news-and-updates

Update 5----05/02

Mon, 02 May 2011 18:17:51 +0100

So,

I was hoping for some good news in regards to an event “where & when,” but I’m still working on those aspects…

I’ve been on the phone and in meetings with board members of various clubs throughout the week.

After speaking to Chief Pervier about doing a 5 mile ATV parade loop around Charlton, I determined the cost to hire 4 Police Officers for a few hours was just too much money for the charity to absorb. He suggested I contact the Charlton Beagle Club for some direction… Unfortunately, the Beagle Club has since landscaped the area that was available to host this kind of event and it’s no longer an option.

I also contacted the “Two Hundred Sportsman club” in Webster and spoke to the event coordinator / bar manager. I was informed they really didn’t have an area where atv’s could access any trails, and that I would also have to rent an “event” area and hire police officers for crowd control, again, this was just too much money for this kind of charity to absorb.

I have sent out letters to other ATV associations like Singletary Rod & Gun, NETRA (New England Trail Riders Association) and other local Fish & Game clubs. I did meet with directors and board members of the “Webster Fish & Game Association” sunday afternoon. They were very helpful and attentive to our cause. One concern mentioned during the meeting was in regards to the lack of supporting trails for ATV riders. A suggestion proposed by some of the board members was hosting an ATV show with local sponsers. I also proposed possibly having an “ATV” style tractor pull instead of the trail ride. The board will discuss the propositions during the week and will contact me with options.

Other obstacles making things difficult to find a place to host this event are the updated “Massachusetts off-road rules & regulations (ATV Bill Chapter 202 2010) http://s3.amazonaws.com/netra-production/article_files/5/ATVBillChapter202oftheActsof2010.pdf”

On an encouraging note- I continue to receive donations from supporters. A huge “thanks” to all of you! Your support and positive comments really help keep me glued to my desk working hard when I should be sleeping J

My goal is to present all collected donations to the “Charlton Youth Soccer League” by May 31st.

Check back soon!!!

-Michael Smeglin-

Update 4----04/25

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 21:50:31 +0100

I was in contact with the Charlton Chief of Police "Chief Pervier" today.

I'm having a difficult time securing a local off-road trail to host the event.

Over the weekend, I spent some time mapping out a path of where I’d like to propose a “parade style” event ride.
I proposed a 5 mile "on road" loop starting & finishing at the Charlton Middle School. The school parking lot would serve as an ideal location because it could accommodate the vehicles and BBQ afterwards... but there are a few other "logistical" issues to work out that may prevent this proposal.

The Chief and I are continuing our discussions in regards to the "logistics" of having the PD involved in this parade proposal.
Some aspects that need to be considered for example; involving the Police Union, hiring off duty Officers to assist in the drive / escort and other environmental considerations...

The Chief had some other great ideas which I'll be looking into over the following days...

On another note-
I have received many donations!
I'm working hard at putting together a "Supporter List" and it should be posted soon.

Let’s continue to get the word out, email friends and family... post on your facebook page and other atv forums.

Big thumbs up to the mods over at the connection also- :)

And thank-you everyone for contributing to this charity!

Update 3----04/22

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 18:43:02 +0100

So,
I contacted Sherrie, the president of the Charlton Youth Soccer League-
She was very excited and appreciative of all the support from the atv community here at the ATV Connection and from other atv sites- and from others who actually don’t even own atv’s!

These youth soccer fields are actually privately owned by the league, and in a way, it’s even more difficult for them to raise the money to repair the damage.

I have also gotten a ton of support from the Charlton town offices and its members.

I’m having a hard time locating a local area to host the event. I contacted the Douglas State Forest Association and spoke with an event organizer. Unfortunately, during the last enduro run a few years ago, a few of the atv's & bikes drove off the marked trail and tore up areas designated as "no drive" zones- which ruined it for everyone... They were very sympathetic to the cause but could not host the event.

I am working hard on securing other possible sites in the area.
Until then, I do have info on how to make a supporting donation.

Checks should be made payable to : “Charlton Youth Soccer League”

We're asking atv'ers looking to be part of the ride & bbq to donate $20.
However- any donation you can afford would help greatly and is much appreciated.

All donations can be mailed to :

ATTN:
Mike Smeglin- Charlton Donation
P.O. Box 281
Douglas, Ma 01516

Thank you atv’ers! You guys rock!

Update 2----04/22

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 18:43:29 +0100

I received an email from the Charlton Chief of Police "James Pervier" in regards to the atv charity run- he forwarded me some contact info.

The president of the Charlton Youth Soccer, Inc. said that she is very interested in the charity run and would like me to contact her about having the fundraiser to repair the damage to the soccer field.

Today I will also open a po box to serve as the donation address. I will also confirm who the checks should be made payable to. If anyone wishes to use pay-pal; I will transfer and donate all funds to the appropriate recipient in your name. Send me a pm to get my pay-pal address.

I will begin a list of names of “supporters” and post at the charity website:
www.atv-charity.yolasite.com

Today's "get it done" list...

*Contact the CYS President and discuss possible locations and "checks payable to..."
*Open local P.O. Box to begin accepting donations.
*Contacting Douglas State Park to inquire about possible "one day use" of the state trails to host the charity run...

Upate 1----04/21

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 18:43:48 +0100

Ok guys-

I just got off the phone with the Charlton Town Administrator-
I explained what we'd like to do and she seemed very enthusiastic about the plan...
She is going to check on some info and call me back...
She seemed very appreciative in regards to the effort to raise money and repair the damaged youth soccer fields- and said she could possibly help getting the word out locally once the plan starts to gel.

If we can open this to bikes & atv's at $20 / ticket- we should be able to collect a good amount of $$ for the cause...
and reward the riders with burgers & dogs at the end

I sent her (Robin) a link to this thread to keep her in the loop.

First steps:

Select a place to host the charity
Pick a date

It would really be great if we atv'ers could turn this vandalism into something positive.