Professional Documents
Culture Documents
SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
Newsletter
September 2016 Volume XL Issue IX
Next Chapter Meeting Sunday, September 18th @ Six Bends Harley Davidson at 10:30 a.m.
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.
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.
Legislative Report:
There is a new Hemet Law being called for by the Motorcycle Safety Coalition (MSC). They are associated
with the NHSTA & FDOT and they have partnered with the Center for Urban Transportation Research at South
Florida University, which has the Ride Smart Florida website and its where our Governor likes to spend our
Safety Education money.
They (Ride Smart Florida) promotes that: motorcyclists are AT FAULT 62% of the time. Below is the email
from the Ridesmartflorida.com website that is being sent out to all the legislators:
Dear State Representative,
I'm sending this email to you as a private citizen and member of the Florida Motorcycle Safety Coalition. The
Motorcycle Safety Coalition is a non-profit organization, comprised of experts in motorcycle education, that works
with safety partners around the state dedicated to bringing awareness regarding motorcycle related issues hoping
to reduce fatalities and serious injuries to Florida motorcycle riders and their passengers. Ride Smart Florida
(ridesmartflorida.com/ index.php/about-us/) is our communication outreach to all partners and people interested in
learning about how to reduce motorcycle accidents, injuries and fatalities. One of our key safety partners includes
CUTR (Center for Urban Transportation Research -http://www.cutr.usf.edu/) located at the University of South
Florida. Our members meet and work with CUTR regularly working to address key problems and deficiencies
affecting Florida riders.
The purpose of this email is to address two specific problems our members believe require legislative action.
1. The Need to Define Mopeds & Scooters as Motorcycles for License Endorsement and Helmet Use. 2. Update to
Florida Motorcycle Insurance Statute (316.211) as it pertains to requirements for wearing a motorcycle helmet.
I have attached 2 documents which are short and to the point which address each problem, the background and the
solution. Addressing and hopefully fixing these issues are a critical and important first step in lowering injuries
and fatalities in Florida. I say first step as Florida fatalities and injuries for riders are simply terrible and totally
unacceptable. The National Motorcycle Safety Institute (http://www. motorcycleinstitute.org) compiles federal data
on motorcycle injuries and fatalities. In its most recent "danger-o-meter" ranking of states by motorcycle fatalities
(http://www. motorcycleinstitute.org/ dangerometer-alphabetical- list/), Florida now ranks as the worst state or last
(http://www. motorcycleinstitute.org/docs/ data/all/dangerometer-2011- 2014-by-rank.pdf). This comes at a time
where other states (most notably California) are decreasing the injury and fatality rates for riders. 2016 is on its
way to becoming the worst year ever for motorcycle fatalities in Florida. Motorcycles in Florida represent 3% of
all vehicles on the road yet account for nearly 21% of all traffic fatalities. Yes it's that bad. I also attached a recent
article from Lee Parks, a nationally renowned expert in rider training, issues affecting riders and state motorcycle
issues, who discusses some of the issues and dangers affecting riders today including positive changes that other
states are taking to lower injuries and fatalities, most notably in California.
Law enforcement, doctors, medical associations, riding instructors along with the insurance industry support these
legislative changes. As a State Representative I am asking for your support on these initiatives. Currently there are
no upcoming bills regarding these initiatives that are being drafted for the next legislative session. That means we
are looking for a champion like yourself, to help us. Please don't turn your back on this. Helping us with these
legislative needs will positively impact Florida by reducing injuries and fatalities.
I would be grateful for your reply, your support and your direction. I am available by phone, email or in-person if
requested. I am more than happy to provide you with additional contact information of other members if
needed. Thank you for your time and help.
Please realize that our freedom is constantly at threat! Stay Vigilant and
when theres a call for action, we need to act or we will lose that freedom!!
Presidents Message:
There are day passes available at the door for the Fall State Biker Bash. So even if you are
not into primitive camping or a three day event, you can still come out and enjoy with
your friends and chapter members the food, the music, the bike rodeo and have a
great time while supporting ABATE of Florida. So tell your friends or better
yet, just grab them by the arm and come out for the day and have a blast.
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Treasurer's Report:
Treasurer Heidi read July treasury report. Motion to accept by Robb
Rabell, seconded by Bob, motion passed.
President's Report:
There is a call for a helmet bill at the State House level. We need
more members to assist our lobbyist to put pressure on our
representatives to vote this down. With this we need to keep an
accurate count of people who visit our tent at bike nights. Also
we need to ensure plenty of volunteers to staff table. This call for
a helmet bill is an incentive to get members to join ABATE.
Membership Report:
We had no new members or renewals in the month of July. Motion
to accept made by Gator, seconded by Bob, motion passed.
Discussion of reaching out to members to gain more support from
current members. Also to determine what contact information for
current members is accurate.
Vice-President's Report:
State meeting held August 13. Highlights of meeting are as
follows:
Two Chapters now closed Brevard and Alachua.
VP will be visiting Chapters.
Discrepancies voiced over Treasurer report tabled till next
meeting, as Treasurer on vacation.
Sgt-At-Arms advised if you need help with security at your
meeting to let him know. Will be present if he can.
Boots provided notice of specific information required for
insurance requests. 1 day stationary event still $125. A run can
cost $299 and up. Reminder about drawing tickets.
Most new members in May and June was Lake County.
Lighthouse Chapter highest % of growth in May and Forest
Chapter in June.
PR motorcycleorads.com is site to post events. If others support
us by posting our flyers, then we can support them and post theirs.
Safety director - New form for safety items, as State has obtained
some more items. When doing booth, ensure to completely fill
out MSAP booth form.
Legislation: Postcard idea for Chapters to send out to legislator to
support/oppose bill or send to congratulate winner of political
race. Reminder of primary voting on 8/30/16.
Lobbyist: Note that Irv Slosberg is running against Clemmons for
State Senator in District 31. As we know Clemmons does not
support motorcyclists. Dennis Blaxley is running for State
Senator in District 12 and spoke about stiffer penalties and wants
to reestablish ABATE receiving a share of the motorcycle safety
fund that is created with our $2.50 payments with registration.
NCOM in May 2017 is in Reno and Mobile, AL in 2018.
MRF and AMA working with regard to fuel ethanol levels and to
do ANTI-National profiling bill if they can get sponsored.
State party October 7-9 at Peace River Campground.
Ride to Tallahassee tentatively set for 4/10/17, meeting will be
Sunday 4/9/17. Trying to get same campground. Discussion about
Bikers Lives Matters t-shirt. Colors will be yellow and black.
Take back to Chapters for vote.
New business request to have State work on reaching out to AtLarge members. Will have membership work on this.
Safety Director:
Doing class in Cape Coral H.S. Anyone can attend, but they expect
you to be in full gear if you show up, boots, jeans, helmet.
Secretary's Report:
Secretary Gwynne is absent today. Motion to approve the minutes
Legislative Report:
Email from State about Motorcycle Safety Coalition in bed with
Safety DOT and partnered with Center for Urban Transportation
Research out of South Florida University Ride Smart Florida
website. Our $2.50 per registration for safety program is going to
Ride Smart Florida website. Ride Smart has stated motorcyclists are
at fault 62% of the time. This is a lie. The most common motorcycle
fatality comes when a cage makes a left turn in front of a bike. This
results in fatality 70% of the time.
Biker issues have never been federal issues. It is a state issue. The
Motorcycle Institute compiles statistics and it ranks FL as the #1
state in motorcycle fatalities. 2016 is becoming the worst year ever.
We need to make this a focus at our safety table. It is imperative that
bikers are aware of what is to come and by joining ABATE they can
use their voice against it.
Good of the Order:
RackEm Billiards on 47th Terrace in Cape Coral is hosting a CruisIn event on Wednesday evenings from 7 10 pm. There will be a
pool tournament, live music, games, 50/50 and other events. ABATE
members that show their card get a discount and food and drinks.
They will be planning a bike show soon. Our Chapter will be
supporting this event and we ask members to come and check it out.
We need to work on getting new members. Also need to get
advertisers. Take newsletter with you when you go out to eat and try
to get your favorite restaurant to advertise with us.
Suggestions made of things to do to try to drum up membership at
meetings do a 50/50, rides.
Also mentioned Forest Chapter has made two quilts out of Chapter
shirts and logos and is raffling off both quilts. Tickets are $10 each.
Membership Report:
For the month of August we had no renewals and one new member welcome Ray Ranger!
Memberships that will expire at the end of September are Marjorie Fisher and Michelle Temple. Please see me
about your renewal.
We have new Chapter cards that have a Membership Application on the back. This way you always have an
application with you should you need one. Or, you can fill out the membership form on Page 16 of this Newsletter
and mail it to ABATE Southwest Chapter, PO Box 60745, Fort Myers, FL 33906 along with cash or check for
$20 annual or $600 life payable to Southwest Chapter or come to our next Chapter Meeting on Sunday, October
16, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Six Bends Harley-Davidson.
Safe riding everyone,
Heidi Szolga
Membership Trustee
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
Richard Leon
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
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September, 2016
Sun
Mon
Tues
Wed
11
12
10:30am
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Chapter Mtg. Six Bends with
Birthday Cake
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25
26
Rack Em 7
Cruis-In on
47th Terrace
7-10pm
13 Rack Em 14
Cruis-In on
47th Terrace
7-10pm
20 Rack Em 21
Cruis-In on
47th Terrace
7-10pm
27 Rack Em 28
Cruis-In on
47th Terrace
7-10pm
6
Thurs
Fri
Sat
Parade for 10
Heroes at
10am on 47th
Terrace
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22
23
24
29
30
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October, 2016
Sun
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Sat
1
10
10:30am
16
Chapter
Meeting - Six
Bends HD
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23
24
30
31
Rack Em 5
Cruis-In on
47th Terrace
7-10pm
11 Rack Em 12
Cruis-In on
47th Terrace
7-10pm
18 Rack Em 19
Cruis-In on
47th Terrace
7-10pm
25 Rack Em 26
Cruis-In on
47th Terrace
7-10pm
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QUARTER PAGE
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FULL PAGE
6 Months
$ 55.00
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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
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Business Phone:
Email:
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DONATIONS TO ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. OR SOUTHWEST CHAPTER ARE NOT TAX DEDUCTIBLE AS
CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES.
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MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
SEE PAGE 3 FOR MEMBERSHIP TRUSTEE INFORMATION
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Please list your voting districts from your Voter Registration Card:
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If you are a member of more than one chapter, please designate your home chapter
Date:
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