ABATE Lincoln Land February 2014 Newsletter 1

FEBRUARY 2014
~~For non-routine activities on the calendar, and other upcoming events, look inside for flyers or notices with more details ~~
February 2014
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
March 2014
Fri
Sun
Sat
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
2
3
4
5
6
7
Lincoln Land
A.B.A.T.E.
Officer’s Mtg
6:30 pm
KooKoo’s
8
NEWSLTR
ARTICLES
DUE
TODAY
2 **
3
4
5ABATE 6
Legislative
Day @
State House
Inn
(see above)
(See page 5)
9
10
11
12
13
14
DRB Mtg
VFW
Stockyard Rd
6:30 pm
16
17
18
19
20
21
SWAP
MEET
Lincoln Land
Chapter Mtg
@ the
PCCC
Northend VFW
Stockyard Rd
7:00 p.m.
American
Harley Express
Valentine Party
@
Last Chance
Saloon
7:00 pm
22
9
10
11
12
Daylight
Savings
Time
begins
16
24
25
26
27
7
Lincoln Land
A.B.A.T.E.
Officer’s Mtg
6:30 pm @
17
18
19
8
NEWSLTR
ARTICLES
DUE
TODAY
Double H
in Sherman
13
14
15
ABATE-IL
E-BOD
@ 10:30
@
DRB Mtg
VFW
Stockyard Rd
6:30 pm
VFW
20 Spring! 21
22
Lincoln Land
Chapter Mtg
@
10:00 — 3:30
23
(Saturday)
ABATE-IL
E-BOD
@ 10:30 &
BOD @ 1pm
UIS
15
Sat
1 **
1
@
Northend VFW
Stockyard Rd
7:00 p.m.
28
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Lu Anne Stone
Benefit Run
(see page 4)
30
To the best knowledge of Lincoln Land ABATE, all event times, dates and locations are
31
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Bruce Liebe
As of this writing, we’ve just cancelled the February
officer’s meeting due to the weather. That begs the question.
What ever happened to global warming? I guess we’ve been
spoiled by a series of mild to moderately mild winters. This
winter seems like the winters I recall from years past. It just
seems that when I was a kid, I sure liked snow a whole lot
more.
In looking at the extended forecast, it seems that we’re
heading towards a slight warm up; but as has been the pattern
this winter, snow is predicted to come with the “higher”
temperatures. And so it goes. However, someday in the
hopefully near future, we’ll be afforded the opportunity go
“kickstands up” and enjoy our two wheel escapes. Remember
that when you do, you’ll be facing some winter leftovers that
have the potential to ruin your day. Some agencies treat snowy
roads with cinders and sand. Left behind when weather
subsides, they can present hazards at intersections. Another
given are those potholes that seem to be everywhere. The
combination of Mother Nature and the efforts of highway
crews to make for safe winter travel can leave some impressive
craters behind. Whether we are speaking of cinders on the
roadways or potholes, study the road surface. Be focused and
pay attention to what lies ahead. This may save you a lot of
grief in terms of damage to your person or your bike.
I think a great way to kick the cabin fever we’ve been
suffering would be to put the February chapter meeting on your
calendar. We always look forward to seeing you at the meeting
and appreciate your input to chapter matters. It is the ongoing
goal of the officers to keep the meetings as brief as possible, so
perhaps we’ll have a little time for mingling and an opportunity
to kick back and attack the winter doldrums.
I’m planning a president’s ride this year and have a
few thoughts in mind. I plan to discuss this at the chapter
meeting and would appreciate any thoughts you may have. My
initial thoughts are to lead a longer ride to a distant point for
lunch and possibly hopscotch our way home. Another
consideration would be to do an even longer ride, stay
overnight and head home the next day. Savanna and Poopy’s
come to mind. That may be a pretty tall order, however other
chapters have held similar rides with great success. I n an y
event, there will be a president’s ride. Come to the February
meeting and give me your “two cents” so I can craft something
that will suit as many chapter members as possible.
Stay Warm!
Bruce
SAFETY & ED COORDINATOR
George Hurst
We’re having a short meeting after the chapter
meeting on the 20th for those interested in teaching the
Awareness Program in the schools. We will go over the
material and the presentation.
If anyone knows somebody in a school system that
can help get us into a Driver’s Ed class, let me know.
Drive Aware,
George
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Bobbi Ozanic
Secretary: The secretary updates the
chapter calendar at the beginning of each year
and we use it for the dates on our 2-month
calendar here in the newsletter. The events include all the clubs;
so if you have the dates for your club's events, please email me
(American Harley Express, SJMC, The Outlaws, CMA, Iron
Sleds, etc).
Treasury - Our Form 990 for 2013 was completed,
submitted to the state treasurer, Julie Bacon, at the A.B.A.T.E.-IL
seminar and approved! Now I will make arrangements with
Sterling Tax Service to have our annual audit done.
Peace, Bobbi
VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Phil “Pacman” Cornell
Hello Lincoln Land...
Hope y'all are doing well and keeping warm. It seems
somebody must have pissed off Mother Nature cuz she sure has
been spanking us an awful lot lately. I don't know about the rest of
you, but I'm ready for Ole Man Winter to get the hell outta here and
for spring to start springing. Doesn't that old fart realize that
we've got some serious riding to do? There might even be a
few fishies to catch if it would ever warm up a bit!
Activities Coordinators
Dave & Maryan Barnett
Working on the SWAP Meet this month. Hope you can
make it… take a brake from the cold and come see some friends,
some great vendors, and fellow bikers.
This month I'd like to talk a little bit about how we ride/
drive. I've noticed that nobody likes being in the cold so we're all
very anxious to get home, get out of the cold and into a warm
house. This anxiety seems to bring out the best in some of us.
Alright, maybe I'm being a little sarcastic. OK, I'm being a lot
sarcastic. It just seems to me that everybody is in a big rush and
nobody has the time to slow down, be safe and courteous. People
speeding recklessly and constantly whipping in and out of traffic
and cutting off other cars. Turning and changing lanes without
using their turn signals. And the biggest thing of all (in my opinion)
tail-gating. Ya know, driving like that is extremely unsafe,
disrespectful and all they're doing is being a jerk and driving like an
asshole! I saw a bike on the Internet that was equipped with rocket
launchers. Now that would be a perfect way for dealing with these
idiots that are just plain stupid. Others say you can't fix stupid. I say
you can, but you might spend the rest of your days in a 6'X8' with
no windows courtesy of the state. It might be worth it to see their
faces after you push the button. Just kiddin'.
Now, are any of you getting that guilty feeling that I may
be describing the way you drive? I hope not cuz like I've said in the
past, we as ABATE members, are all supposed to be informed,
educated, safety conscious, and courteous drivers. As bikers, we all
should know that there are major differences between driving a car
and
riding
a
bike.
Besides
the
obvious
differences, things like maneuverability, stopping distance and even
acceleration are totally different between a cage and a bike. This is
why we should be setting the example of safety and courtesy when
we ride. I sure as hell don't appreciate it when others pull all that
stupid driving shit on me so why would I do those things to others?
We already have those that would stereotype us and lump us into
that one category of being nothing but dirty biker trash so why
would we give them any other reasons to bad-mouth us any
further? We have to be the ones changing peoples perception of us.
God knows no one else will! It's time for us to stand up and be
noticed in a positive light! We need, no, we must be the best
examples of how ALL PEOPLE should act when driving down the
road.
So the next time you're holding the handlebars or the
steering wheel, drive with respect and consideration for all the
others sharing the road with you. Remember that you are the
representative of all the bikers out there and the whole world is
watching. And when some asshole cuts you off or is riding your
fender, just remember to be the bigger, better person and don't shoot
them. Just flip 'em off and smile really big! Just kiddin'!
When it warms up just a bit, I'll see y'all in the wind,
Pacman
RTE 97 NORTH OF PETERSBURG
AVAILABLE FOR POKER RUNS
OPEN 7 DAYS
COLD BEER PIZZA SODA SANDWICHES
MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR
Howard “Hod” L. Nation, Jr.
As the saying goes… there is strength in
numbers. The more members we have, the greater our
influence in matters of concern to motorcyclists. So if
it’s time for you to renew your ABATE membership,
please do so. And if each one of us would sign up at
least one new member this year, we could double our
influence. And remember, they don’t have to ride to
belong to ABATE.
- Hod
LONGBRANCH
TAVERN
Main Street ~ Athens, IL
~ Video Gaming is Here ~
OPEN SUNDAYS
1 PM TO 9 PM
~ A.B.A.T.E. Sponsor & Member ~
NEWSLETTER COORDINATOR
Ken Zuhlke
Seems like we hustle a lot for donations to keep
this newsletter self-sustaining. It costs quite a bit to
get it printed and mailed to 500 member households
every month. At the suggestion of one member, we once offered the
option to opt-out of the newsletter mailing list, and instead just
wander over to our website: http://www.abate-il.org/lincolnland/ to
view the newsletters. Well, less than a dozen folks thought that was
a good idea at the time. Hmmmmmm.
Seems to me, most folks do have an email address these
days, so maybe it’s worth giving that opt-out thing another shot…
but this time, let’s be clear how easy this would be for you: We can
email a simple “alert” (to those of you with active email accounts)
when the newsletter is posted to the website each month, and in that
alert, give you the link so all ya need to do is click on the link and
voila, you’re at the newsletter… and you wouldn’t have to search for
it… or download it… it would just be there on your screen! We
could save a few trees… save your chapter some expense… and put
the newsletter at your fingertips any time you want to check it out.
Besides, wouldn’t it be good if your ABATE chapter had
your email address… for event alerts (like weather-related time
changes), meeting reminders, etc.? I know we ask for it on the
membership application/re-application, but we haven’t captured very
many of them for a variety of reasons. So how would we get them?
Any thoughts you may have on either of these concepts will
be greatly appreciated. You can email your thoughts/comments to
me at the address below, or bring them to our meeting. Until we
have a workable alternative, rest assured we will continue to mail out
500 printed copies each month because we want you all to stay
informed about your ABATE chapter. And because we need, and
appreciate, your involvement and support.
Ride Free, KZ
[email protected]
LINCOLN LAND ABATE
Advertising Sizes And Rates
1/8 page (3.75” x 2.25”) = $15 per issue ($180/year)
Sponsor (3” x 2”) = $130 for a full year/12 issues
1/4 page (3.75” x 4.75”) = $25 per issue
1/2 page vertical (7.75” x 4.75”) = $40 per issue
1/2 page horizontal (3.75” x 9.75”) = $40 per issue
Full Page (7.75” x 8.75”) = $70 per issue
Classifieds: Members $5 Non-Member $7.50
Contact Newsletter Coordinator:
[email protected]
217-836-5696
(Payments due before the ad is published)
LEGISLATIVE COORDINATOR
George Tinkham
Legislative Day – Primary Election
This
is
our
last
newsletter
before
A.B.A.T.E.’s Legislative Day on Wednesday, March 5th
(see flyer, below). That event will be a great opportunity to
visit our elected officials and to convince them of the need to promote
motorcycle safety through education – not restrictions on riders.
When we gather at the State House Inn that morning, we will be
given information to share with our respective senators and representatives –
along with a short briefing of what we need to do. Because Lincoln Land is
the host chapter, we may be asked to help with some of the chores that will
help this event be a success. Numerous things between now and the 5th can
influence what we will focus on when meeting with our public officials;
however, it is likely the briefing folders will address the following issues:
· House resolution HR 524 has been assigned to House Transportation:
Vehicles & Safety Committee. This resolution would urge our State’s
congressmen and senators to support Congressional Bill H.R. 875, which
would require a thorough scientific study of the effects of E-15 fuel
formulation (and fuels with even more alcohol content) on various engines,
including motorcycle engines. Rep. Rich Brauer and Rep. Bill Mitchell (both
from our area) sit on the Transportation Committee. We will ask them to get
this passed out of committee and to vote for it when it comes for a floor vote.
· Senate resolution SR 634 is similar to HR 524, but it is still stuck in Senate
Assignments Committee. We need to encourage this resolution to move
through the system.
· HB 3694 (our new poker run bill) is stuck in House Rules Committee. We
need to ask for help in getting movement and support for this bill.
On the federal side, I submitted comments to the U.S. EPA on their
proposed regulations requiring alcohol production for blending with
gasoline. I noted the problems commonly owned engines (motorcycle,
lawnmower, chainsaw, etc.) may have with a new formulation. I urged careful
study before changing the formula for gasohol. Now, it is up to the U.S. EPA
to do the right thing.
At the time I write this, it appears the new Farm Bill (“Agricultural
Act of 2014”) will end a federal subsidy for biofuel blender pumps in rural
areas. This will help protect sensitive equipment like motorcycles from
harmful fuel blends.
Congress is considering HR 1861, which would prohibit the federal
funding of motorcycle only roadside checkpoints throughout the nation. In
Lincoln Land’s area, Congressmen Aaron Shock and Rodney Davis are cosponsors. Rep. John Shimkus used to be in our area and is also a co-sponsor.
If you are not registered to vote or have moved to a new voting
district, you have until February 18th to be properly registered. This can be
done at the election office at the county courthouse. Also, I am a deputy
registrar and can help you get registered – if you give me enough notice.
Because the Primary Election will be March 18th (2 days before
our March meeting), our elected officials will also need to know that we
support our friends come election time. There is always a need for campaign
workers. This election year, we need to step up to bat and help our friends get
elected and help those who oppose our rights not be elected. For example,
incumbent Congressman Rodney Davis (R-13) won by a slim margin in his
last election. He has been a good friend of A.B.A.T.E. for years and would
appreciate our help. It is not too much to expect for us to help our friend by
putting up signs, making calls, etc.
One final note: HB 3243 amended the Illinois Litter Control Act by
adding “cigarettes” to the definition of “litter.” This means a rider cannot toss
a cigarette butt when he is done with it. Motorcycles do not have ashtrays; so,
you need to find a place to put it until you get to trash can. It is the thoughtful
thing to do, and it is the law.
At this month’s meeting, I shall give an update of federal, State, and
local government actions regarding motorcycling. I hope to see you
there. Please find the time to join us on Legislative Day: We will gather at
8:30 AM at the State House Inn on March 5th. Be sure to be a properly
registered voter; help our friends be elected; and vote on March
18th.
Government needs your input, and motorcycling needs your
involvement. We are counting on you.
MEMBERSHIP REPORT
PRODUCTS COORDINATOR
Paula “Pi” Allen
Membership Report as of Feb. 7, 2014
Lynn Steinmetz
Number of members due each month …..
Mar: 41 Feb: 28 Jan: 3
Active:
533 Inactive: 1751
6 New Members since 1/15/2014
MEMBERSHIPS DUE IN MARCH 2014
ACHAS, PATRICK
BEADLE, WARREN
BELCHER, ROBERT S.
BILYEU, MIKE
BOLTON, ROBERT
CULBERTSON, DAVE "ZOO DAVE"
CULBERTSON, ROSE
DOOLIN, CONNIE
DOOLIN, DENNIS
DUNBAR, DONNA
DUNBAR, GARY
FANCHER, FRANK
FANCHER, JEANI
FEURER, JEFF
FREESMEYER, DENNIS
GOODSON, JASON
GOSTELI, TIM "Go-Go"
GRIFFIN, TIMOTHY S.
HARTING, MARK J.
HEATHER, JIM
JUDD, DAN
LEACH, BARB
LEMME, BRAD S.
MANGOLD, LORI
MILLER, ROSE M.
MILLER, WAYNE L.
RANKIN, DOUG
RICE, TAD W.
RICE, VICKI S.
ROSCETTI, PENNY
SCHNELTEN, JIM
SEIDEL, RONALD
SQUIRES, COY
VUJOVICH, MICHAEL
WAGNER, DIANE
WELLER, RUSS
WERRIES, MARK
WILSON, APRIL
WILSON, DAVID
ZUHLKE, PAT
MEMBERSHIPS DUE IN FEBRUARY 2014
ARNOLD, EARL R.
BARRETT, ROBERT
BLAISE, ROBERT
BLAISE, TRACIE
FLEMMING, DEB
FLEMMING, TOM
GOLBRICHT, GARY
HUDDLESTON, DANIEL L.
HUDDLESTON, KIM M.
IVERSEN, TODD MICHAL
KEEHNER, GREG
LA RUE, JR., JAMES M.
LANG, JARED
LINDSEY, DORIS
LINDSEY, STEVE
LINNE, CLIFF
LINNE, TAMMY
McGUIRE, DAVID
McKINNEY, STEVE
PATTERSON, JERRY
PINE, KELLY A.
PINE III, JOHN R.
REICH, CASSIE
RIECH, CASSIE
SIMS, ROY A.
WILLIAMS, CURT "FAT KID"
MEMBERSHIPS DUE IN JANUARY 2013
HENDERSON, MITCH "LIGHTPOLE"
SUAREZ, JOE
WEITZEL, RICK
Welcome New Members !
BEST, GARY
CONNELL, HELEN
MOORE, WILEY E.
SMITH, DANIEL
SMITH, DARREN
SMITH, KATHY
JD’s Cues & Brews
2256 N. Grand East ~ Spfld, IL
Terrific Sports Bar ~ Gaming
Pool & Dart Leagues
PROUDE A.B.A.T.E. Sponsor
We will have LLABATE products and
Downed Rider products at our chapter’s table
at the SWAP meet on the 16th. Thanks to
member requests, we have some new products. If you
were kind enough to volunteer to work the event, please
make sure it’s on your calendar!
- Lynn
PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR
Alice Furlow
Ready for the SWAP Meet! Please see George’s
Legislative Report for info on Legislative Day (March 5th),
always a big event for us! Be there if you can… this is
where we can be heard, seen, and can really have an impact.
VFW Northenders Post 10302
2349 Stockyard Road
(217) 789-4725
Behind Halls Harley-Davidson
Proud Supporter of A.B.A.T.E.
Downed Riders Benefit
By: George Hurst
We will have a meeting on Thursday, Feb. 13th at
6:30 at the Stockyards VFW. It’s early, but we have Raffle
Tickets for those of you who can’t wait to start selling tickets.
We’re always looking for ideas to improve the Benefit, and for
items to auction off. If you have either, let us know.
Remember to support our sponsors. These businesses
have already donated funds for the Raffle Tickets, the flyers,
and the VIP Package: Ramsey Grain; Boone’s Saloon; The
Keg; KooKoo’s Nest; and the Blue Moon.
Thanks, George
Bob Painter, Commander
~ THANK YOU FOR ALL
OF YOUR SUPPORT ~
Sangamon Ave ~ Stockyard Road
Motorcycles/Poker Runs Welcome
Lincoln Land ABATE Officers
President
Bruce Liebe
(217) 652-8609
[email protected]
Vice President
Phil “Pacman” Cornell
(217) 741-4379
[email protected]
Chatham Truck Rental
~~~
PENSKE/HERTZ Cars
Mini Storage
Outside Storage
Secretary/Treasurer
Bobbi Ozanic
(217) 836-3336
[email protected]
Chatham Industrial Park
(21) 483-5882
Legislative Coordinator
George Tinkham
(217) 753-2737
[email protected]
Proudly Supporting A.B.A.T.E.
DOCKERS TAVERN
Rte 54 in Spaulding, IL
Saturdays: $1 Bottles/Cans
Wednesdays: $1.50 Bottles/Cans
~ POKER RUNS WELCOME ~
Volleyball, Check it out !!
Pool ~ Darts ~ Shuffleboard
Public Relations Coordinator
Alice Furlow
(217) 638-3914
[email protected]
Activities Coordinator
David Barnett:
(217) 488-6520
[email protected]
Safety & Education Coordinator
George Hurst
(217) 629-7308 (217) 306-1944
Products Coordinator
Lynn Steinmetz
[email protected]
(217) 691-3840
LONGBRANCH
TAVERN
Membership Coordinator
Howard L. Nation, Jr.
(217) 341-6483
[email protected]
On Main Street ~ Athens, Illinois
BEER GARDEN! Visit ~ Hang out!!
OPEN Sundays ~ ~ See 2nd ad for times !!!
Newsletter Coordinator
Ken Zuhlke
(217) 836-5696
[email protected]
Downed Riders Benefit ~ See You Next Year!
COLDEST BEER IN MENARD COUNTY! ~
The KEG
11th & Ash ~ Springfield
(217) 544-3700
Open Noon to 1:00 a.m. Daily
Motorcycles/Poker Runs
Monday’s Miller Products $1.50
Drink Specials Daily
Pool/Free WiFi /Shuffleboard
Sergeants-at-Arms (4)
Stacey Furlow
Dan Ellenburg
Dwayne “Rudedog” Rudolph
Tim Henson
Downed Rider Committee
Chairman: George Hurst
Vice Chairman: Stacey Furlow
Treasurer: Howard L. Nation, Jr.
Secretary: Bobbi Ozanic
A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois, Inc.
Lincoln Land Chapter
P O Box 5774
Springfield, IL 62705-5774
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Feb 2014