CBA / ABATE of NC, GASTON COUNTY NC Chapter of the Year: 2007, 2010, 2012 & 2013

March 2016

PO Box 22, Lowell, NC 28098 / www.gastoncountycba.com

President’s Message— My goodness with all the political ads on TV, calls I’ve received on the phone and flyers in my mail, you would think my vote was very important! Well members – IT IS! A primary election is our way to say yes or no to a candidate. Don’t like a candidate – then get out and vote for the one you think would be the best person to put in the job. But remember a president can’t do much without the approval of the House and Senate. We don’t need another stalemate in Congress another four years where they sit up there and accomplish nothing. We pay their salaries, so they should work to benefit their constituents. And then there is our state and local primary. I’ve said this before and you need to heed this. Today’s county or city commissioner is probably tomor-row’s state or federal representative, so you need to do your homework and vote for the person that will fight for you and who doesn’t want to make more laws and rules that will encroach upon your freedom. Our government (in my opinion) is way too big. Every time we turn around there is another new law that takes another freedom away. Now if the government would make laws to stop anti-profiling, stop the anti-discrimination, allow motorcycles in public facilities that were built or maintained with tax payer dollars, allow us to choose the motorcycle attire that we want to wear or don’t want to wear (helmets), then those would be good and beneficial laws for us. Be prepared before you go to vote in the NC Primary on March 15th. SC has already made their choice. You may or may not agree with their choices, so here is your chance to counteract or solidify their vote. Our system runs on the number of delegates that a state provides a presidential candidate. The person that wins the most delegates in the primaries gets those delegate’s votes at the Republican and Democratic Convention to be held later this year, so you see every vote counts in this race. This is a little something you can tell prospective CBA and MRF members. DID YOU KNOW? While you are out on your motorcycle, enjoying that customized bike, spending a hundred or two dollars a weekend at a very well-deserving charity event, won't you spare the time to think of the people who are working very diligently to ensure that we ALL continue to ride what we want, where we want, how we want….forever? The folks who work very hard that you don’t even feel it. Give it some thought, brothers and sisters. CBA-ABATE of NC and MRF. Join both organizations today and help us continue the fight. Your name on those rosters gives the CBA and MRF more leverage to fight for your rights at the state and federal levels. The more members we have, the more influence we have. Get your friends to join. I know some bikers in this area think it’s not important to be a member of these organizations, but it certainly is. And I’m sure some of my friends that are not CBA members get tired of me trying to recruit them, but until they join I will continue to do just that. Please read the history of the CBA/ABATE on the state website and see why we are important to all bikers. It doesn’t matter if you are a member of another group because you can still be an active part of the CBA/ABATE by just joining. Your freedom to continue to wear that patch or color on your back is because of the hard work of CBA/ABATE and MRF. We are not gangs but some of our legislators would like to put us in that category. On Saturday, March 19th, we will have a St. Patrick’s Party at the Homestead (even though St. Paddy’s day is on the 17th). We do hope you will come out and support your CBA and the Homestead. It’s events like this that keeps us close together plus have a little fun while our main focus is on legislation in our state, All work and no fun makes for a very dull existence and we bikers know how to have fun – right? Besides being a St. Paddy’s Party, we have decided to make it another celebration also. If your candidate won in the primary (yippee) or you can drown your sorrow if your candidate didn’t win. It was a difficult February for Gaston CBA. We lost a brother to carelessness on the part of a driver who didn’t look. George Kannon was a good person who loved his brothers and sisters no matter what patch or color they had on their back. I personally never heard George utter a negative word, and that is a rare thing in this world. And a personal note from his sister thanked all who rode to pay their respect to George at his funeral. This was the very least we could do to honor a biker who has fallen. I know other members lost loved ones this past month and we send out sincere condolences to you and your family. It won’t be long before spring arrives. I know this because some of my flowers are already starting to bloom! Also in my book the woolly worm has a better track record than that groundhog they pull out every winter. So now is the time to service your bike for a good riding season ahead. Check your tires, rims and spokes. I had to have new rims put on my bike recently because of those BIG pot holes in SC. And there seems to be more of those BIG pot holes in NC lately. If you hit one while riding, please check those rims as soon as possible. The bike handles totally different when you have a bent rim. If you are a lapsed member and receiving this newsletter, it’s because we truly miss you and want you to come back. Gaston CBA is still alive and still fighting for you. We are here for the bikers of NC and we sincerely need your support.

Be safe while riding. Watch out for the careless driver and the driver that hates motorcyclist. Always be on alert becaus e today’s special ride could turn deadly. Take care & Ride Safe! SPECIAL NOTE: The Federal Highway Bill that Gabby has included in Jill her column has been signed by President Obama.

Gaston County CBA / Meeting Minutes / February 11, 2016 Meeting was held at the Gaston County Homestead with the Meeting being called to order by Gabby Mintz. Jennifer McGinnis led us with the opening prayer followed by Jill Stillwell leading the Pledge of Allegiance. President (Jill Stillwell) – A moment of silence was observed for CBA member George Kannon who was killed in a wreck. Jill thanked the CBA for dinner tonight. New members and visitors were recognized. Jill talked about the membership contest that is being sponsored by Buncombe CBA and will continue until the end of the year. Volunteers and Coordinators are needed for the homestead, CBA events, and products. Membership contest – Buncombe county CBA has contributed $500 for the contest. The contest will run from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. The member who recruits the most new members and can get members to rejoin who have been lapsed for at least one year will win $250. For every 10 members that sign up, your name goes into a drawing for another $250. There is a place on the membership applications for the recruiter to place their name.

Legislation (Dale Carroll) - This is an election year. Everyone needs to vote. If you don’t vote then you have no right to complain. During the primaries you have to vote for your registered party but not during general elections. NC Law now requires a valid ID to vote. Legislative Open House is February 27th from 1 pm – 4 pm. It is an opportunity to meet and talk with candidates who are running for office. Lobby Day in Raleigh will be May 11th. Please watch the newsletter and website for more information. 1st Vice President (Gabby Mintz) - Gabby discussed the chapter’s Spring Swap Meet that will be held at the Gaston County Homestead on Saturday, April 16th. Spaces are 10x10 and $10 each. Please contact Gabby if you are interested in being a vendor. Creekside has been moved to April 8th through April 10th this year. Hopefully the new date will have better weather. Sponsors for the newsletter are available. Please contact an officer if you know someone or a business that is interested in being a sponsor. Ads are also available for the State CBA/Abate newsletter. CBA, Homestead and Other Area Events – 2/13/2016 – Valentine’s Day Party at the Homestead with “Iron Bottom” playing 2/20/2016 – SOH sponsored fundraiser for the Oaks Family 11 am @ the Winner’s Circle 2/22/2016 – On the Border Night for the GOC 2/26/2016 – Game Night @ Homestead 2/27/2016 – Legislative Open House at the Homestead from 1 pm – 4 pm. The events for March, April & May are posted in the Calendar of Events. (The homestead is open on Friday and Saturday’s at 6:30 pm – Volunteers are always wanted) Please use common courtesy when tagging photos with the CBA and the Homestead. Please return borrowed koozies to the homestead or drop some off if you have extras that can be donated. Newsletter – Anyone can submit articles of motorcycle interest for the newsletter. Just remember to site your source and include a link if possible. Items for the March newsletter are due to Jill Stillwell by the 19th this month. Secretary (Donna Barnett) – We have 245 members (217 renewals, 28 Life, and 22 juniors). Motion made and passed to accept the January minutes as posted in the February newsletter. Please sign in each time you come to the homestead. Please remember to contact Donna if you have changes to your contact information (address, phone, or email) (deb2334@yahoo.com). You can save the chapter up to $25/year by receiving the newsletter online. New member packets are available – please see/contact Donna if you need one. Renewals are included in the weekly emails, the monthly newsletter and are posted at the homestead. Member-ships: single - $20, couple - $30 Treasurer (Pete McGinnis) – Pete read the treasurer’s report. Motion made and approved to accept the reports. Please contact Pete if you have any questions about the reports or would like to see then. Master Sergeant at Arms (Jason Beck) – Jason was absent. Nominations are now being accepted for two male sergeant at arms. Please submit names to Jason, Jill, Gabby or Donna. Crystal Moore was nominated for the female sergeant at arms. She was the only female nominated so a confirmation vote was held during the meeting. She was unanimously voted in as the new female sergeant at arms. Congratulations Crystal. Crystal was also given her patch at the end of the meeting. MSAP (Robert Ham) – Robert has set up a “Go Fund Me” Page to raise funds for purchasing MSAP keychains to give to students during MSAP classes. The purpose is to get students to look for “us” all the time. If they approach you and show you their keychain then buy them a soda. Dale requested that Robert send him the information for cost of the keychains so that he can submit it to the state for possible funding. Instructors are always needed for MSAP and you do not have to be a CBA member to teach MSAP. April 23rd will be customer appreciation and motorcycle safety promotion at Indian Motorcycle. A CBA membership drive will also take place this day. May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. Products – New shirts are in and cost $15 each (There are both men’s and women’s shirts). Please see an officer if you are interested in helping with products. Old Business – New Business – The presentation of proposed by-laws for our chapter have been postponed. Jason will be presenting them and he was absent from the meeting. We have new oval “Watch for Motorcycles” Gaston County CBA stickers. They are $1.00 each and are at the Homestead. Motion to Adjourn – Made and Passed. Pete led us in closing prayer.

Respectfully submitted, Donna Barnett, Secretary

1st Vice President—Hello Everyone, Hope all had a great Valentine’s. Awesome show of support! Wayne McCoig and Steve Greene (Iron Bottom) really rocked the night away. We also had a membership drive which was very successful in obtaining some new members as well as some that have lapsed. We are planning on having another party on March(19th) for St.Patty's day, may sure you wear green so you don't get pinched! We are also looking for a DJ that does karaoke. If you know anyone please have them call me. Another special membership drive that night as well .So here's you chance to take advantage of the special rates if you've been lapsed over a year, or you know someone that would like to join. Here we go again.. Like to join the CBA. Why not??

You receive 3,500 worth of accidental life insurance absolutely FREE.

You join the ranks with other fellow biker's that fight for all motorcyclist's rights.

Even though our Freedom of choice bill was killed in the committee in 2015, there is still plenty of work to

do. The session begins on Monday 4/25/16. Our Lobby Day is scheduled for Wednesday 5/11/16. Details will follow if you would like to be in Raleigh on that date.

Worth the Read—From MRF:

Our Spring Swap meet is just around the corner. If you would like to reserve your space, please hit me up , it's only $10 bucks for a 10x10 with larger spaces available. Winter soon will be over.. THANK GOD for that. I so hate winter! For some of you, you ride all year round. But some of us can't take the cold weather on our bones as well as we used to and our bikes our

parked til warmer weather arrives. With that said make sure you check you acid in your battery, never just add water only. You can buy acid at most any Parts store, or better yet take it to one of our local sponsor's to have them take a look at your bike. Hope you found something useful out of my article, Yeah I procrastinated and had to throw something

together. Teach me next time to be more prepared ..LOL !! Not like I don't have a whole month in between time to research, think and pull something out of the hat? Hey Holla at me anytime if you'd like to see something covered that you may be interested in..We got alot of new lady rider's out their. Love to share war stories with ya. Just please be safe out their! Life is so short and people do not LOOK! I'm a survivor of a wreck 2 yrs. this month. As for some, they weren't so lucky and usually to no fault of their own. Remember

our fallen biker friends that aren't with us anymore may the rest in peace, til we met again. Remember to be kind and love one another, help when needed. After all...that's what Brotherhood and Sisterhood is all about isn't it? I'm outta here.. Happy Spring and St. Patty's Day.. Ride safe! Look Twice Safe a Life Motorcycles Are EVERYWHERE! Gabby, Vice President / Events Coordinator / Sponsor Chair Person Western District Coordinator

FEDERAL HIGHWAY BILL HEADS TO THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

LEGISLATION -

It is almost that time! Time to for us to show our patriotic pride and our sense of nationalism by participating in

the time honored tradition our Founding Fathers set forth. It’s time to vote. Now, actually the Founding Fathers

didn’t mean for women or any minorities to vote, but now they can. And they can own property and get married but

so can gays and lesbians. So make sure you do your civic duty and get to the polls on Tuesday March 15th.

However, you won’t be able to vote for the US Congressional seat. A federal judge panel has ruled the re-districting

of those districts was in error. The Primary for that office will be in June. Also, the voting precinct locations have

changed for some voters. If you are unsure you should check with the Gaston Board of Elections at:

Gaston County Board of Elections

James D Carroll, Legislative Coordinator

GUEST SPEAKERS FOR OUR MARCH GENERAL MEETING!

Liz Sorrell, a NC Attorney with the Motorcycle Law Firm and Shannon Rights, a Member of

the North Central CBA and also a member of the Motorcycle Law Firm will be giving a

presentation on insurance and your rights as a policy holder. They will go over the NC

insurance laws and how to protect you BEFORE an accident happens. Please bring your

insurance motorcycle declaration pages with you and then after the meeting they will go

over it with you and will let you know if you are sufficiently covered. Ms. Sorrell rides a HD

1200 XL Sportster and Shannon rides a Honda Rebel 450.

PhatPhil’s Smokehouse will be providing our meal at the March meeting. Thanks Phil!

OUR SPONSORS: When you visit one of our sponsors—please be sure to say that you are a member of Gaston

CBA and that you appreciate their sponsorship of our chapter. We have cards at the Homestead you can car-

ry and give out when you visit them Just ask for a few cards the next time you are at the Homestead.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR GASTON COUNTY CBA,

GASTON COUNTY HOMESTEAD AND AREA EVENTS

2/27— 1-4 pm: Legislative Open House at the Homestead.

3/7— 6:30 pm: CBA Events meeting. Continue work on our Swap Meet

3/7— 7:30 pm: Officers meeting

3/10— 7 pm: CBA GENERAL MEETING (Guest speakers & food

provided by PhatPhil’s Smokehouse)

3/11— Game night at the Homestead

3-19— 8 pm: St. Patrick Day’s Party at the Homestead

3/19— Whole Butt Sale @ Carolina Thunder (orders are now being taken)

3/26 & 27—Charlotte Swap Meet (last one @ Metrolina Fair Grounds

because the property has been sold).

3-26— Game night at the Homestead

4/16— 9th Annual Gaston CBA Swap Meet

5/11— Lobby Day in Raleigh

Gaston County Homestead is open on Friday & Saturday Nights

All area events welcome on our online newsletter…

please send to jillstillwell@bellsouth.net

Mechanized Calvary— On Saturday, March 5th, 2016, per request from SCVHQ, the Major Charles Q. Petty Camp 872, Gastonia, NC will be hosting a Flag Rally at the Gaston County Courthouse, 325 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Gastonia, NC 28052. The rally will begin at 2:00 and will wrap up by 4:00. Please share this info with all SCV and SCVMC members and any others you know of who properly support our beloved Confederate Heritage. Obviously, we will need a very strong show of support. For any additional info, please e-mail me at star1568@bellsouth.net. Thanks to all for all you do. Bill Starnes, Commander, Major Charles Q. Petty Camp 872.

In Loving Memory of our brother

George J Kannon Jr

VOTESPOTTER An APP for your phone to let you know who represents you and

how they vote on issues.

Votesmart A website on your computer to let you know who represents you and

how they vote on Issues. You might be very surprised on how your reps vote!

NEW STATE WEBSITE Please check out the new state website at CBA ABATE of NC On the website now is a really good history of the CBA/ABATE in North Carolina.

2016 Membership Contest sponsored by Buncombe

County CBA is announced.

Membership Contest—Win $250 or even $500!!! Buncombe County Chapter is donating $500

for two recruitment prizes.

The person who recruits the most new members in 2016 wins

$250! Another $250 prize goes to the winner of a drawing. To

be entered in the drawing, you must recruit 10 new or lapsed

members. Members must have been lapsed for 1 year. For every

10 names recruited, you get another chance to win. For more

information check Donna’s minutes.

GASTON CBA ALSO HAS A NEW WEBSITE—SO PLEASE CHECK IT OUT AT Gaston County CBA

Thanks to Pete McGinnis for the hard work he puts in to

design and keep our website up to date.

This is a GREAT Bike Rally—so make your plans to go!

Renewals for September 2015 - March 2016

Keri Hunt Blair & Lisa Sutton Wendy Johnson Johnnie & Lisa Beegle Sherry McKinnish

September Calvin & Carol Hannah Jordan Lutz Tammy Ramsey Herman Arrendale Nancy Stowe Duane & Ginger Tompkins Brian Keith Campbell Lindsey Dudley Meleah Sipes Timothy "Red" Justice Billy & Angie Starnes Jeff "Hoss" Moller Don Mason Claudette Lanning Shane Mathis Greg Daly Scott Denlinger Joe McFarland Chris & Bambe Ealey Richard Mintz Adam Nicoletti Kevin "Chappy" Pitts Aaron "Blaze" Chapman Jared Tenney

Memberships can be renewed via PayPal using our website: Gaston County CBA or by mailing it to Gaston County CBA,

PO Box 22, Lowell, NC 28098, at any event where the CBA is set up or in person at the Gaston County Homestead.

October Sherry Littlejohn Andrew Johnson Douglas Scott Wilson Dorene Reubelt Blake McLean Melissa White Barry Dean Scruggs Jr. Ed & Jeanette Solt Travis "Justin” Dale Teddy & Donna Blanton Richard McLean Jean Burdsal Lindsay "P-DAB" Miller Jim Auten James & Debra Carpenter Ilana Cunningham Katie Dixon Amanda Helms Randy Smith Robin Potts Steven Lee McGinnis Calvin & Kathy Stewart Steven "Dawg" Knox Tina Long

January 2016

Dayna Wilson-Burris Keith Costner Rick Jenkins Danny & Vickie Plemmons .

November

Jerry Christopher Cindy Denton Larry "Augie" Ensley Jerry Francis Teeter Christopher Dixon Amber Stikeleather December Frank LeBeau Ginny Gaydon Billy & Geraldine Orrell Jimmy "Redman" Rushing Lynn Howson Tammy Faucette David Laws

Rob Robinson Miles Hamrick, Sr February 2016 Jon Pendleton Guy & Carla Zeuner Roy "Pete" & Jennifer McGinnis Lewis & Kathy Cox Haylle Black Tim Poarch C. Scott Stacy Jr. Mike & Paula Cole Holden Russell Charlie & Pashia Evans John C. Revels Mike & Karen Slininger March 2016 Alan & Cathy Cloninger Michelle Lineberger-Hall Christy Long D. Shane & Lisa Burris Christopher James Clark

We are having a membership drive at the

St. Patrick’s Party for new & lapsed members.

2016 GASTON CBA OFFICERS

If you have any questions, suggestions or complaints concerning YOUR Chapter in<meta http-equiv="refresh" content="0;

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LEGISLATION: Dale Carroll 704 689-7436 dale8489@att.net MASTER SGT AT ARMS: Jason Beck 704 472-8674 iamjbeck@yahoo.com

SERGEANTS AT ARMS:

John Crawford Crystal Moore

PRESIDENT & NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Jill Stillwell 704 922-5437 / 704 913-7281 jillstillwell@bellsouth.net VICE PRESIDENT & SPONSOR CHAIRPERSON Gabby Mintz 704 868-4688 ncharleygurl@yahoo.com SECRETARY: Donna Barnett 704 287-4309 deb2334@yahoo.com

TREASURER: Pete McGinnis 704 616-7152 mcginnis.pete@gmail.com

Gaston CBA Treasurer’s Report January 2016

Beginning Balance : $1,741.85 Income: $ 850.00 New & Renewals Membership

$ 15.00 Products $ 100.00 Donation $ 848.01 Polar Bear Run

$ 44.00 Refund $(1,366.15) Uncleared Items Total Income: $1,857.01

Expenses: $ 16.30 Membership Expense $ 213.64 State Meeting

$ 415.22 Newsletter $ 26.16 Legislation Total Expenses:$ 671.32

Ending Balance (1/31/2016) - $2,927.54

Respectfully submitted by: Pete McGinnis

If you have any questions, please contact Pete at the information listed below.

Homestead Treasurer’s Report

December 2015

Beginning Balance: $328.00

Income:

$ 545.00 Concession stand donations

$ 10.00 Locker 2016

$

Total Income: $ 555.00

Expenses:

$ 101.00 Concession

$ 394.00 Power Bill

$ 500.00 Rent

Total Expenses: $ 995.00

Ending Balance (1/31/2016) - $ (112.00)

As you can see reflected in our ending balance, we

need your help if we are going to continue having

the Homestead as our CBA home. If you would like

to help—we take donations. Or just support our

events and parties.