ABATE of Florida, Inc. ● Polk County Chapter The Iron Press DEDICATED TO FREEDOM OF THE ROAD - LET THOSE WHO RIDE DECIDE JUNE 2019 Vol 36 issue ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter Our Mission Statement: WHO WE ARE ABATE is a non-profit organization of motorcycle enthusiast from all walks of life. We lobby and educate the government and 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 & political awareness. We ARE NOT A CLUB OR A 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. ABATE of Florida, Inc. is incorporated under the laws of Florida as a motorcycle rights organization or a “MRO”. ABATE of Florida, Inc. currently is the only political MRO in Florida representing the interests of its members and the motorcycling public at large. ABATE of Florida, Inc. is dedicated to securing and protecting the rights of all motorcyclists in the state ABATE’S Objectives are to: Keep all bikers informed on legislative actions and events that affect their safety and rights. Be a powerful political force in legislation that affects Motorcycle safety and rights. Provide a lobbyist that will represent ABATE interests at State and National levels. Promote voter registration and to motivate members to speak up for their rights. Promote safety without infringing on individual rights and freedoms. Educate the public and Motorcycle Awareness and safety Issues. ABATE’s Accomplishments: ABATE was the driving force behind the changes in Florida’s Helmet Law. Florida Motorcyclist, over the age of 21 and who carry at least $10,000 medical insurance coverage now enjoy the Freedom to Choose whether to wear a helmet or not. ABATE has developed & copyrighted “The Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Program” (MSAP). The program is presented to non-motorcyclists to educate them on how to safely share the road with motorcycles. It is taught in local schools & to civic organizations at no charge in the hope of reducing motorcycle accidents and deaths through education, not legislation. ABATE had gained a positive and respected position in Tallahassee. Because of our Lobbyist and Legislative efforts, State Representatives are aware of ABATE members and our vigilant quest. ABATE reminds travelers every day to “Look Twice Save a Life, Motorcycles are everywhere” through our billboard campaign. Disclaimer Guidelines for Submissions The views expressed in this newsletter are not Members are asked to submit articles, photos and necessarily those of ABATE of Polk County Chapter other materials that would be of interest to their fellow or ABATE of Florida Inc. This newsletter encourages members by 11:00pm on Friday following the all members to submit ABATE related material, Meeting. All board members are encouraged to photos, events, and commentaries, etc. ABATE of submit their articles as soon as possible following the Florida, Inc. and the Polk County Chapter of ABATE monthly meeting. Please do not submit slanderous accepts no responsibility for the comments, views or or accusing letters, profanity or nudity. opinions contained in the newsletter. Polk County Identification Statement Chapter reserves the right to edit or omit any article ABATE of Florida, Inc. submitted for publication. All materials submitted to Polk County Chapter Polk County Chapter for use in this letter becomes PO Box 2743 property of the chapter. Lakeland, FL 33806 ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter 1 Position Name Email President James “Doc” Reichenbach [email protected] Vice President Darrin “Scribe” Brooks [email protected] Secretary Shelly Johnston [email protected] Treasurer Debby Handy [email protected] Sgt. at Arms Marcus Hotelling [email protected] PR/Communications Sally Carroll [email protected] Webmaster Dan “Slo Mo” Henderson [email protected] Masterlink Editor C/O State Office [email protected] Membership Laurie Hanley [email protected] Safety Program Victor Piorkowski [email protected] Legislative Darrin “Scribe” Brooks [email protected] Products Shane [email protected] Legal Larry Crow [email protected] Position Name Phone Email President Mark “Zman” Zinser 863-559-9550 [email protected] Vice President Greg Vernon 863-934-9719 [email protected] Secretary Laneata “Lo” McDermott 863-688-3161 [email protected] Treasurer Rawson (Rusty) Goff 813-426-5171 [email protected] Sgt. at Arms Tim “Roadmap” McDermott 863-688-3161 [email protected] Membership Ralph Snearly 863-206-9028 [email protected] Safety George Swatzbaugh 410-852-6663 [email protected] Products Ralph Snearly 863-206-9028 [email protected] PR Kyra Waldron [email protected] Legislative Mark “ZMan” Zinser 863-559-9550 [email protected] Delegates Tim “Roadmap” McDermott 863-688-3161 [email protected] Dewey Cain 863-688-0608 Newsletter Jenni Stapleton 813-707-4808 [email protected] Webmaster Steve Ammerman 813-363-9540 [email protected] ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter Hey y'all and greetings to all of our ABATE Brothers & Sisters. Here's hoping lots of “wind-therapy” is happening on two wheels for all. First up is as I write this, Memorial Day weekend is upon us. Let us never forget those who have paid the supreme sacrifice for our great country to exist as the land of the free and the home of the brave!! Our GREAT military allows our freedom to exist! God Bless you all. Well, once again, the soon to be world famous “Skills On Wheels” rodeo has been a success! Not only was there a record turn-out (close to 200!), but the weather was beautiful and a great time was had by all! So many people to thank for helping out (Greg DJ ing, George for the great food, Roadmap for putting it together, scorekeepers, front gate sign-in table, Membership Booth, Safety Booth, Wretched Few for Security, Games set-up and down, and on and on. And it couldn’t have happened without those of you who supported the event just by your donations and time to be there. Including other Chapters support (Lake County ABATE, CMA, and others). And to those behind the scenes helping to make it all come together, a sincere “THANK YOU”. And a HUGE thank you to Ginny and The Boondocks for letting us have their property for this event!! Can't wait til the next one already!! Also our Chapter Guns Give Away went to two lucky winners at the end of the Rodeo. Speaking of Gun Give Always, ABATE STATE has theirs going on until December. For a $5.00 donation, you can win a 30/30 Lever Action Henry (made in USA), or second place a Double Barrel 12GA Shotgun!! Tickets can be obtained from any Chapter Member or at our meetings the 3rd Sunday of every month at 1 o'clock at The Boondocks, North Highway 98, Lakeland, Also, it looks like we have our new officers for this election cycle, as all offices are running un-opposed, with only “Products Office” vacant (which we will address asap). A huge thank you for those who stepped up to be an officer, and make this Chapter possible. RIDE SAFE AND ENJOY....Zman Wow what a great rodeo, and a big congrats to the winners of our gun drawing. Thank you for everyone's support. At this time I would like to thank our members for your confidence in me for serving as your Vice-president for the past 3 years. This New Year I am taking a break from that position to serve as a member. I will still be around to help out as much as I can and share my vast knowledge as being a past board officer. The chapter is doing better than it ever has so stay tuned for some great things to come and it all could not have been possible without you the member. And again thank you in advance. Greg Vernon....VP Secretary THANK YOU to today’s meeting attendees: Lo Alexander, John T. McDermott Roadmap, Robert and Karrie DeLeon, Stan Severson, Moe Hillier, Brittany Roman, Mike Harmon, Aaron McCormick, Gary and Tammy Saunders, Ralph Snearly, Greg Vernon, Linda Vernon, John Tardy, Cecil Mitchell, George and Karen Brand, John S. Alexander, Dan Webb, Steve Ammerman, Renee Meyer, Charlie Lentz, Rachel Aguilera, Fawn Gray (Mitchell), George Winezeft, Blaze Alexander, Dewey Cain, R.M. Goff, Muff McLeod, Rafael Febre, Gerry Elliott, 1:07p The Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence were led by President Z Man who pronounced our seventh annual Skills on Wheels Rodeo a great success! He thanked Tim and GK and everyone else for helping. Get your book of tickets for the State Raffle in December. A Henry 30/30 and an O/U double barrel. 5. Congratulations to last week’s Polk raffle winners: Greg and Lake County Joyce! VP, Greg Vernon praised the Rodeo and told us the speakers are fixed. Secretary, Lo Alexander thanked everyone for signing in. Also Bill, Cecil, John T., George, Mike H., Ralph, Dewey, Steve, Z, and Barb for Rodeo help. A motion to accept last month’s minutes was made and seconded. EVERYONE AGREED. Treasurer, Rawson Goff hasn’t tallied all the receipts yet, but we had a good crowd. Acceptance of his report was moved by Lo and seconded by Dewey.