Abate of Arkansas May, 2024

Chairman

Chuck Vaughn akelsey@ipa.net

501.207.3093

Co-Chairman

Rodney Farley

Secretary

Beverly Waddell bbowen1960@yahoo.com

Treasurer

Helen Wesson usapro@sbcglobal.net

870.222.8509

Membership Secretary

Rodney Farley abateofarkansas@swbell.net

Sergeant At Arms

Randy Hutcheson

870.540.9654

Products

Rodney Farley

501.317.1832

abateofarkansas@swbell.com

Newsletter

Rodney Farley refarley59@yahoo.com

MRF State Representative

Rodney Farley refarley59@yahoo.com

501.940.7859

MRF State Assistant

Helen Wesson usapro@sbcglobal.net

870.222.8509

State WEBMASTER

A.J. Huffman abateofarkansas@swbell.net

ABATE of Arkansas State Office Mgr

Rodney Farley

P.O. BOX 1932 NLR, AR 72115

501-317-1832

The main purpose of the ABATE organization is to work toward continued freedom of the road by insuring that motorcyclist’s point of view is presented to our legislators and to promote motorcycle safety, rider education and public awareness. We are trying to alleviate the very real possibility of “Big Brother Government”. We encourage all our members to be informed registered voters. We write letters to our elected officials and stay aware of what is going on with motorcycle legislation, and other transportation issues. We welcome interested parties to any of our activities or to join our organization.

All articles and photo’s within the contents of this newsletter and our website are the property of ABATE of ARKANSAS. You may not use them without the express written consent of the newsletter editor, webmaster or the ABATE of ARKANSAS board.

-1832 Call the ABATE HOTLINE anytime for any info or to contact any officer

-501-

ABATE ofARKANSASencourages all members to submit letters, articles or cartoons they feel may be of interest to fellow ABATEmembers. ABATE ofARKANSASsupports the rights of ALL motorcyclists, ABATE ofARKANSASdoes not endorse any products or services other than its own.

The thoughts and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual contributors alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the ABATE of ARKANSAS board and it’s members.

THE RAY GOWEN AWARD

Decades ago, there was an ABATE member named Ray Gowen. Ray was one of those guys who loved people, especially biker people. He and his wife would be at almost every ABATE event and, not just his district’s events, but every event. He was one of the first to arrive and one of the last to leave. Ray welcomed everyone to ABATE and to the events where he was a volunteer. His rugged biker look just might have made some shy away but, his infectious smile and giving, loving servant’s heart would win most everyone over. Ray was an ordinary ABATE member that always gave that extra little bit, making Ray Gowen that extraordinary ABATE member. Ray passed away and his hard work and passion was missed so, the State Board of ABATE created the “Ray Gowen Memorial Award.” Ray exemplified the inscription on the plaque that is given to the most outstanding ABATE member each year in the state of Arkansas. Ordinarily, each year there is a member that is nominated to the State Board and the tough decision is made and this member is selected. This year, 2024, Rodney Farley was nominated and received the Ray Gowen award, presented to him April 14th at The ABATE of Arkansas state meeting held in Little Rock. Rodney is a founding member as well as a Charter member and Lifetime member of many SMRO. He has been a member 39 years and has held many positions in his district and the state level. He has held many positions in the organization to include state chairman and the current state co-chair, the state MRF representative, president of the new District 1 and as of January this year, the State Office Manager. Rodney did not let District 1 die when they closed down. He got people to join him in getting ir back and has worked his rear end off trying to get the old members to show up for meetings as well as trying to get new members to join. Rodney has used his own money to get things for the District and has rarely ever asked for reimbursement. He believes in ABATE with all his heart and will do his best to keep it going as long as he can. Rodney has had some health issues during the past year and even though he may have had to slow down, he never gave up any of the positions he currently holds. Rodney is a true inspiration for all of us if we just follow his example.

MAY 4th

Freedom Rally in Little Rock

MAY 4th

Armadillo Festival in Hamburg

AUGUST 5th

Hot Dog Sale at Atwoods in Monticello

AUGUST 16-18th

Mountains, Music, Motorcycles in Mt. View

OCTOBER 1st-6th

Drew County Fair Booth Set up

OCTOBER 12th

Owlfest

OCTOBER 25-27th

Mid-South Mile in Hot Springs

Rodney Farley won 1st PLACE at the Combat Veterans /Conway Car & Bike show.

BEST RAT BIKE

ANNUAL DUES

Single $30 Couple $35 Assoc (under 18) $5

Sustaining Memberships

Annual Individual (up to 2) $100

Annual District $100

PLEASE PRINT

New Member Renewal

Member#___________ /___________/___________

Name_________________________________________

Name (joint)

Assoc. Name(s)

Address

City __________________ State_____ Zip___________

Phone (____) ______________________

Birthday(s) ________/____ /______________

Would You Like To Receive Newsletter by Email?

YES NO

Email

Dist #_______ Exp Date: __________ ___

Yr Pins (given as follows)1/5/10/15/20/25/30/35) -

All others must be requested & paid for in advance, as long as supply lasts

Mail Check / Money Order to: ABATE of Arkansas, Inc. P.O. BOX 1932 North Little Rock, AR 72015

When you join you receive your ABATE patch, window sticker, membership card, welcome letter and insurance.

Karla Farley

To initiate , endorse and sponsor educational programs such as rider safety, public awareness, legislative and affirmative action and, individual freedoms and rights.

2)… To create and promote a positive public image of motorcyclists and motorcycle groups and to dispel and disprove media hype, unfounded propaganda and the “Hollywood” image.

3)… To encourage goodwill and mutual understanding among motorcyclists, law enforcement personnel and the general public.

4)… To serve as an information source on matters pertaining to current laws, pending legislation, personal rights, political inclinations of elected officials and their constituents, and voter awareness.

5)… To act as a central responsive agency to devise and coordinate recreational, legislative, educational, and charitable activities

2022 Crash Statistics

NHTSA Report Mixed News For Bikers

This week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its final 2022 Fatality Analysis Reporting System traffic crash data. NHTSA reported 42,514 total fatalities in the U.S. in 2022. That is a 1.7% decrease from the previous year.

However, the final numbers show mixed results for motorcyclists. Sadly, overall rider deaths on our nation’s roadways increased by 1.2%. The official number of motorcyclists killed in 2022 was 6,218, an increase of 75 deaths compared to 2021.

Biker deaths now account for 15% of all fatalities on the road, up 1% from 2021. Large truck, bus and pedestrian deaths also saw increases, while passenger car occupants saw a decrease. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) remains concerned that these numbers may justify lawmakers taking a closer look at motorcyclists and our place in the transportation network. We surely do not need to be singled out for further scrutiny and have our freedoms limited.

Fortunately, the final number of motorcyclists injured dropped by 2.6% in 2022. Two years ago, there were 82,687 biker injuries in crashes, down 2,211 from 84,898 the previous year.

While every crash is unique, there are some disturbing trends. Alcohol-impaired fatal crashes account for 29% of all motorcyclist deaths. Across the nation, 7.8% of fatal crashes involved a “distracted driver.” Personal responsibility is a core value of the MRF. We must ensure we are all making the right decisions to protect ourselves and others on the road. If we don’t, who will?

D-1 CENTRAL ARKANSAS

PRES. RODNEY FARLEY 501-940-7859

MTGS. / 3RD THURS / 6PM / BLACK ANGUS REST 5100 W MARKHAM / LITTLE ROCK

D-2 JONESBORO

PRES. JOHN JOHNSON 870-930-6640

MTGS. / 1ST SUN / 1PM / ASSOCIATION CLUBHOUSE 202 S PATRICK / JONESBORO

D-4 FAYETTEVILLE/NW ARKANSAS

PRES. James Hegna

MTGS./ 1ST SAT/5PM/AMERICAN LEGION POST 27 1195 S CURTIS AVE/ FAYETTEVILLE

D-7 HARRISON

PENNE ESTES

MTGS. / 1st THUR / Eat 5:30PM / 7PM Harrison Elks Lodge

D-13 JACKSONVILLE

PRES. BOBBY SHERRON 501-681-5464

MTGS. / 2nd Tues / 6:45PM / US PIZZA McCain Blvd. North Little Rock

D-16 MTN HOME PRES. NEIL (TIG) NORTON 870-706-9200 1st THUR @ 6:30pm / EAGLES CLUB Midway, AK

D-18 SOUTHEAST PRES. DAVID HARRIS 870-501-1770

MTGS. 1ST THUR / 7PM / DREW COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

D-19 SEARCY

PRES. CHUCK VAUGHN 501-207-3093

MTGS. 1ST TUES. / 7PM / AMERICAN LEGION 173 HWY 11 / SEARCY

D-20 PINE BLUFF

PRES. DANNY WOOD 870-699-8205

MTGS 1ST SAT./ 10AM / HARMONY BAPTIST ASSOC. 8869 HWY 79 SOUTH/ PINE BLUFF

DISTRICT 1 Central Arkansas

President

Rodney Farley 3105 Oak Grove Road NLR, AR 72118 501.940.7859 refarley59@yahoo.com

Vice President

Karla Farley

3105 Oak Grove Road NLR, AR 72118 karlacreasey@yahoo.com

Secretary / Treasurer

Beverly Waddell 12 Tallyho Ct. Jacksonville, AR 72076 bbowen1960@yahoo.com

Sergeant at Arms

Julie Kline

Newsletter Editor

Rodney Farley refarley59@gmail.com

State Reps

Rodney Farley

Pete Waddell

Karla Farley

State Alternates

Beverly Waddell

District 1 Meetings 3rd THURSDAY of MONTH

6PM Black Angus Restaurant

5100 W. Markham, Little Rock https://www.arkansas.com/things-to-do/motoring-byways/motorcycling

DISTRICT 4 Northwest Arkansas

President

James “Tiny” Hegna

DISTRICT 2 Jonesboro

Vice President

Tina Jackson

Secretary

Tina Redman

Treasurer

Ed Jackson

Sergeant at Arms

President

John Johnson

870.930.6640

Secretary

Mack Newsom

870.573.6546

Treasurer

Steve Taylor

870.219.9209

Sergeant at Arms

Fonzie

870.351.1204

District 2 Meetings

1st SUNDAY of MONTH 1PM

ASSOCIATION CLUBHOUSE 202 South Patrick, Jonesboro

Nora Heath

Road Captain

Seth Robison

State Rep

Rick Duran

Tamara Stevens

Alternates

Erynn Carriger

Bobby Beavers

Stand By Derek Riedel (Communicator)

Legislation

William Cassidy

District 4 Meetings 1st SATURDAY of MONTH 5PM American Legion Post 27 1195 Curtis

DISTRICT 7 Harrison

President

Mike Conway 870.754.6822

Vice President

Melissa Block

Secretary / Treasurer

Penne Estes

Sergeant at Arms

Wayne Carr

Chaplain

Jerry Harris

Road Captain

Fred Tyson

District 7 Meetings 1st THURSDAY of MONTH 5:30PM Eat & Fellowship 7PM Meeting

Harrison ELK’s Lodge 1521 65N & Hwy 62W

President

Bobby Sherron

501.681.5464 bjsj3240@gmail.com

Vice President

Frank Blevins 501.909.2400

DISTRICT 13 continued

Secretary

Gina Fulmer 259.1087

Treasurer

Terry Fulmer

Sergeant at Arms

Billy McKinney

PRIMARY

Bobby Frank Terry ALTERNATE

Gina

Billy

Charles

OUR 2024 Officers

THANK YOU ALL FOR Another tear

District 13 Meetings

2nd TUESDAY of MONTH 6PM Eat 6:45PM Meeting

U S PIZZA Co. 4001 McCain Park Dr.

BIKE NIGHT

Across from Greystone 1st TUESDAY of MONTH 6PM

Monthly Saturday Dinner Ride

Location and time determined at monthly meetings. Check our FB page

DISTRICT 13 Jacksonville

D-13 2024 CALENDER

May 4 Ar. Freedom Rally Sat

May 14 District Meeting Tues Ngt

May 18-19 Bobby’s Fort Smith Ride Wknd

June 1

Billy’s Day Ride ** Sat

June 11 District Meeting Tues Ngt

June 14-16 SCO Wknd

July 9 District Meeting Tues Ngt

July 20 D/R Sat Ngt

Aug 11 District Meeting Tues Ngt

Aug 16-18 MMM Wknd

Sept 10 District Meeting Tues Ngt

Sept 18-21 BBBQ

Sept 21 BFRMA Sat

Sept 21 D/R Sat Ngt

Oct 8 District Meeting Tues Ngt

Oct 11-13 FFCO Wknd

Oct 19 Harold & Denne’s Ride Sat

Nov 12 District Meeting Tues Ngt

Nov 16 D/R Sat Ngt

Dec 7 Christmas Party * Sat Ngt

Dec 10 District Meeting Tues Ngt

Dec 21 D/R Sat Ngt

* For Members Only ** Cancel if Rains

More to be Added

FYI…...Newsletter is written 1 month before publishing; the most accurate information is on our FB page.

MY email has been messed up since a recent update and it appears that April’s newsletter didn’t make it to Rodney. Hopefully I’ve got it worked out now and will be able to share a few things. We at D13 are ready for Riding! We have quite a few rides coming up that we are all looking forward to. No big ride this year, we do that every other year and will start discussing the next one soon. Seems that our sick folks are on the

www.facebook.com/ABATEDist16?fref=ts

DISTRICT 16 Mountain Home

President

Neil (TIG) Norton

Vice President

Bowtie

Secretary

Doc Treasurer

Bam Bam

Sergeant at Arms

Chris Reynolds

District 16 Meetings 1st THURSDAY of MONTH 7PM Eagles Club, Midway Arkansas

DISTRICT 18 Southeast Arkansas

President

David Harris 870.281.4708

Vice President

David Harris

Secretary

Helen Wesson

Treasurer

Karon Loveless

Sergeant at Arms

Charles Dalsis

District 18 Meetings 1st THURSDAY of MONTH 6PM

We meet weekly at Hardees on Race St. and leave by 10am. We all meet discuss all that is going on in the area and mutually to ride in the same direction.

DISTRICT 19 White County/Searcy

President

Chuck Vaughn

501.207.3093

Vice President

Keith Barnett

501.593.0908

Secretary

Steve Lewis

Treasurer

John Butler

ABATE Constitutional Changes were adopted by the State Board Reps at our recent meeting.

MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS SIGNS

We have several available to put up around the county. Working with two locations now.

Sergeant at Arms

Alma Vaughn

State Rep

Keith Barnett

John Butler

Chuck Vaughn

Alternates

Steve Lewis

Lynn Mitsunaga

Clark Warden

All are welcome to attend our meetings. We meet the 1st Tuesday of each month at the…….

American Legion Post 324 173 Hwy 11

Morning Sun, AR

Meet & Greet 6:30PM Meeting 7:00PM

D19 NEWSLETTER EDITOR

John Butler john955@centurytel.net

If you have any articles you’d like seen in the Newsletter you can send them to me and I will gladly work them into the next Newsletter submission.

Annual Officer Elections for 2024

With some adjustments made necessary due to Bryn Chalcroft leaving, we have elected our stable of District Officers and State Board Representatives for next year. We’d like to thank all that volunteer their time to keep this boat afloat.

DISTRICT 20 Pine Bluff/Sheridan

President

Danny Wood

Vice President

870.699.8205

Charles Greenlee 870.510.9536

Secretary

Elaine Hutcheson 870.489.2098

Treasurer

Ann Harris 870.643.7949

Sergeant at Arms / Chaplain

Ray Cuthbertson 870.643.5983

Road Captain

Open Position

State Rep

Randy Hutcheson, Danny Wood, Charles Greenlee

Alternates

Gary Tucker, Sherry Wewer, Mike Harris

Chaplain

Ray Cuthberson

Email / Public Relations

Pat Freeman extex1977@yahoo.com

Newsletter

Elaine Hutcheson hutcheson.elaine@yahoo.com

MEETING LOCATION

District 20 Meetings

1st SATURDAY of MONTH

JAN—APR 2024 10:00AM

MAY DEC 2024 9:00AM

Harmony Baptist Association 8869 HWY 79 SOUTH

(Approx 7 Miles from I-530)

If you would like to be a part of this IMPORTANT PROGRAM TO HELP FELLOW RIDERS please contact Rodney

Farley