in Zien having his left

leg amputated above the knee, and two plates

being implanted in his hip.Please keep David Zien in your thoughts and

prayers. We wish him well in his upcoming

recovery, and we will continue to keep his

condition in our minds as we fight for stiffer

penalties for drivers severely injuring and kill-

ing motorcyclists.

.

Please see the state report for more informa-

tionSee you in the wind,

TEDDYBEAR


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4TH SUNDAY OF

EACH MONTHSW CHAPTER MEETING


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Thank you toVictory Lane CafFor your supportOf Southwest Chapter

SouthwestChapter

Chapter Meeting

April 17th, 2011@ 10 a.m. at

Victory Lane CafLocated at

4150 Hancock Bridge Pkwy.,North Fort Myers, FL 33903

239.995.0340

LOOKTWICE

FOR THOSE

DRIVERS

WHO DONT


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The photos are from the ride after the March chapter meeting up to the assisted liv-ing facility in Punta Gorda where Mary Frances lives. The person who runs the fa-cility is Teressa Misenheimer she worked on this wish of a lifetime for over twoyears and today Mary Frances only weeks after her 97th birthday finally got to rideon a Trike it was a fantastic day for all involved. The Southwest chapter donated achapter T shirt to her and i let her keep my helmet as a souvenir of her special day


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Name of Business:__________________________________________________________________________

Address:__________________________________________________________________

Business Phone: _____________________________Contact:______________________

Address:__________________________________________________________________

Phone:______________________ Cell: __________________________

Email: ______________________________________________________

Type of Ad: Business Card Quarter Page Half Page Full Page

Duration of Ad: ____________________

Start Date of Ad: _____________________ Stop Date of Ad:______________________

Authorized Signature: __________________________________________________

Print Name:______________________________________________________

Type of Payment: Check _________ Check Number __________ Cash ___________

Advertisement Pricing

Business Card Quarter Page Half Page Full Page

6 Months $55.00 $85.00 $145.00 $200.00

12 Months $80.00 $135.00 $245.00 $375.00

Full page 12 month advertisers will receive an additional 2 months FREEAll advertisers will also receive a one year ABATE of Florida, Inc. membership which

also includes a $4,000.00 accidental death policy

All artwork must be submitted in PDF or JPEG format

All advertising MUST be approved by the Southwest Chapter of Abate of Florida, Inc.

For further information please contact

Rob Cran 239.997.2852 [email protected]

ADVERTISING APPLICATION


Southwest ChapterPO BOX 60745 Fort Myers, FL 33906


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Documents

Southwest Chapter of ABATE of Florida April 2011 Newsletter