November District 5 Meeting
The November District 5 Meeting was held at the Eagle’s Lodge on Merriam Drive in Overland Park, KS. The meeting was called to order at 12:00 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was said followed by a moment of silence for our lost brothers and sisters as well as those overseas making a stand for our freedoms and way of life. Steve welcomed everyone to the meeting and announced the chili contest which would directly follow the meeting.
Sergeant at Arms Report – Kelsey announced the number of members and guest present. Jody made an appearance at this meeting and renewed her membership as well as Zoey’s membership.
Secretaries/Website Report – It was decided not to go over the minutes from the last meeting. Jamez mentioned the yearly cost to register the domain name for the District 5 website. Jamez was reimbursed for the cost of registering the domain name.
Treasurer’s Report – Tony went over the accounts. The accounts are in good standing.
Product Line Report – Kristy stated she is waiting on a quote for the cost of the pocket t-shirts which were requested by the membership. Kristy will have a table set up with the products during the End of Year Party.
State Report – Steve attended the October State Meeting in McPherson, KS. Our lobbyist, Chris, went over his activity in Topeka in the last year.
Steve pointed out that accidental deaths involving motorcycles are down. Motorcycle organizations, such as ABATE, are still asking the DOT to continue posting messages on SCOUT signs, billboards, and possibly construction information signs.
Steve also mentioned anytime a flier is posted advertising an ABATE event, the flier must have the ABATE of Kansas logo as well as the message “Promoting Awareness of ABATE of Kansas.”
Tony attended the November State Meeting in Perry Kansas. The newsletter editor would like the membership to submit ideas for articles or write articles and submit them for the monthly ABATE of Kansas newsletter. Get in touch with the newsletter editor.
There was good attendance this year at the Mid-South MILE. There was a lot of informational and educational stuff going on there. ABATE of Kansas was thanked for their contribution to the event. Next year, the Mid-South MILE is expected to take place the 3rd weekend in October and will be in Kansas. As always, membership help with this event will be appreciated.
Legislative Report – Not much is changing right now legislative-wise due to lack of funding. Things are expected to pick up again once the economy improves. As always, ABATE will be watchful.
One change recently taken place is all license plates must be at least 12 inches above the ground.
DOT approved helmets are a requirement in many states. This means a motorcyclist can be pulled over and ticketed if the helmet he/she is wearing does not have a DOT sticker on the back of it for whatever reason. As we have discussed before, this makes no sense, being the DOT does not approve helmets.
Another item, currently in bill form, is allowed movement if a motorcyclist pulls up to a failed or malfunctioning stoplight if the traffic is clear.
District Representative’s Report – Steve went over some suggestions and ideas to get the ABATE name out there and increase membership participation.
Old Business – The End of Year Party is on the 13th of December. Postcards are going to be mailed out to the membership to inform or remind them about the party. The caterers are lined up for the State Meeting which takes place earlier the same day. Any food left over from the State Meeting will be carried over for the End of Year Party. Members attending the party are encouraged to bring a side dish to share. Jamez will be the D.J. for the party. For the first time at the End of Year Party, karaoke will be available. This should be a good time, be sure to attend if you can. Thanks to everyone who worked to put this event together. Due to the hard work, this should be a good turn-out.
The Tuff-E-Nuff Weekend is the weekend of March 28th. The District 5 Swap Meet part of this event will take place at the Johnson County Fairgrounds again this year. The building is already reserved and ready to go. Kelsey provided us with the vendor contact information from last year. Kristy suggested a cut-off time of 2:00 pm for the swap meet, as the ERA Cabin Fever Bash part of this event is later that same evening. Also, a schedule of events for the swap meet will be put together and handed to each of the vendors. The next day is the Carne Bike Show. One must attend all three events to be eligible for the Tuff-E-Nuff weekend prize.
The December District 5 Meeting will take place at 12:00 pm on December 6th at the Eagle’s Lodge on Merriam Drive in Overland Park, KS. The State Meeting is December 13th, followed by the District 5 End of Year Party.
Other Announcements – Kristy thanked everyone who contributed to sponsor her in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund’s (J.D.R.F.) Walk Against Juvenile Diabetes. She met and exceeded her goal. J.D.R.F. sent the district a thank you letter as well.
Jody won the door prize and then donated it back to the district.
The meeting was adjourned at this point and the chili contest began. Warren Rudd won first place in the contest and was awarded the first place plaque. Shana Howard won second place and was awarded the second place plaque. Congrats to Warren and Shana on their win.
See everyone next month!
December District 5 Meeting
The December District 5 meeting was held on Saturday, December 6th, 2008 at the Eagle’s Lodge in Overland Park, KS. The meeting was called to order at 12:08. The Pledge of Allegiance was said followed by a moment of silence for lost brothers and sisters, as well as those fighting over seas for our freedoms.
Sergeant at Arms Report - There were 7 members present at the meeting.
Secretaries/Webmaster Report - An email was sent by Kristy about putting a whole page on the website for the Tuff-E-Nuff Weekend. Jamez followed up with the email and created a whole page on the district website with information pertaining to the Tuff-E-Nuff Weekend. Also added to the website is information about the End of Year Party and Spring Swap Meet.
Good comments were mentioned about the newsletter and our minutes in the newsletter.
Treasurer’s Report - Tony went over the accounts and stated all accounts are in good standing.
Product Line Report - None given.
State Report - The State Meeting will be hosted by District 5 on December 13th; followed by the District 5 End of Year Party. The possibility of moving the State Meeting to the Eagles Lodge in Paola, KS was mentioned.
There was discussion about the good report given in the newsletter by our lobbyist Chris.
District Representative’s Report - Steve stated we need more people at the monthly meetings. There was some talk about how to make it happen, which included making contacts at the End of Year Party and asking people to start attending some meetings; getting some of our older members back; and getting the word out that our district is back on track.
Old Business- The End of Year Party is ready to go. The Eagle’s Lodge is reserved, the food catering has been ordered for the State Meeting however members were asked to bring a covered dish for the party. We should be okay on door prizes as there are a lot left over from last years collection. We need a few more items for the silent auction. Post cards were sent out to remind members about the End of Year Party. Steve stated we would have to ask the Eagle’s if there would be any special discounts on drinks on the day of the party.
The Swap Meet talk was tabled until the January District 5 Meeting.
New Business - Nothing discussed.
Open Discussion - There was talk about the End of Year Party and the need to reacquaint ourselves with old members, and dry to get them back in the fold.
Steve and Tony left the room and the ballots were opened. The new board members were then revealed and are as follows: District Representative-Steve Howard; Treasurer-Tony Rawls-Riley; and Sergeant at Arms-Jamez Thomasson.
Meeting was adjourned.
September District 5 Meeting
The Meeting was held at the Eagle's Lodge on Merriam Drive in Overland Park, KS
The meeting was called to order at 12:00pm by Steve.
Steve asked if Warren would act as Sgt. at Arms for the duration of the meeting.
Warren accepted.
Secretary Report: Jamez went over the topics from the August meeting.
The August meeting was held at Paradise Point - Lake Perry,KS. The meeting was very brief due to lack of attendance. Jamez stated the website would be up and running by the end of the day.
Website Report: Jamez will update the website for this month. A section will be added to post the meeting reports. The winners from the Bike Games/Bike show at the Labor Day Rally will also be posted, hopefully along with a picture of the winner holding their plaque.
Product Line Report: Products are available. If interested in District 5 products, contact Kristy. A basket is being put together this week by Kristy for the Mid-South MILE.
State Report: During the July State Meeting, it was suggested a board position for "District Reporter" be created. The District Reporter would be assigned to take pictures during district events. The Reporter would also prepare a report for the newsletter about the events. At this time, our district is more focused on member participation at meetings and events.
The August State Meeting was mostly about Labor Day Rally preparations. The trash can company for the Rally was changed this year (and was definitely for the better).
During the September State Meeting a special thanks went out to F.O.R.R. for their work in getting motorcycle awareness messages posted on the scout signs over the highways.
Each district was asked to donate for the MRF Meeting of the Minds. A motion was made and passed to donate for the Meeting of the Minds.
It was mentioned that next year, no glass containers would be allowed in the band vewing area at the Labor Day Rally.
Legislative Report: Currently there is a nationwide crackdown on riding motorcycles while intoxicated. Hopefully this will help reduce motorcycle accidents and fatalities.
District Rep's Report: Rally games went well. Steve, on behalf of District 5, would like to thank the following for their help with the Bike Games and Bike show at the Rally: Doobie; Steve Howard; Darlene; Den, Lisa & Seth Nemitz; Tony & Becky Rawls-Riley; John Enright; Russell Barker; John Melvin; and Jamez.
It was suggested we try to get sponsors for the Bike Games/Show plaques next year. The sponsors will get their names on the plaques as well as mention during the Bike Games/Show.
Old Business: Nominations are open for District 5 board positions. Steve Howard was nominated for District Representative. Tony Rawls-Riley was nominated for Treasurer. Jamez Thomasson was nominated for Sgt. at Arms. There were no nominations for Assistant Representative or Secretary. All votes for these two positions will be write in votes.
New Business: The October District 5 meeting will be held on Saturday, October 4th at the Eagle's Lodge in Paola, KS. The meeting will start at 12:00pm.
The November District 5 meeting will be held On Sunurday, November 9th at the Eagle's Lodge on Merriam Drive in Overland Park, KS. That meeting will start at 2:00pm.
A motion was made and passed to have a chili contest during the November meeting. Plaques will be awarded for 1st & 2nd place, so bring your best chili to the meeting.
Other Announcements: The 11th Fall Annual Night Train Run 2008 is Saturday, October 4th. Event is Rain or shine. Registration is from 1:00pm to 3:30pm, and leaves at 4:00pm sharp. Starting location is Side Pockets at K7 & Kansas Avenue. Your toy donation is your entry fee and benefits toys for disadvantaged kids.
It was also mentioned Bikers for Babies benefiting the March of Dimes is Sunday, September 14th. Bikers for Babies starts at the Kansas Speedway.
A motion was made to adjourn at 1:00pm. Motion was passed. See everyone next month.
October District 5 Meeting
The October District 5 meeting was held at noon at the Eagle’s Lodge in Paola, KS.
Rusty acted as Sergeant at Arms for the duration of the meeting.
The meeting was started with a moment of silence for lost brothers and sisters as well as those overseas fighting for our freedoms and way of life.
Steve mentioned that starting with the next meeting; the Pledge of Allegiance will be said at the beginning of all of our District 5 meetings.
Nominations are in for board positions. Please vote for those positions.
Sergeant at Arms Report- 9 members were present as well as 5 guests. Steve, on behalf of District 5, welcomed the guests present. The Eagle Riders were the guests present at the meeting.
Secretaries Report/Website Report- It was decided by those present not to go over the minutes of the last meeting.
Jamez mentioned the website is up to date. It was also explained that the winners of the bike games and bike show from the Labor Day Rally are listed on the website. There is also a slideshow of pictures of the winners holding their plaques.
Treasurer’s Report- Tony went over the accounts and explained they are in good standing.
Membership report- Tony went over the numbers and explained that some members were picked up at the Labor Day Rally.
Product Line Report- Kristy stated that products are available. Kristy will look into adding pocket t-shirts to the product line.
Steve will be looking into picking up some “Look Twice” stickers while in Florida.
State Report- Tony attended the last state meeting which took place the Saturday following the Labor Day Rally. Get ballots turned in for the state board positions.
The state donated for the MRF Meeting of the Minds. It was decided at the last District 5 meeting to reimburse the state for our part of the donation.
The next state meeting is at 10:00 a.m. in McPherson, KS on October 11th.
No one was hurt in the fire which took place at the Labor Day Rally. There was a trailer with a motorcycle inside that caught on fire. The motorcycle was removed and undamaged. ABATE security and Ozawkie Fire Department responded and handled the situation well.
Legislative Report- ABATE of Kansas has decided not to take a position on the current presidential election.
There is a nationwide crackdown on drinking and riding motorcycles.
We are always watchful of motorcycle legislation.
District Representative’s Report- Steve explained that ballots are in the newsletter for state board positions as well as District 5 board positions. There are no nominees for Assistant Representative, or Secretary. These votes will have to be write-in votes.
Old Business- Baskets and prizes are ready for the District 5 End of Year Party. The December state meeting will be at 12:00 p.m. on December 13th. Brobeck’s BBQ will be ordered for the state meeting and events afterward. Members are encouraged to bring a dish to share for the End of Year Party after the state meeting. District 5 was going to hire a band to play at the End of Year Party. It was decided a band was going to cost too much. It was decided at the last meeting to ask Jamez to D.J. for the party. Jamez has confirmed he will be available and will D.J. There will be music as well as karaoke during the party. It was decided by those present to send postcards to the District 5 membership to inform them about the End of Year Party. A motion was made to cover the postage for the postcard. The motion passed.
It was suggested to have the next End of Year Party at the Eagle’s Lodge in Paola, KS. This will be taken into consideration for next year.
New Business- The November District 5 meeting has changed dates. The meeting will be held on Sunday, November 9th at 2:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Eagle’s Lodge on Merriam Lane in Overland Park, KS. There will be a chili contest during the meeting. Bring your best chili as plaques are awarded for first and second place.
The December meeting will be on Saturday, December 6th at 12:00 p.m. This meeting will also be held at the Eagle’s Lodge on Merriam Lane in Overland Park, KS.
Open Discussion/Other Announcements- Kristy will be participating in the Walk to Cure Juvenile Diabetes on October 11th. A motion was made for District 5 to donate for this event. The motion was passed.
Next year Rip’s B.A.D. Ride (Bikers Against Diabetes) will be held on May 9th and will be at the Bass Pro Shop in Olathe, KS. Bass Pro Shop as well as the Olathe Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring the event. ABATE of KS District 5 will also be involved.
Rusty won the door prize drawing and donated his winnings to the Walk to Cure Juvenile Diabetes.
The meeting was adjourned.