FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On Saturday night December 3, 2011 approximately 150 Massachusetts Motorcycle Association members, family, friends, and riders of this state got together to attend the MMA’s Annual Awards Ceremony and Christmas Party. Also in attendance were representatives from New Hampshire Motorcycle Rights Organization, Rhode Island Motorcycle Association, and Connecticut Motorcycle Riders Association. The event was again held this year at Ichabod’s Tavern in Chicopee, MA with live music provided by Freedom Street an entertaining night of dinner and dancing was enjoyed by all.
2011 MMA Christmas Party - a Great time had by all!
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the MMA’s Annual Awards. These awards were presented by MMA Chairman Dave Condon on behalf of the MMA Board of Directors. This year’s recipients are:
Media Awards - Tim Aloisio, reporter for The Republican Newspaper Springfield, MA
Leo Castell, Publisher of the Motorcyclists Post
Both these individuals were recognized for their significant contributions to the MMA because of authorship or republication of MMA mission related articles in their respective publications.
Outstanding Achievement – Business – John Haymond of the Haymond Law Firm
John Haymond and his law firm were recognized for their many contributions in support of MMA events and activities.
Outstanding Achievement – MMA Member – Laurie Horn
Laurie has been a Life Member of the MMA for about 4 years now. Since becoming a member she has continually increased her participation in support of the MMA’s mission and goals. She attends many of the National Motorcycle Rights conferences annually with board members of the MMA and always self-funds her own attendance. She recently volunteered to become the MMA Merchandise Manager.
Outstanding Achievement – MMA Officer – Jay Kaspino
Jay has been a member of the MMA for over 20 years serving as the Franklin County Representative for most of those years. He was recognized for his many years of service and his outstanding support of the members in Franklin County.
Outstanding Achievement – MMA Board Member – Richard Schofield
Richard most recently served on the Board of Directors as the District One Manager. Previously he held the positions of Middlesex County Representative and the District One Representative to the Board. During his tenure Richard chaired the Elections Committee, the MMA’s Toy Ride Committee and was instrumental in running various District One events including overseeing annually 5 different motorcycle shows, within his district, in which the MMA had a booth for the purpose of selling raffle tickets for our Annual Harley Davidson Raffle Bike.
Chairman’s Cup – Dave Kristal, MMA Treasurer
Since becoming Treasurer for the MMA approximately two years ago Dave has instituted stricter accounting methods and automated the entire finances for the MMA. Prior to his tenure the MMA would often run a deficit not only is the MMA no longer running a deficit but we now have more working capital on hand that at any other time in recent history. Dave has continuously increased his involvement in the day to day operations of the organization and its mission including taking the lead in procuring the 2012 Harley Davidson Raffle Bike.
Before announcing this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Chairman Condon announced to the audience that the award will be renamed to the “Brian Clark Lifetime Achievement Award” in honor of the MMA District 4 Manager who passed in 2009. Brian was the longest-serving member of the MMA Board of Directors in the history of the MMA who was respected and loved by all who knew him.
Brian Clark Lifetime Achievement Award – Joe “Sarge” Komola
Joe "Sarge" Komola Receives his Brian Clark Lifetime Achievement Award
In conjunction with this award Sarge was also awarded a Life Time Membership to the MMA. Over the years of Sarge’s involvement with the MMA he has served in many positions. He started as a County Representative in District One moved on to the District Representative to the board for District One and then became the District One Manager. The last position he held on the board was that of the MMA’s Safety and Education Director. He currently serves as our Honorary Sergeant At Arms. His commitment to the MMA and the riders of this state was one he took very seriously. He was a constant figure on Beacon Hill always lobbying for what was best for the riders of this state. A few years back he singlehandedly and successfully lobbied the legislators of both houses to restore the funding of our Safety Fund. He did this by going to the state house every day for a couple of weeks and approaching every single legislator in office at the time and asking “where is OUR money?” As a result of this of $60,000.00 in funding was restored to the safety fund. He personally proved that one person can make a difference.
Special thanks to MMA District 4 Manager Alan “Tanker” Griswold, his wife Tammi, and the entire District Four crew for all their hard work in making this year’s event another highly successful one!
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