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An open letter to all participating clubs, and fellow riders, of the 28th Annual Lehigh Valley Chapter of A.B.A.T.E. Toy Run, 2011:
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On behalf of the entire Lehigh Valley Chapter of A.B.A.T.E., I would like to apologize for the problems incurred with our Toy Run this year. Since this event began, twenty- seven years ago, we have never had to deal with the level of governmental red tape, and ineptitude, that we have experienced this year. Unfortunately, the actions of a small number of people in Lower Macungie and Penn DOT caused headaches for us.
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In the history of planning this event we have never been required to submit for a permit from the state of PA. After a twenty-seven year run with no incidents, or problems, Mr. Dale Frizzell, the Lower Macungie Emergency Management Coordinator, brought forth a safety issue and called in Penn DOT. Both Lower Macungie and Penn DOT placed numerous obstacles in our path that we dutifully met until the day before the Toy Run. Our Chapter was suddenly informed that we needed to submit a detailed traffic plan in order to receive a permit from Penn DOT for our Toy Run to proceed. Obviously, we were unable to produce this document in less than 24 hours before the Toy Run, and subsequently, our Chapter did not receive the necessary permit. L.V. A.B.A.T.E. continued to attempt to negotiate with both Lower Macungie and Penn DOT officials up until the last minute before the Toy Run began its run to Allentown. Our Chapter was able to salvage the run, but, as you all know, this run took place under less than ideal circumstances.
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Already, our Chapter is taking multiple steps to assure that this problem does not happen again, and that next years’ Toy Run, and many more after that, will be as smooth and enjoyable as previous years. I will keep you up to date on our status, over the course of the year, as the 2012 Toy Run approaches.
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Finally, we should all keep in mind that the Toy Run is an event to support children in the Lehigh Valley.
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Sincerely,
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Ron Dorney
President, Lehigh Valley Chapter of A.B.A.T.E., PA
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