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ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. SOUTHWEST CHAPTER

February 2016 – Volume XL – Issue II Next Chapter Meeting February 21st @ Jerseys Sports Café at 10:30 a.m.

Member Gwynne Hickman

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.

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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.

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 MEETING:

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21st @ 10:30 a.m.

at JERSEY’S SPORTS CAFÉ

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

Southwest Chapter Newsletter

Issue date: February 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.

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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:

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)

President’s Message:

Dear ABATE Members:

Wow- what a crappy month January was. I barely got

the bike out. Let’s hope February is better. Please look

at the ads in this newsletter and try to patronize our

advertisers. If you do, make sure you tell them that

you’re there because of their ad. The only way they

will continue to advertise with us is if they think it is

generating business. Also regarding ads, I’m asking all

members to think about their favorite bar, restaurant,

shop or whatever and consider asking them to

advertise with us. The ad rates are here in the

newsletter. We do not have enough advertising right

now to cover the cost of the newsletter. At the very

least, we need it to be a break-even proposition. Of

course, if we had enough ads, it could actually be a

money-maker. As an incentive, I’m thinking that we

could offer to pay a member’s annual dues if he or she

brings in an ad. Please give that some thought and I’ll

bring it up at the February Chapter Meeting for your

consideration.

The next ABATE State Meeting is Saturday, February

13th in Port Charlotte. All members are invited to

attend. If you want to ride there with me and Heidi, let

me know and we’ll arrange a meet-up.

Mark your calendars- Saturday, February 13th is Cape

Coral Bike Night. We will be there with our

membership and safety tent; please stop by. While

you’re at it- mark Sunday, February 21st for our

Chapter Meeting. I hope to see you there.

Ride free thanks to ABATE!

Moe

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ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC./SOUTHWEST CHAPTER

GENERAL MEETING Jersey’s Sports Café, Fort Myers on January 17, 2016

CALLED TO ORDER AT 10:38 a.m.

Salute the flag, Pledge of Allegiance, moment of silence.

Silence cell phones.

Sgt.-At-Arms account of members present - 18 and 1

visitor

President's Report - Moe Moser Welcome to visitor Bryan, a member of Crawford County,

PA ABATE.

1) What direction do we want our chapter to take? We

should do more riding, a ride to Everglades City was

suggested. We can reach out to others and come up with

more ideas.

2) Chapter leadership - Elections are in June and

Moe does not want to be President again. People need to

step up to be on the Board. Please think about serving, the

guidelines for each position are on the website and

training is provided by State in July.

3) The condition of ABATE of FL, Inc. - we are

broke. ABATE has clout with the State of FL because of

being an organization as a whole, so it is important to not

let ABATE fail. The money in our chapter's account can

be claimed by State and they might take 20% of each

chapter's funds if needed for them to pay their bills. Will

talk more about that later.

VP Report - Frankie Kennedy 1) Thank you to all. We need people to step up and

volunteer to be on the Board.

Secretary's Report Motion to approve minutes as written made by Rob (Big

Bird) and second by Robb Rabell. Approved.

Treasurer's Report - Heidi Szolga Heidi may stay on as Treasurer. Heidi and President

Moser will attend the next State meeting Feb. 13th at

Peace River and someone needs to set up Bike Night in

the Cape.

Membership Report - Heidi Szolga Charlie was excused. December had 10 new members and

2 renewals.

Motion to approve last month's report as read by Heidi

made by Robb R. and seconded by Tim. Approved.

Old Business:

1) The Veterans Christmas ride was a great success,

thanks to all who supported the event. President Moser

received a letter of thanks from the Veterans' Home; it

was read by the Secretary and will be put into our

records. Accounting given of monies donated and

collected, costs associated with the ride and amount given

to the veterans. Even though Moe does not wish to run

again for President, he offered to serve on the committee

for the next Christmas Veterans' ride.

2) Contributions to the State treasury - As previously

stated, the State treasury is almost broke. It was

suggested by Moe that we donate 10% of our Chapter's

account to ABATE of FL to help keep that account

solvent. The State President is also our lobbyist; his

contract expires in October, so it is unknown if ABATE

will again incur that expense. Motion made by Rob (Big

Bird) and seconded by Robb. Discussion was held. We

are hoping for a successful event next October to help the

State coffers. Vote taken to give 10% of our chapter's

account to State - 16 ayes, one nay; motion carried with

opposition.

3) One of our goals for 2016 should be to raise money for

State.

4) We will wait until Ed Lufkin is here to install him as

Safety Instructor and Webmaster (along with Taylor).

New Business: 1) Talked to Robin at Six Bends Harley Davidson.

She agreed to let us use their meeting room at no cost for

our monthly chapter meeting. Moe will bring it up at our

next meeting after he meets with Robin.

2) It was brought to our attention that the Lost Riders were

upset that our chapter did not send any representatives

from ABATE to the funeral of the president of Left for

Dead. However, it was noted that no one from ABATE

Southwest Chapter was contacted with a request for our

presence, or we would have been there.

Good of the Order Sergeant-at-Arms Robb thanked everyone for the

Veterans' ride, especially those who helped with parking

and Santa and Mrs. Claus (Big Bird and his wife).

Motion to adjourn made by Robb and seconded by Tim.

Meeting adjourned at 11:31 a.m.

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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 D’Asti

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: Gwynne Hickman

ABATE member for 6 years.

Age: Ever so much more than 20

Employer: City of Cape Coral

Riding motorcycles for 12 years

Favorite food: Maine Lobster

Favorite movie: Chicago

Favorite song: It’s a Wonderful World

Three things you’ll always find in my fridge: water, wine and cheese.

Person (alive or not) I’d most like to have dinner with: My son, Erik.

People might be surprised to know that I was in a documentary film

“Fight to Live”.

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.

For Sale: (price reduced)

"Member selling 2011 Roadglide Ultra FLTRU.

10,600 miles. New tires, battery, and 10k service

done. Includes hard bag inserts, bike cover,

headsets, luggage rack. Like new

condition. $16,500. John at 708 204 8483 or

jkolar0317@yahoo.

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.:

I’m 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 I’m available,

I’ll pick it up for you. This is for emergency situations only; please don’t 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, I’m open to lending it

out. Thanks, Moe

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Membership Report:

For the month of January, we didn’t have any new members or any renewals.

Memberships that will expire at the end of February are: Ronald Eiben, Dorian Gulledge, Steve Hogan,

Alaina Morris, Edward Oswalt, David Zielinski and Adam Zuhdi. Please remember to renew. We’ll be at the

Fathoms Bike Night on February 2nd, the Cape Coral Bike Night on February 13th or come to our Chapter

Meeting on Sunday, February 21st at 10:30 a.m. at Jersey’s Sports Café.

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: As we are currently not in session, there is nothing to report at this time.

Frankie Kennedy

Legislative Representative

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FEBRUARY, 2016 Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat

1 Fathom’s 2 Bike Night

3 4

5

6

7

8 9

10 11 12

State 13 Meeting ▪

Cape Coral

Bike Night

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15

16 17 18 19 20

10:30 am 21 Chapter Mtg.

Jersey’s

Sports Cafe

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23 24 25 26 27

28

29

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MARCH, 2016 Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat

1

Fathoms

Bike Night

2 3

4

5

6

7 8

9 10 11

12 Ft. Myers

Bike Night

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14

15 16 17

18 19

10:30 am 20 Chapter Mtg.

Jersey’s Sports

Cafe

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22 23 24 25 26

27

28 29 30 31

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Dear Fellow ABATE Members, Naughty or Nice?

At the last Downtown Fort Myers Bike Night…. (Who will forget that one? There were tornado WARNINGS and a nasty one “hit” Cape Coral. Then, the wind in downtown Fort Myers hit 40 or 50 miles per hour. Our tent almost blew away and one of our volunteers held it down, while the rain was blowing hard/horizontally and the rain rose several inches in the street. We were totally drenched! And, most of our printed material was lost. We were thanking God that most bikers had stayed home, probably watching the radar on television or the internet, as the heavy and fast moving bands of orange and red were headed our way.) Sorry! Got carried away and almost forgot about the story we wanted to tell…!

Before the big storm, we offered a piece of chocolate from our candy basket, to someone who pays us a visit every Bike Night. He said something like, “I don’t deserve it. I’m 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 who’s 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.” 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. 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 239-267-8641

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ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

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

ADVERTISING RATE SCHEDULE

AND APPLICATION

6 Months 12 Months

BUSINESS CARD

QUARTER PAGE

HALF PAGE

FULL PAGE

$ 55.00

$ 85.00

$145.00

$200.00

$ 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: Business Phone:

Cell Phone: Email:

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE:

Print Name: Ad Start Date:

Duration of Ad: Ad Renewal Date:

Date Payment Received: Form of Payment:

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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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 US Congress

District

Name of Chapter you wish to join: Southwest Chapter

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 Check Money Order

Mailed Date: Membership Card Make Checks Payable to:

ABATE of Florida, Inc.

Southwest Chapter

Copy of By Laws

Membership Expiration

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