Hello Everyone,

Our meeting was called to order on Feb 02^nd, 2010 7:15 PM @ the American Legion Post in Chatsworth. All Officers were in attendance with the exception of Web Director Stanley due to a very heavy work schedule (tax time), Baffles & AJ were also absent. Jackie led us in Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer. Jackie also let everyone know that we will be sending out post card event reminders to members in hopes to entice some of our members that we haven’t seen in awhile to come & join us. Jackie has also been in contact with other DC’s to get dates for their events, He would like us to participate to show our support. He is also looking into an accident scene management class we can take that teaches us what to do if we come up on an accident scene, he also wants to educate our school age children on safety.

 I read a summary of the minutes that were accepted. I also touched a little on the State BOD meeting, we (the officers) all agreed that we were pleased to announce that things were looking up, and that the state officers did a great job of conducting the meeting and answering questions.

 Dennis reported that our money is holding steady. We had a good turn out for the Froze Nose to Toes. The treasury report was accepted. He also let everyone know that we can order Large ABATE D1 patches for a cost of $25.00, see him if you are interested. Officers voted the IHR held on May 14-16th gate fee this year would be $20.00 for weekend passes $10. For Sat pass & $10. For Sun pass. The fees will be the same for members & non-members this year in hopes of raising more money to fight for our rights @ the capital. 

Sharon & Wesley has put together a good calendar of events. They mapped out an awesome ride for the 22^nd Annual Poker Run on April 10^th. There are plenty of shortcuts, but if you don’t follow the map, you will miss out on some beautiful scenery. We still need door prizes & auction items for the poker run. Sharon announced that Dennis Warren was voted 2009 member of the Year. Let me tell you folks, this is so deserved, not just because I’ve been married to the man for 31 years, but also because our household now lives & breathes ABATE. Dennis has such a passion for our organization that I now have to walk or stumble over boxes of materials & totes of ABATE D1 files & safety info stacked up & around in our home office, (3 more boxes of safety materials arrived today for safety day held on May 1st) this doesn’t include the boxes, totes & our new D1 wall of plaques, stacked in the ABATE trailer that he insists we pull to every meeting & event. Which is fine by me, because otherwise he has the car or pickup so crammed with stuff, that I have to drive a separate vehicle to the meetings or events! So congrats Mr. Warren, this award proves that you’re hard work & dedication is noticed. You can proudly wear your patch.

Our Member of the month goes to another well-deserved recipient, Sharon Apodaca! This lady is a single mom that works a full time job, is on the Cancer Relay for Life & the Alzheimer’s committees, and volunteered (or railroaded, same difference) into being our Activities Director, goodness knows what other organizations she has a hand in. I do know that we are truly blessed to have her! She has a lot on her shoulders just for D1 events alone. So congrats Sharon, we hope to see your bio very soon on our web site. Kenton asked that everyone that could, please try to attend the Legislative Lunch on Feb 18th.  Atlanta Harley Davidson donated a brand new Dyna to ABATE. State will be selling $20. Raffle tickets, all money raised will go directly to state. The State elections will be held in Angel City this year, it’s only 30-40 miles (per Whiskers) further than Lake Tobesofkee, where it is usually held.

Jerry informed us we are now up to 210 members, thanks to new members Bill & Jennifer McGuigan, Dick & Sandy Shaner, Ray Desintis, David Palmer& Jennifer Reed for joining!! We are so glad to welcome you to our family!! Thank you Joye for your hardwork on face book, inviting friends to join! Jerry invited JB Walker & Linda Allen to IHR to come & speak to our members about what is happening @ state level. Jerry spoke of a vest that the gov is trying to get into law, it is orange, has airbags, fire retardent, very heavy and will cost between $300 & $500 dollars. If it were to become a law, it would be MANDATORY for you to wear, every time you ride your bike. We must stop this now, before it makes it any further. This is what ABATE is about, fighting for our rights! We do not need the gov telling us how we have to modify our bikes (I like my loud pipes, they’ve saved my life a time or two) or tell us what we have to wear @ a ridiculous price! Please tell people about ABATE, and ask them to join us in trying to keep some of our rights! We need all the help we can get.

 Whiskers is hosting the ABATE adopt a mile trash pickup on Feb 28^th @ 2PM, refreshments will be served after trash is collected. ABATE adopt a mile is located on old hwy 411 near the regulation dam.

Marshall Hayes missed out on the big bucks, his name was drawn in the membership drawing.  We had special guest Keith Kenny invite us to the Blessing of the Bikes on April 17^th held @ Ringgold United Methodist Church 12PM. Snacks will be served.

 Don’t forget, we (D1) meet the 1^st Tuesday of every month 7Pm @ the American Legion (upstairs), please join us, and mark your calendars for March 20, our 2^nd Annual Mystery Ride, and March 27^th we are riding in a benefit for a very special little boy that has cancer, please come to the meeting for more info, and on April 10^th is our 22^nd Annual Poker Run, please plan on joining us! Well I’ve babbled on long enough; again I want to say welcome to our new members! Thanks to Bev, Wesley, Tami, Sharon, Donald Ridley, for donating door prizes, here are the winners: Sandy Shaner, Bev, Melvin, Mickey, Vince, Jackie, Teresa C., Jerry, Joye, Keith Kenney, David Palmer, Leonard, Nick Rainey, Lisa, Donna, and Mike. And finally after YEARS of selling 50/50 tickets, WHISKERS won!! Bill won the 2^nd 50/50.

Until next month…

Ride Safe, Deb Warren/D1 Secretary