Once again, the Narrows chapter of ABATE is reaching out to help children and others.

Wednesday, July 26, 2000

Once again, the Narrows chapter of ABATE is reaching out to help children and others.

The chapter’s members have donated Buddy Bears to the Austin Fire Department, Albert Lea Ambulance Service and Glenville Volunteer Fire Department.

The Narrows chapter of the national American Bikers Association for Training and Education is comprised of members from the Austin and Albert Lea area.

"The Buddy Bears are good for kids who have been through a catastrophic experience," Austin Fire Cmdr. Don Lenz said. "It’s a great way for firefighters and ambulance service personnel to help children cope in those times of stress."

Lynn Huston, public relations chair for the Narrows chapter, said there are 26 ABATE chapters in Minnesota and the Narrows chapter has been in existence for seven years. The chapter has 30 members.

This year, the Glenville Volunteer Fire Department was added to the list of beneficiaries of the chapter’s Buddy Bears distribution program.

"It makes me feel good to put something back into the community," Huston said. "On behalf of the chapter, I want to thank all of our sponsors. The next time you see a biker on the street, give them a wave of thanks for the good things they’re doing."

The Narrows chapter distributed 57 Buddy Bears to the Austin and Glenville departments and Albert Lea Ambulance Service.

Randy Waalkens is the chapter’s president. Waalkens is proud to call the Narrows chapter the "No. 1 ABATE chapter in the state of Minnesota."

That’s because local ABATE members sell more raffle tickets to support the organization’s awareness and education efforts throughout the year.

Waalkens has won a custom-built motorcycle in the annual drawing and he has sold the winning ticket to another winning chapter member. Orin Krause won a Harley Davidson Super Glide machine in the drawing.

The chapter sponsors a "Heart Throb" dance each February in Albert Lea to also help fund the awareness and education programs it sponsors.

Waalkens said motorcyclists everywhere still must battle the stereotypical image of cyclists, but he also said cyclists are winning over new acceptance.

"There are still certain people who think of all cyclists as outlaws," Waalkens said, "but that just isn’t true. We all have jobs. We have families. We’re parents and we pay taxes."

Huston said, "We’re really just everyday citizens, who enjoy riding cycles for fun."