Phone: 517 240-0773
Email: tomrahn@yahoo.com
Web: http://mrf.org/
Hello again from the Mitten State! Well, January is over and so is another annual ABATE of Michigan State Seminar. The weather kind of kicked our butt this year as we had sleet, snow, and wind to hell wouldn’t have it! It hurt our attendance but those that came made the best of it! Our family got there around 3ish to settle in and get re
Hello again from the Mitten State! Well, January is over and so is another annual ABATE of Michigan State Seminar. The weather kind of kicked our butt this year as we had sleet, snow, and wind to hell wouldn’t have it! It hurt our attendance but those that came made the best of it! Our family got there around 3ish to settle in and get ready for our Friday meetings. Jinx, Bear, and Tamera helped with the MRF table, working the ticket roll for a beautiful blanket that was being auctioned off for the MRF for the weekend. MRF meeting consisted of all the assistant state reps that were in attendance, along with our VP Jay Jackson. Jay brought in some good insight on what the MRF as a whole is working on and what is needed of us in 2024. Jinx, Tamera, and I are working on the state member list to update it so we can be back on level playing field. Saturday’s breakout sessions were a blast as always, learning as much as you could. The biggest breakout took place later in the “hallway” with Congressman Tim Walberg; it was as if a celebrity walked in. After we all shook hands, Jay included, we chatted a bit and got ready for our LO session. Opening with Jim Rhoades going into the history of ABATE, opening the door to Congressman Walberg. With a standing ovation, the Congressman talked about Washington, the current state, a bit of old days, and the relationship with all of us. It was a true honor to listen as he spoke of things that I had not heard before of his years of coming to MI Seminar. However, it was nothing compared to how he ended his time. Congressman Walberg took his precious time to call out ABATE of Michigan’s outgoing President, Vince Consiglio, and presented him with a flag flown over the US Capital, and a written speech he spoke on the house floor to commemorate the many years and dedication for Motorcycle rights he fought for. It was a very somber moment witnessed by all.
Now that seminar is over, ABATE of MI has new leadership. Congratulations Gary Kopta. Along with new board members, there were a few changes in the MRF assistant state reps. Tamera spoke with all of them and determined what our focus is going to be for the upcoming year. Issues from autonomous vehicles, ethanol, membership, anti-profiling, and right to repair will be a major focus for us this year. We are finalizing the details for our annual pizza and pop luncheon event at the capital. This is always a great way to build relationships with legislators and staff year after year.
Jinx attended the ABATE of OHIO yearly seminar. Congrats to them for passing HB 201. The details are listed in the article by Mark Buckner. We appreciate our neighbors to the south. February 25 found the MI MRF crew at the Spring Flint swap meet. There was our newest member, US Senate Candidate Mike Hoover, shaking hands and spreading the word on the top issues we are fighting in the MRF. His and our presence was very well received, signing petitions and handing out MRF trifolds, signing up a few new members, and pushing issues important motorcycle riders. It was a great time!
The 15th Annual Michael “BOZ” Kerr Bikers Inside the Beltway May 20 & 21, 2024, if anyone is interested in going, please see your Regional Assistant State Rep and they will forward it to Jinx. Regional Assistant State Rep list can be found on our website under the MRF Tab. Also, this year is the 40th Anniversary of the Meeting of the Minds, will be held in St. Louis, MO. September 25-29 2024... Mark Your Calendars! Some other events to mention: March 30 is the COC fundraiser in Waterford. Talk to Jinx for more info. April 6 will be the MRF Fund Night spaghetti dinner put on by Region 7, it’s always a good time with great food. That’s all the news for now.
Thanks for giving a shit!!
Tom “Jinx” Rahn
Jeremy “Lil Ice Man” Bouvrette
Tamera “Mama Bear” Feldhouse
May 20 - 21
Sept. 26 - 29
TBD
TBD
TBD
Ed "Bear" Schuitema
PHONE: 231 907-0710 edschuitema@gmail.com/buckman_4@yahoo.com
Jim Rhoades
PHONE: 734 578-6144
TBD
TBD
Jeremy “Lil Ice Man” Bouvrette
PHONE: 989 980-8842 the_iceman99turbo@yahoo.com
Tamera “Mama Bear” Feldhouse
PHONE: 989-975-9933 runt1181@yahoo.com
TBD
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