ABATE of Florida, Inc.

~ Southwest Chapter
Volume XXXII, Issue V

JANUARY 2013

Southwest Chapters Annual Chili Cook Off and Blessing of The Bikes January 27th 12-3 PM

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Presidents Message Minutes Membership Report Calendar Events Christmas run photos NCOM Bytes Legislative Report

ABATE of Florida, Inc.

Southwest Chapter
PO BOX 60745 Fort Myers, FL 33906

southwest.abateflorida.com MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Name Mailing Address: _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code ________________________________________________________ Email Address: Phone: ____________________________________________ _______________________________ (Include Area Code) YES NO YES NO _________ US Congress

May we use your phone number for our phone tree? Are you a registered Voter? _________ FL House Select ONE of the following: ____ New/Renewal - Annual Membership Due $20.00 ____ Lifetime Membership $ 150.00

Please Lister your voting districts from your Voter Registration Card: _________ FL Senate

Name of Chapter you wish to join _________________________________________________

____ Transfer Membership to: ____________________________________________________ ____ Change of Address: ________________________________________________________ Signature __________________________________________________ Date: ____________ Sponsored by Chapter Member : _________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ CHAPTER USE Dues Paid by Cash Copy of By Laws Membership Expiration Check Money Order Mailed Date: Membership Card _________________________ _________________________ _________________________

Memberships are open to anyone 18 years of age or older All members receive with their paid membership a membership card, our bi-monthly Masterlink magazine, Chapter Newsletter, Chapter voting privileges and personal involvement in Statewide legislative actions and their freedom to ride PG 2

ABATE of Florida, Inc.

Southwest Chapter

PO Box 60745, Fort Myers, FL 33906-6748 southwest.abateflorida.com

President Wayne Cerra Vice President Jimmie Dennis Secretary Tracy Davis Treasurer Todd KC Burns Sergeant At Arms Ken Coon Membership Trustee Wayne Cerra PR/Communications Wayne Cerra Legislative Ken Teddybear Miller Newsletter Editor Kevin Barfield Products Jimmie Dennis Safety Coordinator Victor Piorkowski Webmaster Taylor Musburger State Delegate Frank Kennedy State Delegate Pam Mix Advertising Kevin Barfield Photographer Taylor ATM Musburger Chapter Chaplain Tom Provenzano Road Captain Scott Turner 239-989-3349 239-440-4213 239-645-7936 239-634-3080 765-464-9542 239-989-3349 239-989-3349 239-693-7035 239-771-2804 239-440-4213 239-823-6159 239-334-1620 239-849-9065 239-362-8807 239-771-2804 239-334-1620 239-267-8641 239-677-2310 abatesw@gmail.com jd@pincherscrabshack.com forbubblesonly@gmail.com swflabfc@aol.com kwcoon1@aol.com abates@gmail.com abatesw@gmail.com km_13219@yahoo.com kcbarfield@yahoo.com jd@pincherscrabshack.com pior10@yahoo.com ABATE@Musburger.net swchief2000@yahoo.com ptigger@comcast.net kcbarfield@yahoo.com ABATE@Musburger.net tprovenz@comcast.net scott@turnerteamfl.com

HELP SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MRO* Chapter Meetings held at Anthonys on the Boulevard 1ST Sunday of Each Month
*MOTORCYCLE RIGHTS ORGANIZATION

ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

2011 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Southwest Chapter All Rights Reserved Donations to ABATE of Florida, Inc. are not deductible for Federal Income Tax Purposes ABATE of Florida, Inc. and Southwest Chapter Does Not Condone Drinking and Driving

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PRESIDENTs MESSAGE

Hello Everyone, Welcome to all the new members of the Southwest Chapter and to our e-mail network members. I would like to take a moment to thank everyone involved in making our 32nd annual Christmas run a success. Without our Sponsors and Advertisers we could not have set up this event and a BIG THANK YOU to those who came out and rode with us. As rides go, this was one of the most respected and respectful group of 250 riders I have ever had the pleasure to ride with. I have received lots of feedback on the ride itself. Nice tight group, No one jumping out of line, No Incidences have came in, Thank you again. Thank you to Bikers Post and Ron Cox of Thunder Roads magazine for the photos. Thank you to our Chapter members who always step up to provide the best possible experience. See our list of supporters in this newsletters. Thank you to our Board for dedicating this years run to my Dad, Gene Abe Cerra, who was not only my dad, but a SW Chapter member and a WWII Veteran. Many questioned why I did not have a pretty lady behind me for the ride? Those close to me knew that I saved that seat for my Dad. No offense ladies, there will be plenty more rides ahead. This months event will be our annual chili cook off hosted at Southwest Cycles and joining us this year, the Ft Myers L.AM.A. Chapter. See back page for flyer and more information. We are still looking for new advertisers and sponsors. Id like to welcome Sherri Kubesh and 21st Century Oncology as well as Pericos on Hancock Bridge as new advertisers/sponsors. Next chapter meeting we will start planning for the State meeting we will be hosting as a Chapter in June. Details to follow, not event to be missed. This is the weather we have all been waiting for, so, get out and ride, be safe, Look, Look, Look again, Your President, Wayne Cerra

If you ride like theres no tomorrow, there wont be. - Author unknown

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ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. MISSION STATEMENT

WHO WE ARE We are a non-profit organization of motorcycle enthusiasts from all walks of life. We lobby and educate the government and the general public to promote motorcycling in a safe and positive image. We endeavor to enlist the cooperation and participation of all organizations and individuals that share a similar interest in preserving our American tradition of FREEDOM. We promote motorcycle safety, training, & political awareness. We ARE NOT A CLUB OR A GANG. We fund our work through toy runs, poker runs, campouts, and other motorcycle activities. We are your neighbors & friends who work, pay taxes, and get involved with our community. We serve and support our country and believe in freedom. We use all legal means to protect our rights without infringing on the rights of others. OUR GOALS To become a powerful and viable political force in legislative matters concerning the motorcyclist. To promote the safe riding habits without infringing on individual freedoms. To motivate the bikers to write letters to their legislators before, during, and after the legislative session. To furnish our members with a newsletter to keep all bikers informed in regards to upcoming legislation. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of ABATE of Florida, Inc. and or the Southwest Chapter. This publication allows members to express their beliefs and opinions. ABATE of Florida, Inc. and Southwest Chapter accept no responsibility for the comments, opinions or views contained in this newsletter. Please direct correspondence in reference to this publication to:

Southwest Chapter Meeting Schedule This months Chapter Meeting Will be on January 6th, 2013 10 a.m. Harley Davidson of Fort Myers
Located at 2160 Colonial Dr. Fort Myers, FL 33907 239-275-4647
southwest.abateflorida.com

PRESENTLY, MEMBER MATERIAL DEADLINE IS THE WEDNESDAY BEFORE EACH CHAPTER MEETING FOR BOARD APPROVAL FOR SUBMISSIONS
NEW ADVERTISERS OR AD CHANGES MUST

15TH OF EACH MONTH

IDENTIFICATION STATEMENT SOUTHWEST CHAPTER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER; ISSUE DATE: January 2013
PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY ABATE of Florida, Inc. Southwest Chapter

BE SUBMITTED BY THE

Wayne Cerra (cell) 239-989-3349

Donations to ABATE of Florida, Inc. are not deductible for Federal Tax Purposes. ABATE of Florida, Inc. 2010 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Southwest Chapter All Rights Reserved ABATE of Florida, Inc. and the Southwest Chapter do not condone drinking while riding or driving

http://southwest.abateflorida.com/ PG 5

PO Box 60745, Fort Myers, FL 33906

ABATE of Florida, Inc.'s Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Program ABATE of Florida, Inc. is a state-wide non-profit organization of motorcycle enthusiasts

from all walks of life. We promote motorcycle safety awareness, encourage continuing rider training and political awareness. We fund our work through motorcycle related activities. We are your neighbors and friends, who work, pay taxes, serve our country and vote. We believe in freedom. We use all legal means to protect our rights without infringing on the rights of others. ABATE of Florida, Inc. acknowledges the growth of motorcyclist of all ages riding in the State of Florida whether it is for economic reasons or pleasure. We are dedicated to teach our Motorcycle Safety Awareness Program in our efforts to reduce injuries and fatalities in our beautiful State of Florida. Our program is a 45 minute presentation including two videos to help everyone driving on Floridas roads become more aware of motorcyclists. Classes are taught in all 10 th grade drivers ed classes in Lee County by the Southwest Chapters Certified members. Sharing the road with respect and knowledge is just one of many focuses we have pertaining to Motorcycle Safety. If you are planning on visiting or live in our beautiful State of Florida whether you choose to ride or drive here are some facts to keep in mind: Obey all traffic laws, signs & signals Constantly check and expect to see motorcycles Motorcycles are smaller than cars or trucks and it can be more difficult to judge their approaching speed Look, look, & look again at traffic intersections before you turn or pull out Allow a three second Space Cushion when following a motorcycle There are 7 to 9 blind spots in an average vehicle Give Motorcycles the same respect and courtesy that you want for yourself and other motorists For Laws pertaining to riding a motorcycle in the State of Florida please visit www.hsmv.state.fl.us/

ABATE
(American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) Southwest Chapter is a not-for-profit, safety, educational, and advocacy motorcyclist organization. Its aims are to motorcycling in a positive image along with safety and awareness. The Southwest Chapter is a great group of people who are working hard for the greater good of Florida motorcycle riders. We would like you to join us and make it an even better chapter!
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2012 - The Mass Shootings - The Children A Spiritual Perspective As of this date: 12/20/2012, news accounts from CBS and others, report at least 16 mass shootings in the US. And, the year of violence and innocent people being lost, may not be over. The secular world view, puts the blame on gun laws (or, the lack thereof), mental illness, poor security procedures, poor security implementation, violence in video games, Hollywood-type entertainment, poor parenting, lack of support for parents with poorly functioning children, pop-culture, peer pressure, dysfunctional families, lack of good role models, and lack of morals. The seemingly increase in violence would be a result of the desensitization, caused by the increased exposure to some of the above. Hopefully, we can offer some spiritual perspective. If we look back in history, starting with the Book of Genesis, you will see that it was God's intention for us to live in harmony with Him, forever. God created Adam and Eve, made in the image and likeness of the Creator. However, Adam and Eve exercised their stewardship of a free will by disobeying God (Genesis 3: 1-13). In Deuteronomy 30:19-20, God tells us in the scriptures, "Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the LORD is your life..." In Joshua 24:15, in part, says, "But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. - NIV

The Bible and history tells us many accounts of people making wrong choices and thwarting God's will. One of the first, following the fall in the Garden of Eden, is where Cain exercises his free will and kills Abel. The shooters in 2012 obviously exercised their free will and not God's, where God clearly states in the Ten Commandments, that one shall not commit murder. With sin, which is going against God's will, innocents will suffer. Sometimes, that suffering becomes tragic. One way to look at it... imagine that if a man with a family commits a crime. His whole family, which may be innocent, will suffer and there will be many ramifications of that suffering. He will cause himself to go to prison and not be able to provide a living for his family. It may cause a severe strain on the marriage and with the children. How will the children react? How will they be looked upon by the community?.... etc.... etc.... The people that pulled the triggers and committed murder this year, were not operating within God's will. Scripture tells us of horrific/evil violence against children. Scriptures tell us of people sacrificing their children to a pagan god. "He sacrificed his children in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced divination and witchcraft, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, arousing his anger.." - 2 Chronicles 33:6 Remember the story of Moses as a baby? His mother set him adrift on the Nile River in a basket, so he could float to someone who would take him in and protect him? The Pharaoh had issued a decree to murder all male Hebrew children (Exodus 1:22). Then, there is King Herod. "When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi." Matthew 2:16 -NIV In modern times, somewhere between one, to one and a half million children were killed during the Holocaust. You can't blame God for these terrible things that have happened. Because, satan will use anyone who is not in God's will to do his bidding. 1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." NKJV Satan may not particularly like children. As it is almost Christmas, we are thinking about celebrating the birth of a Child who is going to set things right! In Genesis 3:15, God is saying to Eve, And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise you on the head, and yo u shall bruise him on the heel. This is the seed of a woman and not of a man. Nowhere else in the Bible is a woman said to have a seed. It is always the man who is said to have a seed. But here, God says, the woman's seed will bruise the serpent's (the devil's) head. Therefore, a virgin birth will bring about the Messiah. The devil/serpent fooled and seduced Eve into disobeying God. But, in the future, her seed would crush satans head. Jesus defeated satan through His death on the cross. Of course, that prophecy was fulfilled by the birth and death of Jesus, who was born to a virgin. What has happened to the babies and children who have been taken? Have they gone to Heaven? At such an early age, children usually have not been given the opportunity to accept or reject the Gospel message of salvation. Most would be too young to fully comprehend the Gospel message, if it was given to them. They cannot be held accountable as someone who has reached the age where they can fully reason and act upon their free will in making a salvation decision. The Bible seems to indicate this in a couple of passages. Deuteronomy 1:39 says, "Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it." Isaiah 7:14-16, says, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Curds and honey He shall eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the Child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land that you dread will be forsaken by both her kings." Listen to what Jesus said and what He did, in Mark 10:13-16, " People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them." We believe those children are in Heaven, because they are washed clean by the Blood of Jesus on the cross. A certain Child, who is born, will have the ultimate justice, by His eventual death on the cross. Satan and all his schemes will be ultimately defeated. In the end times, this Child, who is the Son of God, will have the final judgment. And, in Revelation 20, we read the devil will be cast into the Lake of Fire. God says of those doing the evil deeds: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them. (Deuteronomy 32:35 - NIV) We can be assured we will again, see the young children who have preceded us, by having a right relationship with God, through His Son, Jesus. Romans 3:23 says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." So, understand that all are sinners and the world will never be perfect until Christ returns to set things anew. Ephesians 6:12 says, "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiri tual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ask God to forgive your sins and invite Jesus into the center of your life. The world and the evil that goes on in it will let you down, but He never will. Philippians 4:4-7 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Please pray, "Dear God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, my heavenly Father, I confess that I am a sinner and have been separated fro m You. I receive your forgiveness of my sins. I repent and accept the gift of repentance and I wish to be free in You. 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, Pastor Tom (Estero River ABATE Life Member and Southwest ABATE Chapter Chaplain) and Chaplain Kathy (SW ABATE Life Member)- www.messiahsmessengers.org or PG 7 tprovenz@comcast.net 239-267-8641

DEAR FELLOW ABATE MEMBERS

LEGISLATIVE REPORT
January 2013
Good Morning Freedom Fighters: I hope the holidays were good to you, and Santa brought you everything you wanted, or at least everything you deserved. In the wake of the terrible tragedy that occurred in Newtown, Conn., Gov. Rick Scott has called on schools to review their security procedures, and has refused to consider any gun control legislation at this time. So far, only a few bills have been filed concerning guns, and one legislator has filed a bill calling for an armed deputy to be placed in every elementary school. We will be tracking these and other bills, and reporting on their outcome. Our lobbyist, Doc, tells me that he is writing a new stiffer penalties bill and will have it filed before the upcoming legislative session that starts on March 5. I havent seen a copy of the bill yet, but as soon as I get it, I will pass it along to you. As I said at our last chapter meeting, Florida bikers will be going into this legislative session with a full plate, both in Tallahassee and in Washington, D.C., so I expect that we all will be very busy this year. Now that the elections are over and our new legislators have been sworn in, and committee assignments have been handed out, Lee County has a new Legislative Delegation. Three of the members are old friends to bikers, the other three are new. Its going to be very important for us to develop a good working relationship with all of the members of the Lee County Legislative Delegation and their staffs. Im including their contact information here. I suggest that you print this out and keep it for future reference. From the AMA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may no longer require minimum gas purchase at certain pumps The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency apparently is scrapping its requirement that all consumers buy at least four gallons of gasoline from certain gas pumps that dispense the new E15 ethanol-gasoline blend, the American Motorcyclist Association reports. From the Motorcycle Riders Foundation: Inaccurate Study on Motorcycle Safety Praised by Governors Highway Safety Association. Recently the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) praised the inaccurate study on motorcycle safety done by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). What both reports failed to tell you is that motorcyclists are safer now than since 1984. Heres why; in 2010 fatalities were almost identical to 1984, around 4,500 motorcyclists a year. However, what they did not tell you is that in 1984 5.5 million motorcycles were registered in the USA. Compare that to the 7 million registered motorcycles in 2010. Thats 1.5 million more motorcycles and the same amount of fatalities. Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Highway Statistics. Both the GAO and the GHSA are pushing for what they believe is the silver bullet of motorcycle safety, the mandatory helmet law. Proper riding gear should be left to the rider, not the government. When you look at States like Tennessee and Arizona that have roughly the same size population and then break down fatality numbers it becomes clear that helmet laws do not have significant influence. Tennesseehas a mandatory helmet law and 121 fatalities for 2010. Arizona has no mandatory helmet law and had 88 fatalities for the same period of time. Even right over the border from Tennessee their neighboring Kentucky, which also has no mandatory helmet law, had just 87 fatalities in 2010. Another area where the Government agencies continue to overlook when dealing with motorcycle safety is rider education. If we cannot teach people to ride motorcycles we will have more and more fatalities. Take New Hampshire for example. According to Robert LeTourneau, New Hampshire State Official Motorcycle Education Specialist they have had 15 fatal motorcycle accidents of riders who took the class since 1990. Thats out of over 44,000 students trained in the same time period and .034% of fatal motorcycle accidents. All with no mandatory helmet law. While mandatory helmet laws look good on paper they rarely work in the real world. The best approach to motorcycle safety is and will always be rider education and awareness campaigns. Teaching people how to ride a motorcycle in the proper way and educating the general public to look for motorcycles, which can only benefit pedestrians and bicyclists as well, will avoid crashes and save lives.

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LEGISLATIVE REPORT (Cont.)

January 2013
Another Federal Government Agency Gets it Wrong, Again. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently issued a report on the motorcycle safety grants known as the Section 2010 motorcycle safety grant program. The program has been wildly successful at infusing much needed financial resources directly into the motorcycle safety community. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) was instrumental in getting the grant program set up and running. Currently the money, over $45 million over the past 6 years, can only be used for educational purposes. Those can be anything from paying instructors, buying new training bikes and equipment, to public education efforts such as look twice campaigns. What the GAO is suggesting is that congress change the language so that the monies can be used for other purposes, such as helmet use campaigns. The MRF does not agree with this. The original intent of congress with the grant program was to reduce fatalities through crash avoidance techniques, not through safer crashing, as the GAO believes we should. The GAO estimates are just that, a guess. The fact is that the GAO did not really do any new studies or research. They simply recycled the same tired talking points that are used by any number of government or quasi government groups. This isnt the first time motorcyclists have been painted in a bad light, calling us a social burden on Americas health care system. The MRF disagrees with that. Critics and the uninformed believe that motorcyclists, helmeted or not, account for a super majority of health care costs, from trauma room to long-term care. The problem is thats just not true. There are not a lot of studies on social burden, but more than enough to soundly and logically deflate the social burden myth around motorcyclists. The Journal of American Medicine, one of the most respected of all medical publications, published the findings of a 1988 study on the subject of the public costs of motorcycle related injury at a specific Seattle, WA hospital. The results clearly showed that of all costs to sort out a motorcycle injured patient, 63.4% of the bill was paid out with taxpayer dollars. Thats an astoundingly high cost, no question, but what the study goes on to say is that the public cost of any injury at that same Seattle treatment center was 67%, 3.6% higher. Statistical dead heat. There is also a little more to that story because the public cost of health care is about 45% currently, and was significantly less than that in the mid-eighties when the study was conducted. The facility used for the study was Harborview, a division of the University of Washington, and one of the largest and state-of-the art facilities in the Seattle region. Because of that the facility sees most of the worst-case scenarios routinely. A similar study done by the University of North Carolina also found that there was no statistical difference in public cost to treat motorcycle related injury over any other type of injury. Its also important to keep things in perspective. Last year the public share of motorcycle related injuries were 0.001% of the entire public health care cost. The MRF will keep you updated on this issue.
See you in the wind, TEDDYBEAR Political Parties

Throughout the history of the United States, there have been two main political parties. Starting with the Federalists and AntiFederalists, the parties have developed over the years to the current system - Democrats and Republicans. Although the freedom to create new political parties exists, no other party has been able to gain the support they need to develop. These minor parties usually focus on specific issues and lack the following to win a national election. The majority of the voters believe their vote will count only when it is used to select a candidate from one of the two major parties. Issues as well as party platforms evolve through time. There is a wealth of information out on the internet concerning history and current issues. We have provided the following links for those seeking more in-depth study of the parties and their platforms. Democratic Party http://www.democrats.org/ Republican Party http://www.gop.com/About/ Directory of U. S. Political Parties http://www.politics1.com/parties.htm PG 9

Floridas Lee County Legislative Delegation

Rep. Matt Caldwell, R-79, Chair T. Wayne Miller Jr. Building, 15191 Homestead Rd. Lehigh Acres, Fl. 33971. Phone: (239) 694-0161 E-Mail:Matt.Caldwell@myfloridahouse.gov Legislative Assistant: Charlotte Gammie Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-30, Vice Chair 1926 Victoria Ave., 2nd Floor, Ft. Myers, Fl. 33901. Phone: (239) 338-2570 E-Mail:Benacquisto.Lizbeth.web@flsenate.gov Legislative Assistant: Matthew Hunter, Tiffany Edwards, Lynda Fino, Tamara Holliday Sen. Garrett Richter, R-23 32999 E. Tamiami Trail, Suite 203, Naples, Fl. 34112-4961. Phone: (239) 417-6205 E-Mail:Richter.Garrett.web@flsenate.gov Legislative Assistant: Becky Kokkinos, Michael Nachef, Sandra Mummert Rep. Dane Eagle, R-77 1039 SE 9th Place, Room 310, Cape Coral, Fl. 33990. Phone: (239) TBD E-Mail:Dane.Eagle@myfloridahouse.gov Legislative Assistant: Paige Biagi. District: Bradley Davidson Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen, R-78 2120 Main St., Ft. Myers, Fl. 33901. Phone: (239) 533-2440 E-Mail:Heather.Fitzenhagen@myfloridahouse.gov Legislative Assistant: Edward Metzger. District: Christine Deramo Rep. Ray Rodrigues, R-76 Alico Lake Commons, 17595 S. Tamiami Tr., Suite 218 Fort Myers, Fl. 33908. Phone: (239) 433-6501 E-Mail:Ray.Rodrigues@myfloridahouse.gov Legislative Assistant: James Mullen. District: Jasmine Villanueva Office of Governor Rick Scott State of Florida The Capitol, 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001. Phone: (850) 488-7146 E-Mail: www.flgov.com/contact-gov-scott PG 10

Office of Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll State of Florida The Capitol, 400 S. Monroe St., PL-05 Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001. Telephone: (850) 4884711. Facsimile: (850) 921-6114 E-Mail: www.ltgov.com/ContactUs.html Florida Senate Web site: www.flsenate.gov Office of Senate President Don Gaetz 404 S. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100 . Phone: (850) 487-5229 E-Mail:Officeofthesenatepresident@flsenate.gov Chief of Staff: Chris Clark Florida House of Representatives Web site: www.myfloridahouse.gov The Honorable Will Weatherford, Speaker Florida House of Representatives 402 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300. Phone: (850) 717-5038 E-Mail:Will.Weatherford@myfloridahouse.gov Legislative Assistant: Joy Hampton, Ralph Lair

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR 2012 VETERANS RUN SPONSORS

21ST CENTURY ONCOLOGY * SOUTHWEST CYCLES
RUM RUNNERS * The JOINT * DIXIE ROADHOUSE * FT MYERS HARLEY DAVIDSON * GATOR PRESS PRINTING HAUS OF TRIKES AND BIKES * PERICOS BAR & GRILL * PRIDE OF UNIFORM * AMERICAN CYCLES & ACCESSORIES SCOTT TURNER @ THE TURNER TEAM/C21 BIRCHWOOD * VADAS INSURANCE AGENCY * HURRICANE CYCLES CARLA@GULFSUNHOME.COM * VERDOW CYCLES * REALTOR THOMAS PHISTER 239-810-0931 BIKERS FOR CHRIST, FLORIDA * ERIK METZLER FOUNDATION * GOOD TIMES SPORTS BAR & GRILL
SOUTHWEST CHAPTER MEMBER SPONSORS: PRESIDENT WAYNE CERRA VICE PRESIDENT JIMMIE DENNIS SECRETARY TRACY DAVIS TREASURER TODD KC BURNS SGT AT ARMS KEN DIESEL COON PASTOR TOM & KATHY PROVENZANO JAMES BOGIE BOGENREIDER RAY KUZERA

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO

THE LEE COUNTY & CHARLOTTE COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENTS TRAFFIC DIVISION FOR OUR MOTOR ESCORT DOREEN MOMMA HEN BURNS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO MAKE THE CHAPTER QUILT FT MYERS HARLEY DAVIDSON FOR THEIR FACILITY USE AND THEIR EXCEPTIONAL STAFF BIKERS POST FOR ALL THE GREAT PHOTOS RON COX OF THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE

RIDE DEDICATED IN MEMORY OF GENE ABE CERRA 8/16/24-11/22/12

THANK YOU TO ALL THE 269 REGISTERED RIDERS WHOM WITHOUT YOU, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN JUST ANOTHER DAY. THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SW CHAPTER MEMBERS WHO STEPPED UP TO MAKE THIS EVENT SUCCESSFUL, AND, OF COURSE, OUR VETERANS, PAST AND PRESENT, THANK YOU!

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VerDow Motorcycle Repair, Inc.

(239) 332-1477 2531 Katherine St. Ft. Myers, FL 33901 All ABATE Members Receive a 10% Discount
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SOUTHWEST CHAPTER LIFE MEMBERS

Keith Baker Darrell Barnett Denee Bartels Scott Blink Chet Butz James Burkholder Nora Burkholder Don Campbell Frances Cazes Wayne Cerra Jonathan Conant Terry Covington Audrey Cran Maggie Cran Rick Cran Rob Cran Robert Cruz Crusan Jim Crystal Dan Curry Ginny DAsti Biffle Davis Mary Dicenzo-Porter Al Diagiaco Frank Disomma Cindy Doak Randy Eck Marius Espeleta Brian Galvin Sonny Gartrell Steven Goldstein Lynnda Gray Larry Gullia Bob Hall Harry Hoover Jeff Hoover George Huttman Susan Red Huttman Dan Jackson Cindy CJ Jordan Frankie Kennedy John Kennedy Ed LaCombe Julio Lopez Mary Ann Rivera-Lopez KD Marlowe Russell May Rev.Rea Means Don Meredith Jr. Jo Ann Miller Kenneth Miller John Mitchell Jim Mozeleski Taylor Musburger Terry Padilla Bob Penn Asuncsion Peppers Richard Peppers Victor Piorkowski Kathleen Provenzano Rev. Thomas Provenzano Bill Robinson Janet Rolfe Tabitha Rossi Roland Salsberry Jencye Schmitt Jerry Schmitt Bruce Scheiner Elsie Seif Robert Simon Kelly Smith Randall Spivey Richard Stergulz Sandy Stergulz Grandpa Stewart Lynda Stewart Russell Sullivan Scott Turner Ruth Vorys Teresa Webster D. Payton Wells Michael Wieland Jama Wyatt Steve Wyatt

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MEETING MINUTES
December 2012
ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. SOUTHWEST CHAPTER GENERAL MEETING @ Harley Davidson December 2nd, 2012 Meeting called to order by SGT at Arms: 10:06a.m. ANYONE ELSE BESIDES THE Sec. taking notes? No Please keep the chatter down so all can hear and lets keep this a positive meeting
PRESIDENTS REPORT: WAYNE CERRA, Absent, Excused 1. Excused 2. Wishes to thank everybody for their support for him and his family. VICE PRESIDENT: JIMMIE DENNIS 1. Christmas Ride December 23rd. Spread the word, pick up some flyers and get them out. Harley Davidson will be helping us with collections. 2. Donations are needed, please help. We will be donating all canned food products to WUA. 3. Bike Tickets, need money ASAP. 4. Lets get motivated and show your support. SECRETARYS REPORT: TRACY DAVIS 1. Motion to accept last months minutes as written in the newsletter made by Ken Coon and seconded by Kevin Barfield. PRODUCTS: WAYNE CERRA, excused, Jimmie Dennis reported 1. We are still in need of a products person for Bike Nites and Events. 2. We will be ordering shirts for the X-mas ride and also we will be ordering chapter flags. LEGISLATIVE REPORT: KEN TEDDYBEAR MILLER 1. In the newsletter DELEGATE REPORT: NO MEETING LAST MONTH 1. Next State Meeting will be Duvall Chapter, Jacksonville December 8th. Wayne and Frankie to Delegate ROAD CAPTAIN: SCOTT TURNER 1. Excused. 2. Ride to Hot Rod & Hogs event in Punta Gorda with Ken Diesel Coon after the meeting.

TREASURERS REPORT: TODD KC BURNS, Absent, Excused OLD BUSINESS: 1. Motion to accept last months report made by Tracy and seconded by 1. X-mas ride, need donations and sponsors. Vic. 2. X-Mas ride falling into place. We will be making a Quilt out of Abate shirts and other memorabilia. SARGENT AT ARMS: KEN COON 1. No incidents to report NEW BUSINESS: 1. Bike tickets on sale now. Drawing will be at Daytona Bike Week on MEMBERSHIP REPORT: March 16, 2013. 1. 8 new members and 4 renewals 2. Bike Week, looking to go and support Abate. NEWSLETTER: KEVIN BARFIELD 1. Please help us get some advertising. This is your chapter also so help. 2. Thank you for sending me the information on time for the newsletter. WEBSITE: TAYLOR ATM MUSBURGER 1. Absent but continues to improve the website SAFETY DIRECTOR: VICTOR PIORKOWSKI 1. School safety programs begin in January. Class dates will be 1/9, 1/11, 1/15, 1/22 & 1/23. 3. A couple of new bills have been introduced over cell phone bans and Collier County Sheriff is looking to ban in Collier County. GOOD OF THE ORDER: 1. Supporting L.A.M.A Toy Run Dec 15th to Guadalupe Center in Immokalee 2. Supporting Adopt-A-Family ride on Dec 15th Cape Coral escorted ride to 5 families TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: ________10:40am______________

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MEEMBERSHIP REPORT
Welcome new members: Marius Espeleta, new LIFE member Dr Tom White Paul Hill Justin Batdorf Lisa Ortengren Tracy Ortengren Justine Gonzalez Bernadette Walters 6 of these new members joined up at our Christmas ride Renewed members: Barbara Bardell Moe Moser Wendy Mangina Gerald Mangina Carl Nelson Jason Stanford Lynne Davis Linda Honeycutt Carlos Perez

Due to Renew: January Lily Arenas Ron Cox Gwynne Hickman Donna Jordan John Schiller Jim Shores Cesar Velencia Gary Will February Ronald Eiben David Elias Tim Fisher Chelsey Matheson Gary Serrago Robert Yoho

Renewals expire last day of your month Cape Harbor on Tuesdays from 6 9:30 pm Membership is $20.00 per year and includes a $4,000.00 Accidental Death or Also at all your local motorcycle shops throughout Lee County where many ofDismemberment Policy fer discounts to ABATE card holders Membership applications can be picked up at Bike Night weekly at the Joint in
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AD EXPIRES: TRADE

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Editors Note

Hello Bothers and Sisters, We are looking for more members to step up and show support for the chapter by coming out to Bike Nights every Tuesday night at The Joint from 6-10. We arent looking for someone to stay the entire time, just an 1/2 hour or so of your time would GREATLY be appreciated. Thank you in advance. The Holidays are over and school is starting back January 7th. Be aware of bus stops, school zones, and cross walks. Kids are our future and we need them to stay safe. Just a friendly reminder about vehicle maintenance. Please, check fluids, lights (include brake lights), tire pressure (psi located on sidewall of tire), and wiper blades. Life is busy for most of us and its easy to forget the simple things. We would love to see you all around bike nights and all events in the future, so be safe, God bless, and... STAY ALERT...STAY ALIVE!!! Kevin

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SISTER CHAPTER INFORMATION

CALOOSAHATCHEE Meetings: TBD ESTERO RIVER Meetings: every 3rd Sunday at 10:00 AM Place: Wicked Wings 8024 Alico Rd. #A10, Ft. Myers, FL. PEACE RIVER Meetings: every 4th Sunday at 11:00 AM Place: 4940 Pan American Blvd., North Port, FL.

GATOR ALLEY Meetings: every 4th Sunday at 11:00 AM Place: VFW Pine Ridge Rd., Naples, FL. (no meeting in Dec.) SOUTHWEST Meetings: every 1st Sunday at 10:00 AM Place: Harley Davidson of Ft. Myers 2160 Colonial Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL.

WEST COAST Meetings: every 4th Sunday at 11:00 AM Place: Fruitville Park 5151 Richardson Rd., Sarasota, FL.

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THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS, ADVERTISERS AND SUPPORTERS OF OUR MOTORCYCLE RIGHTS ORGANIZATION
A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT AND THANKS TO OUR LOCAL EVENT PROMOTERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF OUR MRO
AD EXPIRES: TRADE

Place your COMPANY AD HERE Business Card, Half Page, or Full Page. Email to Chapter President for Approval
This newsletter is distributed by email and printed monthly.

Our Caring Circle All our thoughts and Prayers to the families of Sandy Hook Elementary School
2012

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AD EXPIRES: 01 Oct. 2013

ABATE of Florida Inc., Southwest Chapter

MEETING

January 6TH, 2013 10 a.m. Harley Davidson of Fort Myers

Located at 2160 Colonial Dr. Fort Myers, FL 33907 239-275-4647

southwest.abateflorida.com

KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE STATE WEB SITE

PRESS RELEASES, EVENTS, SAFETY
www.abateflorida.com

BRING A NEW MEMBER TO JOIN THE VOICES OF FLORIDA MOTORCYCLISTS

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AD EXPIRES: 01 Dec. 2013

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AD EXPIRES: 01 Aug. 2013

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EXPIRES: Dec. 2013

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AD EXPIRES: 01 Mar. 2013

Looking for a FEW GOOD MEN!!

The SWFL Chapter of Leathernecks Motorcycle Club Intl., Inc. We welcome Marine Veterans, FMF Corpsmen And Active Duty Men and Women Marines If you love riding a motorcycle and want the Brotherhood/Sisterhood you had in the Corps, then we are what you want! For further information contact RailRoad at: 239-321-3298 Or visit our website at: www.leathernecks-swfl.com
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CHRIS PROFFITT
AD EXPIRES: TRADE

AD EXPIRES: TRADE

thebikermap@gmail.com

AD EXPIRES: 01 Dec. 2013

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AD EXPIRES: 01 Dec. 2012

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Paradise Tropical Wine

LOCATED ON FORT MYERS BEACH!

Paradise Tropical Wine 159 Old San Carlos Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL. 33931 (239) 233-8025

Where it's all good, all the time!

AD EXPIRES: 01 Aug. 2013

700 Leeland Heights Blvd W, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936 (239) 369-7000

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Serving Lehigh Acres Tasty Food, Cool Drinks & Good Times !!!

AD EXPIRES: 01 Jan. 2014

ABATE of Florida, Inc., Southwest Chapter

PO BOX 60745 Fort Myers, FL 33906

southwest.abateflorida.com

ADVERTISING APPLICATION
Name of Business: __________________________________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________________ Business Phone: _____________________________ Contact: ______________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________ Phone:______________________ Cell: __________________________ Email: ______________________________________________________ Type of Ad: Business Card Quarter Page Half Page Full Page Duration of Ad: ____________________ Start Date of Ad: _____________________ Stop Date of Ad: ______________________ Authorized Signature: __________________________________________________ Print Name: ______________________________________________________ Type of Payment: Check _________ Check Number __________ Cash ___________

Advertisement Pricing
Business Card 6 Months 12 Months $55.00 $80.00 Quarter Page $85.00 $135.00 Half Page $145.00 $245.00 Full Page $200.00 $375.00

Full page 12 month advertisers will receive an additional 2 months FREE All advertisers will also receive a one year ABATE of Florida, Inc. membership which also includes a $4,000.00 accidental death policy All artwork must be submitted in PDF or JPEG format All advertising MUST be approved by the Southwest Chapter of Abate of Florida, Inc. For further information please contact

Wayne Cerra 239-989-3349 abatesw@gmail.com

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ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. SOUTHWEST CHAPTER 23rd Annual CHILI COOK-OFF And BLESSING OF THE BIKES with L.A.M.A of FT MYERS Hosted by SOUTHWEST CYCLES
620 NE 15th Ave on Pine Island Road, Cape Coral
Bring your best home made chili 1ST PLACE: BEST OVERALL 2nd PLACE: BEST MEATLESS 3rd PLACE: BEST GREEN CHILI

OLD SKOOL CLASSIC BIKE SHOW BEST OVERALL BEST AMERICAN BEST IMPORT BEST CHROME CLASSIC BEST CUSTOM PAINT CLASSIC $5.00 bike registration

CHILI SAMPLES available $2.00 per bowl. Soft drinks and water available for $1.00 each Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and Pasta Salad also available for purchase

JANUARY 27th 2013 Starts @ 12 NOON & Ends 3 PM

Contact Wayne @ 239-989-3349

ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. DOES NOT CONDONE DRINKING AND RIDING/DRIVING. DONATIONS TO ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC., MONETARY OR OTHERWISE, ARE NOT TAX DEDUCTIBLE. MEMBERSHIP AND SAFETY INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE