ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
March 2016 Volume XL Issue III

Next Chapter Meeting March 20th @ Jerseys Sports Caf at 10:30 a.m.

Chapter Sgt-At-Arms Robb Rabell

ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

The only Motorcyclists Rights Organization in the State of Florida
Legislative News MSAP Instructors Community Service
ABATE: American Bikers Aimed Towards Education
We lobby and educate the Government and the general public to promote motorcycling in a safe and positive image.
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 drinking while riding or driving.

ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

MISSION STATEMENT
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
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.

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER MEETING:

SUNDAY, MARCH 20th @ 10:30 a.m.
at JERSEYS SPORTS CAF
13971 N. Cleveland Ave.
Fort Myers, FL
(corner of 41 and Pondella)

MEMBER MATERIAL DEADLINE,

NEW ADVERTISERS AND/OR AD
CHANGE DEADLINE:
20th of the month for editorial and Board
approval

IDENTIFICATION STATEMENT
OUR GOALS
To become a powerful and viable political
force in legislative matters concerning the
motorcyclist;
To promote safe riding habits without
infringing on individual freedoms;
To motivate bikers to write letters to their
legislators before, during and after the
legislative session; and
To furnish our members with a newsletter to
keep all bikers informed in regard to upcoming
legislation.

Southwest Chapter Newsletter

Issue date: March 2016
PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY
ABATE of Florida, Inc.
SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
PO Box 60745
Fort Myers, FL 33906
www.southwest.abateflorida.com

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of ABATE of Florida, Inc. and/or the
Southwest Chapter. The publication allows members to express their beliefs and opinions. ABATE of Florida, Inc., and the
Southwest Chapter accept no responsibility for the comments, opinions, or views contained in this newsletter.
Please direct correspondence in reference to this publication to: Heidi Szolga, Southwest Chapter, P.O. Box 60745, Fort
Myers, FL 33906-6745 or email at abateswc@yahoo.com.
Donations to ABATE of Florida, Inc. are not deductible for Federal Tax Purposes.

Presidents Message:

ABATE of Florida, Inc./Southwest Chapter

EXECUTIVE BOARD & TRUSTEES
PO Box 60745, Fort Myers, FL 33906-6745
www.southwest.abateflorida.com
President: Moe Moser
ironcitysupplyco@yahoo.com / 412-999-3397
Vice President: Frankie Kennedy
Swchief2000@yahoo.com / 239-693-7035
Secretary: Gwynne Hickman
Gwynne_hickman@gmail.com / 239-246-2025
Treasurer: Heidi Szolga
love_of_tigers@hotmail.com / 618-616-0870
Sergeant-At-Arms: Robb Rabell
thesawguide@yahoo.com / 239-458-3136
Membership Trustee: Charlie Fisher
cfisher1032@comcast.net / 239-772-3972
Public Relations: Gwynne Hickman
Gwynne.hickman@gmail.com / 239-246-2025
Legislative Representative: Frankie Kennedy
Swchief2000@yahoo.com / 239-693-7035
Safety Director: Ed Lufkin
Vm101bat@gmail.com / 508-685-9220
Newsletter: Heidi Szolga
love_of_tigers@hotmail.com / 618-616-0870
Webmasters: Taylor Musburger
ABATE@musburger.net / 360-298-1921 and
Ed Lufkin, vm101bat@gmail.com / 508-685-9220
Chapter Chaplain: Tom Provenzano
tprovenz@comcast.net
Products:
Chapter Rep: Moe Moser
Chapter Rep: Carl Nelson

HELP SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MOTORCYCLE

RIGHTS ORGANIZATION (MRO)

Hello Southwest ABATE. At the next Chapter

meeting on March 20th, nominations will be opened
for 2016/2017 Chapter officers. All positions are
open. If you have any interest in serving your
Chapter for a year as an officer, please have someone
nominate you. Nominations will be taken at the
March, April and May meetings with the election
being conducted at the June meeting. If you are
interested in a particular position and would like
more information about it, please contact the current
officer or go to the State website. There you will find,
in the State by-laws, a description of the duties for
each position.
Please try to attend the March 20th Chapter meeting.
There are two important issues that the Chapter will
vote on. The details went out recently in an email. If
you didnt get the email and have any questions
regarding the issues, please call me at 412-999-3397.
At the February meeting, it was decided to offer an
incentive to get new ads for this newsletter. Any
member who brings in an ad will have his/her annual
dues paid next time by the Chapter. The ad rates are
in here. Dont be shy- get down to your favorite bar,
bike shop, restaurant or whatever and ask them to run
an ad. All they can do is say no and they just might
say yes. Buying a new or used car or bike from a
dealer? When you finally agree on a price, tell him
that youll take the deal if he runs a one-year ad!
Why not?
Ride free and remember- the only reason you have
the right to ride without a helmet is ABATE of
Florida!
Moe

ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC./SOUTHWEST CHAPTER

GENERAL MEETING
Jerseys Sports Caf, Fort Myers on February 21, 2016
Called to Order at 10:40 am
Sgt. at Arms - Pledge of Allegiance, moment of silence, silence
all phones
We have a guest, Mary, who is joining today. Welcome, Mary.
It is great to have Diesel here again!
Report on State meeting by Heidi:
Doc stated that the State VP resigned due to personal reasons
and he is not appointing a new VP at this time because the
elections are coming up soon.
At the last State meeting, there was an incorrect motion
regarding the dues, so the motion is not valid. Other chapters
besides ours donated money to the State. The State has $8,000
per month in operating expenses, which includes the cost of our
lobbyist, but November is the last month of the lobbyist's
contract.
Unfortunately, the money that was collected for the raffle ticket
was used for other purposes, so there is no money available for
the drawing.
The State Safety Director position was open and Doc appointed
Victor Piorkowski to that position.
There was no legislative report from the State due to computer
problems.
The vulnerable riders bill was passed in the House and it went
to the Justice Committee in the Senate. Senator Clemons hates
motorcycle riders and want to remove motorcyclists from the
bill.
In March there will be two raffles, one for a motorcycle and
another for a firearm. The drawing will be at the October State
meeting.
The April State meeting will be in Brevard County.
The October State meeting will no longer be at Spooks &
Scoots. It will be held in Peace River and sponsored by Peace
River, Gators, West Coast, Estero and Southwest chapters
(basically the 5 Star).
State level nominations were made for President, VP, Secretary,
Membership, Sergeant at Arms.
President Moser:
Question was asked to make sure everyone is receiving the emails sent out by Moe.
At next month's meeting, we will open nominations for the
Board of Directors.

The Southwest Chapter received a recognition from the Stat

regarding the highest percent of growth for the month of
December 2015. Congratulations to us!!
We had one renewal and one new member for the month of
January.
We need a products person - will someone step up? We do not
have much left in the way of products.
Old Business:
Thoughts of moving meeting place to Six Bends. They are
willing to let us use their meeting room the 3rd Sunday of each
month, without a security deposit. However, they want ABATE
to set up a booth at some of their Friday monthly events. We
will vote on that next month.
Motion made by Gwynne Hickman and seconded by Frankie
Kennedy to make Ed Lufkin our new MSAP Director. All
agreed. Congratulations and thank you, Ed!
New Business:
Advertising - we need to get more advertisers. The motion was
made by Carl Nelson and seconded by John Lupo to pay the
annual dues of any member who brings in a new
advertiser. Discussion was held, all approved, motion
carried. Any Life members who get an advertiser can give their
freebie to another.
By-Law changes:
They need to get more money to keep the State office
open, perhaps by raising the dues to $30 annual membership
and $600 Lifetime membership. The last vote was improper
and needs to go back to the individual chapters for a vote. The
choices are:
1) Vote no on all options.
2) Accept one of the amendments.
Moe will send out an e-mail with the proposals":
1) Leave annual amount at $20 and Life membership at $600
and split remains the same.
2) All membership money goes to the State and the local
chapter get nothing. This could add $30,000 into the State
treasury each year. Amendments can be held every 2 years,
discussion was held.
Good of the Order:

VP Frankie Kennedy:
There is nothing current on the Legislative site.
Looking at the situation of Cape Coral vs. colors. This is just
beginning and will be followed.
Heidi Szolga gave the Treasurer's report, including the donation
to the State.
Frank Kennedy made a motion to accept, seconded by Charlie
Fisher, all agreed, motion carried.
Motion to approve the minutes of last month's meeting made by
John Lupo, seconded by Heidi Szolga, all approved, motion
carried.
Secretary Hickman read a letter received from South West Hog
Chapter regarding the Veteran Christmas Ride.

There are a few rides coming up:

Ft. Myers Beach VFW Poker Run
Six Bends Harley Battle of the Bands beginning Fri., March
25th
HOG Easter Bunny Toy Run Mach 26th
Cordelia's Cure April 23rd.
President Moser read some information from the Pennsylvania
ABATE newsletter regarding preserving our rights.
Motion to adjourn made by Robb Rabell, seconded by Big
Bird. All approved. Meeting adjourned 11:50 am.

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER LIFE MEMBERS

Kim Adair
Keith Baker
Bill Barber
Darrell Barnett
Denee Bartels
Karl Bartling
Karl Bartling, III
James Bogenrieder
Scott Blink
Chet Budz
James Burkholder
Nora Burkholder
Don Campbell
Ellen Campson
Frances Cazes
Wayne Cerra
Jonathan Conant
Terry Covington
Audrey Cran
Rick Cran
Rob Cran
Robert Cruz Crusan
Jim Crystal
Dan Curry
Biffle Davis
Lynne Davis
Mary Dicenzo-Porter
Al Diagiaco
Frank Disomma
Cindy Doak
Randy Eck
Marius Espeleta
Jeffery Fielder
Harry Foster
Leather Foster
Brian Galvin
Sonny Gartrell

Steven Goldstein
Lynnda Gray
Larry Gullin
Bob Hall
Hans Holberg
Rodney Hollingsworth
Misti Hollingsworth
Harry Hoover
Jeff Hoover
Jonathan Hunt
George Huttman
Susan Red Huttman
Dan Jackson
Cindy C.J. Jordan
Frankie Kennedy
Ed LaCombe
Julio Lopez
Mary Ann Rivera-Lopez
KD Marlowe
Don Meredith Jr.
Kenneth Miller
John Mitchell
Jay Monttetit
Moe Moser
Taylor Musburger
Carl Nelson
Steve Newton
Tami Newton
Terry Padilla
Bob Penn
Asuncsion Peppers
Richard Peppers
Kathleen Provenzano
Rev. Thomas Provenzano
Frank E. Rhorer
Bill Robinson

Janet Rolfe
Tabitha Rossi
Roland Salsberry
Bruce Scheiner
Juergen Wolfgang Schmidt
Jencye Schmitt
Jerry Schmitt
Elsie Seif
Doug Sepanak
Robert Simon
Kelly Smith
Roger Smith
Randall Spivey
Richard Stergulz
Sandy Stergulz
Grandpa Steward
Lynda Stewart
Russell Sullivan
Scott Turner
Ruth Vorys
Teresa Webster
D. Payton Wells
Michael Wieland
Jama Wyatt
Steve Wyatt

Life Members Who

Have Passed Away
Jerry Barnett
Maggie Cran
Ginny DAsti
John Kennedy
Russell May
Rev. Rea Means
Jo Ann Miller
Jim Mozeleski

To become a Life Member contact the Membership Trustee on Page 3

Southwest Chapter Products

Chapter Patch Large (Members Only) $25.00
Chapter Patch Small - $7.00
Chapter Flag - $25.00

Meet the Member

Name: Robb Rabell
ABATE member from 2005-2008 and
2015 to current date.
Age: ?
Employer: Owner of Sun State General
Contractors
Riding motorcycles on and off since 1973
Favorite food: Cuban Ropa Vieja (pulled
roast beef)
Favorite movie: Dirty Harry
Favorite song: Dont Stop Believing
Three things youll always find in my fridge: Milk,
eggs and Cold Cuts
Person (alive or not) Id most like to have dinner with:
Thomas Jefferson
People might be surprised to know that I am a Constitutional Conservative, a
Contractor by Profession, a shooter, a gun owner/enthusiast, a singer/musician, a
father of 5 and a grandfather of 12.
If you would like to be on the cover of an upcoming newsletter, submit your favorite picture of you and
your bike along with answers to the profile questions. A random drawing will choose our next
cover girl (or boy). Email all information to abateswc@yahoo.com.

Members Only Section

This is a space where members can provide life updates, any items for sale, anything that they are involved in
and would like other members to be aware of, or anything in general with regard to our members. Should you
want to place something in this section, please email your information to abateswc@yahoo.com. All items
placed in this section are at the discretion of the Southwest Chapter Board Members.
Looking to Purchase:
If anyone has an enclosed trailer for sale that will fit a Harley Road King, please contact Lynne at 239-770-5085

Misc.:
Im inviting all chapter members to put my number (412-999-3397) into their cell phones. I own a truck and an open
utility trailer. If you have a breakdown or other emergency with your motorcycle, you can call me and if Im available,
Ill pick it up for you. This is for emergency situations only; please dont call and ask me to take your bike to Haus of
Trikes for an oil change (lol). Also, if you need the use of a trailer to take your bike somewhere, Im open to lending it
out. Thanks, Moe

Membership Report:
For the month of February, we had two renewals and one new member.
Memberships that will expire at the end of March are: Christopher Forman, Gwynne Hickman, Charles
Lufkin, Chris Tantanella, Shelley Taylor, and Paul Taylor, Sr. Please remember to renew. Well be at the Fort
Myers Bike Night on Saturday, March 12th or come to our Chapter Meeting on Sunday, March 20th at 10:30
a.m. at Jerseys Sports Caf.
Each member should make an effort to sign up at least new one member per year we can double our
membership that way!
Safe riding everyone,
Charlie Fisher
Membership Trustee

Legislative Report:
The American Motorcycle Association has put out the information alert noted below. Also at this time, it seems
the stiffer penalty bill is faltering. Will provide updates as they become available.
Frankie Kennedy
Legislative Representative
On Feb. 24, at 10 a.m. (EST), the U.S. Senate
Committee on Environment and Public Works,
chaired by U.S. Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), will
hold a hearing on Oversight of the Renewable Fuel
Standard.
The Renewable Fuel Standard volume requirements announced in November by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency increase
the risk of inadvertent misfueling for motorcyclists and all-terrain-vehicle owners by mandating the widespread availability of higherethanol fuel blends, such as E15 (15 percent ethanol by volume).
The practical effect of the EPAs action is that ethanol production will exceed the blend wall. That means more E15 and less E10 and
E0 (fuel with no ethanol) on the market.
Data from the federal Energy Information Administration shows demand for E0 rose from 3.4 percent in 2012 to nearly 7 percent in 2014.
Consumers want E0 for their motorcycles, ATVs, boats, lawn mowers and other equipment, because it does not pose the risk of engine
and fuel system damage.
Despite the increased demand, the EPA rule reduced the amount of E0 from 9.2 billion gallons to just 130 million in 2016.
Most importantly, the rule mentions the likelihood of misfueling only once. The rule states: in June of 2011, the EPA finalized
regulations to prevent misfueling of vehicles, engines, and equipment not covered by the partial waiver decisions.
This is the same misfueling mitigation plan that initially mandated a four-gallon minimum fuel purchase to address the concerns raised
by the AMA. Following our complaints, the regulation eventually was revised in 2013 to the current plan, yet it is still easily misunderstood,
misapplied or ignored by state governments and producers, distributors and vendors.
Indeed, the EPA has made it illegal for motorcyclists and ATV users to use E15 fuel, and yet seems to have little interest in the misfueling
issue. It appears that the EPA does not consider the concerns of motorcyclists and ATV owners, despite knowing that none of the
estimated 22 million motorcycles and ATVs in use in the United States is approved to use E15 or higher ethanol blends.
To view a live webcast of the hearing, go to http://www.epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/hearings?ID=029AFD91-E4D1-48D6-B2DABAA43B9EA4DF

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Dear Fellow ABATE Members,

Naughty or Nice?
Part Two
Last month, we discussed our friend at Bike Night, who told us that he was
back on the naughty list!
During Bike Night, we offered him a piece of chocolate from our candy basket.
He replied by saying something like, I dont deserve it. Im back on the
naughty list. He must have been on the outs with someone. We joked for a
moment about what he said and compared his statement to the fable on how
Santa Claus keeps a list of whos naughty or nice. It seems that each year, your status with Santa can change!
Then, something was said about Jesus. And, that for one who has accepted Him into their heart, as Lord and
Savior, there is no naughty list! Hebrews 8:12-New International Version (NIV) says, For I will forgive
their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.
The updated Part Two message is that Jesus does keep lists. In Revelation 20:11-15 (NKJV), it reads,
Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled
away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God,
and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were
judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead
who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each
one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second
death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20: 12
says, And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God] and books were opened. And another
book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the
things which were written in the books.
Those written in the Book of Life are those who will enter the presence of God and will live with Him
forever. Jesus says in Revelation 3:5 (NKJV), He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and
I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and
before His angels.
Jesus paid the price, once and for all for the things we have done. All we need to do is receive Him into our
hearts. Can you receive what He has freely given us? Can you accept His grace?
Please pray this prayer: "Dear God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, my heavenly Father, the
God of Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner and have been separated from You. I ask forgiveness of my
sins. I confess with my mouth that your son Jesus is my savior and died for me. I believe in my heart
that You raised Him from the dead. I receive Jesus into my heart and ask Him to become the center of
my life. Place me in your Book of Life. All this, I ask, in the Name of Jesus. Amen."
Call us if you have prayed that prayer for the first time or if you wish to rededicate yourself to Him.
Blessings,
Tom and Kathy
Pastor Tom (Estero River ABATE Life Member and Southwest Chapter Chaplain) and Pastor Kathy (SW
ABATE Life Member - Foursquare Chaplain)- www.messiahsmessengers.org or tprovenz@comcast.net 239267-8641

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ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

Southwest Chapter P.O. Box 60745 Fort Myers, FL 33906
ADVERTISING RATE SCHEDULE
AND APPLICATION

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

Please submit all artwork in PDF or JPEG format. Email advertisement artwork/information and/or questions to
abateswc@yahoo.com. All advertising MUST be approved by ABATE of Florida, Inc., Southwest Chapter.
Forward this completed form and payment to above P.O. Box. Checks payable to Southwest Chapter
Business Name:
Address:
Business Contact:
Cell Phone:

Business Phone:
Email:

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE:
Print Name:
Duration of Ad:
Date Payment Received:

Ad Start Date:
Ad Renewal Date:
Form of Payment:

DONATIONS TO ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. OR SOUTHWEST CHAPTER ARE NOT TAX DEDUCTIBLE AS
CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES.

14

ABATE of Florida, Inc.

Southwest Chapter
P.O. Box 60745 Fort Myers, FL 33906
Southwest.abateflorida.com

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
SEE PAGE 3 FOR MEMBERSHIP TRUSTEE INFORMATION
Name (Please Print Legibly):
Mailing Address:

City

State

Zip Code + Four

Phone: (Include Area Code):

May we use your phone number for our phone tree?

YES

NO

Email Address:
Are you a registered Voter?

YES

NO

Please list your voting districts from your Voter Registration Card:
FL House

FL Senate

Name of Chapter you wish to join:

Southwest Chapter

US Congress
District

If you are a member of more than one chapter, please designate your home chapter

Select ONE of the following:

New/Renewal Annual Membership Due $30.00
Lifetime Membership $600.00
Transfer Membership to:
Change of Address:
Signature:

Date:

Sponsored by Chapter Member:

Memberships are open to anyone 18 years of age or older. All members receive with their paid membership a membership
card, our bi-monthly Masterlink magazine, Chapter Newsletter, Chapter voting privileges and personal involvement in
Statewide legislative actions and their freedom to ride.

CHAPTER USE
Dues Paid by

Cash

Mailed Date: Membership Card

Copy of By Laws

Check

Money Order
Make Checks Payable to:
ABATE of Florida, Inc.
Southwest Chapter

Membership Expiration
15

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