2015 – United Motorcyclists of Vermont

The Veterans’ Place – Support Our Vets…

By Joe on December 17, 2015 / Call To Action, Causes, Events, Uncategorized

The Veterans' Place December, 2015 Donation

On Wednesday, December 16, 2015 a few members visited the Veterans’ Place in Northfield, VT. Clarence, UMV’s treasurer made a motion at our last monthly meeting that we should make a donation during the holidays. The Veterans’ Place was suggested and all present agreed.

We first heard of the Veterans’ Place last summer when they asked if they could sell raffle tickets at the Annual Toy Run, we were glad to have them.

So on Wednesday Holly (president), Clarence (treasurer) and Joe (sgt. at arms) got the checkbook, some donated items and some home-baked goodies and went for a visit.

We were greeted by Karen Boyce (Administrative Manager/Case Manager), Phil Rowell (Facilities Manager/Case Manager), several residents and Patch the dog.

From the Veterans’ Place Website…

“Our purpose is to help Vermont’s Homeless Veterans by providing desperately needed resources in an all-in-one locale so these Veterans may regain their PRIDE, reach their full potential, and once again become contributing members of society.”

“The Veterans’ Place is a transitional housing facility combined with assistive services for Homeless Veterans in Central Vermont. Our goal is to help Homeless Veterans transition from the homeless population. We have more than twenty-five other dedicated partners helping us.”

United Motorcyclists of Vermont is dedicated to motorcycle safety, education, awareness, pro-motorcyclists legislation and individual freedom. Helping our Vets is an important part of supporting individual freedom. Our veterans have made sacrifices to protect our country, and world. There will always be aggression in the world and our Vets stood ready to defend our lives and liberty.

Supporting our troops and Vets is something that each and every one of us should do.

Karen Boyce, the administrative manager told us how some of the vets are overwhelmed during the holidays by the outpouring of donations and good will at Christmas. Maybe we could be a little more like Scrooge, after his reformation, and try to keep the spirit of Christmas in our hearts all the year?

Some of us have discussed this before and I would like to see if we can set up donation boxes at our meeting locations: the VFW in Hyde Park and the American Legion in Orleans to collect non-perishable food and other items that the Veteran’s place could really use. We can collect those items at our regular meetings, or more often if necessary, and get them to the vets.

Photos from our visit…

View post on imgur.com

MRF – EPA Raises Ethanol Blend Levels

By Joe on December 9, 2015 / Call To Action, Uncategorized

MRF
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) reports that the Obama administration, along with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), last week raised the amount of ethanol and other renewable fuels that must be blended into the nation’s gas supply, announcing that 18.11 billion gallons of renewable fuels must now be blended into the nation’s gasoline supply in 2016.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), as directed by our Sustaining State Motorcyclists’ Rights Organizations (SSMRO’s), does not support the use of ethanol fuels higher than E10 (10% ethanol) or any other newly developed fuel blends, including alternative renewable fuels, without further testing on motorcycle engines and obtaining specific recommendations from motorcycle manufacturers approving their use.

This increase comes as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard, a mandate that was meant to encourage the use of domestic ethanol in U.S. gasoline supplies, and supporters claim it helps reduce carbon pollution and cuts American dependence on foreign fuel. Higher ethanol blends, however, void new motorcycle warranties and have been reported to cause damage to motorcycle fuel systems and other engine components.

Interestingly, while the EPA announcement of the 18.11 billion-gallon figure is significantly above the 17.4 billion gallons initially proposed in May, it falls far below the 22.3 billion-gallon amount laid out by Congress in 2007 legislation and raises new questions about the viability of the controversial Renewable Fuel Standard moving forward.

As part of its 2016 Legislative Agenda, the MRF will continue to call for further motorcycle engine testing with these blends and seek manufacturer recommendations regarding their use, and as always, the MRF will continue to keep its members apprised of any actions regarding the ethanol issue.

All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. Motorcycle Riders Foundation. All rights reserved. Ride With The Leaders ™ by joining the MRF at Join Today or call (202) 546-0983

December 2015 Meeting Minutes

By Joe on December 9, 2015 / Meeting Minutes

December meeting started at 7:10pm and was held at the Morrisville VFW on December 2, 2015..

There were 6 Members, 5 officers present and one guest, Leon Dunbar– present

The Treasurer & Secretary reports were read and excepted.

Harley Raffle
Holly discussed concerns with VFW and she was told the issues would be taken care of.
Town and Country is not an option for a possible location– bad time of the year and out of budget. Jason & Gab will pick up another box of silverware to make sure we have enough.

Toy Run
Still trying to get someone to speak.

Scholarships
Gab will get out for end of December or first of January

Miscellaneous
Holly and Joe delivered 10 turkeys for the WLVB Turkey challenge on their motorcycles! Roland gave us lots of air time. Gab delivered check to Moo92 for NECKA food drive.

Holly will purchase more Christmas cards and mail this years out.

Clarence suggested we pick a charity to donate to like we did the Veteran’s home in southern VT last year. Decide to donate $500 to Veterans Place in Northfield. Kevin made motion and Roadie 2nd.

Meeting adjourned at 8:40pm.

Next meeting will be January 6th at the Orleans Legion starting at 7:00pm

US House Passes Long-Term Highway Bill

By Joe on November 20, 2015 / Call To Action

The United States House of Representatives finished up work on a long-term highway bill and approved its passage by a vote of 363-64. The bill—the first long-term highway bill passed by the US House in decades—is matched by a similar bill passed earlier this year by the Senate.

“This bill is absolutely critical to America and our economy,” said Rep. Bill Shuster, R-PA, Chairman to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

This bill has several provisions important to motorcyclists. First and most importantly, the bill ends the federal funding of motorcycle-only checkpoints, a top priority of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.

The bill also re-convenes the National Motorcycle Advisory Council (NMAC), an advisory council that advises the Secretary of Transportation on how infrastructure issues affect motorcyclists in ways that are vastly different than for four-wheeled vehicles.

Lastly, the bill commissions a study to determine the best ways to prevent motorcycle crashes. Because it focuses only on prevention rather than on helmet use, this study would be the first of its kind.

The House and Senate will next form a conference committee to iron out the slight differences between the two versions of legislation before sending it the President for his signature, a process that is expected to be fast-tracked for quick approval.

The MRF thanks every motorcyclist who came to DC to lobby, as well as every motorcyclist who communicated with their members of Congress on this important issue.

As always, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation will keep you updated and informed on this issue.

November 2015 Message From The President

By Holly on November 20, 2015 / Cupcake Says1

Hey everyone, it’s Holly. Did you have a great summer? I know I did! Joe and I didn’t take any out-of-state rides this year, but we were on our bikes almost all the time! we’re lucky enough to be able to commute by bike and man, that is the way to get to your job, it’s the best part of the day, besides going home 😀 I remember some rain in June, but after that, I think I rode to work like 90% of the time. Our season is so short, it makes us appreciate it more.

My biggest concern while on the bike, definitely, is distracted driving. Despite the “no cell phone or texting while driving” law, it is pretty commonplace! and really gets me livid when I see a vehicle drifting over the center line and I see the driver’s head is down, obviously looking at a device. Or driving with the phone plugged to their head. I don’t know how to get to people to stop it, all we can do is be super-vigilant at every vehicle approaching us. I have to say though, while commuting through Stowe Village at a slow pace in traffic, I do take the opportunity to bark at people, “HEY! get off the phone and DRIVE!” while cruising by their open window.

Being on the bikes yesterday to deliver the donation turkeys was pretty awesome, for us to ride comfortably in mid-to-late November is a rare treat isn’t it.

We wish everyone a great holiday with family and friends, and hopefully being able to be thankful for wanting what you have 🙂

Best wishes, Holly

November 2015 Meeting Minutes

By Joe on November 19, 2015 / Meeting Minutes

11/04/2015
Novembers meeting started at 7:20pm and was held at the Orleans Legion.. There were 3 Members and 4 officers present.

The Treasurer & Secretary reports were read and excepted.

Harley Raffle
Holly confirmed with Texas Roadhouse they are on board for the meal this year. Price is $9pp (.01 more per person) with the standard $150 delivery charge. Fresh rolls, salad, pulled pork and corn. Holly will check with them about additional 2 $50 gift cards for prices. We will check with Donnie to ensure there is enough paper products.

Holly checked with Town and Country for possible option for next years raffle. Thought the space might work, needs to discuss prices with the owner.

We need to discuss with VFW at the next meeting about the pick up time. Felt they were pushing people out the door starting the pick up early.

Toy Run
Discussed options for next years speaker. Phil Scott was mentioned.

Miscellaneous
We decided to send flower/balloons/something to Margie as she finishes up her treatment as a “UMV is thinking of you” Holly will get this taken care of. Casey motioned, Phil 2nd.

Turkey challenge this year was discussed. Decided the do the normal ~$200 worth of turkeys for WLVB and a $200 check for the fill the truck challenge in NEK. Gabrielle will take care of check in NEK and Holly will do Turkeys in Morrisville. Phil made the motion, Kevin 2nd.

Discussed posting pictures on Facebook page of different rides members take and posting rides even if its last minute= never know who might be looking for something to do.

Meeting adjourned at 800pm.

Next meeting will be December 2 at the Hyde Park VFW starting at 7pm

October 2015 Meeting Minutes

By Joe on October 31, 2015 / Meeting Minutes

October Meeting Minutes

The October meeting was held October 7, 2015 at the Hyde Park VFW. There were 3 members and 5 board members present. The meeting started at 7pm.

The treasurers and secratary reports were read and accepted as read. Kevin motioned and Mike 2nd.

Toy Run We believe the water issue has been settled. Holly sent a check for what we thought we owed and they cashed the check. Crystal Rock will pick up the cases of water in question as they don’t seem to know how many cases come on a pellet still.

Harley Raffle: Holly still hasn’t heard from Texas Roadhouse about a price or contract. She will send another email and leave a message requesting a return call by Friday or we will need to find someone else so we are sure we have food service for the event.

The Meeting was adjurned at 750.

Water, Water Everywhere…

By Joe on September 18, 2015 / Events, Uncategorized

Water, water everywhere…

No good deed goes unpunished

Vermont Pure? Not so pure....
Remember the Toy Run back in 2014? It was a hot, sunny, August day and the new food vendor at Blue Cross ran out of water and soda. We remember. UMV decided to sell bottled water at the 2015 Toy Run to make sure that didn’t happen again. President Holly Wilkins contacted Vermont Pure (Crystal Rock) and told them what we were looking for. She said it was a fund raising charity event that was meeting at the Blue Cross parking lot in Berlin and we were expecting up to 800 people. We never sold water before and so depended on Vermont Pure’s expertise. After many phone calls back and forth the salesman at Vermont Pure suggested we get a pallet and a half of bottled water.

We were quoted $5.25 per case – 50 cases per pallet. It was suggested we order one and a half pallets. That comes to about 1800 bottles of water for up to 800 people. Sounds like a lot but on a hot August day people could easily drink 2 or 3 bottles and we didn’t want anyone going thirsty. We all know what it’s like being out on hot pavement with nothing to drink. Vermont Pure suggested we have the water delivered directly to Blue Cross as they are already a customer and it would make things easier. Of course we agreed. The maintenance manager at Blue Cross was happy to help us any way he could and received the delivery for us and stored it inside until the day of the Toy Run. We were pretty surprised when we saw the large pallets but having never done this before, didn’t know enough and we were too busy then to count.

Instead of the pallet and a half – 75 cases / 1800 bottles that we ordered, 144 cases / 3486 bottles had been delivered – that is a crazy amount of water for a crowd of up to 800. We contacted Vermont Pure / Crystal Rock to see if they would take back some of the water, it’s still in storage at Blue Cross and still wrapped just a they delivered it. They refused. We did not realize just how much they had delivered and charged us until we received the invoice over a month later – for double what we expected. We asked why 3486 bottles were delivered instead of the 1800 that we ordered and they said “didn’t you count it when it was delivered?” No, we did not count it as it was delivered to an third party, at their suggestion.

So, this is still not resolved. We really want to think this was a simple mistake and not some sort of bait-and-switch, but we’ll see.

It’s really sad that our biggest charity event of the year is subjected to something like this.

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Yearly archive for 2015