Wow 2010, that's almost hard to say...Sarge and Gary braved the cold to say they were the first ones to ride in 2010 on New Years Day (see photo), way to go guys!

Alice Jacob our Legislative & Awareness Officer says there isn't alot on the table as of this writing pertaining to motorcycle issues and ABATE for legislation, at least not yet. She did report her efforts along with Chuck & Jackie Kulikowski for motorcycle awareness classroom instruction and they taught 396 students in 2009. Although down from previous years still big kudos for all the extra time you generously donate to the cause! If you or anyone you may know would like more information on becoming an instructor or to see what's involved please email ajacob2549@wideopenwest.com , ABATE can always use the help.  Region 11's organizational meeting for the new year proved to be informative, fun and enthusiastic for a host of events and some new faces too!  Starting the year off is our 14th Annual Bowling for Dollars this Valentine's Day to raise funds for Motorcycle Legislative Action...pass the word, bring a friend, the kids...it's a cheap way for an afternoon of family fun (see flyer) and show your support, any last minute info needed contact Tiny 586.306.7146.  Items on the 2010 agenda include but are not limited to the 4th Annual Horseshoe Tournament (see flyer ~ note Adair Bar is the new location) on Saturday May 8th, mark your calendar.  We're looking forward to the NEW / revised North End Poker Run, Rich "Magilla" Snooks to follow up with more info, another NEW event which is an All Summer Long Poker Run, how cool is that...Keith Steiber will give us all the details real soon! Region 11's annual 4th of July Observation run will be on July 3rd and Al Copp will provide us with more info too,  A NEW camping weekend, a bike/car wash, an ABATE Region 11 Family Picnic, a Breast Cancer support run, the Leatherworks Ride are all in the works. So please stay tuned, come to a meeting...remember you don't need to be a member to see what ABATE is all about and what it's doing for you...it's going to be a blast this year!  Since the deadline for this article was the same weekend as the State Seminar all the details won't be posted until next month including all the juicy details of the pajama party!  Also for anyone interested in attending Hell's Our Home annual winter bash email softail_85@yahoo.com for more info.

Again a reminder the Macomb meeting which is held the last Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. is now at the Hamlin Pub 48929 Hayes Rd (southwest corner of 22 Mile), Shelby Township, MI 48315 - (586) 247-4100 and the Lapeer & St. Clair county meeting held the 2nd Tuesday of the month is back at Chicky's Paradise Saloon 133 North Main Street, Almont, MI  48003 (810) 798-9546 at 7:30 pm.  John and Anna Whisenhunt, the website looks great, keep up the good work! Please check it out for up to date info on any event for Region 11 at http://www.miabateregion11.info/default.htm . 

Thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you soon! 

TAM

Just a quick report on the Seminar.  I really want to thank all Region 11 members who attended.  We had the best turnout that we've had in the past 3 years.  There were 16 of us all together who made it.  This was the first year we participated in the Hospitality Suite contest and we had a great response.  Special thanks go to Ray & Jenni K. for heading this up for us.  When the award was given for best suite, the judges said they had 3 major categories that they judged on, Food quality, Presentation, & Hospitality (there was a fourth, but I really didn't understand what that was).  The judges said that just on Hospitality, Region 11 was the best.  To have them say that and this being our first attempt made me very proud of our members.  All the other Regions that participated (and the sponges that didn't) had really cool themes, but Region 4 edged us all out with their great Ancient Greek theme.  I want to encourage all members to attend this event next year.  Not only is it very informative in the workshops, but it gives everyone the opportunity to interact with members from parts of the state that you wouldn't normally be able to.

Chris