ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
May 2016 Volume XL Issue V

Next Chapter Meeting Sunday, May 15th @ Six Bends Harley Davidson at 10:30 a.m.

MAY IS MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH!

Chapter Founding Member Rob Cran

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.
1

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, MAY 15TH @ 10:30 a.m.
at SIX BENDS HARLEY DAVIDSON
9501 Thunder Road
Fort Myers, FL 33913

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: May 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.

ABATE of Florida, Inc./Southwest Chapter

EXECUTIVE BOARD & TRUSTEES
PO Box 60745, Fort Myers, FL 33906-6745
www.southwest.abateflorida.com

Presidents Message:

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
Ed@southwestchapter.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, Ed@southwestchapter.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. As youve heard, our

organization is at a critical point. The State office
treasury is barely at an operational level. In an effort
to get back on sound financial footing, two fundraising activities are underway. The first is the
Christmas gun raffle- tickets are $5 each and get you
a chance to win one of two guns- a Henry leveraction 30-30 rifle or a Huglu 12-gauge over/under
shotgun. Please consider buying tickets and hopefully
youll own a new gun or two this year.
Secondly, and more important in my opinion, is the
Fall State Biker Bash. Plans are underway for this
weekend event to be held at Peace River RV
Campground October 7-9. Please see the flyer in this
newsletter for details.
Im asking every Chapter member to buy a $30
advance sale ticket for this party and to do so now.
Im asking this regardless of whether you end up
attending or not because this cash infusion is what we
need as an organization to keep our State office open
and to maintain our influence in Tallahassee. We
have about 6,000 members statewide and if only half
of us buy an event ticket, well generate $90,000 of
revenue towards regaining our state treasury. I
believe that almost all of us can squeeze $30 out of
our budgets to keep this organization going. If we get
the support we need, well get back on track
financially and have a great party as well!
Please bring $30 to our Chapter meeting May 15 and
pick up your ticket. Checks are acceptable and should
be made payable to Southwest Chapter ABATE of
Florida.
God bless the USA and may we all ride free.
Moe

ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC./SOUTHWEST CHAPTER

GENERAL MEETING
Six Bends Harley-Davidson, Fort Myers on April 17, 2016
Called to order at 10:34 a.m.
Sgt. at Arms - Pledge of Allegiance, moment of silence,
please silence your phones. There are 23 members present.
President's Report:
We need 2 volunteers at the Six Bens May 20th Battle of the
Bands for our members tent 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Moe has
committed $400 from our treasury for the State party in
October. Each of the 5 chapters have agreed to put in $200
seed money for the October party and another $200 for the
State meeting, which will be at the State party October 7, 8
and 9. He asked each member to buy a ticket for the State
party at $30 pre-sale or $35 at the door. We are pushing for
pre-sales as soon as the tickets are available so we will have
an approximation of how many might attend.
There were 3 main topics discussed at the State meeting in
April:
1) The State Party
2) By-law amendments to bring back to the chapters
3) Raffle tickets for 2 shotguns at $5 each. There will be 2
guns raffled off and the winner will have to be at least 18
years old and pass a background check.
Heidi has the cards for the $4,000 accidental death and
dismemberment insurance, which will get paid to your estate
unless you fill out the beneficiary card and name a specific
beneficiary. However, if you fill out one of these cards, you
can expect a call from an insurance agent trying to sell you
additional insurance. You do NOT need to meet with the
agent.
Highlights from the State meeting:
Boots stated they are looking for a new insurance company.
They announced the winners of the $7/$2/$1 K raffle. They
were not anyone from our Chapter. The State made a profit
of approximately $5,500 on the raffle.
Heidi has tickets for the gun raffle. The drawing will be at
the December 10th State meeting.
Membership - Grace is looking into starting an incentive
package for memberships. More info is forthcoming.
Doc talked about the Vulnerable Riders bill - it failed in the
Senate. He finally spoke with Senator Clemons who advised
Doc that he plans to introduce a bill to require helmets in the
State of Florida.
The Safety money was passed in the Senate and the House,
but was vetoed by Governor Scott.
By-laws changes - It was tabled and scheduled to come back
at the June meeting.
There was an idea brought forward to charge each chapter
annual dues. This was sent back with the Chapters for a vote.
A motion was made to ride to Tallahassee in April for the
Freedom Ride.
State Board election nominations were made as follows:
Doc for President; Darrin Brooks for VP; Shelly for
Secretary; Patti for Treasurer with an assistant; Marcus for
Sergeant at Arms; Laurie for Membership; Sally for Public
Relations; Dan for the Web-site; Products none; Darrin for
Legislative Report; Larry for Legal Counsel; Victor for
Safety.

Leadership training for all those elected to Board positions will be

held in July.
Vice President Frankie:
The Vulnerable Riders Bill failed. No other report.
Secretary's Report:
A thank you note from Peace River Chapter was read into the
record.
Motion was made to approve the minutes from the March meeting
was made by John Lupe, seconded by Rob Crane. Motion carried.
Treasurer's Report:
Heidi read the March Treasurer's report, giving an explanation of
all the expenses and credits. She welcomed everyone to come and
peruse the report if they so wished. Motion to accept the report
made by Carl and seconded by Rob Crane. Motion carried.
Membership Report:
Charlie gave the membership report for March. There were 2 new
members and 3 renewals.
Sergeant at Arms:
Great news - his wife's cancer is in remission!!!
Old Business:
Regarding the State party in October, there will be a Planning
Committee meeting Sunday, May 1st at noon at Peace River
Campground. Everyone is welcome to come and be part of the
committee. Members, please buy tickets for the event at $30 each,
which includes tent camping. Beer will be sold for $2.00 each and
they are checking on the sale of liquor. There will be a scavenger
hunt, swap meet and live music.
Frankie Kennedy re-opened nominations for our Chapter's
Executive Board.
President - Rob Cran (Big Bird) and Robb Rabell accept
Vice President - Moe Moser accepts, no other nominations
Secretary - Gwynne Hickman accepts, no other nominations
Treasurer - Heidi Szolga accepts, Bob Crane declines. No other
nominations
Only those 4 Executive Board members have to be elected, all
other positions can be appointed by the Board. Nominations are
closed for today and there will be another round at the May
meeting, and we will vote in June. There can be a write-in
candidate at the June meeting as well, if someone decides at the last
minute they would like to serve.
New Business:
There were 4 proposals to the amendments for dues. We will read
these today and table them for a vote at the May meeting. Presently
the annual dues are $20, with $10 going to State and $10 to the
Chapter and Lifetime is $150 with $100 going to State and $50
going to the Chapter.
Proposal #1:
Annual dues $20 with $10 to State and $10 to chapter. Life
5

members will be $600 with $400 going to the State and $200 to
the Chapter.
Proposal #2:
Annual dues $20 and Life member dues $150, with all money
going to the State and none to the Chapter.
Proposal #3:
Annual dues $20, all money goes to the State. Life member is
removed as a buying option, but there will be an "earned
status". If you have served ABATE either on the Board or as an
active participant for 5 or 10 years, each Chapter Board can make
3 submissions and the State will choose 3 to receive the Life
member status. Life members will need to make an annual $10
donation to the State.
Proposal #4:
Annual dues $30 with $20 going to State and $10 going to the
chapter. Life member is $300 and all the money goes to the State.

each chapter buying their own insurance for the events they
hold. This will be voted on at our May meeting.
Our lobbyist's contract goes through the end of October. The
State was supposed to have solicited proposals from lobbyists,
but our President Doc was the only one who submitted a
proposal. Secretary Gwynne read into the record the lobbyist
proposal submitted from Doc. Discussion was held regarding
keeping the lobbyist or not.
Heidi and Moe will not be able to attend the June 11th State
meeting in Sebring, so Frankie and Carl will go in their
stead. Everyone is welcome to attend. It will be at the Elks
Lodge in Sebring.
Big Bird will be the next cover guy on our newsletter and John
and Fran will be the month after.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness month.

Ideas were discussed for fundraising: Chili Cook-off, spaghetti
dinner, etc. Please bring ideas forward. Big Bird offered to cook
the spaghetti dinner.
New By-Law Proposals:
Currently, the State pays $20,000 per year for insurance and hope
to be repaid by each chapter as they pay $150 for each
event. Southernmost Chapter proposed the State require each
chapter to pay $850 per year to the State (it can be paid monthly)
for insurance. They will then get $650 credit towards the
insurance and the chapter will not have to buy additional
insurance for up to 4 events. However, not many chapters put on
4 events per year that require insurance, so it might go back to

We will keep our meeting time at 10:30 am it seems to work well

for everyone.
Good of the Order:
Bill brought up that ABATE's mission statement should be
changed - where it says "Bikers" it should be changed to
"Riders". The verbiage will be double checked for accuracy.
The 4 proposed amendments will be sent out via e-mail to
everyone from Moe.
Motion to adjourn made by Charlie Fisher, seconded by Rob
Cran, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 11:54 a.m.

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
John DAgostino
Kim DAgostino
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
S. Wade Stogran
Russell Sullivan
Heidi Szolga
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
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Meet the Member

Name: Rob Cran a/k/a Big Bird
ABATE member for 32 years
Age: A lot more than people think
Employer: Retired
Riding motorcycles for 40 years
Favorite food: Meatloaf and noodles
Favorite movie: Its a Wonderful Life
Favorite song: I love you truly
Three things youll always find in my fridge: Soda,
sandwich makings, condiments
Person (alive or not) Id most like to have dinner
with: my mom
People might be surprised to know that I am also a
member of the Fort Myers Power Squadron

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.

Membership Report:
For the month of April we have 4 Life Members and 4 New Annual Members. Two of the Life Members were
previously At-Large and have joined the Southwest Chapter. One of the Life Members was a prior annual
member.
Memberships that will expire at the end of May are: Larry DAngelo, Donna Hancock, Victor Hancock, Mark
Kennedy, Steven Morris and Robb Rabell. Please remember to renew. Well be at the Fathoms Bike Night on
Tuesday, May 3rd from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm; the Fort Myers Bike Night on Saturday, May 14th from 5:00 pm to
10:00 pm; at Six Bends Harley-Davidson for our Chapter Meeting on Sunday, May 15th at 10:30 a.m.; and at
Six-Bends Harley Davidson for the Battle of the Bands on Friday, May 20th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
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
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Legislative Report by Frankie Kennedy:

EVERS, GAETZ POISED FOR PANHANDLE BATTLE
In what could be one of the state's most hotly contested congressional primary battles, state Sen. Greg Evers said Monday he is
running for an open Northwest Florida seat being vacated by veteran U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller. Evers, a Baker Republican, enters
an already-crowded GOP field, which includes state Rep. Matt Gaetz and James Zumwalt, an Iraq war veteran who also served
as an aide to Miller. After toying with the possibility of running for weeks, Evers on Saturday filed a statement of candidacy for
Congressional District 1 with the Federal Elections Commission, setting up what could be a grudge match with fellow state
legislator Gaetz, who announced his candidacy for the seat almost a month ago. "After prayerful consideration, I'm humbled
and honored to announce my candidacy for CD 1. Many of the residents of the Panhandle have asked me to run because we
need someone that will uphold the Panhandle values in D.C. As a lifelong resident of the Panhandle, I'm ready to carry our
message to D.C., just as Jeff Miller did," Evers told The News Service of Florida in a telephone interview Monday. Evers, a 60year-old farmer, said he intends to formally announce his entrance into the race at a press conference Tuesday morning in
Milton. Evers in 2001 won a special election for the state House, where he served until his election to the Senate in 2010. The
Northwest Florida district --- one of the state's most conservative --- abuts the Alabama border and spans Escambia, Okaloosa,
Santa Rosa and Walton counties and includes most of Holmes County. The winner of the Aug. 30 GOP primary is almost
certain to go to Washington, and a match-up between Gaetz and Evers could result in the type of political slugfest that the
Panhandle is known for. Gaetz has already raised more than $350,000, including putting more than $100,000 of his own money
into the race. But Evers, known among reporters for a droll wit delivered in a thick Southern drawl, didn't flinch when asked
about Gaetz's campaign war chest. "The last time I checked, it's the voters that elect, not dollars," he said.
***Please remember that Greg Evers has been a HUGE supporter of ABATE since the beginning of his career. He
would continue to be a HUGE ally to all motorcyclist if elected to the US Congress. We would have another pro-motorcycle
friend in Washington to help us battle ethanol, motorcycle only checkpoints, NHTSA and whatever else may come down the
road.
SCOTT SIGNS TREATMENT, MILITARY BILLS
Gov. Rick Scott on Friday signed two bills that are expected to help people get mental-health or substance-abuse treatment and
make it easier for military personnel from Florida to vote. Scott also vetoed a controversial overhaul of alimony laws (SB 668).
With those moves, Scott finished acting on all 272 bills --- including the state budget --- approved by the Legislature this year.
He signed all but three. The treatment measure (SB 12) includes what is known as a "no wrong door" policy, which would
allow people who need mental-health or substance-abuse treatment to get it no matter how they enter the systems --- whether
through criminal offenses or personal crises. To do that, the bill would create central receiving facilities to function as single
points of access to emergency care and intervention services. Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Chairman
Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah, sponsored the bill, with House Children, Families and Seniors Chairwoman Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart,
and Rep. Kathleen Peters, R-Treasure Island, spearheading the issue in the House. The military-related measure (SB 184)
creates a task force to review the development of an online voting system for overseas military voters as a way to return
completed absentee ballots. The new law, sponsored by Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, and Rep. Greg Steube, RSarasota, also requires landlords to act within seven days on lease applications submitted by service members. The bill also
makes clear that former members of the Florida National Guard are eligible for the Florida Veterans' Hall of Fame.
NRA SEEKS VOICE IN OPEN-CARRY COURT BATTLE
The National Rifle Association is seeking to file a friend-of-the-court brief in a Florida Supreme Court case that challenges the
constitutionality of a state ban on people openly carrying guns. The NRA on Thursday filed a motion asking for permission to
file a brief in the challenge brought by Dale Norman, who was arrested in 2012 in Fort Pierce while openly carrying a gun in a
holster. After a jury found Norman guilty of a misdemeanor charge, the 4th District Court of Appeal upheld the state's ban on
openly carrying guns, ruling it does not violate constitutional rights to bear arms. The NRA's motion did not present extensive
arguments, but the document said it is "critical that this (Supreme) Court hold that the open and peaceful bearing of arms is
constitutionally protected conduct." In the motion, the NRA also noted it was "deeply involved" in supporting Florida
legislation this year that would have allowed people with concealed-weapons licenses to openly carry firearms. That legislation
was approved by the House but died in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Supreme Court has allowed the national group
Everytown for Gun Safety to file a brief in the Norman case. That group opposes the open carrying of guns and used its brief to
trace a long history of restrictions, saying "Florida's law does not even implicate the Second Amendment --- let alone violate
it." The Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments in the case June 8.
ALL 2016 SESSION BILLS HAVE REACHED SCOTT
All 272 bills approved by the House and Senate during the 2016 session have now been sent to Gov. Rick Scott, with the
delivery Monday of a measure (SB 668) that would set up a new formula for judges to decide alimony payments. As of
9

Monday afternoon, Scott had signed 207 of the bills. That included a wide-ranging transportation bill (HB 7027) that the
governor approved Monday. The signed bills include an $82 billion budget (HB 5001) for the fiscal year that starts July 1. Scott
has only vetoed one bill (HB 1355), which would have created an authority to manage and operate city-owned Gainesville
Regional Utilities. Scott objected to a part of the bill that would have provided compensation to appointed board members of
the authority.
SCOTT SIGNS BILL TO LOWER CONCEALED WEAPONS FEES
The cost to get concealed-weapons licenses will be reduced under a bill signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Rick Scott. The
measure (SB 772), one of 14 bills Scott signed, reduces the license fee from $70 to $60 on the initial application and from $60
to $50 for renewals. With nearly 1.5 million concealed-weapons licenses currently issued in Florida, the change is projected to
reduce state revenue by $2.99 million next fiscal year, according to a Senate analysis of the bill. Agriculture Commissioner
Adam Putnam, whose agency oversees concealed-weapons licenses, has said the measure is part of efforts to make the
application process "more convenient and affordable."
This is from The MRF For Immediate Release - April 21, 2016
Modified Motorcycles Potentially Under Attack
Members of both Houses of Congress have introduced proposed legislation that would protect the rights of Americans to
modify their vehicles for racing purposes. Dubbed the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2016 (RPM Act, H.R.
4715 and S. 2659), this legislation would ensure that converting any motor vehicle (including street motorcycles) into a
competition-only vehicle remains legal.
This proposed legislation became necessary after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, under the guise of maintaining
emissions as outlined by the Clean Air Act, announced plans to regulate the conversion of street motorcycles and other motor
vehicles into race vehicles. This attempt is reminiscent of the EPA's efforts back in 2003 to regulate motorcycling through
another unrelated proposed regulation aimed at heavy equipment, steam engines and diesel engines that would have prohibited
owners from changing anything on their motorcycles except for paint color or chrome.
Through the Color and Chrome initiative, the MRF was successful in separating motorcycles from the EPAs regulations and
created exemptions to protect the custom and aftermarket industries and our lifestyle. On April 15, 2016, the EPA announced
that, under pressure from Congress, it would drop the language from its proposed regulations; nevertheless, it shows the clear
intent of the EPA to attempt to overstep its bounds, as outlined by the Clean Air Act, in an effort to strip motorcyclists of the
rights to modify their motorcycles as they see fit.
The MRF urges its members to contact their U.S. Representative and Senator and ask them to support H.R. 4715/S. 2659, the
Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2016, so that the EPA makes no further attempts to erode motorcyclists
rights.

OPPONENTS TAKE AIM AT 'DOCS V. GLOCKS' LAW

Doctors and physician groups filed an 86-page brief this week asking a federal appeals court to reject a controversial Florida
law that would restrict doctors from asking questions and recording information about patients' gun ownership. The brief came
as the full 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals prepares to hear arguments June 21 about what has become known as the "docs v.
glocks" law. The state filed a brief last month urging the court to uphold the law. The plaintiffs' brief filed Monday argued, in
part, that the 2011 law violates the First Amendment rights of physicians to discuss safety-related issues with patients. " In (the
law), the Florida Legislature does what no legislative body has done before or since; it prevents doctors from providing patients
with truthful advice to keep their families healthy and safe --- speech that is recommended as standard protocol by national
medical associations,'' the plaintiffs' brief said. "If (the law) is allowed to stand, it sets precedent for states, at the bidding of
other industries or special interests, to prevent doctors from speaking to patients about risks posed by other dangerous products
or activities. The First Amendment does not allow the state to single out and censor one topic (firearms), or one group (doctors,
or patients), or to so interfere with the doctor-patient relationship." The full appeals court agreed in February to take up the
case, after a three-judge panel issued three rulings upholding the constitutionality of the law. The law, backed by groups such
as the National Rifle Association, includes a series of restrictions on doctors and other health providers. As an example, it seeks
to prevent physicians from entering information about gun ownership into medical records if the physicians know the
information is not "relevant" to patients' medical care or safety or to the safety of other people. The NRA filed a friend-of-thecourt brief last week that said it championed the law after members were asked intrusive questions about gun ownership during
visits to doctors' offices. The NRA brief described the law as "a modest regulation of the medical profession that does not
infringe upon First Amendment rights."

10

Father Toms Message:

Dear Fellow ABATE Members,
Cant Solve Your Motorcycle Issues?
There are many issues that can take place with motorcycles. You will possibly
relate with us when we say that we had a so-called Custom motorcycle trike.
The word custom sounds unique and cool. However, sometimes, the issues
that go along with it are bleak and seem cruel.
Life is almost like that custom cycle, because each one of us is different from
everyone else, even if we go through similar issues. Each one of us is unique
and requires special attention, just as that custom trike did.
What are the issues facing you today? Finances? Marriage? Children? Health? Relationships?
the biggest obstacle in solving real issues, is going back to humanity for the answers.
It seems like humanity is its own worst enemy.
We believe the biggest obstacle in solving real issues, is going back to humanity for the answers. It seems like humanity
is its own worst enemy. The scriptures clearly tell us that not one of us is perfect or has the perfect answers to our most
pressing issues (Romans 3:23). Mans answers and understanding of the issues are flawed. Even the most advanced
minds will usually change their minds on an issue and/or make modifications of their stated position. Or, if they are
really wrong and something doesnt go right, they will find some sort of excuse to pass it off. Just take a look at the
politicians, which many think so highly of, who claim to have all the answers.
There is only one person, clearly documented in history that was without any fault whatsoever. That was Jesus Christ
(2 Corinthians 5:21) (Hebrews 4:15). He was God who became a man (John 1:14) (John1:1). God made us (Genesis
1:29-31). We are unique and different Custom made (Psalm 139:13) (Job 10:8).
Therefore, why cant we go to Him to help solve the issues we face? First, we need to pray (Matthew 6:9-13) (John
14:13). Dont make it a formal prayer. Make it conversational, as if you were talking to your best friend (Matthew 6:7).
If you have not done so, before all else, receive Him into your heart (see below).
problems and the issues you face are invitations for the Lord to come into
your life
Will you please consider and take the attitude that your problems and the issues you face are invitations for the Lord to
come into your life to help resolve them? For He says, Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my
voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (Revelation 3:20).
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock
How long has He been on the outside waiting for you to let Him in?
Please pray this, with your whole heart, Dear God, my heavenly Father, I confess that I am a sinner and have been
separated from You. I ask forgiveness of my sins. I repent and accept this gift of repentance and I wish to be free in
you. 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. I ask, in the Name of
Jesus. Amen." If you have prayed this and/or wish to talk, call us at 239-267-8641
Blessings,
Pastor Tom (SW ABATE Chaplain and Estero River ABATE Life Member) and Pastor Kathy (SW ABATE Life
Member) Foursquare Chaplains - 239-267-8641 or email: tprovenz@comcast.net

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MAY, 2016
Sun

Mon
1

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Fri

Sat

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Fathoms
Bike Night

6-9pm
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Fort Myers
Bike Night
6-10pm

10:30 am 15
Chapter Mtg.
Six Bends
HD

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25

29

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Battle of the
Bands Six
Bends HD
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JUNE, 2016
Sun

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Sat

10

11

6-9pm
13 Flag Day 14

15

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18

10:30am Chpt. 19
Mtg. Six Bends HD

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23

6-9pm
24
Battle of the
Bands Six
Bends HD

25

26

27

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29

30

6
Fathoms
Bike Night

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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.

18

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 $20.00
Lifetime Membership $150.00
Transfer Membership to:
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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
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Membership Expiration
19

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