Well the weather is outstanding here in the Valley of the Sun. And yes, we all want to be out riding. But there are times when we just plain can’t ~ ‘cause household or shop related chores get in the way. If you are faced with a spring-cleaning project this season, we hope you’ll keep a very righteous organization in mind.

The Dads Against Meth Use Foundation is an organization that is working to create a Drug Free Future for the next Generation. DAMU raises money to bring drug-free programs into communities. They teach kids about the dangers of chemical dependent drugs. They also offer parents signs and signals to be aware of in their children, that may indicate drug use.

The DAMU Foundation is doing a scrap metal collection as a fundraiser. This project helps keep drug free kids busy and off the streets. Through these efforts, there have been some positive results, not just for DAMU, but for the community as well. Here is an example that DAMU spokesperson Ginger shared …

“A donation from a commercial building led us to drive behind this office complex in Mesa, where it was clear to see by the look of the dumpsters, someone was moving out. Daniel, one of our mentored students, came across ATM keys, Security CDs and Plans for ATMs, left behind from the security company who installed them for two of our leading banks, Chase Bank and Wells Fargo Bank. We gave this information to Chase Bank through an Employee of the bank who is an acquaintance of ours.
“We were delighted when we were informed that what we had found was significant and a huge breach of security. They were very happy. They even flew in their own security guys, to speak with the boys who found it.  The boys took them to the spot. They were very proud of themselves. They had found a new sense of accomplishment for doing the right thing. These boys didn’t always make the right choices in the past. We always tell them, they will be reward for doing the right thing one day… I am sure the above companies are grateful.”

You can help DAMU carry on their mission. Your donations of recycled appliances and scrap metal are needed and appreciated. This is an ongoing project. Please do not assume that by the time you read this, your opportunity to help has passed.

“Drop off or arrange a pick up by phone. DAMU will properly dispose of any metal scrapped, A/C, cans, anything metal or mechanical. If it can be repaired it will be recycled back into the community.
“DAMU is a 501c3 non-profit and you will be putting a DRUG FREE Kid from your community to work. For your generosity, we will give you a thank you, tax credit or deduction from the DAMU Foundation, for your Arizona State taxes.
“For more information or to schedule a pick up, please contact Ginger at 480-635-6264 or Joe at 480-388-7697.
‘Don’t Incarcerate Them, Educate Them’
Thank you and God bless.”

Whether you are an individual, active in an organization, or in your neighborhood we hope that you will consider supporting the DAMU Foundation as they work to combat the evil that is chemical dependency in our community and to educate its most vulnerable victims, our kids.

Learn more about this organization from their website http://www.damufoundation.org and these news articles

http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/Drummer-of-anti-drug-band-in-Mesa-stabbed-in-neck-after-show-100864299.html
and
http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/uponsun/2010/08/crazed_junkie_blamed_for_stabb.php

Well as you can see, you aren’t going to get bombarded by blogs from me. Guess you can say I’m more in to ‘quality’ over ‘quantity’.

But I can say that my list of blog-able topics is growing. Now the next trick is finding time to put those thoughts into some order to share with you.

Corporate Days [oops, we mean The Holidays} are coming… Holiday shopping is becoming a big topic lately as the corporatocracy encourages everyone to shop and support the economy; Black Friday, Cyber-Monday, etc etc, etc. And of course those ‘tug at the heartstrings’ announcements that the retail sector is not hitting their sales quotas ~ designed to make you feel guilty for keeping a financially-responsible hold on your wallets.

Well, this email we got addresses the subject SO WELL and offers such an outstanding suggestion for gift-giving ideas, that we just have to share it……..

Thanks Dyan for sending this along………

Christmas 2011 — Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods — merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!
It’s time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your hometown Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list — post it to discussion groups — throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city — send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments.  This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn’t that what Christmas is about?

Remember …  ”The most important things in life … are NOT things!”

Make THIS your new Christmas tradition.
B&B

…about your upcoming event. The AriZona Rider calendar is an extremely popular resource for riders and event promoters.

We know of businesses that post our calendar on their walls for the convenience of their patrons. “If it’s not in the Rider it’s not worth going to.” {fan comment} Well we’re not sure if that’s completely true ~ but we sure appreciate the support and enthusiasm.

Anyone can post to the AZ Rider calendar, as long as the event is
motorcycling-related {duh} and open to all motorcyclists.

So, you’re on the event committee for your club, association, organization, business, cause, etc. Visit our calendar page. Scroll down to the day planner icon and click in.

Once the calendar opens, select your date, and follow the prompts to add an event. We suggest you submit your posting as an EVENT and not as an appointment. Please note, we reserve the event type “Special Occasion” for our advertisers’ listings. Information Guidelines: Be CONCISE… Focus on the pertinent details such as date, time, sign-in location, cost, FMI [contact point for more information], beneficiary, etc. Be aware – Postings to the hard copy may be cut / edited for space. We reserve the right to edit all postings for content and length.

The calendar also includes weekly Rides & Gatherings; so if you have a regularly scheduled ride or gathering, either weekly or monthly, which is open to all riders, you can post it. Readers please note, we do not monitor these events; so we suggest calling ahead if you plan to check out a ride night you are unfamiliar with, just to confirm that they have not changed the day, hours, or cancelled it altogether.

With this self-posting system, listings are not delayed by us being in deadline or away from the office. Event organizers can add a party or rally and it goes up immediately. The information you post is then emailed to our office for inclusion in our next edition.

You’ll notice in our editions that certain calendar postings are in bold. That is because we know that one of our Advertisers is hosting or a sponsor of that gathering. In our online E-ditions, that entry also includes a link to either their business or to that event.

The calendar in AriZona Rider Motorcycle News is one of our most popular pages, whether online or in print. When we do our online-only E-ditions we set the font size large enough that those who want can print out a thumbnail of the pdf for posting to their bulletin board.

Got an event coming up? Make sure your details get sent to the AZ Rider Motorcycle News calendar.

Summer’s over and the weather is perfect for riding. Keep Your Butts on your Putts!

Betsy & Bruce

Follow AZ Rider on Twitter and ‘Like’ us on Facebook…
both at /AZRiderSW

To subscribe to this blog, add this link into your RSS reader: http://azridersouthwest.com/blog/feed

Yep, once again we are straying from the “we are a biker publication so we can only talk about biker-specific topics” rule… we’re coloring outside the box. There’s a very good reason for this. As much as we all love our motorcycles, there is a world that surrounds us and our bikes that has nothing to do with riding but most certainly affects us every day.

Financial and legislative issues; products and services outside the realm of motorcycles, the condition [destruction] of the educational system… The list goes on. And we may discuss stuff like that in future posts. But today, the item on top of our list is ….

Health… gaining it, maintaining it…. As we’re all getting older we start to think more about how we want to live out our years. And how we want to feel as we follow that path. Some who are young[er] don’t think so much about it, although they should. Living in a state of continuous concern about blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, and a whole host of other conditions… Morning rituals centered around a rainbow of pills…. These are NOT supposed to be an automatic consequence of turning 40, or 50, or 60….. We see many of our friends and acquaintances becoming diagnosed with preventable illnesses and conditions.

Those who know us, know that we can talk for hours on the condition of the food chain, what people should and shouldn’t eat for good health, and how the medical field is in business to stay in business. Good health is not good for their bottom line. Our knowledge comes from years of studying and applying practices over time; and seeing and feeling the healthful results in our lives. We realize that what we relate is anecdotal, second-hand, non-professional, and easy to dismiss.

But there are bona fide doctors out there who can share extremely important information; information that can make immense difference in the lives of those who choose to listen.

We’ve recently been made aware of a new, 2011, documentary movie called Forks Over Knives. This 96-minute film can change your life forever and for the better, if you let it. Follow this link to the Forks Over Knives trailer for a preview of the film. If you have access to streaming movies you can probably watch it from there… we streamed it on Netflix. So, it’s likely available on other video services as well. Within these 96 minutes, you can learn that by making simple changes to your diet, degenerative diseases that today afflict so many people can be controlled, or even reversed.

Timing is certainly everything… We found out that as part of ASU’s “No Impact Week,” [a week-long series of events and experiments in low-carbon living] there will be a one-night only showing of this acclaimed documentary which is FREE to the public. Donations of nonperishable (healthy) food items are being collected for Tempe Community Council. This event is co-sponsored by Chipotle.

This FREE showing is taking place on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at Valley Art, 509 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. Doors open at 6:00 pm and Screening begins at 6:30 pm.

There is much more information available at their website.

We hope that you will stop and take a moment to think about how you truly feel right now…. physically and mentally….And then consider the possibility of living your life in better health and spirits…

Until later ~ B&B

The Ride Home is a special event to Honor all former Prisoners Of War and Remember those still Missing In Action. It is being held at the National P.O.W. Museum at Andersonville, GA the weekend of September 15-17, 2011. It is scheduled to take place in conjunction with National POW/MIA Recognition Day, Friday, September 16, 2011.

The United States’ National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed across the nation on the third Friday of September each year. This is not a federal public holiday, but a national observance.

While the goal of the huge Rolling Thunder demonstration ride held on Memorial Day in Washington DC is to remind our government of its responsibility and obligation to bring ALL of our GIs home, the Ride Home is a smaller, but no less important gathering. Here, former POWs and MIA families are recognized and honored for their sacrifices and courage.

Please take time in your day to remember our nation’s Prisoners Of War and those who are Missing In Action; their service and sacrifices, and their families.

Betsy & Bruce

Like so many others, we still remember that morning, that day,Tuesday September 11, 2001. Bruce saw on the TV what was happening in New York and called me in, with the words, “we’re going to war”. We, too, were glued to the images on the television screen; our world changing forever as we looked on.

What many of you may not know or remember is that back then we lived directly in the flight path of Sky Harbor International Airport. “Our most tangible evidence of what was happening ~ something that could ‘tie’ us to events going on thousands of miles away was…. Silence. …. On a normal day, planes come and go so often that they tune out of your daily awareness. The silence of the grounded planes could be deafening at times… and a constant reminder of lives forever silenced.” {AZ Rider Oct 2011, Vol 3, Issue 10}

Over these 10 years there’s been so much discussion, so many theories, numerous documentaries… asking questions such as what happened, how it was allowed to happen, who orchestrated this act of evil, and the ultimate goal of such an act. Theories are presented, with evidence to back up whichever version one subscribes to. All that is truly and undeniably known is that the events of 9-11 changed our country and the world, forever.

Regardless of whether you feel things have been handled ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ since then, be sure to keep asking those questions .. Because it’s a pretty sure thing that some fishy stuff went on. As more time passes, more indicators come to light.

But also be sure to remember the PEOPLE who were lost that day and since….. There have been so many. The initial victims, GIs sent to war, civilians caught in cross fires, …

We participated in the big 9/11 Patriot Parade that was held September 11, 2002– the one year anniversary ride; 7,242 motorcycles strong. Riders were given wristbands with the names of victims. That day, we rode for Nicholas Brandemarti [age 21] of Mantua, NY and Terrance Andre Aiken {age 30] of New York, NY. They were in Tower 2 on that fateful morning.

Closer to home….when we moved from Tempe to Mesa we found that our new home was located not far from the convenience store where a man crazed with fear, ignorance, and hate killed an innocent gentleman of the Sikh religion… Balbir Singh Sodhi … basically because he was wearing a turban and [of course] turbans now equaled ‘bad guys’. On a smaller scale than the attacks themselves; but also NOT one of humanity’s finest moments. We regularly see the monument at the gas station dedicated to the memory of the 9-11 victims and victims of the subsequent revenge attacks. It is hoped that religious tolerance and cultural understanding will be instilled in those who visit.

No doubt many of you reading this have your own memories… certain people who come to mind… you are welcome to share your thoughts here if you wish ~ but there’s no obligation… do what you feel is right for you.

There is a boat load of events planned to commemorate 9-11 this weekend… some large some small…. More than we even have listed here. Following are the gatherings we were made aware of that are taking place around AriZona.

9/10     5th Annual Freedom Gathering hosted by American Legion Riders of Post 86, Overgaard, AZ – Hwy 260 at Lumber Valley Rd. Celebrate veterans, Fun Run, music, food, refreshments, raffles, vendors. Reg. 8-11am, $15 donation. Vendors or FMI, Sporty Jim 480-710-4101, stjames4@mindspring.com {C} 

 9/10     9/11 Remembrance Run. Register 8am at Buddy’s Bar 119 E Hwy 82, Whetstone, AZ. $15/pp,  $20/cpl. Last Out 12pm / Last In 5pm. Fundraiser for Wounded Warrior, Palominas Fire Department Toy Drive. Last stop Arena Bar 250 N. Prickly Pear, Benson. High $500 / Low $250. FMI: bagman@supersierra.com {Z}

 9/10     American Legion Riders [Safford Post 32] 2nd Annual Poker Run. Sign-in 8amat Post 32 – 531 11th Ave., Safford, AZ. $15/sgl, $20/cpl. MIA/POW & 911 Ceremony starts 9am. Ride departs ≈ 11a. Stops at Posts in Clifton, Duncan, Solomon. FMI: Mike 928.651.7997, Donna 928.322.4511, e-mail: streetbobhd07@yahoo.com {E}

9/10     2nd Annual Legacy Run starts / ends at Post 5, 3927 W Southern Ave, Laveen. Breakfast available 7:30-10:30a. Reg 8-10am, $20/sgl, $25w/passenger. Buffet included at end of ride. Last bike in by 3:30pm. Live music starts 4pm. High / low hand, raffles & more. Proceeds benefit Legacy Scholarship Fund. FMI: sistermoon0072004@yahoo.com or Post5Cowboy@yahoo.com{E}

 9/10     American Legion Post 2 [2125 S Industrial Park Ave, Tempe] hosts 2011 USO Show to benefit the USO Military Hospitality Room at Sky Harbor Airport. No-host bar 4p, Mess 5:15p, Show 6:30p. Honoring all Wars since WWII. Dress in your favorite era. FMI: 480-528-2508, judygalvez@cox.net {E}

 9/10     4th annual 9-11 Tribute Motorcycle Rally hosted by American Legion Post 109, 15921 S Houghton Rd Corona, AZ. T-shirts & pins to 1st 300 paid entrants. $20/pp, $5/passenger. Proceeds benefit 9/11 Tucson Memorial Building Fund. Breakfast available 9-11am, Bike Blessing 11am, last bike out noon, last in 5pm. Live music, food, door prizes, vendors, & more. Show your Pride and Fly Your Flag. FMI: www.911TucsonMemorialFoundation.org {J}

 9/10     Revolution presents Ride to Remember 9/11. Sign-in 6pm at the Revolution Club House1505 E. Weber Dr. Ste #116,Tempe,AZ (Weber Dr. is North of Curry Rd. off Hayden Rd.). $10/sgl, $15/cpl. After Party with DJ and other entertainment, food & drinks, Punching bag & Pool, Wet T-shirt contest. FMI: Prez Too Tone 602-370-3109 or VP Stand-up at 480-229-1462 {J}

 9/10     9*11 Patriot Day Celebration from 2 PM – 9 PM at Paseo Highlands Park, 3435 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix. Benefits: ThanksUSA, Fighter Country Foundation, 100 Club, & more. $9.11/pp includes entrance into park and Joe Nichols Concert. Food & drinks available. Group ride departs from Sanderson Ford, 6400 N. 51st Ave in Glendale. KSU11am FMI: http://patriotdayaz.org/ {J}

 9/11     {Sun} 9/11 Patriot Motorcycle Ride to Remember. Staging at Ashley Furniture Pavilion (fmr Cricket Pavilion ) Phx [I-10/83rd Ave – east parking lot (follow the signs)]. Check in 8-10am. $20/bike. Ride proceeds benefit AZ Police & Fire support programs. Ride ends at the Ft McDowell Casino. 10th Anniversary bracelet, motorcycle decal while supplies last. Proceeds from the sale of 9/11 Badges benefit the FDNY Foundation. FMI: w.stevenmartin@cox.net or 480.899.0366 {E}

 9/11 Law Enforcement Memorial Run hosted by the Fraternal Order of Police Yuma Lodge #24 w/ proceeds going to construct a memorial to honor LEOs killed in the line of duty within the Yuma area. The event is on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11/2001 to honor & remember those killed in the terrorist attacks of that day. Register 9am at Bobby’s Territorial – 2550 E. Gila Ridge Rd.Last stop LZ Bar & Grill. $20/pp. FMI:  www.yumafop.com {J}

Wherever your path takes you, have a safe weekend ~
B&B

Well, time is rolling on, and my CenturyLink sponsored Social Media classes are winding to an end. Not that I’ve learned all that I need to know. But I’ve been given tools, resources, information, and guidelines; so I can venture out and continue my exploration & education on my own.

This training program was offered to me by CenturyLink Small Business and its Technology Support Team, in exchange for sharing my opinion about their services.

Our Social Media presence has definitely been a means of getting news pertaining to the motorcycling community out sooner and further. In the past, being a monthly meant only so much news would be fresh & up to the minute. We’ll always enjoy sharing stories and photos from events and parties, what’s happening on the MRO front, etc. But by way of our Social Media connections, we are now also able to keep our readers up-to-date on current events such as the trial of the Carefree Four Killer, Michael Jakscht … even having the opportunity to put out a call to action regarding sending letters to the court to block his attempt to be released from custody. We post links to news of motorcycle accidents that we learn of around the state, with informational updates posted to our Forum. So, for example, if you miss an initial Facebook announcement, you can always check in there.

The Social Media network has allowed us to not only promote our traditional hard-copy edition, but also enhance those pages; especially for those who have developed a preference for online access to all we have to offer.

Through Social Media for business, we’re definitely making contact with people we likely otherwise wouldn’t. We’ve been introduced to informational resources pertinent to our community, we’re meeting fellow business owners, and readership increases as our online presence expands. We’ve also been able to interact with readers to a degree not possible before; and that’s really cool. These are each elements toward business growth that would not have come about without the time and effort invested in networking.

And there’s no question that I would not have learned what I have without the guidance of my CenturyLink coach. I’m glad that I took that first step, made the call, and inquired about small business IT resources.

If you want to market your business online or learn about IT services, talk with a CenturyLink rep and see how they can help. Or visit centurylink.com/small-business to learn more.

AZ Rider Motorcycle News is listed in the Top 10 Biker Web Sites as ranked by American Steel. Please cast your vote for AriZona Rider from any of the AZRiderSouthwest.com links.

We hope you’ll sign up to FOLLOW us on Twitter, LIKE us on Facebook, and JOIN our LinkedIn network. Join us in the Social Media community. I’ll tell you here and now, we’re not gonna spend your valuable time texting about what we had for breakfast or what color shirt I’m wearing today. Also, remember to subscribe to our e-newsletter via our Subscriptions page. Thank you!

Have a great week and Keep Your Butts on Your Putts!

Betsy & Bruce

The trial of Michael Jackscht, the driver who killed four and injured five more by running over them with his dump truck while impaired, unbelievably ended in a hung jury. So now there will be a hearing to determine IF and when there will be a new trial. Motorcyclists are rallying at the courthouse on Friday morning.

If you are too far away to attend, your emails and faxes will still help.
More details follow… Please read and share to your lists…..

Forwarded Message from:

Sue A
American Legion Rider – Post 35, Chandler, AZ
PGR Arizona
FMI: 602-576-7052
uwishtoo@q.com

Sent: Monday, August 22, 2011 8:32 PM
Subject: Concerning the recent court date for the Carefree Highway Killer

Please read this whole thing – there are two issues here – first and foremost anything done on this needs to be peaceful and respectful with no yelling, obscenities, threats against Mr Jackscht, weapons, etc.

I realize that this isn’t official ride or event posting but I thought that we might be able to get the courts attention this way.

As anyone who doesn’t live under a rock know, last week Michael Jackscht, the driver of the dump truck who killed 4 riders and injured many more on March 25, 2010 recently had his first trial end in a mistrial.

He is going back into court on Friday the 26th of August to ask to be released from custody. This cannot happen! From what I heard at the very beginning of all of this he had drastically changed his appearance from the time of the incident until the time he was arrested – making it clear to me that he was going to soon flee the area, as such, flee any prosecution for his actions.

While I didn’t know any of those killed or injured personally I have some dear friends who did. But even if you don’t know any of them, the outcome of this trial might effect all of us as a riding community. Think of it this way, if this were someone that you loved and respected would you want him out walking the streets? God forbid, if this were YOU, would you think that your family and friends would want him walking out? No, I sure wouldn’t.

So… Sarah Ford, MC, Maricopa County Courts, Victim Services Division Trainer, Intern has asked that all of those that want a voice or have an opinion are welcome to come to the courts on Friday morning at 11:30 or at the very least send a fax or an email via one of these methods here. A FREE fax can be sent to 602-506-3942. For those of you without access to a fax machine you can do one for free at http://www.faxzero.com/ by creating a word document and faxing it to them – the directions are simple on the site and best of all it’s free !!!!

Dayle Veronica Downs-Totonchi was a recent newlywed – 47 years old;
Clyde R. Nachand was 67 and a member of the PGR, ALR and a 27 year Navy Veteran;
Stephen Punch was 52 years old;
and Daniel Butler was 35

Ernie Lizarraga is a Phoenix Fire Department Captain and was severely injured in the crash

I doubt that anyone needs to be reminded of the devastation this truck driver who was high on meth caused but ….

http://www.azfamily.com/news/Multiple-motorcycles-truck-involved-in-wreck-on-Carefree-Highway-89149257.html?gallery=y&c=y

http://www.azcentral.com/community/northvalley/articles/2010/03/25/20100325phoenix-motorcycle-crash-abrk.html

Please send your words into the courts to make sure this guy doesn’t get released on Friday.

ALSO officially starting at 9:00 AM the group of friends and family would like to have a large showing of riders in a PEACEFUL show of support to line the streets of Jefferson St (Jefferson and 7th Avenue) to show the courts what we, as a riding community want to happen. Again, we are going to be there to gain support for this cause, not harm it, so this has to be peaceful at all times. If we can deal with the protesters at funerals with decorum and dignity then we can deal with this guy in the same manner.

But here is the direct link to the contact form: http://www.maricopacountyattorney.org/Victim_Services/contact_victim_services.html

Again, while this might not effect any of you personally, just think that God willing it never will.

Here is the letter that I sent in:

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office
301 W. Jefferson, 9th Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85003

602-506-1409 (Direct)
602-506-8522 (Main)
602-506-3942 (Fax)

Attn: Sarah Ford, MC
Victim Services Division Trainer, Intern/Volunteer Coordinator

RE: #CR201011808001DT
State of AZ vs MICHAEL JOHN JAKSCHT (001)

Dear Ms Ford:
First off, as a member of the riding community I want to thank you for your constant updates to the PMRG group in regards to the trial of Michael Jakscht.

As I understand it, there is a hearing set for this coming Friday, August 26, 2011 to determine the possibility of the defendant being released.

I respectfully plead with the courts for this to not be an option.

From what I understand of Mr. Jakscht’s actions in the weeks following this incident and the time of his arrest, Mr. Jakscht had changed his appearance and had the semblance of possibly fleeing the area to avoid prosecution. (I cannot bring myself to call this an accident so it’s an incident)

While I know that legally he has not been proven to be a liar, I think logically that the human beings behind the decisions on this coming Friday have to know that he is and has been untruthful in his actions of March 25, 2010.

I didn’t know any of the 4 deceased nor the others injured at the time but I have some very dear friends who were impacted greatly by this man’s actions and will be forever effected by the loss of the victims.

I ask that Mr. Jackscht be ordered to stay in custody right where he has been until such time that a new trial can be set.

If you need or want any more input from me feel free to call or email me

Sincerely
Sue A
Mesa AZ

As you who have been following this blog have come to know, I have been taking what could be called a Social Media Training Course. It’s a program that was offered to me by CenturyLink Small Business and its Technology Support Team. In exchange for sharing my opinion about their services, they set up and have been teaching me about various Social Media communities and how they can be used to help market my business online.

Since being set up in the Social Media Community, I have been introducing AZ Rider around to LinkedIn and Twitter, while trying to be more active on Facebook. By more active I mean spending my time more wisely; trying to make use of information that I’ve been given by my coach. Although I’m sure that she would like for me to spend a bit more time. {:o)

From my side, it feels like I’m spending even more time online than before…. Following up on invites, reading & responding to posts, sending out messages …. There’s a lot of BS and nonsense to sift through … And there is danger, make no mistake …. a fellow Twitterer-er-er-er [hmmm … does that make us Twits?] describes it this way……. “So I need to work ….. and what am I doing? Tweeting. Work avoidance technique number 999.” It’s true. There is a cyber black hole where time stands still as you surf about…. The world goes by without you…. And 3 hours later…. well, you get the idea {:o)

So you have to be conscientious about the time you spend…. But I’m told that as I become more acclimated that I will be able to accomplish more in less time. That sounds good to me.

Through these forays further into the web, I have met some people who I probably would not have otherwise; contacts pertaining to numerous aspects of my business. So in that way I do feel that the time and effort have been worth it. And frankly, if it were not for the guidance of my CenturyLink team I would likely have quit in frustration some time ago.

So I will maintain that if you are considering stepping off the edge and into what looks like the abyss of cyberspace… have a conversation with a CenturyLink rep first and see what they can do for you. Don’t want to commit to talking to a real person yet? Visit centurylink.com/small-business to learn more about their small business IT resources.

The newest issue of AriZona Rider Motorcycle News will be out during the first week of September. This will be our 12^th Anniversary edition. We are very proud of being here to serve AZ’s motorcycling community all these years. We appreciate the feedback we get from our readers along the way.

Currently AZ Rider is listed as one of the Top 10 Biker Web Sites as ranked by American Steel. Please cast your vote for AriZona Rider from any of the AZRiderSouthwest.com links. We hope you’ll sign up to FOLLOW us on Twitter, LIKE us on Facebook, and JOIN our LinkedIn network. And don’t forget, you can subscribe to our e-newsletter via our Subscriptions page. Thank you!

Have a good weekend and Keep Your Butts on Your Putts!

Betsy

Saturday morning, July 23, 2011….

In the aftermath of the Atzin Shooting, on Saturday morning at 7am the 20th annual Too Broke for Sturgis event was officially closed.

We call it the Atzin Shooting… because neither this event nor Mormon Lake Lodge should be forever linked to this, any more than they already are. And we don’t want the broken and mentally damaged individual who took the lives of Edgar & Trina to get any more than his so-called ‘15 minutes of fame’…. It is the Atzin’s who deserve to be remembered.

And we should also remember that along with Edgar & Trina, there is another victim who, at the time of this writing, remains in the hospital due to her gunshot wounds. At last report she was in critical but stable condition. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

It has been affirmed and reaffirmed that this shooting had NOTHING to do with bikers in general or this event in particular. Domestic violence occurs everywhere. This chain of events could just as easily played out in the back yard of one of the families involved.

So, while we most certainly wish to pay our respects to the victims, in addition we will focus our energy on our continuous support and promotion of ABATE and TBFS.

A big nasty cosmic cloud had cast its pall over the grounds. The negative energy was palpable. Saturday’s gathering and impromptu activities were orchestrated by Shotgun. He, with help from some friends, did the camp a good service by recognizing the need to raise everyone’s mood and doing something about it. He noted that, “The way to honor the fallen is to keep going and have some fun.”

Bikers who never participate in the games were getting into the Slow Race. Even folks without bikes were wanting to get into the spirit; so rules were pretty much tossed and the Weenie Bite was opened up to anyone who wanted to give it a try….  What a HOOT.

While the games were going on, a collection for the victims’ families was collected; with smiles and nipples being flashed for the cause.

Later that evening, There was a wet-T contest…
and a fella on the dance pole who looked like he’d had WAY too much practice…….

We heard numerous times from among those who stayed that they were glad they did… They felt they were part of something special…. Making something good out of a very bad situation. One comment was that they’ve, “never had so much fun at a cancelled event.”

The day of and after the fact, a lot of arm-chair quarterbacks who did not have all the information were expressing opinions on how things should have been handled; by both Mormon Lake Lodge and by ABATE. Hopefully they will never find themselves actually faced with such choices — needing to be made in such a highly charged atmosphere and with little time for reflection. For what it’s worth, we respect ABATE’s position regarding how they are addressing the aftermath. And we thank Mormon Lake Lodge for reversing their decision and allowing the bikers to stay.

Warning… This video, created from stills and video taken on Saturday, shows adult bikers having fun. It may be considered inappropriate for under-aged viewers, or people who get the vapors over seeing the female form, or folks who are easily offended. You have been warned. By clicking into this video you are affirming that you are of legal age in your home state of residence.

There is so much more that can be said … but for now, this is enough….

Any updates we receive from the PIO will be posted to our Forum page.

The next edition of AZ Rider Motorcycle News will include our coverage of Too Broke For Sturgis. It will also be our 12^th Anniversary of creating AZ Rider for you, our readers.

The new issue will be out within the first week of September. OR go to our Subscriptions page and sign up for our e-newsletter. Then you’ll get an email to let you know when it is out.

And while you are signing up for stuff, we hope you will LIKE us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and JOIN our LinkedIn network.

The weekend’s coming up. Ride safe and keep your butts on your putts……….

Betsy & Bruce