| Meeting Minutes |
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July- Aug
July 26th Board of Trade Watervliet and Aug. 3rd Meeting R-Ski’s Pit Stop Marcellus
Old meeting minutes were written and read by Cat who gave the report from July 26th. Thank you Cat for stepping in to a
well attended meeting.
Treasurer report was given by past Treasurer Roxie who never lets old habits die. Accurate!
Awareness had no report at this time. Everyone be careful out there.
Area Coordinator, Berrien Co. Freddy had more info about the Hog Bash membership drive Aug. 29-31st. He will continue to
work with Hog Bash and Reg. 12 members to iron out details.
Board Report given by Gary which included legal issues on helmet laws. Several incidences in Reg. 12 have occurred with
member riders and non members alike being stopped and ticketed.
Old Business
R-Ski’s Bike Night is now on Thursdays nights. If you ride your bike in you get $1.00 off your meal bill and 50 cents off each
drink. R-Ski’s owner, Ralph, has offered all ABATE members a 15% discount on food from June - Sept. The discount is honored
anytime, but monthly meeting days, to any member showing their current ABATE card. Thank you Ralph for supporting bikers.
A Ron Sowers fund raiser will be occurring at the American Legion in Three Rivers, date Sept. 20th. Candidate for 59th District
Republican, Matt Lori is coordinating funds for a Larynx voice machine. A hat was passed to help. Phone numbers and
addresses were exchanged. All are hoping to get Ron closer to home. Mark you calendars to come and support our fellow
brother.
Harley Raffle Tickets must be into Gary by Sept 1st. If you have some unsold bring them back, if you’ve sold them get the
money to Gary Larson RC.
The VA Hospital Benefit went well, but many were in S. Dakota unable to report for this meeting. We’ll get the scoop next
time.
Wetzel MC put on another great Wetzelland party this year. 10 members attended and we ran into other Regions. A couple
next to us who live in Reg. 12 met, Hi Red! After eating with us Sunday on our ride back, they want to join ABATE when back
from Sturgis. Lady Fred is now considered an honorary member of Region 12 and makes a great Mascot. If you missed this
year… hope to see you in 2009.
New Business
State Seminar January 09 is coming up and has been a great time for each Region to project a theme for their area. Ideas
were kicked around but no definite theme was picked. Decision to be made before year end.
ABATE State Product update given by Mike. Membership approved of getting more merchandise for the Toy Run, Hog Bash,
and Swap Meet. Mike will coordinate the purchase. Event t-shirt pricing needs further discussion before another purchase.
Pay Pal is working for membership sign ups. Cat checks it and is able to see where new people join.
Just one person joining per member would make it a great year for us. Ask someone to join.
Event Run Downs in the Area include:
Hog Hill near Angola, IN is Aug. 15-17th
Quite a few are making it and riding in groups. Those who went before say the hill contests are wild and the camping
beautiful. $20 arriving on motorcycles. Expect to pay more otherwise.
Hog Bash in Bangor, MI Aug. 29-31st
Red Arrow to 681 N. will get you there in 5 mins. Our membership drive happens here and this is super close to many in our
Region. We plan to give ourselves good attendance . $20 also lets in motorcycles, extra with more..
Reg. 12 Aug. 30th Board of Trade meeting IS CANCELLED due to Labor Day Events and commitments. Members voted and
passed to cancel this Saturday meeting.
Toy Run Sturgis, MI Sept 5-7.
Another close event for us to represent ABATE. Ed is coordinating member and booth help for State Product sales.
Designated area for ABATE are for worker volunteers not camp sites. The “Helmet Laws Suck” sign will be raffled and perhaps
an ABATE blanket. $20 for bikes and a new $10 toy gets you on the field.
Closing of the Meetings:
Incentive Drawing winners could have been Ed Selent on July 26th and Jim Chevrette Aug. 3rd. Both had a good
excuse…Sturgis SD! You must be present to win. The 50/50 winner on July 26th was Mike Williams and on Aug. 3rd a
customer, Chuck Bowers, eating at R-Ski’s. Chuck donated back to ABATE and members voted to give the money to Ron.
There’s still lotsa riding weather left, so enjoy and be careful out there. Lucky
June 28th The Board of Trade Meeting, Watervliet
Lucky, Secretary read the minutes from our mtg. at Region 13 in Quincy. Reg. 13 web site is great and has some photos of
our members who attended the mtg. Their meetings are well attended and formal.
Treasurer, Eric gave a report of funds made off our June 21st Poker Run, T-shirt sales, new member sign ups, Road Guard
shirt sales, and Spicy Pickles. Bills were turned in for supplies to reimburse after Field Meet and Poker Run. No Awareness
Update was available. Area Coordinators Sherri and Freddy each signed up new members and renewals. Freddy described a
Hog Bash event (myspace hoggblast.com) Labor Day Weekend as a membership drive opportunity. New members would get
$5.00 off the fee when signing up during the drive. Further coordination will need to occur to man an ABATE booth.
Update Old Business
A helmet ticket given to one of our members will have gone to a court date hearing mid July. The ticket is for a “shell helmet”
and “straight pipes”. The ticket was given in Stevensville in Berrien Co. and will be tried in St. Joe, Berrien Co. An update will
be given in the Sept. issue of Michigan Rider.
The Field Meet in Oil City had 24 members of region 12 camping at our site. Rain and flood waters from Friday night didn’t
keep us from having a lot of fun. We had a few virgins with us who passed rights of passage with flying colors and in one
case, underwear. Region 18 cooked many of our meals and did a fine job. The Male and Female entertainment results are
Sportster Class: What T-shirt? C.B. Reg. 20, How Low Can You Go?, Cocoa Reg. 13 with Honorable Mention to Angelina Reg.
4. Classic Class: What T-shirt? Carol, Reg. 11, How Low Can You Go?, Puddles Reg. 13, and Honorable Mention to a gal from
Reg. 20 who left the stage before we could get her name. The One Eyed Worm winner was 2-Bit Reg. 13 with Honorable
mentions going to Stroker and Dan from Reg. 20. Thank you all for your participation making a good show.
The June 21st Region 12 Poker Run was another success. We had one rain burst while stopped in Keeler and it was dry there
on out. The bar stops and wait staff were wonderful, the ride route beautiful, the food and prizes at the end fantastic.
Special thanks to all the members who volunteered and did so much. Pages could be written on who did what. We all know
who you are and so do you. Best Hand winner was Becky and Worst Hand was Bart. One 50/50 was won by a Board of Trade
customer from Chicago. The 50/50 at the end was won by a non-member who left before giving his name. In the July issue, t-
shirt sponsors were thanked and this issue the following prize donators are thanked. They are Coloma Motor Sports, Coloma
- DeVries Victory Sales, Portage - Escape Reality, Edwardsburg - Hot Rodders Ink, Constantine - Kalamazoo Choppers,
Portage - Paragon Leather, Portage - Rainbow Lanes, Paw Paw - Retail Warehouse, Sturgis - Rookies Bar & Grill, Watervliet -
Scooters Show Girls, Decatur - Victory Lube, Three Rivers - and Region 12 members.
ABATE Raffle Tickets for a Harley Davidson are still available to sell by members. See Gary for your packs of 10 to sell. We
have only August left to sell, so please get out there and help someone win a Harley.
The weekend of July 25-27 included
Wetzeland, OH Biker Event put on by the Wetzel MC that many members attended.
VA Hospital Bike Show Party will have occurred July 26th. Chopper Fest this same weekend had members attending. Look for
an update of the fun in the September Michigan Rider.
New Business
Board member Eric reports that our Governor Jennifer Granholm vetoed the Helmet Bill. There was discussion about laws in N.
Carolina and Indiana in regards to helmet use. Eric has researched extensively helmet use for riders crossing state lines. His
interpretation is that once a rider crosses state lines, that state law is enforced to wear or not wear helmets. California now
has special license plates issued to anyone in law enforcement which give them special quirks in regards to traffic tickets. The
Board also wants ideas for guest speakers at the 2009 State Seminar. Civil Disobedience and a Biker Comedian were
suggested. Now available for purchase is an ABATE approved patch that is not a 3-patch design with rockers. 3-patches that
include rockers are not to be worn by ABATE members. The next Board Mtg. was July 13th in Battle Creek. Various committees
met and anyone can participate in them. Just sign up.
Products Sales has member Mike Nelson expressing interest in taking over products for our region. Our current Product
Expert, Donny will be asked if he wants help or give it up to Mike.
The Sturgis Toy Run Sept 5-7 is allowing our Region to put up the ABATE Booth to drum up membership, sell product, beads,
and collect for the VA Hospital. Ed will stay in contact for site and times to come in for set up. Members interested in helping
let Ed know.
Ron Sowers continues to have a rough go of his health. He has been in Nursing Homes, ER’s and currently in Hospital.
Members are encourage to visit him. Location and numbers were given at the meeting.
No Short Run Poker Run was held after a vote was taken and passed to cancel. With the past 2 months activities, many
members needed to do some other things this day. The incentive drawing winner would have been Tom Ricksgers who was
not present. Sorry Tom you must be present to win. The 50/50 was won by our waitress Lori who deserved it after putting up
with us every month for over a year.
July 6th R-Ski’s Meeting, Marcellus
Lucky read minutes from the June 28th meeting. Stand in Roxie, gave the Treasurer report with more info on credit given by
ABATEofMichigan from regional raffle ticket sales. No new news for Awareness. AC report given by Sherri is that she joined
one new member and has three more interested in joining. Freddy reviewed the Hog Bash again.
Old Business
R-Ski’s owner, Ralph, has offered all ABATE members a 15% discount on food from June - Sept. The discount is honored
anytime, but monthly meeting days, to any member showing their current ABATE card.
R-Ski’s Bike Night is now on Thursdays nights. If you ride your bike in you get $1.00 off your meal bill and 50 cents off each
drink. Thank you Ralph for supporting bikers.
There was no new information since the previous meeting but clarification was given to those who did not attend the June
28th meeting.
New Business
Welcome new members Jeff White, Robin Gorsline, and Ricky Flores. We look forward to seeing you at the meetings and
events. New people and new ideas are refreshing for our region.
Dept. of Transportation Director, Mary Peters may have seen the light in keeping the monies earmarked for MC Awareness
where it belongs, for MC Education and Awareness. She had been trying to take the money and use it for helmet law
legislation for all 50 states. The AMA and MRF enlightened her to keep the monies where it belongs.
Black Tar Snot Snakes live on in Michigan! The tar crack sealer used in our state becomes slick as snot in the hot summer sun.
Your front tire will go one way while your back tire the other. Warning your local road commissioner about the dangers, may
get sand or gravel laid down on top of the tar to protect all motorcycle riders from loosing control.
A baby is on it’s way! Jamie and Robbie are expecting their first child. Congratulations! Some people come home from the
Field Meet with memories of fun and camaraderie, others…perhaps a baby?
The Incentive Drawing would have been won by Anne Prehn if she had been at the meeting. So sorry you were not present
to win. The 50/50 was won by Pinky who may now go to Wetzel with the winnings.
Keep riding safe! Lucky
Mar-Apr
3/29/08 Region 12 Mtg. Mins. Board of Trade, Watervliet
The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Ed and Freddy.
Minutes Read by Lucky from the R-Ski’s Pit Stop, Marcellus mtg. held March 3rd.
Updates Old business:
Ron Sowers is out of the Hospital and staying at a nursing home to recuperate from his surgeries. He wants a visit from us
riding our bikes. We will plan on it by word of mouth.
No Awareness Update or Treasurer Report were given. However, Roxie our past Treasurer took over for Eric at the meeting.
Monies were turned over to Roxie for the Short Run Poker Run, Membership Dues, 50/50 and the Incentive Drawing. Just like
riding a bike (a motorcycle) you never forget how to do it. Thank you Roxie.
June 21st Reg. 12 Poker Run is almost worked out. See previous minutes of all member volunteers.
Six Sponsors are confirmed with money in hand for the event t-shirts. Road Captain, Magic, will speak with all poker run stop
owners along the route about sponsorship. Ed reviewed all past sponsors and many members volunteered to speak with
each. DEADLINE for sponsors is May 4th to meet the t-shirt order timelines. Bring all names and money to the May 4th mtg. in
Marcellus. T-shirts available for pickup by members at the May 31st mtg. at the Board of Trade. ORDER NOW PAY NOW, May
4th! Get the size you want!
New Business:
Guest speaker Leon Drolet is a past Legislator in Michigan. Leon is a member of ABATE Reg. 10. He came representing
Michigan Taxpayers Alliance (MTA). MTA uses strategies to influence politicians’ decisions in Lansing and educates the public
about what works. Stressed to politicians is that they act responsibly with our tax money. Thank you for spending your
Saturday afternoon with us Leon, you were very informative. Look them up at www.MITaxpayers.org for more info.
Wings Stadium Swap Meet was a lot of fun with many members attending. Thank you all for representing ABATE Reg. 12 so
well. Thanks to Ed for getting us free member passes with Paragon Leather for the ABATE booth. 6 people joined our region
and many more took applications home with them. We are working towards the 20% goal ABATE set for a State Membership
Drive of 20%. The collection for the VA Hospital was successful, along with ABATE products sold at the meet.
Raffle Tickets for the Harley Davidson FLHTCI are being sold and several packs turned in. EVERYONE please sell one pack of
ten. This is our biggest money maker all year. Some members report they have already received their two tickets in the mail
to sell, buy, or send back.
Motorcycle Accidents are being reported more in the news. We have been touched through our members. Eric and Linda’s
son and Lisa’s nephew were in two separate serious motorcycle accidents in Kalamazoo. Both are still recovering and we
wish them a quick recovery. Gary stressed that vehicles are not use to seeing us right now. All riders need to protect
themselves and be extra careful. Drive defensively. Motorcycle Awareness month is May.
Wetzeland for July 25-27th needs firmed up for people wanting to rent a huge circus tent. Deadline is end of June to get the
head count. Let Gary Larson know of interest. It is a blast of a party and we want to be well represented.
Area Coordinators are Ron, St. Joe Co., Freddy, Berrien Co., and Sherri, Cass Co. Two more members are needed for
Kalamazoo and VanBuren Co. A member is also needed immediately to assist in St. Joe while Ron is recuperating. Information
was passed out for this very important position.
Gary shared information in the ABATE OWNERS MANUEL. Highlights were member title explanations, money, roles, events,
and how bills become law. Magic has it now if anyone wants to see it.
The Incentive drawing was held, and so sorry, if Dianna Ritchie was at the meeting she would have won. Next week it could
be you if you come to the meetings. The 50/50 was won by Gary Robertson, a customer at the Board of Trade. Bet he
remembers ABATE! Colleen, owner of the Board of Trade, won a flaming keychain, and Waz won a M.O.B. pin.
Motion to adjourn was given by Freddy and Sherrie seconded.
Short Run Poker Run after the Board of Trade Meeting
Everyone loaded into cars or onto bikes (Brrrrrr….2 did it on this brisk cold, but dry and sunny day). The Elite in Watervliet
was our stop, who has some of the best grub in town. Scottie started strong with a pair of Kings, then Jack thought he had it
with 2 low pair, but Roxie grabbed it with a better 2 pair. But along comes Lucky and gets 3 Aces and takes home the pot.
She renewed her ABATE membership with the money won.
04/06/08 R-Ski’s Pit Stop Marcellus Meeting
The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Ed and Freddy.
Minutes Read by Lucky from the Board of Trade mtg. held March 29th in Watervliet.
Treasurer Report given by Eric noting the amount of funds Reg. 12 has accumulated since Jan. 08.
Updates Old Business
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Updates were given by Linda. She has DVDs to give to local radio stations and is hoping to get
at least 5 stations to play them on air in May for Motorcycle Awareness Month. Some driver’s ed classes are starting soon and
Linda is working with the instructors for time to present. Gary has posters available if anyone wants to take some and post in
dealerships, etc. Eric will look into getting Banners and Gary will ask County Sheriff Depts. to hang them up outside their
buildings.
Harley Raffle Tickets need sold sold sold! Gary’s will not let up on us so start selling now! Most members present have not
received the 2 tickets from the state to sell yet while only two people received them 2 weeks ago. Get those packets of 10
from Gary because this raffle is the biggest money maker Abate does every year.
The Board of Directors set a goal for a membership increase of 20% for 2008. Reg. 12 came up with a number of new
members needed to reach our 20%. If every member gets a friend to join we will meet and exceed Reg. 12’s goal.
ABATE Region 12 Poker Run - Date is June 21st. Location is R-Ski’s Pit Stop in Marcellus, MI. Sign up runs from 11am- Noon.
Cost $15 bike and $20 with passenger. The ride leaves promptly at High Noon. We ride rain or shine. Details are worked out
with many members volunteering to work various activities for the event. So far we have cash in hand for 4 $100 sponsors
and 3 $50 sponsors. Keep drumming up those raffle ticket prizes for the end of the ride. We want enough so every rider wins
a prize.
The Gas Card Raffle is still being worked out with the Paw Paw Eagles Club. Gary is coordinating and will be able to report
soon on when we can start selling them.
ALERT *Region 12 Meetings & Short Run Poker Run Locations/Time Changes *ALERT
We will have our usual meeting May 31st at 1:00pm at the Board of Trade, along with the Short Run Poker Run.
This is our final meeting before our June Poker Run. Attend to get all activities firmed up for what you signed up to do. We still
could us more volunteers for clean up (camping available) and set up night before or morning of run.
The Region 12 April Michigan Rider Report is on abateofmichigan.org Go there and look up Reg. 12 and you can find out what
you signed up to do.
To attend a Joint meeting June 1st with Region 8 and 13 members voted and passed the changes.
The June 1st meeting will be held at the Reg. 13 monthly meeting at Cascerelli’s in Homer at Noon. (This is normally a R-Ski’s
location.) A group from Reg. 12 will be leaving R-Ski’s at 11am sharp to attend the meeting. Region 8 will meet us in Homer at
noon.
The July 26th meeting at the Board of Trade needs someone to lead the meeting and another to take minutes. If enough
people come to the meeting the Short Run Poker Run needs to be led by someone. Between Wetzeland, Chopper Fest, and
the Veteran’s Hospital Party most members who regularly attend meetings will not be present.
Our Aug. 30th meeting and Short Run Poker Run at the Board of Trade during Labor Day Weekend needs to be discussed to
hold or cancel. Gary made a proposal that due to low attendance over this holiday weekend it be cancelled. Come with your
opinion at the next meetings.
New Business
The Region 12 report was submitted but did not get printed in the April Michigan Rider. Lucky has asked the new Webmaster,
Silla Balla, to put the April report on abateofmichigan.org web site for members to review. She’s got it on there for you to
read. Thanks Silla.
Guest Speaker, Marilyn from the Patient Advocate Group came to talk to us about Ron Sowers. He is recovering at a nursing
home and can no longer speak. He would love to have visitors, especially if you ride there so he can hear the rumble of pipes
outside. Ron has been a part of the motorcycle world and ABATE forever, so please support him and visit when you can.
Contact River Manor on Wilber Road for room number and visiting hours.
Eric brought info from the Board of Directors. Fred Upton, Congressman for most of our Region may support Insurance
Companies rights to deny motorcycle insurance for riders they think may exhibit risky behavior. He is running for reelection
this year. In Florida the state is getting ready to pass a bill to seize motorcycles and impound them for riders exhibiting
dangerous and risky behaviors such as pulling stunts, popping wheelies, etc. on public roadways. Riders will not get their
bike back if it is seized.
Area Coordinators will start giving a report at each future mtg. They do a lot for ABATE and our Region. Two A.C.s are still
needed for VanBuren and Kalamazoo Co. and a substitute for Ron at this time for St. Joe.
ABATE Field Meet meals were discussed. Roxie is in touch out with another Region who may be able to coordinate food with
donations from us to cover the cost. Let Roxie know by the May 4th meeting if you want to donate or not.
Ed is ordering “security” t-shirts soon, so if you want one for the meet get your order into Ed at the May 4th meeting.
Paragon Leather has asked Reg. 12 if we would work security at swap meets Memorial and Labor Day Weekend. At this point
it does not look likely due to personal plans of members over holiday weekends. Discussion was tabled.
Abatemichiganreg12@.org is up and running very well thanks to Cathy. She is still trying to get the link on the State Website
to link to the correct
Reg. 12 e-mail address. Contact has been made to the web master and it may be fixed soon. Motions were made and
members voted to reimburse Cathy for the cost of the web site. The past 4 months and the next 8 months will come from our
funds.
VA Hospital Bike Show Party is coming up July 26th. Rolling Thunder puts this on. Ed reported that at the last party there was
very little help serving 150 plates of food. If members are not going to Wetzelland this same weekend please help out at the
VA hospital in Battle Creek.
Sherrie was reported doing okay by her husband OT. We wish her well and really miss her at the meetings.
The Incentive Drawing winner would have been Janet Bober who was not at the meeting. If you were present to win you
would have got the cash. The 50/50 was won by Brian Dome, who was a customer at R-Ski’s. He rode in with a group of
riders and you can bet we didn’t leave that group alone after that.
Gary motioned to adjourn the meeting and Donny seconded.
Safe Riding Lucky
*************************************************************
******
Feb-March
ABATE Reg. 12 Mtg. Mins. 02/23/08 Board of Trade Watervliet, MI.
The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Ed and Freddy.
The Treasurer report was given by Eric reporting money in the account. MRF is now due and after discussion among members
present Ed made a motion to buy membership again this year and Leslie seconded. A vote occurred and passed.
Secretary Lucky read minutes from the last meeting.
The following updates were given on old business from the minutes.
Safety Awareness Coordinator Linda had no updates on pending classes. We are still hoping 1-2 people from the west side
of our region will step up and develop Safety Awareness on the opposite side of Linda’s area. If you are interested get with
Gary our RC.
For the 2009 State Seminar all pool side floor and balcony rooms are gone. Members are encouraged to get a room now even
though it probably will not be the room you had in past years. The rooms were booked solid by Sat. this year so don’t loose
out on getting a room for this informative and fun seminar.
Eric will pick up ABATE products for the Swap Meet at Wings Stadium when he attends the Board Meeting 2/24/08. The Swap
Meet was March 16th and members will have gone to man the ABATE booth by this issue. Ed arranged passes for these
members to get in with the vendors.
Ron Sowers is at home now and his surgery was delayed until the first week in March. His mother passed away and we all
send out heartfelt sympathy to him during this difficult time. Gary made motion that the 50% of the money raised during the
Short Run Poker Run for Region 12 be given to Ron to help him with some expenses. The decision was delayed until end of
the meeting.
New Business
ABATE Region 12 Poker Run - Date is June 21st. Location is R-Ski’s Pit Stop in Marcellus, MI. Sign up runs from 11am- Noon.
Cost $15 bike and $20 with passenger. The ride leaves promptly at High Noon. We ride rain or shine.
Ed and Leslie since the last meeting came up with an excellent plan of action to pull members together for all needed help.
The following is the list of activities/jobs that were reviewed and shows what members signed up to do and where help is
still needed. If you didn’t sign up please look over the jobs because it takes all of us doing a little bit of something to pull off a
fun and safe ride and party.
Road Captain for this year again is Magic. Lucky will be his Wing Girl at the front during the ride and will assist in solidifying
and writing out the planned route for Blockers. Magic has the route planned out and is approximately 90 miles. Confirming
stops with businesses will occur soon. He will need at least 15 blockers to make for a safe ride. A sheet will be passed
around for people to sign up starting at the next meeting.
Event T-shirts will be ordered by Don our Products Man. Ed came up with a design and got an estimate from a silk screen t-
shirt company which he shared. Neon Green and Orange are Blocker colors available. A variety of colors were reviewed for
general purchase. Members liked the design but we decided getting another price from Dan Kinzie for silkscreen/t-shirts
would be a good idea. Getting sizes for Blockers and for Sponsors needs to occur before ordering. If members want to make
sure they get the size they need for general t-shirts submitting their size before ordering also needs to occur. Ed suggested
that someone needs to be assigned to take down sizes for the t-shirt orders. NO ONE VOLUNTEERED TO COORDINATE SIZES
would you do it?
In the past, Sponsors who contributed towards the T-shirts were given 1-2 T-shirts. This decision was tabled until the next
meeting. Ed would like to shoot for about 15 sponsors in all. Magic will speak with the Poker Run stop owners and everyone
else needs to start asking now. Sponsors will get their name and desired information about the business on the back of the
T-shirts.
Poker Run Flyers were approved as previously printed by Roxie. Karol will make some ¼ size flyers. Flyers will be available at
the Swap meet at Wings Stadium.
T-Shirt sales table will be manned by Karol and Cathy. Eric will man the Membership Drive table and have plenty of
membership tri-folds available when people sign in.
Gary and Lisa will man the Sign Up Table and will be responsible for the poker run cards and hands. A discussion was held
about using each riders sign up number as the prize table number instead of handing out a separate ticket. Members
thought this was a good idea for some riders lost the lone ticket stub by the time prizes were given out last year and it
eliminates handing out a raffle ticket for prizes.
Door Prizes need to be kept track of by 1-2 members. A list needs to be kept to appropriately thank each donating business
in the Michigan Rider. It was stressed that every single member can get out there and get a few prizes and it is not all up to
a few people to do it. Do it now before other groups start hitting businesses for ride donations. NO ONE HAS VOLUNTEERED
TO BE PRIZE COORDINATOR could it be you?
Linda and Sweet Pea Jamie agreed to sell 50/50 tickets at every stop for $1/ticket. Each stop will have a new 50/50 ticket
color. Different colored tickets need to be obtained.
Bill Waz has opened his Party Barn for the end stop. THANK YOU Waz and Mrs. Waz (Sherrie) for welcoming us. Further
discussion needs to occur in regards to set up needs.
Main Meal Food and Preparation will be done by Ed and Leslie at the Wazs’ Party Barn. Menu was discussed and approved.
Deserts need to be donated by members. So please plan to bring cookies, brownies, whatever sweets you like to make to
complete the meal. Even you people out there who don’t like to bake can stop and pick up some sweets at the local store.
WILL YOU DONATE OR JUST EAT?
The Food Tables will be run by Mrs. Waz and Sue. They will be looking for 2-5 more volunteers to help once everyone lands at
the end so don’t run the other way if you see things are getting backed up and help is needed.
The Beer and Pop Tent will be manned by Sherrie and Bill. Ed and Leslie will purchase the beverages and have it at the Wazs‘.
Clean Up volunteers did not come forward. DO YOU COME JUST FOR THE FUN AND EATS OR CAN YOU HELP? The more hands
the easier and faster it is for all volunteers. We need some strong helpers here.
Activities were discussed to make it more fun and let people interact more. Horseshoes, and some basic biker games were
discussed. Karaoke is a possibility for a minimum fee. An Activity Coordinator may need to be assigned to pull off some fun
things to do. Further discussion to happen at the next meeting.
Advertising of the Poker Run and inviting other close by ABATE Regions was discussed. Ideas were discussed about getting
flyers to regions and using internet resources that are free. Cathy has the list of free sites listing activities in our area. She
will post our information/flyer on these sites. Magazines and local free publications were mentioned as possible free
resources.
That’s it for the Poker Run for now. Stay tuned into the Michigan Rider and come to the meetings for ongoing current updates.
The ABATE of Michigan Harley Davidson Raffle tickets are available. RC Gary cannot say enough about what a money making
raffle this is for ABATE. Anyone can sell 10 tickets at least from now until Sept when the drawing is held. This is an easy way
to be active and make money for ABATE’s cause. Region 12’s Gasoline Raffle is held up at the Paw Paw Eagles who agreed to
get us the license to run the raffle sales. Gary will stay in contact with them and update us when the raffle can begin.
We had a visitor from Region 8 at our meeting. Lady Fred came to find out how our Region does such a successful Poker Run.
The Short Run Poker Run is a new idea and Lady Fred wanted to be part of it to see how it worked. She has heard how
successful both are and we thank her for the compliment. We hope she is able to take back some useful information on how
to work together as an ABATE Region. Flyers were passed out from Lady Fred about rallies and a ride. Rally for Hunger and
Hope benefiting God’s Kitchen and Van Andel Institute on July 26th , Belmont, MI, the Bike Time Event in Muskegon July 18-20
in Muskegon, MI, and the 10th Annual Chick Run Association benefiting the Grand Rapids Organization for Women on June
7th, starting in Grand Rapids ending in Gobles, MI.
At the State and National level Gary reported on some topics. In California not wearing a DOT approved helmet is now
considered a “Correctable Offense Ticket” with a fine of $10. This is an improvement over getting an expensive helmet
ticket…go California.
April 26th is the Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival. Some members have attended and it is a good time. A discussion of
holding a joint meeting with Region 8 at the festival occurred with a decision to be made before the April edition of Michigan
Rider is issued.
Do’s and Don’ts of Motorcycle Accident Scene Management classes should be starting soon. Gary will attempt to get signed
up to attend before it is booked solid. It is important for us riders to know what and what not to do since we are most likely
to be the first on the scene of a motorcycle accident riding in groups or with friends.
HOG Kalamazoo Chapter has agreed to let RC Gary attend the next open member meeting to give a presentation on ABATE.
Ed and Magic may attend with him and at the next meeting will be an update.
Motorcycle Awareness Month is May. Eric will check into lawn signs again promoting “Look Twice Save a Life Motorcycles are
Everywhere.” He will also look into Banners that could be posted on Sheriff Dept. Bldgs. Linda will look into contacting a radio
station and asking them to play an awareness tape on the air.
Legislative Day in Lansing will have occurred Feb. 27th where they was pizza and pop on the 4th floor of the Capital Bldg. If
any members go to meet their legislator an update will be provided.
Secretary of Transportation, Mary Peters is trying to bring legislation about to take monies earmarked for Motorcycle
Awareness and putting it towards state wide advertising to promote helmet use. A personal experience of hers is the driving
force. Stay tuned.
Freedom Rally is Weds. June 11th in Lansing at the State Capital Building. We will coordinate riding together for whoever
wants to go. We generally start at Three Rivers Applebee’s, then Wing’s Stadium in Kalamazoo, onto Charlotte Meijer picking
people up at these locations.
Joint Regional Meeting with Region 13 was discussed again. A decision needs to be made by next meeting to get it into the
Michigan Rider in time for members to know. Tentatively, we will hold our usual meeting on May 31st at The Board of Trade in
Watervliet. On June 1st is our only back to back meeting this year. We would meet at R-ski’s in Marcellus about 11am and
ride to Homer for the joint meeting. Stay tuned.
Labor Day Weekend meeting has usually drawn low attendance for our meetings. Gary put out a proposal that the meeting
be cancelled on Aug. 30th at The Board of Trade. Again, a decision needs to be made to allow the cancellation to be noted in
the Michigan Rider along with no Short Run Poker Run for August.
Wetzeland Weekend July 25-27 many members are planning to go that attend our meetings. We are still taking a head count
for the circus tent rental and if it is feasible to have one set up. We would love to have us all in one location instead of
scattered all over the event grounds. Please make plans now and a commitment if you can. The meeting at The Board of
Trade is July 26 along with July’s Short Run Poker Run. We need a couple of members not attending Wetzeland to chair the
meeting and run the Short Run Poker Run in case members arrive at the meeting.
If you can do it let RC Gary and Co-RC Magic know.
Chopper Fest is July 25-27 and Region 8 is providing security. If someone is NOT going to Wetzeland or the Board of Trade
July 26th meeting contact Region 8 to help with security if you can.
Blessing of the Bikes in Baldwin will be here May 18th. If you need information, contact Gary or go on the internet to look up
the details. Gary, Lisa, Lucky and Magic will be in Iowa that weekend and will not be in Baldwin.
The Battle Creek VA Hospital Valentine Party was a really good time. Ed reported that the Vets again really appreciate the
time and donations made to them by ABATE. We will continue to volunteer at their functions.
Gary and Lisa will continue to let the Paw Paw Eagles know of upcoming events, for those club members want to be involved
with donations and assisting at the hospital.
An Incentive Drawing idea was brought up by RC Gary. When the pot gets to be over a certain amount a 2nd name will be
drawn if the 1st person drawn is not present to win. Then at higher amounts a 3rd name will be drawn if the 1st and 2nd
persons’ names drawn are not present to win. This might encourage more people to come to meetings if they know they
have higher odds to win the Incentive Drawing as the pot increases. A member vote will occur at the next meeting.
The Incentive Drawing was won AGAIN by Lucky. This is the second time she has won in the past 8 months because she was
present both times her name was drawn. Lucky donated money back to Region 12’s fund.
Our 50/50 was won by Lisa the Bartender at The Board of Trade. We were happy to see her win for she works hard slinging
our drinks for our meetings.
The last available ABATE Region 12 Antenna Flag was raffled off and won by Lucky. How do you think she got her name? She
gave it to Magic as an early birthday present.
The motion to adjourn the meeting was given by Lisa Danielson and seconded by Freddy Hemstreet.
Short Run Poker Run: All but a couple of members went on the Short Run Poker Run to the Kickstand Saloon in Hartford. We
had 2 men, Jeff and John, from the general public come in and sign up for hands. At the Kickstand a couple more people from
the public signed up for hands. We hope they join ABATE because they fit right in. The winner of the best poker hand went to
RC Gary winning 50% of the cash. He said he would donate his winnings if Region 12 would match and donate our 50% of
the cash to Ron Sowers. A vote was taken and was approved. We called Ron and talked to him at home letting him know Ed
would bring him the money. Ron thanked us and appreciates our thoughts for him.
ABATE Region 12 Meeting Minutes 03/02/08 R-Ski’s Pit Stop Marcellus, MI
The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Ed and Freddy.
Lucky read the minutes from the last meeting on 2/23/08 at the Board of Trade. (A correction in the minutes with sincere
apology is that Roxie was acting Treasurer at the time of the State Seminar and put in a lot of time collecting and accounting
for money generated at the seminar. And Jack did his usual hard work setting up, tearing down and jumping in where
needed. )
Ed reviewed the Poker Run volunteers and specific details covered as written in the previous minutes.
Updates from the past meeting minutes are as follows:
Poker Run: T-Shirts for the Blockers will be florescent neon green. The participant riders color will be bright yellow. The two
colors will be highly visible for safety on the road. Gary made a motion and Magic seconded.
Members voted and passed the colors. 100 T-shirts will be ordered inclusive of the Blockers. $10 will be the cost for a T-shirt.
The volunteer Sponsor Coordinators were filled by Roxie and Jack. They will keep track of Sponsors and donations and get
information to Eric and Donny. The Coordinators of Prizes are now volunteers Jessica and Mike. They will keep the information
of donations so all can be thanked in the Michigan Rider. Karol brought some excellent flyers ready to pass out. She did a
fantastic job laminating, making ¼ sheet sizes, and printing on bright eye catching colors. Our flyer is already in the Michigan
Rider. We are hoping that closer regions can come. Eric will contact 8,9, and 13. The Helmet Laws Suck Sign will be raffled off
at the Party Barn. Buying insurance for the ride and for Waz’s property was discussed and Roxie gave information she had
from last year. Needed Volunteers to coordinate sizes for sponsors, blockers, and members and Party Cleanup afterwards
are still needed.
The Incentive Drawing idea was presented from last meeting. Gary made a motion and Donny seconded for a vote. The vote
passed with members present. It could help generate better attendance with the new rules in place. Come to the meetings
to see how it works and you too could be a winner.
New Business
Board of Directors Meeting Updates were given by Eric. 1) ABATE is sending by mail 2 Harley Davidson raffle tickets to each
member to sell, buy or send back. 2) A membership increase of 20% is ABATE’s goal for 2008. Reg. 12 came up with a number
of new members needed to reach our 20%. 3) New goals of ABATE were adopted and Eric passed them around for all to
read. 4) ABATE is donating funds to California for the fight in Court of Appeals on the Quigley case. Talk to Eric or Gary for
details. 5) The seminar dinner price and quality of food was addressed and changes will be made for a better meal in 2009.
6) Eric brought State Product to the meeting for members to buy. Any remaining items will be taken to the swap meet at
Wings Stadium. 7) New Bill 5794 is worded differently to repeal the Helmet Law. Gary or Eric can give you details as this Bill
progresses.
Area Coordinators for our region help to spread the word about ABATE and work hard to seek out and get new members. We
have Berrien and St. Joe counties covered already. Sherri volunteered to be A.C. for Cass county. 2 more members are
needed for VanBuren and Kalamazoo counties. Talk to Gary if interested.
Motorcycle Awareness Month in May will also have a billboard sign in Three Rivers on Hwy 131. Roxie’s company of FMB
Financial yearly posts our safety awareness sign. . Thank you FMB for this highly visible bill board and thank you Roxie for
meeting with them every year to get it done. Motorcycle Classes can now be taken at Grand Rapids Community College for
about $30. Go to grcc.com for information on these upcoming classes.
The Veteran’s Hospital in Battle Creek will have had another party on March 29th by this issue. Ed and Leslie will update us
at the next meeting on what occurred. The Veterans sent a card to the Paw Paw Eagles thanking them for item donations at
the last party. The Eagles have become good partners with Region 12 and Rolling Thunder in making a difference in our
Veteran’s lives. The Summer Party is scheduled for July 26th at the VA Hospital. Mark your calendars if you can attend or
donate needed items. Talk to Ed for more information.
HOG has cancelled the 25th Anniversary State of Michigan HOG Rally due to competition from other rallies. Go to the HOG web
site to check out this information if you were planning to attend.
Ron Sowers was at our meeting and it was very good to see him. His surgery is scheduled for first week of March. He gave us
an update on his length of recovery and where he will be living. He would love visitors and calls. Ron thanked us for the Get
Well, Sympathy Cards, and money collected and given to him. You continue to be in our prayers.
The Incentive Drawing was held and Chris Noteboom’s name was drawn but won nothing because he was not at the
meeting. So sorry Chris hope to see you in the future. Waz won the 50/50 drawing…congratulations Waz. Donny won a clip
pocket ruler and Pinky a cool Swagger hat.
ALERT *Region 12 Meetings & Short Run Poker Run Locations/Time Changes
*ALERT
To attend the April 26th Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival members present voted and passed the changes.
The April 26th meeting will be held at Tujax in Delton at 11am. (This is normally a Board of Trade location.) We will be having
a joint meeting with Region 8 at Tujax. The Short Run Poker Run will also be done starting at Tujax. From Tujax, Reg. 8 and
12 will attend the festival where the last cards for the Poker Run will be drawn. Parking at the festival is $1-$2 a bike.
To attend a Joint meeting June 1st with Region 8 and 13 members voted and passed the changes.
The June 1st meeting will be held at the Reg. 13 monthly meeting at Cascerelli’s in Homer at Noon. (This is normally a R-Ski’s
location.) A group from Reg. 12 will be leaving R-Ski’s at 11am sharp to attend the meeting. Region 8 will meet us in Homer.
OTHER FUTURE MEETING INFO.
We will have our usual meeting May 31st at 1:00pm at the Board of Trade, along with the Short Run Poker Run.
This is our final meeting before our Poker run so attend to get all activities and what you signed up to do firmed up.
The July 26th meeting at the Board of Trade needs someone to lead the meeting and another to take minutes. If enough
people come to the meeting the Short Run Poker Run needs to be led by someone. Between Wetzeland, Chopper Fest, and
the Veteran’s Hospital Party most members who regularly attend meetings will not be present.
Our Aug. 30th meeting and Short Run Poker Run at the Board of Trade during Labor Day Weekend needs to be discussed to
hold or cancel. Gary made a proposal that due to low attendance over this holiday weekend it be cancelled. Come with your
opinion at the next meetings.
Motion to adjourn the meeting was from Jamie and Karol seconded.
Whew! What a busy Region we are with camaraderie that works. Thanks to all who have stepped up to the plate.
Lucky
********************************************
Dec-Jan 08
Greetings from the beautiful southwest sun coast!!
CALENDAR:
Þ February 16, 2008: Valentine’s Day party at the Battle Creek VA hospital
Þ February 23, 2008: Short-Run Poker Run leaves from The Board of
Trade after the regular monthly meeting
Þ June 12-15, 2008: Field Meet, Oil City, MI
Þ June 21, 2008: Region 12’s 5 County Run
Remember to check the “Chain of Events” in the Michigan Rider each month
for other listings.
“Short-run” Poker Runs:
The first of the “short-run poker runs” was January 26, 2008. Each month,
following the meeting at the Board of Trade, we will have another one.
“Rides” will be brief and ridden in winter, spring, summer, and fall.
Motorcycles are not required. The entry fee will be $5.00, of which 50% will
go to the winner. The remaining 50% will go to Region 12. We are hoping to
generate new members and camaraderie among all members. Thanks to
Hank for having the idea for this new event and volunteering to coordinate it.
WETZEL:
Gary would like Region 12 to go to Wetzel as a group. That way, we could
have a tent set up and share the cost. It is always the last full weekend in
July. You can find out more by logging on to www.westmichiganbiker.com.
From the home page, go to “national events” and scroll down until you find
“Wetzel Land.”
REGION 12 ANTENNA FLAGS AUCTIONS and RAFFLE:
As a start-off fundraiser for our region, we are raffling and auctioning 3
antenna flags with a Region 12 designation. At the meeting on January 6,
2008, we raised $26.00 with a live auction. Bill Wozniak was the winning
bidder and we thank him for his contribution to the cause and hope he enjoys
the flag.
At the Board of Trade, on January 26, 2008, the second flag will go with a
method of silent auction or raffle.
On February 2, 2008, the third flag will go to the winner of the method not
yet used.
The long and short of it is: three antenna flags to three winners at three
different meetings by three different methods. Good Luck! They are nice flags
and the only three of this type with “Region 12” on them.
REGION 12’s 5-COUNTY RUN:
Our poker run is the next big event for us. Start now to get ideas for
donations for the door prizes for the party after the run. It is the best time of
the year to think about this and also to go out and collect the items. Usually,
when we are ready for the poker run, many potential donors have already
contributed to other people and are maxed-out.
PERSONALS—FOR THE GOOD OF THE REGION—PERSONALS
GET-WELL WISHES:
Ron and Sheri are still dealing with serious health issues. We pray their
recoveries are quick. Keep them in your prayers.
THANK-YOU:
v .Thanks for all your time and effort, Eric. I know you have made many
improvements to Region 12 and we all appreciate that. Even though we will
see you often, we will miss you being in charge of the meetings. Good luck in
all your future endeavors.
v Thanks to Roxie for her years of dedicated and responsible service as
treasurer
MEETING RESULTS:
Board of Trade, Watervliet, Michigan, 12/29/07
Ethel, a customer at The Board of Trade won the 50/50 drawing.
Congratulations to her. We appreciate the friendly participation.
The incentive money went unawarded again. Terry Marcum missed out by not
being at the meeting when his name was drawn. I hope this will encourage
Terry and others to attend the meetings regularly. That is the meaning of
“incentive” in the incentive drawing. We need as much participation from our
members as we can get.
The raffle for the “ABATE event ticket” also went unawarded. Sorry. The
lucky member would have been Angel Fox, if she had been there.
R-Ski’s, Marcellus, Michigan, 1/6/08
The 50/50 went to Gary. Congratulations! He said he hadn’t won the 50/50 in
many years. He was so happy that he donated $20.00 back to the region.
Thanks, Gary.
The incentive kitty would have gone to Janet LaPlace; but she wasn’t at the
meeting. Sorry, Janet. Just remember that we would like to see you at a
meeting soon. You never know, your name could be drawn again. Everyone
has an equal chance at every meeting.
Randy Niswander would have won the “ABATE event ticket.” Sorry, Randy.
Please plan to come to a meeting. Participation is important to ABATE of
Michigan and Region 12.
New Officers:
ü Gary is taking over for Eric. Eric has been our RC since June of 1999.
We all are grateful for his interest in ABATE. The time he must have spent is
very much appreciated by all of us. I remember when Ed and I joined, he said
to me after talking to Eric on the phone that he was really a nice guy who
seemed to know a lot about ABATE. Thanks for making a difference, Eric.
Good luck, Gary. We all hope it is fun for you. I know you will do a good job.
ü Gary has a Co-RC now. Thanks, Hank, for being so helpful. It is not
everyone that is willing to give up his own time to be involved. We are all
busy; it is a sign of the times. I have heard it said though, “if you want
something done, ask a busy person.”
ü Roxie is no longer our treasurer. Eric will be filling in for her until
someone steps forward and is willing to take care of it. If you have an
interest, be assured that you will have guidance and help along the way. All it
really takes is an interest in doing a good job and enough time to donate to
ABATE to get the job done right. Roxie said she would be willing to help
anyone get started.
ü As our new secretary, Linda will be taking over this newsletter next
time. We greatly appreciate her willingness and capabilities. She deserves
praise and respect for taking two jobs: secretary of Region 12 and
communications assistant to Hank. I know she will handle it all very well.
CORRECTION:
Last month, I listed Region 12’s e-mail address as our website. Sorry for any
confusion that I may have caused.
Start planning for riding.
Spring will soon arrive!
Leslie
*****************************************************
Nov-Dec 07
Greetings from the beautiful southwest sun coast!!
“Short-run” Poker Runs:
The first of the “short-run poker runs” will be January 26, 2008. Then each
month following the meeting at the Board of Trade, we will have another one.
“Rides” will be brief and ridden in winter, spring, summer, and fall.
Motorcycles are not required. The entry fee will be $5.00, of which 50% will
go to the winner. The remaining 50% will go to Region 12. We are hoping to
generate new members and camaraderie among all members. Thanks to
Hank for having the idea for this new event and volunteering to coordinate it.
STATE SEMINAR:
By the time you get this newsletter, the Seminar could be over for 2008. I
know we will all have a great time. If you did not go in 2008, please plan to
go in 2009. I know that it seems like a long way off now, but each year
seems to go faster than the one before. Plan ahead to be involved with
ABATE. ABATE is great!
CALENDAR:
Þ January 11-13, 2008: State seminar and membership meeting, Saginaw,
MI
(details are in the Michigan Rider)
Þ January 26, 2008: the 1st of our “Short-run” poker runs immediately
following
the meeting at the Board of Trade
Þ June 12-15, 2008: Field Meet, Oil City, MI
Þ June 21, 2008 Region 12’s 5 County Run
VA HOSPITAL PARTY:
Thanks to all who helped at the December 1st party. It means tons to those
who are unable to get out and don’t have visitors like they deserve. It really
does make a difference to them. I hope I have an accurate list. Please forgive
me if I left anyone out. Thanks to Gary and Lisa, Jamie, Eric and Linda, Bob
and Sheri, Dick, Don, Richard, Ed, Sam, Ron, and Skip. Special appreciation
is in order to Skip for running down all of that wonderful turkey and fixin’s.
He provided the patients with a marvelous turkey dinner. What a blessing!
WE NEED OFFICERS:
We are still looking for someone from our region to get involved as a MRF
representative.
Roxie is done as treasurer beginning in January, 2008. She said she would
help the new treasurer get started.
Gary needs a Co-RC.
If all goes as planned, Linda is taking over as secretary when Gary takes the
RC position. Thanks, Linda.
PERSONALS—FOR THE GOOD OF THE REGION—PERSONALS
GET-WELL WISHES:
Ron and Sheri are still dealing with serious health issues. We pray their
recoveries are quick. Keep them in your prayers.
THANK-YOU:
v Thanks to Rick Shaffer for attending our meeting on 12/2/07. Your
valuable information and viewpoint are greatly appreciated. We wish you well
in your future endeavors.
v Thanks to Cathy for ordering the stamps and working so hard on the
website.
v Thanks to Roxie for her years of dedicated and responsible service as
treasurer.
v Thanks, Linda, for taking notes at the Board of Trade meeting. You do
such a good job.
MEETING RESULTS:
Board of Trade, Watervliet, Michigan, 11/24/07
Lisa won the 50/50 drawing this week. The story was that it helped pay for
her night out the with Lucky. Congratulations.
The incentive would have been won by Bill Wozniak if he had been at the
meeting. Sorry, Bill. I see that Ed needs to help you with your calendar a
little more.
Cynthia Benedict would have won the Event Raffle Ticket if she’d been at the
meeting. So sorry, you missed your chance to win a great prize.
R-Ski’s, Marcellus, Michigan, 12/2/07
Linda Eads won the 50/50 drawing and donated 18.00 of it back to the
region. Thanks, Linda.
The incentive kitty would have gone to Bear, but unfortunately, he was not at
the meeting. We hope to see him again soon.
The Event Raffle Ticket was also not awarded because Jessica Marsh was not
at the meeting. Mike was there but it just doesn’t work that way. Sorry!
NEW WEBSITE FOR REGION 12:
region-12@hotmail.com Don’t forget to use it.
Leslie