STATE COORDINATOR'S REPORT | |
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I have received several complaints about high-pressure sales representatives from American Income Life Insurance (AIL) and have forwarded those concerns to AIL. I wanted to pass along some reminders and answer some of your questions about AIL.
- The free program does not cost ABATE or you for the $4,000 coverage for accidental death. Accidental is the keyword. If the death was not caused by an accident, there is no coverage.
- You do not need anything from AIL to be covered.
- AIL does not get your address or phone number from ABATE.
- You do not need to send a beneficiary card to AIL to be covered, but it can be legally cumbersome if it is unclear who the beneficiary should be.
You are covered as long as ABATE and AIL run the program, and you are a member in good standing with ABATE of Washington. If you lose someone who is an ABATE member in an accident, there are two ways to handle it.
- Contact AIL and submit a claim.
- Contact me
Finally, if the membership does not see value in the program, please bring it back to the Board of Directors, and we can cancel the program.
You can click here for my full letter with updates about the upcoming SWAP meeting, Eastside Ambassador changes, and a message to our members and volunteers.
Andy McAfee
State Coordinator
ABATE of Washington
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ABATE MOTORCYCLE SWAP MEET | |
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Swap Meet Info
ABATE of Washington Swap Meet is fast approaching, just a reminder to those who have yet to send in your Reservation form and payment…spaces are ‘First come First serve’ with payment and we cannot ‘hold’ spots. If you are requesting a space, please fill out a reservation form and send it in with payment as soon as possible.
Reservation forms can be found at: www.abate-wa.org
Let’s get both buildings filled and have a fantastic swap meet!
Thank you
Chris McAfee
Swap Meet Chair
Swap Meet Cover Letter
Swap Meet Reservation Form
Vendor Agreement Non-Food
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Raffle, Raffle, Raffle...
Let's Sell some tickets!
Raffle, Raffle, who is selling Raffle tickets?!?
Andy & I are trying to get to some chapter meetings to pick up ‘sold’ tickets and distribute y’all some more to get sold.
Working full-time has limitations on when we can make it to meetings, so if you need some more tickets, reach out, and we will try to get something set up.
Please remember to bring your ‘sold’ raffle tickets and money to ECOM on March 10, 2024. We will get you set up with a new batch.
Click here for the Raffle Ticket rules
Spring Opener Flyer
Appreciate y’all, until then.
Chris McAfee
Raffle Chair
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We are in need of a new State Products Coordinator. If interested, please contact Bubba Bowen at [email protected]. A special thank you to Cheryl Holtquist for all her hard work. | | | |
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Thanks to all of you who have submitted articles, chapter reports, and photographs for our Freedom Newsletter.
I will send an email confirmation of each submission I receive. If you do not receive written confirmation from me, the submission did not arrive as planned. Please reach out to me so that I can ensure your submission is included in the next month's newsletter. I will respond with an email confirmation. As always, thank you for sending your submissions by the 15th of each month.
With respect and gratitude,
Shari Carlsberg
ABATE Freedom Newsletter Editor
[email protected]
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MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION | |
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Register Now for Bikers Inside the Beltway
The 15th Annual Michael “Boz” Kerr Bikers Inside the Beltway is the ONLY National Motorcycle Lobby Day held in our nation’s capital. Motorcyclists from around the country ride to Washington, D.C., to help educate Members of Congress regarding the issues facing motorcyclists today. This event will be held Monday, May 20th and Tuesday, May 21st, 2024.
Read the full story here.
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Lawmakers Hit NHTSA on Fuel Economy Proposal
Late last month, 120 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) slamming proposed changes to the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light trucks. The proposal by NHTSA would require an industry fleet-wide average for passenger cars and light trucks of roughly 58 miles per gallon by 2032.
Read the full story here.
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MRF Roadshow Stops: ABATE of Wisconsin and National Council of Clubs
This past weekend was the annual Officer's Training for ABATE of Wisconsin. The MRF was well represented at the event. Present were MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, Board Member Dave Dwyer, WI State MRF Representative Jen Abraham, Assistant State Reps Cathy Dial, Becky “Quiver” Zarling and Bob “Rooster” Christopherson. Hardtail presented Wisconsin's contributions to the MRF and the future of motorcycling. MRF Lobbyist, Rocky Fox was able to give an online presentation regarding the MRF Legislative Agenda via Zoom. This year is ABATE of Wisconsin's 50th Anniversary and the MRF is proud of our strong relationship.
Read the full story here.
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Independent Motorcycle Shops Under Attack
Proprietary tools and diagnostics are limiting what can be done by independent shops. These shops are a cornerstone of our lifestyle and the way we take care of our motorcycles. When dealerships no longer work on our bikes, we turn to these folks, and now the manufacturers are putting them out of business!
Read the full story here.
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New Leadership for House Motorcycle Caucus
This week, the House Motorcycle Caucus announced changes to its leadership team. Congressman Michael Burgess of Texas, who will retire at the end of the year, has stepped down as co-chair of the caucus. Congressman Burgess helped found the caucus in 2009 and has been a tireless champion for bikers. He was the 2018 MRF Legislative Champion of the Year and we wish him well on his retirement!
Read the full story here.
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Having Second Thoughts?
Over the weekend, media reports have surfaced that the Biden Administration might loosen its rules for the country’s switch to electric vehicles. You may remember that last year the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed strict tailpipe emissions standards that would effectively force manufacturers to sell mostly zero-emissions vehicles by 2030.
Read the full story here.
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“Texas” Larry Walker
Legislative Affairs Officer, ABATE of WA
360-271-9285
Background:
“Texas” Larry Walker is a nationally certified Rider Coach for novice, intermediate, and advanced training. He is the Senior Instructor for Navy Region Northwest, a long-time motorcyclist rights advocate with over 45 years of riding experience.
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2024 Session Review and Looking Forward
By the time this comes out the Legislature will be 7 days from adjourning for the year. At this point I have not heard any rumors of any special session talks. With this being an election year there has to be a seriously pressing issue to have the Governor call one.
The good news is that we can get back to our regular lives and ride motorcycles. The bad news is that we have a lot of work to do during the interim, as well as some hard choices to make.
Read the full update here.
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American Income Life - FREE Accidental Life & Dismemberment | |
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If you are a current non-expired member of ABATE of Washington, you will be receiving, or have already received a ‘beneficiary card’ in the mail from American Income Life (AIL).
These cards are mailed out annually to ABATE members as a reminder to update your beneficiary or add some ‘life insurance’ for yourself and/or your family. AIL provides a free ‘accidental death and dismemberment’ of up to $4000 to any non-expired ABATE member. What this means is: if you are involved in an accident and die or lose an arm/leg/eye, etc. AIL will pay you or your beneficiary up to $4000. AIL also offers other life insurance, and if you are interested in getting any type of life insurance or adding to what you already have, they can help you out.
What I’m asking of you members is, please, when they call, be considerate. They are just trying to do their jobs. If you are not interested in any other insurance, let them know and ask them to send you your certificate. If you would like to hear more about the insurance they provide, they will schedule a meet-up with you and give you other options. If you feel that you are being harassed after saying no, please get the person's name and phone number and send it to me.
I cannot stress enough about making sure your beneficiary is up to date with AIL or any other insurance policy you have. Finding out, after the fact, that someone you did NOT want to be the recipient of your demise is too late!
Please, this is a FREE benefit that AIL provides to non-expired ABATE Members, be courteous to them. Click here to read more.
Andy McAfee
State Coordinator
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A Night Out with EPCC
March 2, 2024
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Inland Northwest Motorcycle Show
March 8-10, 2024
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Leprechaun Memorial Run March 16, 2024 | CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | |
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Sky Valley Shakin the Winter Blues
March 23, 2024
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Swap Meet (Forms & Info Below)
March 24, 2024
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All Motorcycle Swap Meet Kliever Memorial Armory
April 21, 2024
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17th Annual Memorial Ride
May 18, 2024
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Sky Valley 27th Annual Motorcycle Show
May 19, 2024
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Spokane Chapter Let Them Stare Make Them Aware
May 19, 2024
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Spring Opener
Mark your Calendars!
June 27 - June 30, 2024
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CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
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CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW T-SHIRT ORDER FORM
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RIDER REIMBURSEMENT
Complete a State-Approved Rider Safety Course to receive $50 reimbursement & more!
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
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EPCC
Greetings from EPCC!
We have 2 events coming up this month. I hope to see you all attend at least one of them. Both would be preferred, of course.
Read More
Leprechaun Memorial Run
A Night Out with EPCC
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FOOTHILLS
Greetings from Foothills! I hope everyone has had a great start to the new year. Lots of cook offs & socials taking place during these cold months. Foothills has our Easter Terry Home Run coming up on April 7th. Always love visiting our Terry Home friends. Watch for our event flyer, feel free to join us. Our 3rd annual chapter Pig Roast & Chapter Fundraiser will be moving to August this year. Lots of requests to reschedule from the Memorial Day weekend. Keep your eyes on Facebook for event details. Rest in Paradise Jeff Benchley, your generosity & support will never be taken for granted & the motorcycle community misses you immensely. Celebration of Life is Saturday, March 2nd @ 2pm, Black Diamond Eagles Club. As we roll into spring more bikes are coming out, keep your head on a swivel & your rubber side down.
Billi Bowen, Coordinator
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OLYMPIA
We’re BBBBAAACCCKKKK!!
GREAT start to the New Year as we ride
to bring Olympia ABATE back into the fold.
Our first ride of the year, The Chilly Willy Ride, to raise funds for The Purple Heart Memorial Legacy Project honoring our military combat wounded.
READ MORE
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PACIFIC COUNTY
The judging is done, the votes counted and we have a new Chili Champion! “Hot Tony” took top honors in the Pacific County Chapter’s Second Annual Chili Cook-off. His crock-pot of spicy goodness featured Pork and Venison in a tasty combo.
With plenty of side dishes and cornbread, a good feed and good time was had by all.
Give your bike a pre-ride inspection before heading out on these sunny Spring Days.
Stay sharp and ride safe.
John Tschannen
Coordinator
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SPANAWAY
Greetings from Spanaway ABATE Chapter!
Spanaway had a fantastic Chili cook-off. Lots of different chapters and groups joined in making it a successful night. Thank you all!
READ MORE
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SPOKANE
Our Accident Scene Management class was a success! 39 people in Spokane and Northern Idaho were trained. A big thank you to our trainer, Trina Michaelis from Road Guardians. Also, to Anne Hooper for getting the ball rolling on the training and becoming the Spokane Chapter Safety Officer.
READ MORE
Spokane Chapter Let Them Stare Make Them Aware
Inland Northwest Motorcycle Show and Sale
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Need to reach a specific Chapter?
Get their contact information here:
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Who We Are
We’ve been helping people for almost 30 years. We’re smart, efficient, and sophisticated. We measure success by the results achieved for our clients. Most of our cases involve a motorcycle, bicycle, and auto collisions. We work on a contingent fee basis. We only get paid if there’s a recovery. Not only do we do all the work, we also advance all the costs necessary to prepare the case for trial. Clients don’t have to pay any money upfront.
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Pinewood Derby
When you get past the surface, no one is an average or run-of-the-mill person.
That begs the question: Does it make sense to go beyond the surface? In a case with $8,000 of chiropractic treatment it probably doesn’t move the needle. And it’s probably not necessary when someone has lost limbs or been rendered quadriplegic... Click here to read more.
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The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword
Not many First Amendment cases get filed. The vast majority—maybe 99 percent—get dismissed.
But ours didn’t. Last week we tried an important First Amendment case in the federal courthouse in Richland.
Click here to read more.
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Thirty Years in the Saddle
And just like that it’s been 30 years since I started practicing law.
My first job was at a law firm. But I didn’t like being told what to do. So three years (and three firms) later I started Myers & Company. My first business card read: Comprehensive Legal Services.
I didn’t want to miss an opportunity. Ever since then I’ve been narrowing my practice. At this point I just represent people who have been hurt—physically or financially—by someone else.
Click here to read more.
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Small Things Make a Big Difference
Most stories have a theme:
Fate v. Free Will
Good v. Evil
Man v. Nature
So do personal injury cases. Themes help tie together evidence and remind juries why what they’re hearing is important.
One of the big struggles is figuring out what theme really fits the facts of the case. A theme that isn’t quite right... Click here to read more.
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Filling in the Blanks
Most people have a pretty clear memory of how they got hurt. Frequently their memories are punctuated with very specific details. “That son of a bitch looked me right in the eye before turning left.” “The front door mat was a bright pastel color.” “The impact made a sound just like an M-80 going off.” But when you go through something traumatic, like a motorcycle wreck, the brain isn’t focused on making memories—it’s focused on survival. The same mechanisms that keep the brain sharp enough to escape immediate danger may also make it harder to accurately recall the event.
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He Passed Me Going 90 MPH
In just about every motorcycle case we have there
are allegations that our client was speeding. There are a couple of important things to know about the issue of motorcycle speed. The first relates to the reliability of witness observations. The second deals with the way courts deal with favored drivers exceeding the speed limit.
Witnesses are almost always wrong about
motorcycle speed. It may be based on the relatively small size of motorcycles compared to other vehicles. Or it may be based on witness bias.
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Public Health and Relations Crisis
The concept of public health has really expanded. It used to focus on disease. Now it includes things like gun deaths. New York’s Governor recently declared
a gun violence disaster emergency. This new strategy treats gun violence as a public health crisis. We have a public health crisis of our own in Washington. It doesn’t have anything to do with guns. Or COVID-19. It has to do with motorcycles.
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What the Jury Doesn't Hear
The evidence rules have a big impact on what the jury gets to hear (and what it doesn’t get to hear). Evidence can seem a lot like an iceberg: 10 percent visible, 90 percent below the surface.
A lot of the evidence rules are counter-intuitive. Here’s what the jury doesn’t get to hear in a personal injury case:
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