Central Illinois A.B.A.T.E., Inc.

June 2008

Brothers and Sisters,
    

We had our General Membership Meeting May 10th, at the 21 Club (the former Benny's) downtown with 22 members present. There were no guests or new members to be introduced.

The 28th Camp out and Motorcycle Ride-In Reunion was on Memorial Weekend, and we took up a collection at the meeting to cover the cost of renting the shelter for the weekend at $75. Thanks to all who donated.

We didn't have a way to get the downhill racer car to the event which was on May 10th in Monmouth, but we did get our shirt sponsorship for $55. Maybe we can plan farther ahead for next year and have the car there. It is in storage at Gary Rule's house and we are needing someone else to volunteer to take over that task for us, it needs to be in a place that the wheels are off the ground so the tires don't get flat spots from sitting. If any one would like to volunteer, call Bert, 309 344-4080.

Since the Region Party was canceled and moved to be at Fulton County's Rodeo, we have been asked to donate to the Region that will help pay for the Band at the Rodeo. We took no action on this request.

Eleven people rode down to the Freedom Rally on May 4th from the Knoxville Hardees, and they stopped in Maquon on the way back and had an afternoon lunch. No one we know of attended the Bi-State Ride this year, where you had to pay to participate for the first time.

Scooter reported 30 riders on the Shakedown Run and which wasn't too bad considering the cold that we have been experiencing lately. We made a little bit anyway, not a loss.

Willis gave a Safety Presentation on being aware of the road conditions and to look out for farm equipment that may intrude into your lane of travel. He relayed a story about a boom from a field sprayer sticking out into the roadway by several feet on Rt 78 and a guy didn't notice until he was upon it and ducked just before it broke his windshield off. Ride aware and scan your surroundings for hazards!

Scott reported that on Central's 10th Annual Awareness Ride earlier today, May 10th, they had 12 riders and went from Shopko in Monmouth on Rt 34, to Galesburg, then on Rt 150 through Galesburg and Knoxville where the ride ended. Thanks to those that came out to ride on this event. Scott went on to report on May is Motorcycle Awareness Month Proclamations and getting a nice framed version from Monmouth. Bert attended the Galesburg Council Meeting and received the Proclamation there.

Swede said at the meeting that he is donating a ham for the Campout and Willis is donating a turkey. Bob Kemper told Scooter that he volunteers to be down there and bring his "smoker". Thanks for the donations.

The Charity Hog Drive will start on July 1st and run through the first couple of weeks of August. This year's event is a stand alone event with the proceeds going to D.I.G.I.T, Western IL Special Olympics, and Galesburg Youth Athletic Club. We have teamed up with G&M Distributors and they will put out the "paper hogs" for people to donate. The retailer raising the most money will receive a hog roast and band for a party at their establishment. There will be a Hog Roast Run to visit the top runners-up, ending at the Hog Roast. There is no Chip Trip this year.

We also have determined that any auction items that are donated to the Bash will benefit our Trauma Toy and Motorcycle Safety Funds. So if you have an item you wish to donate, or know of someone who does, it will benefit a good cause.

IF YOU ATTEND A MEETING OR FUNCTION AT THE 21 CLUB, DO NOT PARK IN THE OLD SEARS PARKING LOT. IT IS A TOW ZONE, AND WE OBSERVED THEM DOING IT. PLEASE PARK IN THE 21 CLUB PARKING LOT.

Our next event is the Just Because Ride on June 28th with sign-up at Chilly Willy's Custom Cycle at the southwest corner of Knox and South Farnham from 11 AM to 1 PM. See the flyer elsewhere in this paper. Also look for the Bash early edition flyer in this issue.

Our next Board meeting is at 21 Club, Galesburg, at 7 PM June 11th, and the general membership meeting is on June 14th at 21 Club, 1/2 block North of the Post Office in Galesburg. If you need to verify a meeting or other information, Bert McElroy is the President and his Phone # is 309 344-4080. Keep in mind that he works most weekend days and call after 5:30 PM or anytime during the day to leave a message on the answer machine.

Keep safe and see you down the road..........

Jim “Pure Pork” Dean

Secretary

Email Secretary/Webmaster of Central Il ABATE