- ABATE of New York
Transcription
- ABATE of New York
ABATE OF NEW YORK The Freedom Writer ISSU E 3 www.abateny.org May 2009 MOTORCYCLE SAFETY MONTH This is part of a game and does not reflect on how we ride on the road. After the newsletter went to print NY state’s Department of Motor Vehicles decided to make June Motorcycle Safety Month. American Bikers Aimed Toward Education ABATE of New York, Inc. P.O. Box 300 Walker Valley, NY 12588-0300 NON-PROFIT Org. U.S. Postage PAID Rochester, NY Permit No. 1039 2008 State Appointees ABATE of New York, Inc. 2009 State Officers Newsletter Editor President Pam Wright 315-923-3422 [email protected] Tim “Roadkill” Werder 845-744-6346 [email protected] Webmaster Vice President John Cholewa 845-483-0121 [email protected] Beth Gorman 585-293-2086 [email protected] Treasurer State Office Manager Pete Smith 315-794-2181 [email protected] Chris Werder Secretary P.O. Box 300, Walker Valley, NY 12588-0300 Kathy Grasby 585-728-5246 [email protected] Toll Free: 888-344-4400 [email protected] Legislative Coordinator George Gorman 585-293-2086 [email protected] Sergeant at Arms What Is ABATE? American Bikers Aimed Toward Education is a not for profit corporation formed to promote and protect the interests of New York state motorcyclists. ABATE monitors and interacts with the legislative process, enhancing the image of motorcycling, and provides educational and social opportunities for members and non-members. ABATE will continue to strive to stay acquainted with the issues and the people of the motorcycling community. Tom Alton 315-342-2446 [email protected] Public Relations Suzi Q Long 585-255-0103 [email protected] Western Region A Coordinator Michael Grasby 585-728-5246 [email protected] Central Region B Coordinator Open Cnic Region C Coordinator We encourage all our members to be informed registered voters. ABATE of New York, Inc. supports the Motorcycle Riders Education classes currently being offered throughout NYS. We welcome interested people to any of our activities and to join our organization. All makes and models of motorcycles are welcome. Keith Borland 315-427-3797 [email protected] Metro NY/LI Region D Coordinator Jim Barr 631-698-1816 [email protected] Hudson Valley Mohawk Region E Coordinator Gary Myers 845-331-9433 [email protected] Lighter counties have chapters. For information 1-888-344-4400 Page 3 www.abateny.org ABATE of Brooklyn P.O. Box 245064 Brooklyn, NY 11224 Monroe PO Box 13277 Rochester, NY 14613 ABATE of Buffalo-Erie PO Box 377 Orchard Park, NY 14127 Cayuga Chapter PO Box 74 Auburn, NY 13021 Niagara PO Box 25, Lockport, NY 14095 North Ulster P.O. Box 13 West Hurley, NY 12491 ABATE of Chautauqua PO Box 572 Dunkirk, NY 14048 ABATE of Columbia PO Box 227 Hudson, NY 12534 Cortland-Chenango P.O. Box 245 McGraw, NY 13101 Delaware New Chapter Address next issue Finger Lakes P.O. Box 353 Hornell, NY 14843 Greene P.O. Box 92 Leeds, NY 12451 Oneida PO Box 545 Lewis P.O. Box 245 Port Leyden, NY 13433 Long Island PO Box 1311 Riverhead, NY 11901 To review and inform members about federal, state, and local levels of government motorcycle legislation and to promote favorable motorcycle legislation. To improve road conditions thus making roads safer for motorcyclists. To help prevent accidents through education and public awareness. To promote positive community relations. To promote political involvement of motorcyclists. To act as a legislative liaison between motorcyclists and government authorities, police departments, government agencies, insurance companies, and other organizations. To report and discourage biased news reporting about motorcyclists. To present and promote a better image of motorcycling. Holland Patent, NY 13354 Onondaga PO Box 11575 Syracuse, NY 13218 To Have Liberty You Must Have Unity Ontario PO Box 546 Canandaigua, NY 14424 Orleans PO Box 43 Medina, NY 141030043 Oswego PO Box 133 Central Square, NY 13036 Jefferson P.O. Box 21 Clayton, NY 13624 Aims & Purposes Southern Tier Dates To Remember NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE Material must be received no later than: June 1, 2009 for the July 2009 issue Sorry, we can not print your material after the deadline. PO Box 2441 Binghamton, NY 13902 NEXT STATE CHAPTER MEETING DATE May 17, 2009 The day before the Freedom Rally. Tompkins PO Box 6743, Ithaca, NY 14851-6743 White Stone Cafe 2337 Route 66 Ghent NY 12075 518-392-7171 [email protected] Wayne PO Box 332 Ontario, NY 14519 Open to all ABATE of New York members. Dedicated to Safety & Freedom of the Road ABATE OF NY STATE OFFICE MANAGER Chris Werder P.O. Box 300 Walker Valley, NY 12588-0300 1-888-344-4400 [email protected] ABATE of New York supports the rights of ALL Motorcyclists AMERICAN BIKERS AIMED TOWARD EDUCATION For information 1-888-344-4400 Page 4 www.abateny.org Stan’s Harley Davidson, Inc. BEVERAGE COMPANY, INC. 4425 W. Saile Dr. Batavia, NY 14020 Box 1035 1043 Co. Rt. 25 Oswego, NY 13126 (315) 343-5221 Fax (315) 343-9464 Daniel E. Dorsey President Phone: (585) 343-9598 Store Hours: Mon. 9-6 Tues. 9-8 Wed. 9-8 Thurs. 9-8 Fri. 9-6 Sat. 9-4 Closed Sundays Visit us online at: www.stanshd.com Historic FRANK LOMBARDI & SONS, INC. Staten Island Harley-Davidson Seeber’s AUTHORIZED DEALER Tavern Sales - Service - Parts - Motorclothes - Accessories “Good Booze At Good Prices” Est. 1905 - One of America’s Oldest Family Owned Motorcycle Dealerships Phone: 718-447-4009 Fax: 718-727-3507 442 Bay Street, Staten Island., N.Y. 10304 Main St., Smithville Flats, NY 13841-0027 www.Lombardi-HD.com Michael Lombardi Rooms (607) 656-4697 SPONSORS ABATE OF NEW YORK SPONSORS Become a Sponsor of ABATE of NY Sponsors help us Promote Motorcycle Safety, Awareness, & Education Roadkill AMSOIL Dealer Stan's Harley-Davidson, Inc. Harley-Davidson of Suffolk, Inc. Full Throttle Insurance Agency Harley-Davidson of Jamestown, Inc. Ithaca Harley-Davidson, Inc. American Harley-Davidson, Inc. Buffalo Harley-Davidson, Inc. Rollin' Bones Motor Co., Inc. Custom Motorcycles + Stones Snow Sleds Snowmobiles, helmets, Motorcycles Seebers Tavern Motorcycle Hauling (roadside pick-up) Kingston, NY Sponsorship of ABATE of NY does not denote individual membership in the organization, rather, it signifies the Sponsor's desire to help further the goals and purposes of ABATE of NY, and earns the Sponsor the public recognition of his/her generosity. Interested clubs, businesses, organizations and/or individuals may apply for a $25 ABATE of NY Sponsorship through their local ABATE of NY Chapter, or directly to the ABATE of NY State Office: ABATE of NY, Inc. State Office P.O. Box 300 Walker Valley, NY 12588-0300 Toll Free Phone: 888 344 4400 Thank You For Being a Sponsor For information 1-888-344-4400 Page 5 www.abateny.org State Board Reports PRESIDENT +Your State Board is very active this year representing issues relative to you before the various legislative bodies that may impact upon our needs. I've joined Board members at meetings with NYC council members trying to introduce faulty noise legislation, and have also joined in a meeting with representatives from Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith's office to present issues of relevance. But in the upcoming months, you may still expect ABATE of NY to conduct informational pickets at various locales presenting our views on current issues affecting us, and I encourage your participation. I'm also looking forward to meeting many of the dedicated membership at the 2009 Freedom Rally, and hope that you've got Monday, May 18th penned in on your calendars. This issue, I'd also like to briefly address our At-Large members, who comprise almost 5% of the total ABATE of NY membership, and simply ask those for whom it is not inconvenient or otherwise undesirable, to consider another look at your local Chapter, or even to consider forming your own Chapter. Usually, At-Large members remain dedicated to the overall organizational presentation, while simply distancing themselves from a chapter(s) for personal reasons, or they exist in an area bereft of structure. Regardless of reasoning, however, it is understood that there are many reasons for At-Large status, and your wishes to remain so are respected. If you'd like to know more about the VICE PRESIDENT Motorcycle season has started and the word is out. Look out for motorcycles. and drivers beware. I am looking forward to seeing you all at our upcoming Freedom Rally and hope you have made appointments. This is the one time for us to be heard and to be heard loud. I am hoping that we will be able to have a mass meeting inside the LOB building. Sputnik from Texas has created the five steps to freedom and the first one is to be registered to vote and the second one is to get acquainted. Our freedom rally is your chance to do just that. This is our opportunity to let our legislators know who we are and that we are constituents who matter. The third step is to campaign. I know this one is more difficult but even I am attempting for the first time in my life to run in the political arena. Be it right now just to be an officer for our Democratic committee in the Town of Riga where I live but it is a start. Who knows maybe eventually I will be running for a town position. I would like to see For information 1-888-344-4400 Chapters, though, or how to form one, please contact me. We would all love to see growth in the number of Chapters in the state. If you're not yet aware, a large change may be coming to New York State's motorcycle riding trainees due to the awarding of the bid for motorcycle safety training to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). Rumors are abounding that the MSF is ineligible to administer the Personal Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) benefits and road test waivers. PIRP benefits included insurance discounts and point reductions, and the road test waivers obtained upon completion of an approved training course were a godsend to many riders. Additionally, New York is still attempting legislation to mandate training, dedicated funds haven't been returned, and prices have not been reduced. In fact, they're anticipated to rise. Like I said earlier. We'll be conducting informational pickets. Please join us if you can and provide your own voice to our clamor. By the time you read this, I'll have attended MRF's Beast of the East, and the NCOM National Convention, and will report upon these events at a later date. Ride on. Roadkill - President, ABATE of New York, Inc. more of our members or officers of ABATE possibly throw their hat into this arena as well. it is one way for us to be proactive rather then reactive to town legislation. The fourth and fifth steps to freedom are more about running for an elected position and the primaries. If you would like to learn more here is a website you can visit. http://www.tmra2.org/5steps.shtml You can also google five steps to freedom to see how other state motorcycle rights organizations have used the same philosophy. I am keeping this month report short and simple. I hope to see you all on the road and look forward to seeing you at your chapter events. the contract committee has completed the rough drafts of our contracts and I am looking for suggestions for guest speakers to come to our state seminar in 2010. Ride Safe and remember to pass the word, Motorcycles are everywhere. Page 6 VP, Beth Gorman www.abateny.org State Board Reports TREASURER Change is good…… It is often said that change is good; I believe that to be true. Attention all county officers, especially Treasurers. At the last board meeting I gave notice that I will no longer serve as your State Treasurer after this year. I actually would like to give up my position sooner if someone steps up to the task, however to be fair to the organization, should no one volunteer I will continue throughout the year the duties and responsibilities of this position. Why must I leave you are probably wondering? Well, I have been your State Treasurer and Treasury Manager since 2006 and quite a bit has changed in my life. My Son Parker was born in 2006 during my first year, and my wife Stephanie is expecting again. We are very excited about this and especially excited by the fact we are expecting multiples, so as you can imagine, things in the Smith household will soon be busy! Holding both positions of State Treasurer and Treasury Manager entails many hours to perform the duties. I would like to stay on as your Treasury Manager, where I prepare the consolidation of the chapter financials for income tax For information 1-888-344-4400 reporting purposes and for the board’s review. I would no longer have the duties to pay the invoices for the operation of the corporation. The Treasury Manager position is an appointed position which would not require me to attend the board and state meetings (although desired); this would allow me to stay at home those weekends. As the State Treasurer, you are in charge of paying all operational costs, both for the State and Office Manager. This duty is identical as the responsibilities expected from the county Treasurers position, just on a slightly bigger scale. The State Treasurer financials along with the Office Manager’s are also turned into the Treasury Manager for consolidation purposes, these are signed off by the President or Vice President. This is a paid position as set by the board. You get first hand knowledge of what the board is doing for the organization and you are entitled to voting rights as a board member. To qualify for this position you must have held an officer position within your chapter, please check the By-Laws for the specifics. Change is good, is there anyone out there willing to take this one? Pete Smith State Treasurer Page 7 www.abateny.org State Legislation Report I know it is a long way off and a lot can happen to change the minds of many, however Bobby Jindal the current Governor of Louisiana is my choice to run for President in 2012. At the last ABATE State meeting my motion to endorse James Tedisco for the 20th Congressional district was approved. Congressman Tedisco victory was of good step for motorcycle rights. Prospector told me that as a State Assemblyman Congressman Tedisco has always been helpful to our issues. So I guess that will mean another special election in the 110 assembly district soon. Federal legislation is heating up again But from what I have seen the HIPAA bill is dead. It is being replaced by piece of legislation that would say the Insurance Companies would have to notify in advance that the policy contains restrictions against motorcycling. I remember 1994 I lobbied in Washington for the HIPAA bill, I remember what we were asking for and don't think that this is what we got. I feel that this is a test of what can happen. The AMA, the MRF, and every SMRO went up against BIG INSURANCE and the Big Federal Bureaucracy and lost. We can KISS that HIPAA tech bill good-by A newly elected member of Congress is leading the effort to ban the imposition of tolls on existing interstate highways. US Representative Glenn "GT" Thompson has introduced HR 1071, the Keeping America's Freeways Free Act, which is designed to prohibit any new efforts to collect tolls on an interstate. "Tolls are taxes, plain and simple," Thompson said in a statement. "The Interstate Highway System -- the greatest public works project in history -- was built with federal funding to unite our nation. The Interstate For information 1-888-344-4400 Highway System's profound effect upon the American economy has contributed significantly to development and improved quality of life through increased economic efficiency and productivity. The Keeping Americas Freeways Free Act will preserve this notion and allow for the free flowing of commerce not only in Pennsylvania, but across the nation." Thompson succeeded Representative John Peterson (R), one of the staunchest opponents of tolling in Congress. Thompson vowed to keep up the federal pressure against efforts to allow a foreign corporation to toll Interstate 80, a route that cuts across the Keystone State. Parties with a financial stake in the outcome of the I-80 decision spent millions on a lobbying effort that ultimately failed to persuade the public that tolling was in their interests. During the campaign, however, Thompson demonstrated that his interest extended beyond I-80 to a more fundamental reform of the transportation funding and earmarking process. "We need to stop diverting money into the general operating budget of the state from the Pennsylvania Road and Bridge Fund," Thompson said on the campaign trail. "Highway money should be spent on highways. We need to focus federal dollars where they are needed -- on the roads and bridges that are most in need of repair -- not in those areas where the most powerful Congressmen happen to live, or where they happen to take an interest." US Representative Ciro Rodriguez (D-Texas) joined as an original cosponsor of the freeway tolling ban. It mirrors legislation introduced in the previous Congress by US Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas). HR 1071 (is my kind of legislation). Page 8 An NY biker sent threatening text message On February 23, 2009, in Buffalo, NY A man identified by the FBI as a member of a western New York motorcycle club has been accused of threatening a rival biker in text messages. (Wow are we bad) The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) in an attempt to destroy youth motorcycling in the USA has BAN the sale of youth motorcycles new or used, parts or in shop repair. Situations have gotten back to me that now youth motorcycle spare parts are being sold as "Black Market Parts" to known customers. What reason would the CPSC have to make a legitimate business into a member of organized crime. S. 608 and H.R. 1587 have been introduced in Congress to exempt youth motorcycles from this Ban. The introduction of the 416-A legislation in NYC is not any more agreeable. The original form of the bill called for the ticketing and towing of any motorcycle parked, stopped, or standing on the streets of NYC not displaying an EPA-approved label on the exhaust system. After a few motorcycle activists in NYC contacted Councilmember Gerson, Speaker Quinn and Transportation Chair Liu the bill was pulled and a redraft is now underway. Assembly bill A-5980 is the out growth of 416-A with (no same as) in the Senate I don't think it is going far this session. I feel that this legislation is if past would be the spark needed to advance a modified 416-A from the NYC Council. Kenneth Paul Zebrowski is the sponsor of A-5980. He was elected to the State Assembly in a special election on May 1, 2007, following the untimely passing of his father, Assemblyman Kenneth Peter Zebrowski. A native of New City and a practicing attorney, Ken Zebrowski graduated www.abateny.org State Legislation Report with a Political Science degree from the State University of New York at Albany and his Juris Doctor degree from the Seton Hall University School of Law. In 2005, Zebrowski served in the Rockland County Legislature. He worked to promote sensible planning as a way to curb overdevelopment, and he introduced legislation to protect consumers from unscrupulous tax preparation services. Professionally he is “of counsel” to the firm Braunfotel & Frendel in New City, NY. I want you to know your enemy There is no ABATE chapter in Rockland County. We need to get something going there soon. There are only 13 Congressional seats in New York City, 65 Assembly seats, 26 Senate seats and 51 NYC Council seats. The over worked Brooklyn chapter needs some help forming a few ABATE chapters in NYC. We need to appreciate the 40 percent of the population that NYC has and the elected officials that they are their representatives. I was in the Saw Mill tavern in Schenectady, NY with my son having a beer and shooting some pool in March, when I saw a 09 poster for the hill climb in Dansville, NY 250 miles away. I posted a Freedom Rally flyer that I had in the car and set some extras on a table by the door. I know that Schenectady in a hot bed for motorcycling. Beth and I went on a Angle's ride last spring. ABATE should take the time to reformulate the chapters in the capital area. Troy, Albany and Schenectady should all have chapters. The freedom rally is going strong with hopeful participation of newly awaken riders out of New York City. The 416-A legislation at the turn of the New Year has is nothing got motorcyclist talking to each other about the problems we all face. I was going to say that the NYC 416-A legislation For information 1-888-344-4400 is dead, but it is not, it has just gone dormant. There are problems with multiple identical bill in NYC, I'm not sure how the procedure works, but fair to say the bills are not eliminated even by the death of the originator. We will be vigilant about monitoring the situation in NYC. This brings us to A-5980 Member of the City Council in NYC got some of their State Assembly people to introduce a new muffler noise bill. We are making a big push to have the confiscation bill pass through the state senate. This legislation has already passed through the state assembly for the third time. Senator Martin Dilan from Brooklyn is the sponsor of this bill. If you could persuade your state senators perhaps we can get this bill passed and signed into law on the 18th of May 2009 to show how the Freedom Rally and lobbying in Albany makes us a successful legislative organization. That is Senate Bill S1298. If you could call Senator Dilan's office at 1-518-455-1277 to tell him how much we appreciate his support and how we would like this bill to get passed, and then make an effort to call your own state senator and insist on the passage of the confiscation bill S-1298. I have been working on the Handlebar Height Bill. We were successful a few years back altering the handle bar height bill form 15 inches above the seat to shoulder high. Thirty-one states have chosen to raise or eliminate the handlebar height restrictions. sixteen of the thirty states have eliminated the restriction without any negative safety impact. It is a poor usage of law enforcement's time and is a waste of the tax payers' hard earned dollars, to have a law enforced that has absolutely no safety purpose. V&T Laws §381. Motorcycle equipment. Page 9 5. No person shall operate on a public highway a motorcycle on which the handle bars or grips are more than the height of the operator's shoulders. By simply asking for this law to be eliminated we can end some of the police harassment and limit their questionable judgment about whether you are sitting up straight on your bike or not. With the insurance laws for motorcyclists being one of the biggest disgraces not only for New York State but for the nation as a whole. I am attempting to get legislation introduced to make motorcycles part of the no fault insurance system. Not that any insurance company in New York State or the nation wants to make motorcyclists whole again following an accident. After years of study into this issue and asking questions to individuals across the nation. I have come to the conclusion that motorcyclists in United States should be put back onto the No Fault System. I know that many of you will be the first to complain that your motorcycle insurance will be going up under no fault but the simple examination that I have done, has pointed out too clearly that all the present system has done is eliminate negligent car drivers and their insurance companies from paying the medical bills of the people that they hurt on motorcycles. New York State motorcyclists were part of the No fault system from 1974-1978. I don't remember any motorcyclists or SRO riding up to the state capital and insisting that motorcyclists be opted out of the no fault system. Instead of insurance companies finding ways to raise our rates on car drivers because of tickets or where they live maybe we should raise the rates of those who have had accidents involving motorcyclists. www.abateny.org State Legislation Report Diamond Symbol: This symbol is used to designate reserved lanes for buses, Hov's (High Occupancy Vehicles) such as car-pools and van-pools, bicycles, or other special vehicles. You may not enter and use these lanes unless your vehicle complies with the occupancy or other requirements of the accompanying regulatory signs for the times the special conditions are in effect. When used to designated reserved lanes on city streets, sections of the solid white line separating the diamond lanes from the regular lanes may be replaced by dashed white lines. In these locations, non-HOV's may enter the HOV lane if they make a right turn at the next intersection. Bus lanes and HOV lanes are used to promote the most efficient use of Limited Street and highway capacity by assuring that vehicles with the highest priority move the fastest. The recent problem with HOV lanes in New York City seems to have resolved itself with the NYPD and the NYC traffic courts coming to the conclusion that motorcycles can ride in the HOV lanes. However, I am not at all satisfied with the way this was done, and would like to see a law passed in New York State that all HOV lanes will be made to accommodate motorcycles. I guess what the problem was (and of course no one would tell us) that the HOV lane that were made for cars, trucks and buses in NYC was unsafe for motorcyclists, in the opinion of the NYPD. I am working with Tanya Cruz from New York City (an at large ABATE Member) to see if we can come up with HOV legislation. ABATE is also working on a oversight committee for the motorcycle rider education program. This whole program has been abused from day one ten years ago. Now with and State Controllers audit on MANYS this seems highly likely. A quick word about the State Police For information 1-888-344-4400 Motorcycle only roadblocks. Only the State troopers of the Empire State would honor one of their own by enacting a program that is clearly unconstitutional. The Oakland California Police Department has put their money where it matters. After complaints from most of their motorcycle officers, the department has reversed a decision to equip their Harley-Davidson fleet with quiet exhaust. "There's an old motorcycle adage that you are heard before you are seen," said Deputy Chief Dave Kozicki, explaining the department's decision to toss the bikes' muted factory-issued mufflers in favor of the more highvolume pipes. Recently, an Oakland officer was struck by a vehicle who's driver said he didn't hear the police motorcycle approaching. It's great to hear that the "Rolling Thunder" are again riding the streets of Oakland. We just get on and go and end up in a non-co-planer situation that seeks to be co-planer. Speed, balance, hand eye coordination are all factors to keeping the rubber side down. Let each one of us have the best year riding possible. At the Next State Board Meeting it will be my honor to request that Tanya Cruz from NYC and Christina Rathburn from Onondaga be appointed Assistant State Legislative Coordinators. These two individuals have impressed me to no end, one with their knowledge of the legislative system and her ability to get things done in Albany and both with her tireless enthusiasm. I know that by working together on legislative issues that we can enhance our efforts. We need even more people to step forward with their involvement on a legislative level. The war will be lost by not fighting. QUOTE: "First, they ignore you, Then they laugh at you, Then they fight you, Then you win." I have found the problem with Motorcycles and it is that they are not co~Mahatma Gandhi, Leader of India's planer and why motorcycle always independence (1869 - 1948) seek to be always to be more cogeorge planer even when on a kick stand. We are in an unusual time in Motorcycle accident history with what I call an Age of Foolishness. Automobiles greatest fatal time was in the early nineteen hundreds. When no one knew how to drive and the road were less than paved, no road signs, no speed limits and poor unreliable quality of workmanship an engineering. Speed was king and winning races was a sales tool. So a HARLEY-DAVIDSON OF JAMESTOWN, Inc few things have MOTORCYCLE SALES PARTS AND SERVICE changed. Cars are a lot better and while most of us wanted to drive when we grew up. We went to BRIAN D. REID 1951 E. Main St. school to learn how. Vice President Falconer, NY 14733 Not so motorcycles. [email protected] Tel. 716-484-0113 www.jamestownharley.com Page 10 Fax. 716-484-2322 www.abateny.org Do What You Can, With What You Have, From Where You Are Suzi Q Long, Public Relations So here we are folks, the days we've all been waiting for- riding season. May I first say that I wish you all a safe season, and hope that you have taken the time to reacquaint yourself with your beloved ride before going too far. You know what to do, but the cagers haven't seen us for awhile, so take your time, and watch yourselves out there. I feel very proud to be working with such an effective group of people this year. Both the Board and the Chapters have given me much hope for us making a difference and saving some lives this season. We now have a community awareness program called What All Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles that was approved by the Board at our March meeting. This program can not only be presented to high schools, community groups, and driver training schools, but the pamphlet can be used at any public event to increase all drivers awareness and help this season be the safest yet. I have emailed this program to all Public Relations Officers, and it can be accessed in our Yahoo Group files. Thanks to Pam Wright for her help, and Roadkill for loading it to the Group for me. We have yard signs! At this writing, I will be contacting the Regional Coordinators to disperse the signs throughout the state. Any chapter needing signs should first contact their coordinator to see if they have them yet, and then, if necessary, contact me to make arrangements. Thanks to Mike and Kathy Grasby and Beth Gorman for helping with the pickup. After posting the availability of the signs on our Rochester Rides Yahoo Group, I had many responses. People want these signs, so let's get them out there. I will be ordering the kickstand pucks for the chapters. I hope these will be available for distribution at our Albany Rally. These can be freebies that you hand out for recruiting new members in the bags the Beth Gorman passed out at the seminar. As the donations from the yard signs start replenishing our State budget, we will be certain to turn that money around for more freebies to hand out to chapters for promotion. For information 1-888-344-4400 At this point, I would hope that chapters have made some contacts with local media to get the message of motorcycle awareness out to the public. I have been contacting television and radio stations in my area, and have had some reminders on the air, but this is only the beginning. As I thank the media representatives for their “shout out” on the air, I continue to ask for more time in the form of interviews. Editorial pages are a great place to write an essay about watching for motorcycles. Please feel free to use the information in the awareness program to write these essays. As you get into some of your events this spring, be sure to take lots of photos and get them out to newspapers and motorcycle magazines. The contacts you make in one year can help you for many to come. Keep trying! Just because a media venue doesn't use your material one year, or even at a certain time of year, doesn't mean they won't later. Be persistent and be professional. I always mention in my thank you that the use of their power to send this message will surely save some lives. I believe this to be true. I appreciate that many chapters have shared ideas with me, and I with the rest of the PR Officers. We have a creative bunch of folks in many roles in our organization, and when we share ideas, we create a stronger web of information across the state. We all feel the pressure of doing what we can with very little or no money in the budget, so these creative ideas are worth their weight in gold. I'm sure you will read some of these ideas in this issue, so I won't rehash, but I believe that when we think “outside of the box,” and try new ideas, only good things can happen. This isn't a contest, this is life saving work we do. Thank you to all the chapters who are trying things and sharing the ideas with us. We need you. So I hope to see you all in Albany. This is our time to shine and let our legislators know how passionate and committed we are to our cause. As Teddy Roosevelt once said, “Do what you can, with what you have, from where you are.” Keep up the good work, folks. Its an honor to be a part of this organization. Page 11 www.abateny.org ABATE State Office Manager Report Well it looks like spring is finally here. Every day I look in the garage and see my Victory Vegas just sitting there unused. Well I’ve made a decision to start riding again and to have my bike brought to the active door in the garage and my husband can place his V92C into the unused door, but I first need to fix the flat tire on the Vegas. When you read this, we’ll have been on a mini vacation during which we’ll celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary (a little early), so the State Office will be closed May 7 – 10th. New Benefit To Our Members Now on to membership, I would like to announce a new benefit to our members. We have joined up with AVIS Rental Car for discounted rates for you. AVIS offers daily, weekly and long term rental discounts. As a member of ABATE all you need to do is present your current membership card and provide them with our AVIS Corp AWD number Q365502 and your discount will be applied. We would like to acknowledge our newest 2009 Milestone Members and thank them for their continued dedication to the organization: 10 Years Frank McGraw B. Jay Potter James Yerry Shawn Fenner Randy Jackson Richard Manuele Steve Dixon Donna Hadley Tony Puppelo Tony DiMartino Debbie Cash Walt Huber Keith Levee Robert Baleno Mark Flanigan Sue Mastelli Kathy Gallup Al Smith Jim Guyett 15 Years Robert Stacconi Eileen Anderson Dan Seabry Ed Keyes Robert Smith Michael Cisternino Fred Leicht Chris Ward Ed Quick Don Brennan Mike Burch 20 Years Alan Oakley Ed Gilmore Jan Mahoney Ron Marmon Curt Dunnam Ed Jurenko Richard Ward Sr. 21 Years Sue Matteson Paul Prochilo Paul Hermann 22 yrs Guy Godios 23 yrs. 24 Years Jerry Croston Matthew Valent Karen Lancaster Woody Bustle Chuck Westlake 26 yrs Stan Hanna Joseph Valent William Wroblewski Keith Bender 28 yrs Jim Boyer 29 yrs Moe Atwell 35yrs Our Newest Charter Life Member: Jeff Barkley 25 yrs. For information 1-888-344-4400 Page 12 www.abateny.org ABATE State Office Manager Report Life Membership Program The Life Membership program consists of a one time payment based on the number of years the member has in the organization. Beginning with their 25th year, they are automatically a Charter Life Member and dues are waived. 0 – 5 yrs Membership $400 6 – 10 yrs Membership $300 11 – 15 yrs Membership $200 In addition to all benefits of a full member, the Life Member will receive • A Life Member patch • A distinctive Life Member card • Yearly pins For any member-related information, be sure to contact the State Office at 1-888-344-4400 or e-mail [email protected] ABATE OF NEW YORK, INC. Proner/ABATE Activist Scholarship Fund Nomination Form Candidate Criteria: 1) Nominated candidates must be aged 17 and older with a valid Motorcycle Endorsement on their Driver License. 2) All nominees/recipients must either be a current member in good standing of ABATE of NY, or be an immediate family member of a current member in good standing of ABATE of NY. 3) Nominations will be accepted only from ABATE of NY members, and must be submitted on an ABATE of NY approved application form. Candidates may nominate themselves for consideration. 4) Nominations must be submitted between October 1st and May 31st, and postmarked no later than May 31st of the year for which the application is submitted. 5) Candidates must submit a minimum three hundred (300)-word essay detailing why motorcyclists’ rights are important to them, and in what way their desired coursework will assist them in the ongoing fight for motorcyclists’ rights. The essay should be included with the official ABATE of New York, Inc., Proner/ABATE Activist Scholarship Application Form. The winning candidate will be announced in an ABATE of New York, Inc. press release on or about August 1st, with presentation at the next regularly-scheduled ABATE State Chapters Meeting. Winning essays will be published in ABATE of New York’s official publication, “The Freedom Writer” newsletter. Non-winning candidates will receive a letter of thanks encouraging them to reapply the following year, if eligible. 6) Winning candidate receives: a) $1,000 check for use toward academic costs; and b) Reimbursement for travel (federal mileage rate & tolls only) from residence to State Chapters Meeting location on date of award. For information 1-888-344-4400 Page 13 www.abateny.org Chapter Reports Hello from the Chautauqua Chapter, In the "better late than never category" Happy New Year to all. Our transition of officers is complete and settled in. I would like to thank our outgoing officers for a job well done and for their continued support and ideas. We have been busy getting thing lined up for the upcoming year. Right now, we are putting the finishing touches on our May fundraiser. We are having a chicken BBQ & bike run on May 30, 2009. We have been signing up new members, with more showing interest, hopefully we can add to the state challenge of 2 new members each. On a chapter level, a challenge of 1 new member each has been issued. We also are getting a group together to go to the Freedom Rally. At our last meeting we asked the members to bring ideas to the next meeting for who we can have an event for. We also were approached by a member to assist with a memorial run for his father. Our chapter web site is up and running. It needs some work, which we are doing a little at a time, but it is there. For me, I traveled to Owego for the state seminar and learned a lot. I have gone to a couple of events that the Buff/Erie chapter had to show support and to see how they do things, also learned a lot. Thank you Damien and company. Also working on getting in touch with the organizers of the Rally in the Valley in Olean about setting up an ABATE booth for the event. That's about all for now. Ride safe & Have fun, Andy Chautauqua chapter president Columbia County A.B.A.T.E. Columbia County A.B.A.T.E. (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) sponsors safety class. ‘A crash course for motorcyclists’ on Sat. January 24, along with the help of the local Red Knights Chapter. The event was held at the Chatham Firehouse with 15 motorcycle enthusiasts in attendance. Karen Blake-Kittle, 2009 President for the Columbia County Chapter of ABATE of N.Y., Inc. along with the local chapter of Red Knights held the course at the Chatham firehouse. Under the 2008 chapter administration and President Bob DiRuzzio, it was agreed that the chapter would sponsor the event. The Bystander Assistance Program, or BAP ‘crash course’, is a one-day educational program directed toward motorcycle riders and bystanders. The BAP course was conducted by an Accident Scene Management, Inc. certified Instructor from Capital Area Motorcycling School, Inc. ASMI believes that the first person to be present at a motorcycle crash is most likely another motorcyclist. Therefore, the course was designed to educate riders, as well as the general public, in what to do at the scene of a motorcycle accident; how to reduce fatalities and the severity of the injuries through proper actions and reaction; as well as, helping educate the motorcyclists to protect themselves legally and For information 1-888-344-4400 financial through insurance coverage should a crash occur. According to the ASMI website, www.accidentscene.org; its programs not only strive to reduce injuries and fatalities to motorcyclists, but also to reduce rescuer injury through proper training. The program is based on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s first responder curriculum. Instruction focuses on: trauma care, rescue breathing, scene management and more. According to Kittle, “There are more motorcycles on the roads than ever before, so the risk of being involved in an accident is also on the rise. A motorcycle can be hidden behind a pencil when it’s about thirty meters away. There are a lot more riders taking safety courses, but the auto drivers may still not be seeing us. So it’s up to us, the riders, to try to keep each other safe. Education continues to be the key. There is still a lot to be done in the public awareness area. By promoting motorcycle awareness programs, such as the ‘look twice, save a life’ signs that you see each spring; and by promoting and encouraging rider education courses .” People say New Yorkers can't get along. Not true. I saw two New Yorkers, complete strangers, sharing a cab. One guy took the tires and the radio; the other guy took the engine. -David Letterman Page 14 www.abateny.org Chapter Reports FINGER LAKES CHAPTER FINGER LAKES CHAPTER A.B.A.T.E. OF NEW YORK We have had our first meeting and it went well. Because of the heavy wind and blowing snow, we did not have the usual turn out, but still had an informative meeting with many discussions. We talked about our Swap Meet to be held on May 3, 2009 at the Wayland Rod and Gun club. We have mailed out flyers to the vendors that we have on file and have had some responses at this time. If anyone would like a flyer, let me know and I can e-mail one to you. There are still tables available if you are interested. The State Seminar is now in the history books and was very well attended. There were 5 present from our chapter. Those from our chapter also attended many of the workshops and were able to gain some good information. I attended the work shop for the President and also got a short workshop from the PR, Legislative, Treasurer and Membership workshops. This was interesting and the first time that each workshop had a part in the Presidents workshop since the President is also able to be of help to the other positions in the chapter. Kathy also was able to move around to the separate workshops and gain information at each. Craig our PR person was at that session and hopefully he gained information that he can use for our meetings and his position. Diane attended the Treasurer’s workshop which she has done in the past and I believe she still was able to get more information. Lloyd was able to sit in on different workshops since they do not have one for the Vice President and did gain some information on what he may do in his position. At present we will be working on making our Swap Meet a success and with the help of our members it should make a difference. Ride far, but Ride Safe Michael J. Grasby, Sr. Finger Lakes Chapter President By the time this newsletter is out, our chapter will have had the Swap Meet on May 3rd and we hope it was a success. We have been and will be working hard on out dice run set for June 20, 2009. We hope that everyone that attends has a good time and lots of riding. We also hope that the weather is good for all. Anyone wishing to attend, we will be starting at Arkport Cycles. Arkport has also stated that any one attending the run and wishing to purchase anything at Arkport Cycles will enjoy a 15% discount on items bought that day, excluding Bikes. Our President Michael and Secretary Kathy will be attending Skin and Steel and hope to sign up some new members and hand out flyers for some of the upcoming events. We have done this for the last two years and hope to continue. This also gives the ABATE Members a chance to sit and talk about what is going on in their chapters. We would also like to thank Mike Cavuoto for setting aside space for the chapters in the Western District to hand out our goods. Wayne ABATE We put our chapter website on a new server. GoDaddy was so slow to even sign in let alone doing maintenance to our webpage. Now for $3.95 a month we have 5 gig of space, no advertising from the owners of the web sever. Most of all the cheaper severs put their advertisements on the website so we were very lucky to find this. www.afmu.com A free domain name was included plus you can have 10 domain names which means that you can share your space with another chapter and both would have their own domain name. We are not advertising for them, really. It is just a really nice place to have a webpage. Our chapter is looking forward to our Break Out Run on May 9. We don’t have a lot of people that come to meetings which allows to cover the business part and have fun too. So we are all looking forward to riding together. One of our member just bought a house after over 20 years of renting and we are all happy for her and her husband. The First in Synthetics ® We are looking forward to seeing you at the Freedom Rally on May 18th. SINCE 1972 ROBERT “BOBP” PIACENTE AMSOIL AND ALTRUM AUTHORIZED DEALER ZO# 1434872 47-37 245th Street Douglaston, NY 11362 (917) 747-0662 [email protected] www.lubedealer.com/bobp For information 1-888-344-4400 Pam Wright President of Wayne ABATE Chapter www.wayneabate.org Page 15 www.abateny.org Just a letter to the membership of ABATE of New York from a past State Board Officer. Dear ABATE Members, I have been asked to write an article for the state newsletter for a very long time now and after a while Pam stopped asking because I would never produce anything. Goes back to a censored article I wrote years ago. And my mother always said if you don't have anything positive to say then say nothing. Well, as an ex state board officer I felt compelled to set down and write an article. Positive, negative or not. First, I would like to say it has been my sincere privilege to work with such dedicated people as the people you currently have serving you at the state level. It is truly a thankless job with very few rewards. But they do it. Year in and year out, again and again. Why do they do it, why? It sure isn't because the membership supports them and spurs them on. No, they do it because someone has to and no one else stood up and said I'll do it. They do it because they love the motorcycling lifestyle. They do it because they believe in something bigger and more important than themselves. My hat goes off to these people with deepest respect. Since I began in ABATE I've heard one thing over and over again that made total since to me and that was the state organization needed to run as a business. After all, that’s exactly what it is. A business. And the function of the state organization and its officer's is to run that business. After serving and attending most of all of the state meetings over the last 15 years I can tell you that the current state officer leadership and officers are running this organization better than its ever run before. As a business. That ends the responsibility of the state to the membership. The business of running the organization is working. The rest. The rallies, the letter writing the pr spots, the membership drives etc. That stuff is the responsibility of the membership and chapters to perform. Some may not agree with my opinion and it is that, My opinion. From the President on down they are doing their best to run the business in a professional manner. Are they perfect? No, are you? But I personally feel they do an outstanding job given the resources at their disposal. For information 1-888-344-4400 For years I’ve heard again and again, “ What is the state going to do for the membership.” Or “ What does a member get for his or her money.” ANSWER, A lot. First, the state organization provides the frame work of a legal entity. A corporation from which to conduct business. With that comes the responsibility of reporting and filing legal and binding government documents. It provides the chapter access to affordable liability insurance so you can have an event, a run, a rally etc. Without these things, you are nothing more than a mob of citizens gone wild. Not allowed to rally and protest. For years I heard from the chapters they need more support from the state. Well, my answer to the membership is the state organization is returning more to the chapters and membership than ever before and some good is hoped to come of it. But beware. At our current rate of spending and giving back to the chapters we are spending down our nest egg. This tread can't last forever and must be turned around. How? Well, that my friends remains to be seen but that lies with you and the future of ABATE. I just wish our membership would remember JFK's words, “Lets not ask what our country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.” The same concept should be applied to the membership. The state officers and state organization need the memberships support. Don't think for one red hot minute the state organization can do all the work for you. You and your membership must get dirty in this fight we call a grass roots lobbying effort. Last, I would like to take a moment to thank the women of ABATE. You gals out there, take pride in knowing that without your involvement and support this organization would have died a slow death years ago. No way you say. Well, without the women stepping up to stand by us men and take on responsibility and hold officer positions most chapters wouldn't have been able to produce their Chapters newsletter, keep their books or even maintain their membership files. Hell, most chapters wouldn't even be able to say they had all their positions filled. When I started 15 years ago our meeting were comprised of 95% men. Today our meetings are comprised of 50% women. My how things change. Again, Thank you ladies. I love you for standing tall. Besides, I like meetings with more women. Rather smell perfume than sweat. In closing. I know at times you may get a agitated at one of the state board officers for one reason or another. I ask you to take a moment and stop and think about just how much stuff they put up with for no pay, no glory, no good reason that I can think of except that they do it. So before Page 16 (Continued on page 18) www.abateny.org For information 1-888-344-4400 Page 17 www.abateny.org The ABATE of NY State Board is honored to present another level of membership, designed to memorialize members passed. Forever Members The ABATE of New York Forever Member will be memorialized through a unique card and memorial certificate, and continuing annual ABATE of New York pins. Forever Members' names will be published in a special section of every subsequent issue of The Freedom Writer and on the ABATE of New York website. You can shed tears because they are gone, or you can smile because they lived. The card and certificate are meant for the memorializing party to treasure, pins perhaps to be saved or placed at the grave, and the publication so all remember. Michelle Hall Barbara Rancourt Robert Taylor Forever Membership has been established at a onetime cost of $100, and eligibility is limited to those who were members of ABATE of New York at time of death. For further information, or to memorialize an ABATE of New York member through Forever Membership, please contact the State Office Manager at 888-3444400, or [email protected] (Past Board Member Continued from page 16) you jump up one side and down the other about something that usually doesn't amount to a hill of beans. Ask your self would you do what they do for the organization. I hope all have a safe riding season and that the weather gods are good to us all this year. Live free, ride safe and remember those no longer with us. Be free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Respectfully Submitted Dave Kipp Ex-Region E Coordinator. VP of Greene County ABATE Clique (Pronunciation: klik) A narrow exclusive circle or group of persons ; especially one held together by common interests. People who play well together work well together. Ask someone to go for ride & get to know him/her. For information 1-888-344-4400 Page 18 www.abateny.org Some NYS Laws Regulating Motorcycles and Motorcycle Operation by: Philip L. Frankel Esq. Safety Helmet: Required. Helmets must meet the requirements set forth in section 571.218 of the federal motor vehicle safety standards. It is unlawful to sell a helmet which is not in compliance. Eye Protection: Goggles or a face shield of a type approved by the commissioner are required. It is unlawful to sell eye protection which is not in compliance. Rear View Mirror: One is required. Helmet Speakers: Single earphone only. Passenger Seat: Required if carrying a passenger. Passenger Footrest: Required if carrying a passenger. Muffler: Required. For motorcycles manufactured after 1979, no modification of exhaust system that increases noise beyond the exhaust system originally installed is permitted. Handlebar Height: Handle bars the handle bars or grips are more than the height of the operator's shoulders.* Lights: The following are required: Headlight; taillight; stop lamp; license plate lamp; at least one red reflector on the rear; and directional signals if the motorcycle was originally equipped with directional signals or is a 1985 or newer model. Daytime Use of Headlight: Required by law. Modulating headlights are permitted by Federal law 49CFR Section 571.108, paragraph S7.9.4 (modulating headlights do not turn on and off, which is illegal, they only vary power). Warning Device: A horn or other warning device is required. Passenger Seat: A passenger seat is required only if a passenger is carried. Safety Inspection: Required annually Motorcycles Operating on Roadway Laned For Traffic: • All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle or motorcycle shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. • Motorcycles are permitted to be operated two abreast in a single lane. • The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. • No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. *Handlebar height is corrected in online version of the Freedom Writer. Niagara Falls N.Y. Chapter Harley Owners Group PO Box 603, Niagara Falls, NY 14120 www.nfhog.net Meetings 3rd Thursday of Month 8:00 PM American Legion Post 6525 Ward Road Sanborn, NY For information 1-888-344-4400 If you have any questions you would like to submit for publication here, please send your question to ABATE @1800HURT911.comPhilip L. Frankel Esq. is an attorney representing people hurt in motorcycle accidents, construction accidents, and other accidents. The foregoing is for informational purposes and should be considered advertising, not legal advice which should only be obtained by formally contacting a lawyer to discuss your specific circumstances. Mr. Franckel is the founder of www.HURT911.org, www.HURT911Biker.com, and owns and advertises 1-800-HURT911. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, construction accident, or any kind of accident, speak directly to Mr. Franckel Page 19 www.abateny.org Yes, you heard correctly…………it IS happening! ABATE of New York’s “Freedom Rally”© Monday May 18th, 2009 Albany, New York “Ride to the Capitol” “The impact we can make on the state politicians is of great importance to our organization and to all motorcyclists across the state and nation. We need to keep this movement alive so the politicians will continue to acknowledge us as an increasingly influential voice within their voting districts.” This Rally has gained momentum, with the original thirteen, and a multitude of motorcyclists joining the growing cause each year. We have raised eyebrows of the politicians and made them aware of our determination to protect our rights and freedoms. In the past we have had success making positive changes in legislation by working directly with elected officials to help understand and appreciate how even the smallest of changes can have a profound effect on riding safety. We have several issues to address this year. “Where is the money for the Motorcycle Safety Fund”? The loud exhaust and helmet issues will be addressed. The confiscation bill may be signed. Also this year, George Gorman, our state legislative coordinator, has had some luck in getting more of the sport bike community to participate. Let us hope they do. Once again Bob Davis of Wholly Cow Restaurant has graciously agreed to host the staging area for the start of our ride. Local police departments will provide an escort to the Albany city limits. From there, Albany police will have blocked traffic to ensure our safe passage to the Capitol steps. Upon arrival at the Capitol, You will be greeted by some representatives and hear their views and what they are doing to protect our rights and ultimately shape our future. You may also contact your local chapter leaders to make appointments to meet with your respective representatives that day. On Monday May 18th 2009 We must unite and again make a statement. Remember… Decisions are made by those who participate and show up. So take this opportunity to stand up and be counted. Your rights, and the rights of future generations, can be preserved if we all work together. See you there, Thank You … …ralph… Coordinator ~ Freedom Rally Vice President ~ Buffalo-Erie Chapter For information 1-888-344-4400 Page 20 www.abateny.org Proud Supporter A.B.A.T.E. of New York Harley-Davidson/Buell of Utica 4870 Commercial Drive New York Mills, NY 13417 Tel. 315.797.5570 Fax 315.797.4564 Gowanda Harley-Davidson 2535 Gowanda Zoar Rd. Gowanda, NY (716) 532-4584 www.gowandaharley.com For information 1-888-344-4400 [email protected] Page 21 www.abateny.org For information 1-888-344-4400 Page 22 www.abateny.org For information 1-888-344-4400 Page 23 www.abateny.org Iron Block Harley-Davidson Route 81 Exit 42 17890 Goodnough St. Adams Center, NY 13606 (315) 583-6177 www.ironblock.com Forking by Frank FRANK’S MAINTENANCE & ENGINEERING, INC. Replacement fork tubes for most motorcycles. Stock, over or under. 945 PITNER AVENUE EVANSTON, IL 60202 847-475-1003 Ninety percent of the politicians give the other ten percent a bad reputation. - Henry A. Kissinger Bad politicians are sent to Washington by good people who don't vote. - William E. Simon From the Editor This newsletter filled up so fast I couldn’t put in several things that I wanted to. WORK FOR YOURSELF Malcom Smith on page 36, who sold dirt bikes and ATV’s to children despite to ban on selling them. I am impressed by this man who stands up for what he believes. I am sorry I didn’t have room to print the whole article. Our State Chapter and Board minutes took up a lot of space. The ban of selling the dirt bikes and ATV’s to children is because they contain lead. I don’t know how we survived to be adults with out the government bans and recalls. It is such a shame the children of today can not enjoy the freedoms we did as kids. My husband had to be home before the street lights turned on and I had to home by supper time. Reps Needed Territories Open Contact Us for Info: 716-725-2745 [email protected] For information 1-888-344-4400 Though my daughter brought up a good point. She said, “How can I let my children just go ride their bikes when there is a registered sex offender on the next street.” sigh Pam Page 24 www.abateny.org May 17 State Chapter Meeting 1:00 368 W RIDGE RD ROCHESTER N.Y. 14615 585-482-7260 Stone Cafe 2337 Route 66 Ghent NY 12075 518-392-7171 May 18 Freedom Rally FOR ALL YOUR MOTORCYCLE CLOTHING AND APPAREL NEEDS Starts at Wholly Cow Restaurant Rt. 9 & 20, Schodack, NY 12033 www.extremebikerleather.com To All Our Advertisers: Thank You for Advertising in the Freedom Writer ATTORNEYS WHO RIDE KNOW KANTOR & GODWIN 5800 MAIN STREET WILLIAMSVILLE, NY 14221 716-626-0404 www.kantorgodwin.com KANTOR & GODWIN Motorcycle Accident Attorneys STEVEN L. KANTOR ABATE MEMBER TRUST OUR EXPERIENCE, WE GET RESULTS! For information 1-888-344-4400 Page 25 www.abateny.org NEW YORK STATE ABATE, INC State Chapter Meeting Binghamton, NY February 21, 2009 The meeting was called to order at 1:40pm, and all members present stood to give the Pledge of Allegiance. There were 40 members present for this meeting. NY 10007. Roadkill asked the Jefferson Chapter officers present to take their oath of office, there were 2 present. Following Roadkill’s actions, Douglas Schilling, representing himself as AFLAK has retracted his on-line statement bashing ABATE of NY. Roll call was taken with the following 15 Chapters present: BuffErie, Chautauqua, Columbia, Finger Lakes, Greene, Jefferson, Long Island, Monroe, North Ulster, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Southern Tier, Tompkins and Wayne. The following 7 Chapters were absent: Brooklyn, Cayuga, CortChen, Lewis, Niagara, Ontario and Orleans. Passed by Congress was the “Consumer Product Safety Act” concerning lead content in toys, bikes, motocross bikes, etc. Anything 85cc and below are illegal to sell, own or drive. You also can not buy parts for any of these motor conveyances. Motion #M01-09 made by Michael with a 2nd to waive the reading of the minutes. Unanimous Correspondence: Roadkill welcomed Christie to the meeting from Long Island. Long Island Chapter was hosting a party today honoring Marty Dick their long time President. On INT-416A Legislation from NYC one of the co-sponsors John Liu has pulled his sponsorship. Tonya feels that we should send a letter of thanks. Roadkill sent a letter to his District & City Counsel offices, along with his thanks he asked that if he had any sway with his fellow constituents that maybe they would follow suit. The address to send a letter to Mr. Liu is Mr. John Liu, City Council Member, 20th District, 250 Broadway, 18th Floor, New York, President’s Report: President Obama is declining use of a VMT (Vehicle Mileage Taxation). Also bikes are now included in the Economic Stimulus Bill. ABATE needs to review the current NYS rider training transition that’s occurring, and take a stand in the matter because of purported concerns. We’d previously reported to the membership that training mandates were under consideration. Now, with the rider training contract newly awarded to the MSF, the gist of which is reportedly still evolving, there are also rumors of elimination of insurance reductions and road test waivers. It was suggested that we should send a letter arguing ABATE’s stand in the matter to the DMV & the MSF. We want to know what can be done to retain benefits, not lose them. Vice President’s Report: Beth stated that The Beast of the East will be in Delaware on April 17-19, 2009 and that no more than 4 people per chapter are to attend. She needs to be notified by the members wishing to attend by March 14th or before. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer’s budget was submitted by Roadkill. We voted at the State Chapter meeting in November to accept the Proposed Budget for 2009. Pete also suggested we should slow down on our spending during the winter months. Motion #M02-09 made by Oneida Chapter with a 2nd to accept the Treasurer’s report. Unanimous Legislative Coordinator’s Report: 5 NEW YORK LOCATIONS 217 Rt. 32 North New Platz, NY 12561 141 Remson Street Cohoes, NY 12047 4208 Union Road. Buffalo, NY 14225 Ph:1-800-635-1383 For information 1-888-344-4400 320 West Rt.#59 Central Nyack, NY Town Line Plaza 3047 W. Henrietta rd. Rochester, NY 14616 George stated that the goal for this year is “To Work Together” we need to organize our legislative people in each chapter. Be out there in the public eye. He will assign Congressional Reps., 12 in NYC alone and at least 5 on Long Island. Keep in contact with your Senators. Presidents should hold twice monthly meetings to keep things moving forward. NYC is moving toward an EPA engraving bill. INT-416A received a lot of press because of Tonya Cruz; there was a great show of strength by all cycle organizations. She is also trying to set up a meeting with Malcolm Smith, State Senate Majority Leader. The helmet bill is still an issue. He appreciates everyone’s cooperation. Jefferson Chapter suggested sample or form style letters stating the facts and placed on our Web site & officer’s site for members to use to write their own letters. Page 26 www.abateny.org NEW YORK STATE ABATE, INC State Chapter Meeting Binghamton, NY February 21, 2009 Many Chapters sent an enormous amount of signed petitions against INT-416A. It was also mentioned by Onondaga Chapter that they had heard that the MRF and NCOM had developed a lawsuit against the road block issue in the State of New York. Public Relations Report: The Seminar was very successful. Our team work makes us successful. We need to go back to our Aims & Purposes, put it on our agenda’s. Write an article on the Trooper Road Blocks, get pictures of your events, and get your events posted in magazines. She recently saw an article about Damian from Buff-Erie Chapter in Hard Tails. The Stop DWI logo on our yard signs will change to Stop Cell Phone Use. Yard Signs will be available soon. Suzi has been doing a lot of research on a driver’s education program. She was going to order the MSF kit, but it is very expensive. She is attempting to write our own program, but doing so with caution so as to not reference any copyrighted material. The NYS bumper stickers, we are still waiting on them. She has some of the Freedom Rally flyers with her. Southern Tier Chapter has joined in with the Amber Alert program. She suggests using Electronic signs to promote “Motorcycle Awareness” during May. Region A Report: This being my first time in this position, I am gaining information as I go, but will do my best to make this position work for all. While at the Seminar, I contacted the President’s of each chapter in the Western Region and was able to get and give some information on what we are doing in our Region. We talked about having a meeting at the end of the day and just discuss what we were going to be doing. Some of the Chapters were not going to be able to stay for a short meeting and I stated that I would send an e-mail to them to let them know what we discussed. All thought that this would be very good. Once the Seminar business was finished, those present from the Region got together and this is what we discussed. Those present were BuffErie, Damian Ruzbacki, Chautauqua, Andrew Barr, Monroe, Mike Parthum and Finger Lakes, Michael Grasby. We discussed that the only Chapter not present at the seminar was Orleans. We began by introducing each and talked about our meeting night and thought it may be better to move it to another day. We talked John Malyj President Geneva Harley-Davidson Sales & Service, Inc. For information 1-888-344-4400 In sending this to all of the Chapters in the Western Region, if anyone has a comment or feels there needs to be a change they can contact Michael Grasby at [email protected] or by phone, home 585 728-5246, cell 585 739-4797 or fax 585 7283708. Region C Report: Not a lot to report yet. His first meeting will be on 3/8/09 in Syracuse. Break was called at 3:04pm for pizza and a smoke. 1103 Routes 5 & 20 Geneva, NY 14456 about a Saturday or Sunday morning and this was not good for some. In the end result we decided that maybe it would be good on the second Friday of the month. It will be brought up to the State Board to make the change if possible. There was also a discussion on having a Conference Call and Mike Parthum was going to check into it and get back to the Region on this. Michael also talked on a computer conference, but some are not very good with the key board and this was ruled out. W e d i s cussed what was going on in each chapter and when it was happening. Mike Parthum stated that they were working on Skin and Steel on April 19, 2009. I asked if Monroe would set a place for the ABATE Chapters again as they have in the past and Mike Parthum said it will be done. Finger Lakes Chapter Swap Meet May 3, 2009. I also stated that we would also send a copy of these minutes to all of the chapters in the Western Region and also check to see if we could still hold our meetings in Medina as in the past. Phone (315) 789-7976 Fax (315) 789-3720 Region E Report: Meeting held in 2/09 with Columbia chapter, Greene chapter and North Ulster chapter present. Met with the officers, appointees and members and was very pleased with their leadership, planning of activities and their overall willingness to share their lessons learned from the past, but also goals for the upcoming year. Each chapter is working very hard on the Complaint Forms about raiding the motorcycle funds. The Petitions opposing intro 416A in NYC is going well with lots of signatures already gathered by each chapter. A push is on for recruitment of new members and retention of present members. As a side note, I was met by these chapters with friendliness and a strong desire to make a difference through a joint effort as a region. I am very proud to be serving and representing these chapters. Gary Myers – Region E Sgt at Arms: excused State Office Manager’s Report: At the end of 2008 our total membership was healthy As of 2/20/09 our current membership is still growing. Chris had been contacted about membership with Sam’s Club; there is a misunderstanding about how you obtain membership. Long Island has some information that may prove helpful so this has been tabled until we get their information. Chris asked the members present to check out www.workingadvantage.com, she would like to know if this is worthwhile for ABATE, and will we use it enough. There was a question posed to Chris about the age restriction on applicants for the Scholarship program. The age is currently set at 17-40 years of age. The prospective applicant will be 41 by the time her application is submitted and considered. She wanted to know if she Page 27 www.abateny.org NEW YORK STATE ABATE, INC State Chapter Meeting Binghamton, NY February 21, 2009 could still apply. After much discussion on the age issue, and why we even needed a set age this lead to a new motion. Motion #M03-09 made by Tom with a 2nd to remove the age restriction of 17 – 40 years of age to now read 17 & up. Carried with 1 opposed need to be getting them out. Oneida has agreed to donate their sound system to Ralph to use on the capitol steps. Chris informed him that the permit is ready. You can also contact Ralph about the rally at [email protected]. Chris also mentioned that we are in need of tri-folds. Motion #M08-09 made by Tom with a 2nd to move the State Chapter Meeting on May 16th to May 17th and leave the meeting time at 1:00pm. Unanimous Motion #M04-09 made by Mick with a 2nd for Chris to reorder tri-folds. Unanimous Columbia Chapter will help set up the meeting in Ghent at the Whitestone Café according to Karen. Chris asked everyone to please check the guidebook for her new e-mail address, most people are still sending to the wrong address even though the change was nearly two years ago. Also, she would like to see the Chapters e-mail their newsletters to her so that they are not wasting postage. Ralph is also trying to get the media to cover the rally. He is also trying to get the politicians to come out to speak with us. Suzi Q also mentioned certificates of appreciation to the legislators who are willing to work with us. Ralph would also like to see all chapters bring their banners. Motion #M05-09 made by Prospector with a 2nd to not publish our membership numbers. Unanimous Old Business: There was a discussion on Motion #M43-08 concerning providing the newsletter in digital format to each chapter. At the time this motion was made it was decided to take it back to the chapters for their input. The outcome of this is that it will be put into digital format for those who want to take advantage of it. But you are not required to use it. Next old business was Motion #M45-08 concerning a letter to be sent to Washington, D.C. protesting the use of Federal Grant 402 as the money is being used incorrectly. This has been taken care of by Roadkill. The last old business was on Motion #M47-08 the development of a Benevolent Fund, at the time this was also to be taken back to the chapters for their input. Paul moved that the motion be opened for the vote Motion #M47-08, the vote was 13 no, 1 yes, and 1 abstain, motion defeated. Committee Reports: Beth would like to set the date for the 2010 State Seminar. Motion #M06-09 made by Damian with a 2nd to hold the State Seminar on January 15th – 17th, 2010. Carried, 1 abstain There was only a verbal presentation given for the State Party by Buff-Erie. Basically, it would be the same as last year and still be held at Hog-a-Rosa. The cost of the use of the grounds is up $250.00 over last year. Prospector suggested that we have all the chapters go to one event over the summer, pay the fees and we all get to enjoy ourselves. Several events were mentioned Am-Jam, Rolling Thunder, Hog-a-Rosa and Rendezvous. Motion #M07-09 made by Oneida with a 2nd that instead of an organized State Party worked by us, that we agree to have the membership go to Am-Jam and/or Hog-a-Rosa. Unanimous State Contracts for Chris as Office Manager and Pam as Newsletter Editor will be ready at the next State Board Meeting. Ralph Wagonblott gave his report on Freedom Rally. The flyers are ready and we For information 1-888-344-4400 New Business: Joe Scarfo who is a member at large was present to get an issue cleared up about how long he has been a member of ABATE. He had brought several documents with him and stated his reasons for what he believed. Motion #M09-09 made by Yonah with a 2nd to give Joe the 5 years that are missing to give him 16 years as a member of ABATE. Unanimous Page 28 Tom asked if once again the State would cover the $75.00 fee for their booth at the 1000 Islands. Motion #M10-09 made by Michael with a 2nd to pay the $75.00 for Jefferson Chapter. Unanimous Onondaga Chapter will be holding a press conference in May at Dino’s promoting Motorcycle Awareness Month. They would like to know if ABATE will cover the cost. They were reminded about the 20% they could receive back for a promotional event, once they have provided us with a paid receipt for the program. There was a motion to adjourn at 5:16pm – with all agreeing. Kathy A. Grasby State Secretary MARCH 15 BOARD MEETING The meeting was called to order by Roadkill at 10:14am. All stood and gave the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Roll call of officers was taken: Pres., V Pres., Treas., Secretary, Legislative Coordinator, Public Relations Coordinator, Region A, Region C, Region D, & Region E were all present. Absent was the SergeantAt-Arms (SAA). Motion #B14-09 made by Michael with a 2nd to accept the minutes from the previous meeting as printed and distributed. Carried with 1 abstain Correspondence: Roadkill discussed emails received from Dairyland Cycle on 2/26/09 and Allstate on 3/3/09. These are just some of the spam mailings we have been receiving lately from various companies looking for our business. He advises chapters they will get some of these as well. Roadkill asks that the chapters please ignore them; it will be difficult to stop them from accessing our public site for addresses. Roadkill received an e-mail from Karen Kittle with a question about our tax exempt status. This was turned over to Pete, who explained the whole 501.C3 and 501.C4 difference to her. Roadkill read a 3/11/09 letter received www.abateny.org NEW YORK STATE ABATE, INC Board Meeting Binghamton, NY March 15, 2009 from Marty Dick SAA, resigning as SAA for personal reasons. the MRF notifying them of the confirmation of Prospector as our Representative. Motion #B15-09 made by Roadkill with a 2nd to accept Marty’s resignation as SAA. Unanimous Chris Rathbun Legislative Coordinator for Onondaga Chapter notified Roadkill of an upcoming ESLETS (Empire State Law Enforcement Traffic Safety) Conference to be held May 5th & 6th, 2009 in East Syracuse. Roadkill announced State Board member Tom Alton (former Scenic Region Coordinator) and spoke of Tom’s dedication to the Board and his judicious opinions and input. Tom had expressed interest in the Sergeant-At-Arms position in a discussion last night, and Roadkill advised him to present himself before the Board. Tom then spoke of his qualifications and desire to resume a role as a voting Board member as SAA appointee. Motion #B16-09 made by Roadkill with a 2nd to appoint Tom Alton as our new SAA. Unanimous Tom then took his Oath of Office, and began his job. J. T. Tasker from NILICO, Director of Public Relations contacted the State Office to advise that they had paid $2,000.00 to the beneficiary of a member. The State Office is involved through the confirmation of eligibility process, and NILICO advises of benefit activity in writing. Roadkill spoke on the notification sent out by the MRF on the increase in fees for the Beast of the East, Best of the West & The Meeting of the Minds. If you plan on going you must register by a certain date to receive last year’s fee quote. After those specific dates the rates will go up for this year’s meetings. Beth stated that she had sent an-email out looking to see who would like to go to Meeting of the Minds. So far George and Beth are the only ones going. Prospector is planning on going and paying his own way, he does not want to use NYS ABATE money. Jim Barr stated that this is a great opportunity for state motorcycle rights organizations to gather for information & seminar workshops on dealing with Legislative issues and exchanging ideas. Insight into effective lobbying days and Roberts Rules are just some of the topics to be covered this year. Roadkill has submitted the paperwork to For information 1-888-344-4400 The question was raised as to whether we should picket/protest at this event this year. As things haven’t yet changed regarding enforcement-related issues, and particularly with the State Police roadblocks, it was decided that we’d picket, and Roadkill will gather further information. It was also mentioned that Onondaga Chapter had been contacted by Jim Kenyon from Channel 3 in Syracuse about the missing $552,000.00 from the motorcycle safety fund. He will be contacted about the possibility of an upcoming picket/protest at the conference. There is apparently a flyer circulating from the Motorcyclists of NY about Operation 5060. It appears that some of their statements made in this flyer are inaccurate. Tanya Cruz notified ABATE that we have an appointment to meet with Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith on 3/26/09, 9am to 10am to discuss items including Roadblocks and Confiscation issues. Discussion followed regarding anticipated and potential attendees. On 3/2/09 Roadkill received a solicitation from Motorbooks for ABATE to work with them on motorcycling books on safety, equipment and repairs. They are looking for us to give them our opinion on their books. This is not something we are interested in doing. Roadkill sent a follow-up letter to Ben Rabin, Attorney at Law on 3/14/09. Pete received a letter and an invoice from Buff-Erie Chapter for $1726.00 for 1 billboard and flex signing to receive their 20% advertising incentive set up by the State Board. Motion #B17-09 made by Roadkill with a 2nd to pay Buff-Erie Chapter their 20% of Advertising Incentive on $1726.00, in the amount of $345.20. Unanimous President’s Report: Roadkill reported Page 29 that he had sent an e-mail to Prospector to consider removing Bob Bancroft as an Assistant to the MRF Rep. Following Beth’s rising to that role. Roadkill’s message read, “Please be advised that, following discussion at the 2/21/09 ABATE of NY, Inc. State Board meeting, and as per subsequent State Board Motion #B09-09, the ABATE of NY, Inc. hereby recommends that you remove Bob Bancroft from his position as a designated MRF Assistant. State Rep. for New York… If there is reason for him to be retained in that position, please present it to the ABATE of NY, Inc. State Board.” Roadkill had hoped that Prospector would be in attendance at the meeting, as his response has been that he’s “repeatedly attempted to reach Bob Bancroft via telephone and email… if and when I am able to communicate with him, we will discuss his position as assistant rep” Roadkill reported that the MSF training is still not being done. He stated to Kathy that there is a correction to be made to the minutes wherein it references that a letter was written by Roadkill. The correction should state that the letter was written by George Gorman. Kathy stated that the correction will be made. Roadkill mentioned the formation of a new chapter in Delaware County. He will defer discussion on this to their District Coordinator Gary. Vice President’s Report: Beth reported that she has the final drafts of the contracts for Pete and Pam with her for the Board’s consideration, and would present them under committee reports. Treasurer’s Report: Pete reported on the state of our current finances and presented the bills to be paid. He also said that he had responded to Karen Kittle on the question of our tax status. He repeated once again that we are not a 501C3 organization, rather a 501C4, so we have to pay sales tax. Pete also informed everyone that if you have any questions on the tax status on any organization you can go to the following web site: nccsdataweb.urban.org/ PubApps/990search.php. This will give you all the information you need to know. Tom asked how the chapters are currently (Continued on page 32) www.abateny.org For information 1-888-344-4400 Page 30 www.abateny.org FLATHEADS to TWIN CAMS SUFFOLK COUNTY HARLEY-DAVIDSON Long Island’s Oldest Dealer Since 1960 4020 Sunrise Highway Oakdale, New York 11769 Custom Bikes Built to Order ● Stock/ Aftermarket Replacement Parts ● Repair/ Service by Factory trained staff ● Riding apparel/Helmets/Leather ROLLIN’ BONES MOTOR CO., INC. www.hdsuffolk.com 536 Old Front St., Binghamton, NY 13905 Exit 5 off NY Rte. 81 N/S 607-773-1340 ● [email protected] 631-244-9000 Fax: 631-244-0521 www.rollinbones.com ED STEWART ATV Motorcycles Snowmobiles Woodstock Harley-Davidson, Inc. 949 Route 28 Kingston, New York 12401 Stone’s Snow Sled Tel. 315-483-4329 or 315-331-2053 Fax 315-483-4585 www.stonessnowsleds.com 845.338.2800 phone 845.338.9497 fax 4386 Maple Ridge Road Newark, NY 14513 visit our website at www.woodstockharley.com Your Advertisement Could Be Here Sales Service Parts Motorclothes ITHACA HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC. 6033 Rt. 13, CAYUTA, NY 14824 Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. Sat. 8-3 Phone 607-594-3536 Fax 607-594-3009 www.ithacah-d.com Call Stuart Nicoll Phone: 585-426-9452 There are risks and costs to a program of action. But they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of comfortable inaction. - John Fitzgerald Kennedy For information 1-888-344-4400 Page 31 www.abateny.org (Continued from page 29) doing; does it appear that they are currently solvent? Pete reaffirmed that all chapters are doing well. There was a discussion about the issues with the past treasurer. There has been previously unknown information come to light and Roadkill and Pete are handling this. Motion #B18-09 made by Kathy with a 2nd to accept the Treasurers report and pay the bills. Unanimous Legislative Coordinator’s Report: George reported on the current political race between Tedesco and Murphy. He would like to see us do an endorsement promoting Tedesco for Congress. Roadkill stated he would be glad to create an ad for the Legislative Gazette stating this. George also feels that this needs our public endorsement because it affects the areas of Columbia and Greene Counties. George will be Lobbying with Prospector in Albany on March 17th. There is an open invite to anyone who wants to come. He also discussed that because of Federal Government interference that many cycle dealers are stuck with bikes and parts that they can’t sell. And in some cases the manufacturer won’t take them back. George reported that the EPA and the Transit Authority want to raise the toll prices on the East and Harlem River Bridges. George wrote an open letter about this issue with the Transportation Authority in NYC. He would like to post this on our Web site. Everyone agreed that this would be a good idea. ABATE Board members George, Jim Barr, and Roadkill were disappointed when they attended what they’d anticipated to be a NYC organizational meeting called by Tanya Cruz & Nancy Ortiz. There were eight people in attendance, including our ABATE representatives, and the meeting didn’t start until 2.5 hours after schedule. They all question as to how the organizational structure of this event fell apart. George stated that Tanya Cruz and Nancy Ortiz have been God sends with their help. Motion #B19-09 made by George with a 2nd to give a 1 year free full membership, as members-at-large to Tanya Cruz and Nancy Ortiz for all their help and our thanks. Motion carried with 1 opposed. Continued Legislative report: There was an introduction in 2/09 of Federal Bill HR1071 by Representative Glenn Thompson from PA to remove all tolls from all the nations’ freeways. INT416A NYC Legislation proposal as originally written is now dead. However, there is a push to replace it with NY Legislation A5980. This has been endorsed by many Legislators; this will allow the state to confiscate the exhaust system off of your motorcycle. If there is a second occurrence then a fine will be imposed of $100.00, next fine $500.00, next fine $1000.00, after that each occurrence is a $5000.00 fine. Plus 2 points each time. This has not yet gone to the Senate, but as a reminder it is still early in the year. George, Roadkill, Jim Barr and Nancy Ortiz will be attending a meeting on 3/26. They were asked to present some bullet points of topics that need to be discussed. During our meeting we developed these 6 points: Oversight in rider training, confiscation bill (of motorcycles), roadblocks by NYSPD, removal of the dedicated funds for motorcycle safety in the amount of $552,000.00, Motorcycle insurance (no fault), and development of State and County motorcycle advisory councils. George read a lengthy proposed letter regarding the State Police which was roundly rejected as a negative presentation best left unsent and unpublished. There was a question about the order of new Legislative Reference Guidebooks. They have not been ordered yet, but they are now available. Pam stated that she will place an order for these. George also asked that we keep a watch out for an opponent to run against Gantt and using our support to try to get Gantt removed from office. approved it will be placed on the officers Web site for their use and each chapter Public Relations Officer will be receiving a copy for their use. There will be a pamphlet to cover the issues of motorcycling safety and awareness and a guide for the person giving the presentation to use. This can be a very useful tool in educating the general public. Contact schools about a presentation, or senior groups, church groups, or leave copies around at doctor or dentist offices just to name a few. A question was raised about chapter IOU’s for getting signs to distribute. This topic was discussed at great length, and even though it would be nice to be able to just hand them out. Ultimately it would then be Suzi’s responsibility to do the collection. It would have to be her call as to who may have to pay up front. There were a couple responses from the Board on Suzi’s new Awareness Program. It was determined that there should be a cover letter used to introduce ourselves, as well as a thank you letter to whomever uses us and our presentation also, a minor change to #14 about the use of handheld cell phones while driving. Motion #B20-09 made by Suzi Q with a 2nd to accept the Community Awareness Program she has presented with corrections. Unanimous It was also suggested that she put two (2) bikes on the front cover 1 sport bike and 1 café style. She thought that would be a good idea. Motion #B21-09 made by Suzi with a 2nd to buy 1000 kickstand pucks at a cost of $1500.00 to be distributed to the chapters. Unanimous Suzi and George are handling getting May Proclaimed as Motorcycle Awareness Month by NYS. Lunch break called at 12:46pm. Public Relations Officer’s Report: Suzi Q reported that the delivery of the new yard signs is being delayed by approximately 2 weeks. There was a problem between the supplier of the signs and the printing company we had hired. The signs will be available at Skin & Steel in April and can be received by people for a donation. A break was called at 11:48pm. Suzi has also developed a “New” Community Awareness Program. When and if For information 1-888-344-4400 Page 32 Jim Barr spoke on having an article placed in Full Throttle Magazine, also his Chapter is working with the Sheriff of Suffolk County on a tri-fold with the Sheriff’s and ABATE’s logo on them, these will be paid for by the Sheriff’s Department using their forfeiture funds. They have also made a swap style deal with Motorcycle Monthly Magazine for a free full page ad and they are going to join Long Island ABATE. This magazine has a circulation of around 33,000 people. Jim has done some great work promoting ABATE and his chapter. www.abateny.org (March Board Meeting Continued from page 32) Region A Coordinator’s Report: (Michael) Their meetings will now be held on the 2nd Friday of the month in which they are held at the VFW in Medina starting with the meeting on 4/10/09 at 7:15pm. He also reported that he is very discouraged with the lack of response to is e-mails and phone calls from some of the chapters in his region (Western Region). Region C Coordinator’s Report: (Keith) He has also struggled with contact from some of his chapters. His first meeting was held on 3/8/09. They are planning an Inter Chapter Run; each chapter will assemble at their own chapter site and then travel to site B at the Quaker State Lube at 2pm on 7/12/09. The cost will be $10.00 per rider and $12.00 rider and passenger all proceeds will go to the MRF. His region will continue to hold their meetings at Onondaga County. They have decided that 3 chapters present make a voting meeting. Their billboard is currently in Oneida, they are looking for a location. There was a TV news anchor from Channel 3 at their meeting who is interested in the issues that ABATE is facing, and is willing to dig around for more information, even in Albany. (Scenic Region) Region D Coordinator’s Report: (Jim) Jim met with Bill Ferrao in NYC. He is willing to be a guest speaker to other chapters around Long Island. He also reported that A.J. Travis is still a Trustee for PAC, but he has stepped down as Treasurer. Bill Quinn who is a member of Long Island Chapter is now the new Treasurer for PAC. (Metro NY/LI Region) Region E Coordinator’s Report: (Gary) All doing well, all of the chapters are gearing up for spring riding season and fund raising. He attended a meeting in Hobart with Jim Barr, Sr. and his wife Marcy to discuss the formation of Delaware County Chapter. He has also had inquiries from Orange County and Sullivan County. Sergeant at Arms Report: Tom wanted to know if he should be checking membership cards at the meeting. The response was no it is not necessary to. Newsletter Editor Report: Pam is still For information 1-888-344-4400 having with the printer at RIT getting the newsletter out on time. Some members received theirs at least 2 weeks before others. Pam was given many suggestions from the Board Officers present of other places to contact about getting out newsletter printed and mailed out on time. Maybe it is time we took our business elsewhere. It was pointed out to Pam that under events that our Freedom Rally was not listed for the month of May, and that not even the flyer was included in the newsletter. The deadline for the next newsletter is April 1st for the May edition. Roadkill provided Pam with contact information for one of the state’s printing offices. Beth said that she would get in touch with Ralph about getting out information on the Freedom Rally, and Roadkill will also contact John Cholewa our Webmaster. State Office Manager’s Report: Chris passed out reports to all Board members. She also stated that tri-folds are ordered. She still has in her possession the 2009 State Guide Books and By-Laws for Orleans Chapter, Cayuga Chapter and Lewis Chapter. None of these chapters have attended a State Chapter Meeting in a long time, or a State Seminar, this is why they still do not have their books. It was also reported that our newest pending chapter Delaware County will be at our May State Chapter meeting. Committee Reports: Pete spoke on the fact that he had spent some time working on the contracts for the positions of State Treasury Manager, Newsletter Editor, and State Office Manager and State Treasurer. There was a discussion on this and it was decided that Pete would submit the drafts that he had written for consideration. Freedom Rally: Beth will contact Ralph about the Freedom Rally since she has not received any current report. Beth did report that Tanya had spoken with George about getting more people into the building that day. George asked if we could get up to $200.00 to give to Tanya for signage to use to direct people where we could go and possibly a room that we could use at the rally. Motion #B22-09 made by George with a 2nd to have an account of up to $200.00 for signage at the Freedom Rally inside the building and related information. Motion carried with 2 opposed and 1 abstain Page 33 During the weekend of Freedom Rally Columbia County Chapter will hold their memorial ride on Saturday, the State Chapters Meeting will be held on Sunday, and Freedom Rally on Monday. All members are encouraged to attend for a full weekend of events. By-Laws Committee: Pam reviewed the changes she suggested so far for our ByLaws. Every section was covered one by one. Some of her recommended changes were well received; others were discussed to everyone’s satisfaction. There were other items that Pam felt should be covered in the Guidebook and not under the By-Laws. These were also discussed, and the Board agreed. Pam will move onto the next section of the By-Laws for further suggestions at a later date. There was a lengthy discussion about monies missing while our funds were in the hands of our previous Treasurer. Roadkill spoke on information that he had located recently and its impact upon prior material. He will be getting in touch with all parties involved to see if he can obtain an answer to his many questions. Old Business: Beth spoke on our developing a Strategic Plan for getting all of our objectives completed. She would like to see the Board members send ideas to her on what we hope to accomplish this year, and how they think they may be able to do so. New Business: Pam reported that Prospector contacted her about getting 50 copies of the newsletter to distribute at various events and around the capitol during Freedom Rally weekend. The general opinion is that if there are any extra copies left from an over run then we can give them to Prospector, if there aren’t any then we do not have them to give. Beth also received news that there will be held at the Syracuse Fairgrounds a Stunt Fest on 6/20/09. She is looking into it to see if we could put a booth in there. Pete announced that as of the end of this year he will no longer be staying on as our State Treasurer, but he is willing to stay on as our State Treasury Manager. His family will be growing, as his wife is now expecting triplets. This will obviously be taking up a lot more of his time. He did say that he will be willing to help train whom ever gets the position. ### www.abateny.org NY CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2009 Send your events to John Cholewa, type the information and send a flyer if you have one. E-mail events to: [email protected] For the latest, most up to date version of the calendar, go to our web page: www.abateny.org/events.htm May 2 ABATE of Tompkins County - Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Booth @ the Bernie Milton Pavilion Downtown Ithaca Commons. 9 am to 6 pm. Contact info: Jan Aguirre 607-273-7648 May 2 - 3 ABATE of Niagara County - 29th Annual Swap Meet Niagara County Fairgrounds, 4874 S. Lake Ave. – Rt.78. Come Party with Niagara ABATE with Plenty of Food, Beer, Live Music and a Swap Meet. Show hours Sat. 2:00pm -7:00pm with music by “Hijacked” and “Hot Daddy Rocks”. Sunday noon- 5:00pm with music by “Wanted by the FBI”. Show & Vending info: email [email protected] or [[email protected] Call Richard Davis @ 716-946-2867 May 3 ABATE of Monroe County – Breakout Run / Bike Blessing 9:30am Blessing: Ride at 11:00 am. Village Woods Commons, Spencerport For more information call 585-234-0895 or visit www.ABATEnyMonroe.org May 3 ABATE of Finger Lakes - Swap Meet To be held at the Wayland Rod and Gun Club in Wayland from noon to 5pm. Admission $2.00. If more information is needed or if you want to book a table for $15.00, contact Michael Grasby at 585 728-5246. May 3 ABATE of Long Island – 2nd Annual Bike Blessing Sign up from 10-11am at the Riverhead Elks Lodge, 1239 E. Main St., Riverhead, NY. $15 for everyone, includes food at the Black Rock Tavern after party. For more info. Call 1-888-LIABATE or visit our website: http://www.longislandABATE.org May 9 Wayne County ABATE's Break Out Run. Starts at Grandsfoski's Restaurant and Tavern- 436 Route 104, Ontario, NY, Sign Up: 8:30 to 9:45am Riders meeting, leaving at 10:00 am. $5.00 per rider questions? call Jim after 5:00 pm 315-923-3422 www.wayneabate.org May 9 Blue Knights NY XX Bike Blessing Ride Location: 510 M and M Road. Blue Knights NY XX Bike Blessing starting at Christian Faith Fellowship Family Church with a blessing, then a 60 - 70 mile ride to TBA. FOOD MUSIC PRIZES and FUN http:// www.bknyxx.org May 9 B.A.C.A 100 Mile Fight Come Join B.A.C.A Hudson Valley for there 100 mile Fight Run, to raise awareness and help fight Child Abuse. This 100 mile ride will take you threw the beautiful Hudson Valley Region. Sign up from 9:30am/11:00am at Sunoco Swarts Mart, 895 rt-376 Hopewell Junction Ny, Kick Stands up at 11;00am sharp. The ride will be ending with a party at the Huntington Ale House on Rt-216 Stormville NY. Live Bands,Vendors,BBQ,50/50, $20 Donation single rider $30 Donation Couple Come Help our little wounded friends 100\% of the proceeds will go to fight Child Abuse. Sponsor: Huntington Ale House/ Duffys Biker Barn Contact - : mailto:[email protected] or 845-527-8104 May 9 CC Riders MC Mothers Day Food Drive, Change Run & Motorcycle Blessing Support your local Wyoming County Food Bank. Trophies, door prizes, bake sale, split raffle, vendors and more! Raffle tickets $1 each for the Easy Rider Chopper Mini-bike w/50cc Lafin Engine, to be given away at the June 19th Fallen Bros Run. Rain or shine, All vehicles welcome. AMA Sanctioned. For more info call 585-322-5933 or 585-493-2777. Time: Sign-in 10:30am - Noon Place: C&C Cycle Shop 173 North Main Street Silver Springs, New York Cost: Entry fee is $10 or a non-perishable food item valued at $10 May 9 RIDE 4 AUTISM A 65 mile police escorted ride through the Historic Hudson Valley. Sign up begins at 9am at Ranting & Raving Leathers at 4 Nancy Ct. on Rte. 376 in Wappingers Falls, NY where all bikes are welcome. Kick stands up at 11am and it is $25 for rider and $15 for passenger. All rides will get free food and beverages at the end of the run. Run ends at the Whortlekill Rod & Gun Club on rte. 376 in Hopewell Jct., NY. Vendors will open at 11am so if you don't ride you can just come to the party. The party will have Tattoo Artists, Food, Biker Games, Awesome Raffles, Bike and Bikini Contests with Prizes, Dunk Tank, Gladiator Pit, The Hot Rod Girls, Live DJ, Live Music with Madd Dog, Bangcock Ladies Boys, & 3rd Degree East, & Celebrity MC Mistress Juliya from FUSE TV and featured centerfold from STUFF & MAXIUM magazines along with surprise guests all day long. This is not your fathers old style biker party this will be the event not to miss. For more information see our Flyer or email: [email protected] May 16-18 ABATE of Long Island – Ride to the Freedom Rally If you want freedom of choice we need to put thousands of bikers on the steps of Albany. Please visit our website for information on the various groups that will be riding up Friday through Monday www.LongIslandABATE.org. or call 1-888-LIABATE. For information 1-888-344-4400 Page 34 www.abateny.org NY CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2009 Send your events to John Cholewa, type the information and send a flyer if you have one. E-mail events to: [email protected] For the latest, most up to date version of the calendar, go to our web page: www.abateny.org/events.htm May 18 ABATE of New York – 13th Annual Freedom Rally Ride to the Capital. All Motorcyclists Welcome. Come fight for your rights! Monday, May 18, 2009. Albany NY. Meet at Wholly Cow Ice Cream & BBQ, Intersection of Routes 9 & 20, Schodack, NY I-90 to Exit 11 East 1/2 mile on the right. Ride Leaves at 11:00 AM Sharp! Breakfast Available on Site. Bike Blessing before the Ride. May 29 – June 7 The 7th Warrensburg Motorcycle Rally. Warrensburg Approximately 4 miles north of Lake George on rte. 9, or at exit 23 off of 787 (the Northway). Our site is just past the Post Office, on Main Street. The riding thru the Adirondacks is great for those who haven't been here before. Routes 9,3,28,4,etc. Tupper Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Lake Placid, Lake George, are just some of the lakes. The Vermont Mts. are nearby also, on route 4. Great Riding, Great Scenery. Sponsor: Contact: Ed Zibro Email: [email protected] or 518-791-8728 May 30 ABATE of Chautauqua - Chicken BBQ & Bike Run When: Saturday May 30, 2009 Where: Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, Mullet St, Dunkirk NY Time: Sign-up @ 11 AM, Run leaves at 12 Noon. Dinner & Beverages @ 5PM, Band 6-10PM, $15.00 per person Also available: Mini-Chopper raffle (tickets $2.00 ea.), Chinese auction and 50/50 raffle, not included in above price If you have any question, or need clarifications please contact me. June 1 - 6 Americade – Lake George The 27th edition of the World's Largest Multi-Brand Rally, Americade attracts 50-60,000 motorcyclists to the Adirondack Mts. each June. Highlights of the AMA sponsored event include: the TourExpo Tradeshow with over 240 vendors, Manufacturers Demo Teams (17 companies in 2008), Guided and Unguided MiniTours, Boat Cruises, Charity Poker Runs, a Scavenger Hunt, Daily Seminars and Evening Featured Speakers, Fashion Shows, tens of thousands in Door Prizes, a Friday Night Dinner Spectacular and Fireworks show, Entertainment, and more! Pre-Registration opens early February. Post register at the Holiday Inn, Lake George, starting June 2nd. Come for the Rally...Stay for the Rides! June 6 ABATE of Onondaga County - 9th Annual Poker Run Meet at the Loop Grill/Meeting Hall, 1114 Wolf St., Syracuse, NY. Contact Info: ABATE HQ (315)849-5410 or (315) 455-1073. 'Let Those That Ride Decide" ABATE WANTS YOU!! Fight for your motorcycle rights.... before they're gone... June 7 10th Annual Salute To Veterans Ride From West Point's 2nd Aviation Hanger at Stewart Int'l Airport down thru West Point USMA to Highland Falls NY. After a short memorial ceremony, ride back to Stewart for provided lunch, speakers, music, and military vehicle and aircraft displays. Ride date coincides with the American Veterans Traveling Tribute at the same location. Ride registration is 8:30am to 10am, ride return to Stewart by 2pm. Sponsor: Rolling Thunder Ch.3 NY Phone: 845-271-4191 Website: http:// www.rtnych3.com Email: [email protected] June 12 - 14 Rhinebeck Grand National Super M Starts: Largest 3 Day Antique Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet in the USA. also Antique Trucks, Machinery, Aeroplanes, Stunt and Thrill Shows, the Famous Motorcycle Timeline and much more, see website for all the information. Antique Motorcycle Club of America Contact: Tim Cantele [email protected] or 518-828-2768 June 13 ABATE of Monroe County – Flag Day Freedom Rally 12:00 Noon at Washington Square Park For more information call 585234-0895 or visit www.ABATEnyMonroe.org June 14 ABATE of Long Island - Veterans' Appreciation Run. Join us for our annual charity run to benefit Veterans and the soldiers currently serving our great Nation. Sign up between 10 & 11 a.m.at the Riverhead Elk's Lodge, 1239 E. Main St., Riverhead where a continental breakfast will be served. The ride will end in Montauk with a party at the Memory Motel. $15 per person. ALL PROCEEDS DONATED TO THE VETERANS. For additional information please visit our website www.LongIslandABATE.org or call 1-888LIABATE. June 14 ABATE of Tompkins County - Run for the Web Contact info: Jan Aguirre 607-273-7648 June 14 HAGERMAN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT - 2ND ANNUAL POKER RUN RAIN OR SHINE. ENJOY A RIDE THRU THE SCENIC ROADS OF LONG ISLAND WHILE RAISING FUNDS FOR A LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT. PRIZES FOR BEST HAND, 5 ACES AND MORE. LIVE MUSIC, AND $2 BEER, SODA AND ALL FOOD $20.00 RIDER FOR PRE REG $25.00 DAY OF. FEE INCLUDES ADMISSION TO AFTER PARTY AND PASSENGERS ARE $5.00. ADMISSION TO AFTER PARTY IS $5.00 SEE OUR WEBSITE AT HAGERMANFD.COM OR SEND AN EMAIL TO [email protected] For information 1-888-344-4400 Page 35 www.abateny.org Calendar of Events Continued June 20 ABATE of Finger Lakes - Annual Fun Ride. Starting at Arkport Cycle and ending at Hornell VFW. For more information contact Michael Grasby at 585 7285246. June 26 - 28 Thousand Islands River Run 2009 - 3rd Annual Motorcycle Rally Vendors, Tattoo Contests, Block Dances, Custom Bike Show, Dyno Machine, Poker Run, and more. For more information see our Flyer in this newsletter or visit http:// tiriverrun.vpweb.com June 26 - 28 Harley Rendezvous Held at the Indian Lookout Country Club near Pattersonville. Gates open at 7:00 am. The event includes a motorcycle rodeo, bike show, camping , music and more. The motorcycle rodeo will include a trike pull, weenie bite, slow race and others. The bike show will include classes for antique, best paint, best vtwin, best radical, best special interest and more. For more information call (518) 8645659, or http://www.harleyrendezvous.com. June 27 Palmyra Moose Riders 3rd Annual Poker Run At Palmyra Moose Lodge . Palmyra, NY : Palmyra Moose Riders Phone: 585-0419-5371: palmyramooseriders1420.com, [email protected] Just found out: PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Acting Chairman Nancy Nord of the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission has decided to hold off for a year enforcing the new lead law that has forced dealers to yank youth-model off-road motorcycles and ATVs off their showroom floors. The law, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) that took effect in February, has stopped the sale of dirt bikes and ATVs for children 12 or under. The law was meant to protect children from dangerous levels of lead in toys, but it was written so broadly that it also governs such things as children's books, clothes, motorcycles and ATVs. Editor Note: Hopefully this will save Malcom Smith from paying fines. Malcom Smith This only part of the article, I’m sorry I could not print it all. Despite facing fines of up to $300,000 and possible jail time, Malcolm Smith publicly defied the ban on selling kids' ATVs and dirtbikes Thursday afternoon by selling three of the machines before a crowd of cheering onlookers. Customers and industry notables thronged to the inside of Malcolm Smith Motorsports, his massive Riverside, Calif., dealership to see what had been well-publicized through various social networking websites, the Internet and a national newspaper. "You all going to visit me in jail?" Smith, 68, asked the gathering after it erupted into applause when he was introduced. He went on to explain the reasoning behind his decision to hold what he was calling the Kids Love 2 Ride Protest. Smith said he wanted to publicize his frustrations over the law which went info effect Feb. 10, after he found himself telling a customer that he couldn't sell her a child's dirtbike, nor could he sell any children's protective gear or parts for the dirtbike. The law was not very well thought out, he said. As an example of how ridiculous he believes the new regulations to be, he pulled out a bag of lead split fishing sinkers that he purchased at a sporting goods store down the street from his shop. Anybody could go in and buy them, he said, and most of the time people use their teeth to clamp them down on the fishing line. Smith joked that his next attempt to get publicity for the issue is to pull the motorcycling version of the Boston Tea Party. He plans to commission some bikini-clad girls to load one of the little banned bikes onto the back of a Sea-Doo, take it out to the Port of Long Beach, tow it around for a bit and then dump it into the harbor. For information 1-888-344-4400 Page 36 Guidelines for Newsletter Submission Articles submitted must benefit motorcycling and/or ABATE of New York in a positive way. The Freedom Writer welcomes submissions from our readers. Your submissions will be printed of the basis of content and space available. We reserve the right to edit submissions for grammar, profanity, clarity, and length. The Editor is responsible for editing any article or information submitted that is detrimental to the Aims and Purposes of ABATE of New York, Inc.. Do not send copyrighted material without permission of author. Photographs will not be returned. Please send a caption with each photo submitted. Email attachments are the best way to send photos. THE FREEDOM WRITER Editor: Pam Wright Phone: 315-923-3422 Email: [email protected] Advertising Manager Stuart Nicoll 585-4269452 [email protected] The Freedom Writer is the official publication of ABATE of New York, Inc., circulation 3000. This newsletter is published 6 times a year and mailed free of charge to all full members, sponsors, and advertisers. Scheduled newsletters come out on: January, March, May, July, September, and November Deadlines: December 1 for January issue February 1 for March issue April 1 for May issue June 1 for July issue August 1 for September issue October 1 for November issue www.abateny.org STATE NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING ORDER FORM Advertiser Index Page 1-800-HURT-911 40 American Harley-Davidson, Inc. 24 Business Name: ___________________ Your Name: ____________________ AMSOIL Dealer 15 Street: ______________________________ Phone: _____________________ Check Twice Signs 36 Buncy Real Estate Tom Heineman 31 Cycle Stop Harley-Davidson 31 Eagle Beverage Co. 5 Extreme Biker Leather 25 Frank's Maintenance & Engineering, Inc NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING RATES 24 Geneva Harley-Davidson 27 **Extra charge applies for front or back inside cover placement. All Advertising , Including Renewals, Must Be Prepaid. Gowanda Harley-Davidson 21 Hardtails Magazine 24 Harley-Davidson of Jamestown 7 Harley-Davidson of Suffolk 31 Harley-Davidson of Utica 21 Harvest Moon Hydroponics 26 Haymond Law Firm 39 Headwaters Motor Lodge 23 Iron Block Harley-Davidson, Inc. 24 Ithaca Harley-Davidson 31 Kantor & Godwin 25 Lighthouse Harley-Davidson Inc 24 Lombardi and Sons Harley-Davidson 5 Miller's Motorworks 18 Niagara Falls H.O.G. 19 Proner & Proner 2 Rollin Bones Motor Company 31 Seeber's Tavern 5 Stan's Harley-Davidson 5 Stone's Snow Sled 31 Suffolk County Harley-Davidson 31 Woodstock Harley-Davidson, Inc. 31 Date: __________E-mail: _________________Webpage:_________________ City: _______________________ State: ___________ Zip: _______________ JANUARY MARCH Full Year Advertising 17 Motorcycles for Missing Children Thousand Island River Run 12th Annual Thunder in the Valley 22 23 30 For information 1-888-344-4400 JULY 6 Issues ___Full Page 7.5” x 10” $1,000.00 ___Half Page 7.5” x 5” $500.00 ___Quarter Page 3.75” x 5” $260.00 ___Eighth Page 3.75” x 2.5” $140.00 ___Business Card $120.00 SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER Single Issue Advertising ___ Full Page 7.5” x 10” $170 ___Half Page 7.5”x 5” $85.00 How Many Issues _____? Please supply your ad with this form. Business Card Sponsors can supply a business card or similar size ad. If you don’t have a suitable ad, we can prepare one for you. Just supply us with ad text and any graphics. Please print clearly or type all ad text. ABATE of New York, Inc. reserves the right to refuse any advertisement that is not in the best interest of our organization. We also reserve the right to change our advertising rates without notice. Circulation 3500 per issue. Discounts ________ ABATE of New York Corporate Sponsored Events FREE _________ ABATE of New York Chapter Sponsored Events $102.00 for full page – $51/half Please Remit Your Payment With Your Advertisement. Make Checks Payable to: ABATE of New York, Inc., CPU Box 271033 Rochester, NY 14627-1033 One Issue Ads 2009 Ride to the Dakota MAY Freedom Rider Advertising Manager Stuart Nicoll Phone: 585-426-9452 E-mail: [email protected] Page 37 www.abateny.org ABATE of New York, Inc. - Membership Application P.O. Box 300 Walker Valley, NY 12588-0300 1-888-344-4400 __ __ Full Member $25 per year - includes membership packet, newsletter, all benefits in accordance with State by-laws. Associate Member $20 - available only to additional members of a Full Member’s household (no newsletter). . NAME: ________________________________________________ DOB _____/_____/_____ ADDRESS: _________________________________________________________________ CITY: ______________________________________ STATE: _________ ZIP: __________ COUNTY: ________________________ PHONE: ( ) _____________________ CHAPTER SELECTED: __________________________ or ____ MEMBER AT LARGE I agree to comply with ABATE of New York’s by-laws, and promote motorcycle education, legislation, and activities in accordance with ABATE of New York, Inc. SIGNATURE ______________________________________________ DATE: _______________ VISA and MasterCard Accepted Card Number Expiration Date (Month/Year) Name: _____________________________________________________ ARE YOU MOVING? Member Number: ___________________ Chapter ___________________ Address: ___________________________________________________ City: ________________________ State: ________ Zip:_____________ Bulk Mail is not forwarded - please update your address: Mail to: ABATE of New York, Inc. P.O. Box 300 Walker Valley, NY 12588-0300 Date this new address is to take effect: ____________________________ Phone _____________ e-mail ________________ Fax ______________ Other members in the household who will need to be updated: Name: _______________________________ Member #: ____________ Signature: __________________________________________________ Comments: Someone in your chapter not getting a newsletter? • Have they moved and not changed their address with the State Office? • Have they renewed their membership? • Do they have a full member in their household? Ask the Chapter Membership Secretary to investigate the problem. For information 1-888-344-4400 Page 38 www.abateny.org For information 1-888-344-4400 Page 39 www.abateny.org