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SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
January 2016 Volume XL Issue I
IDENTIFICATION STATEMENT
OUR GOALS
To become a powerful and viable political
force in legislative matters concerning the
motorcyclist;
To promote safe riding habits without
infringing on individual freedoms;
To motivate bikers to write letters to their
legislators before, during and after the
legislative session; and
To furnish our members with a newsletter to
keep all bikers informed in regard to upcoming
legislation.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of ABATE of Florida, Inc. and/or the
Southwest Chapter. The publication allows members to express their beliefs and opinions. ABATE of Florida, Inc., and the
Southwest Chapter accept no responsibility for the comments, opinions, or views contained in this newsletter.
Please direct correspondence in reference to this publication to: Heidi Szolga, Southwest Chapter, P.O. Box 60745, Fort
Myers, FL 33906-6745 or email at abateswc@gmail.com.
Donations to ABATE of Florida, Inc. are not deductible for Federal Tax Purposes.
Presidents Message:
Steven Goldstein
Lynnda Gray
Larry Gullin
Bob Hall
Hans Holberg
Rodney Hollingsworth
Misti Hollingsworth
Harry Hoover
Jeff Hoover
Jonathan Hunt
George Huttman
Susan Red Huttman
Dan Jackson
Cindy C.J. Jordan
Frankie Kennedy
Ed LaCombe
Julio Lopez
Mary Ann Rivera-Lopez
KD Marlowe
Don Meredith Jr.
Kenneth Miller
John Mitchell
Jay Monttetit
Moe Moser
Taylor Musburger
Carl Nelson
Steve Newton
Tami Newton
Terry Padilla
Bob Penn
Asuncsion Peppers
Richard Peppers
Kathleen Provenzano
Rev. Thomas Provenzano
Frank E. Rhorer
Bill Robinson
Janet Rolfe
Tabitha Rossi
Roland Salsberry
Bruce Scheiner
Juergen Wolfgang Schmidt
Jencye Schmitt
Jerry Schmitt
Elsie Seif
Doug Sepanak
Robert Simon
Kelly Smith
Roger Smith
Randall Spivey
Richard Stergulz
Sandy Stergulz
Grandpa Steward
Lynda Stewart
Russell Sullivan
Scott Turner
Ruth Vorys
Teresa Webster
D. Payton Wells
Michael Wieland
Jama Wyatt
Steve Wyatt
Chaplains Message
Thinking of the Holidays
and that Perfect Gift?
Dear Fellow ABATE Members:
Both of us love to ride. And, we ride together as much as possible. Since we started
riding together, two years after our marriage in 1974, and as singles in the 60s, we
have always wondered what the perfect motorcycle would be for the both of us to ride
and travel on, together. Every time we thought of it, planned it out, thought of the
design, looked in catalogs and magazines, went to dealerships and custom shops, we would then think, "By the time we
figure how much something like that would cost, wouldn't it be nice if someone gave us that perfect gift? We wouldn't
have to pay for it. It would be ours to keep, forever!"
As the Holiday season is upon us, we think of gifts; giving and receiving. There is no such thing in the natural world as
the perfect gift. It may not fit. It may not be the right color. It may seem perfect at first. However, it may eventually
wear out; require maintenance that over a period of time will cost more than what the giver paid for it. What we
thought we needed may turn out to be more of a curse and a liability than the natural blessing that we first expected.
The only perfect gift given to anyone in this world is the gift that God Himself gave to us about 2,000 years ago. The gift
is Jesus!
In order to obtain any gift, we figure it must have value, it must be accepted, and it must be received. When someone
offers us "something for nothing," we will evaluate the motive of the giver before accepting it.
Let's look at the last, first. What is God's motive? For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. - John 3:16; God loves us so much, that He
would not want to see any of us perish. What more could anyone ask of any father who truly loves his children?
What about value? the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found,
he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven
is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold
all that he had, and bought it. - Matthew 13: 44 - 46
What about acceptance? Will you accept what God did by sending His son? For Christ also hath once suffered for sins,
the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit - 1
Peter 3:18
Will you now receive Him into your heart? That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in
thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto
righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on
him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich
unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. - Romans 10: 9 -13
Eventually, everything on this earth (including our motorcycles) will pass away. Lay not up for yourselves treasures
upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves
treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Matthew 6: 19 - 20 However, the gift of Jesus and eternal life will last forever. Receive Him now and have the most
fulfilling Christmas that you could ever imagine!
Please pray this prayer: "Dear God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, my heavenly Father, I confess that I am a
sinner and have been separated from You. I ask forgiveness of my sins. I confess with my mouth that your son Jesus
is my savior and died for me. I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead. I receive Jesus into my heart
and ask Him to become the center of my life. I ask, in the Name of Jesus. Amen."
Blessings,
Tom and Kathy
Pastor Tom (Estero River ABATE Life Member and Southwest Chapter Chaplain) and Pastor Kathy (SW ABATE Life Member
- Foursquare Chaplain)- www.messiahsmessengers.org or tprovenz@comcast.net 239-267-8641
Coming Up!
Please begin to look for the flyer of this upcoming event:
On January 22nd, we will host the 13th Annual Lee County Church Crash and Slow Race Championship of the
Universe. The evening before will be the Run for Ribs.
Registration Booth
On Sunday, December 20, it was my privilege to lead a group of about 175 bikers and friends on a mission to bring some
Christmas cheer to US veterans living at the Jacobson Home in Port Charlotte. As most members know, this ride has been the
signature event of our Chapter for many years. 120 veterans live at the long-term care facility. These are folks who, for a
variety of reasons, find themselves unable to live independently. For some of them, the Christmas that we brought to them is
the only holiday celebration they will have.
We had a very successful fund-raising effort which resulted in about $7500 coming in, which we turned into Wal-Mart gift
cards. Each veteran received $60 worth of gift cards to be used as he or she wishes. Many people made small contributionstoo numerous to list here. There were also some major contributors who I want to acknowledge. 21st Century Oncology
donated $3,000, Life Member Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm made a $2,000 donation, the American Legion Riders (Post
90) came through with $500, the Don Wade Fund (administered by the Fort Myers Beach VFW) also donated $500 and the
Southwest Florida HOG (Harley Owners Group) passed the hat and raised $420! They must have passed around a sombrero!
Although it seems insufficient, all I can offer to our donors in return is a big THANK YOU!!.
Liz Barton
Carl Nelson
The Ride itself was simply terrific. We started out with an excellent and inexpensive pancake breakfast courtesy of Kevins
Old Time Pancakes. The weather cooperated perfectly- it was cool in the morning while we worked to set up but warmed up
nicely as the start time drew near. In addition to our Chapter members, it was great to see our many friends from other groups
roll in. The Legion Riders, the Latin American Motorcycle Association (LAMA), the Lost Riders, the Shriners, HOG members
and fellow ABATE members from the Estero River and Peace River Chapters all rolled in. Peace River also escorted Liz
Barton, our Grand Marshall, from Port Charlotte down to Sun Sports to participate. Liz is the Administrator of the Jacobson
Home and a Harley rider who rode up front, just behind our flag bearer, Carl Nelson, and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus- none
other than our own Rob (Big Bird) and Audrey Cran.
Father Tom
Start of Ride
Following a few words by Liz, our Chaplain, Father Tom Provenzano, gave the invocation. We then saddled up and led by
motormen and cruisers from the Lee County Sheriffs Office, went kickstands up and headed for Port Charlotte. Young and
old alike along the route waved and beeped as the Flag and Santa went by. At the Lee/Charlotte County line, the Punta Gorda
police took over escort duty and took us over the bridge to within a few miles of the Home. When we came into the parking
lot, we were greeted by quite a few vets sitting outside awaiting our arrival. While many of the bikers greeted the vets, we
went inside and made a presentation of the gift cards to Liz. The many stuffed stockings that were brought along were carried
in and placed around the Christmas tree. After meeting and greeting the vets for an hour or so, everyone gradually left to head
home or to parts unknown.
All of the photos of the event will be posted on our Facebook page and our Chapter website (in color). There are many more
than included here in the newsletter, so please check it out to see if the camera caught you there. If you werent able to make
it this year, try to do so next year. Its an experience which even brings a tear to the eye of hard-ass bikers!
Happy New Year, Moe
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JANUARY, 2016
Sun
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Sat
1
Fathoms Bike
Night
Ft. Myers
Bike Night
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
10:30 am 17
General Mtg.
Jerseys
Sports Caf
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19
20
21
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23
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25
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27
28
29
30
31
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FEBRUARY, 2016
Sun
Mon
Tues
1
Fathoms
Bike Night
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Sat
10
11
12
State 13
Meeting
Cape Coral
Bike Night
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
10:30 am 21
General Mtg.
Jerseys
Sports Cafe
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25
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28
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Looking to Purchase:
If anyone has an enclosed trailer for sale that will fit a Harley Road King, please contact Lynne at 239-770-5085
Misc.:
Im inviting all chapter members to put my number (412-999-3397) into their cell phones. I own a truck and an open
utility trailer. If you have a breakdown or other emergency with your motorcycle, you can call me and if Im available,
Ill pick it up for you. This is for emergency situations only; please dont call and ask me to take your bike to Haus of
Trikes for an oil change (lol). Also, if you need the use of a trailer to take your bike somewhere, Im open to lending it
out. Thanks, Moe
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Membership Report:
For the month of December, we had 10 new members join as well as 2 renewals. Also, please remember that
membership fees have increased to $30 annually and to become a life member it is $600.
Memberships that will expire at the end of January are: Robert Coco; Tom Danicarte, Jack Duncan,
Crystal Stone Harris, John Perrone, James Phillips and David Rice. Please remember to renew. Well be at
the Fort Myers Bike Night on January 9th or come to our meeting on Sunday, January 17th.
Lets continue our trend of renewals and getting new members signed up in this New Year!
Safe riding everyone,
Charlie Fisher
Membership Trustee
Legislative Report:
As we are currently not in session, there is nothing to report at this time.
Frankie Kennedy
Legislative Representative
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MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
SEE PAGE 3 FOR MEMBERSHIP TRUSTEE INFORMATION
Name (Please Print Legibly):
Mailing Address:
City
State
YES
NO
Email Address:
Are you a registered Voter?
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Please list your voting districts from your Voter Registration Card:
FL House
FL Senate
Southwest Chapter
US Congress
District
If you are a member of more than one chapter, please designate your home chapter
Date:
CHAPTER USE
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Make Checks Payable to:
ABATE of Florida, Inc.
Southwest Chapter
Membership Expiration
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6 Months
$ 55.00
$ 85.00
$145.00
$200.00
12 Months
$ 80.00
$135.00
$245.00
$375.00
Cell Phone:
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Phone:
Email:
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE:
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Duration of Ad:
Date Payment Received:
Ad Start
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