Congratulations to Black Hills Custom Parts in Rockaway, New Jersey, on their 20th anniversary this year! Owner Ken Puzio is throwing a 20th Anniversary Open House on Saturday, June 28. Ken tells me there will be live music, giveaways, discounts and special surprises. More will be revealed in coming issues of THUNDER PRESS, but mark it on your calendar now!… THUNDER PRESS contributor Dom Mazza sends this news item in: On February 11, Suffolk County Legislator William R. Spencer, M.D. (18th District) from Long Island, New York, presented the Long Island Harley Riders motorcycle group with a proclamation signed by all the members of the Legislature for 12 years of going to the Sagamore Children’s Psychiatric Center in Dix Hills, Long Island, during the Christmas holidays and bringing holiday gifts and spending time with the children. LI Harley Riders President Fred Hartmann received the proclamation on behalf of the group. To quote Dr. Spencer, “Their dedication to the patients of Sagamore demonstrates a deep affection for those in need and a heartwarming service to their community.” Dom recently received word that the New York State Department of Mental Health is giving Sagamore another year. He tells me that during that time they will be evaluating the closing of the facility. They were slated to close about August of 2014. He says, “Let’s hope for the best and continued support from the community, judges, politicians and families of present and prior patients, and even prior patients themselves.”… My sympathies to Connie Mason on the death of her husband, Dick “Birdman” Mason, 67, from Lowell, Massachusetts. Birdman had been diagnosed with cancer and passed away on February 22. He was a member of Cornerstone Motorcycle Ministry, and the founder of Seed of Abraham MC and other associated ministries. The first time I met him was at The Tent, a meal and comfort stop that Cornerstone sets up every year near Keene, New Hampshire, for travelers riding to and from Laconia Motorcycle Week. I have heard Birdman give testimony at the Cornerstone bike blessing during the rally, and we’ve had a conversation or two over the years. The world of motorcycle ministries has lost a good man… It was another sad day the week before. New York City fashion designer Michele Savoia, 55, left a nightclub early Thursday morning, February 13, the last time he was seen alive. He was reported missing and his body was found in the Hudson River on Sunday the 16th, not far from the boat where he lived. It appears he slipped on the aluminum ramp leading to his boat and fell into the near-freezing water. Savoia owned the House of Savoia in Soho, NYC, and designed costumes for Broadway shows as well as making suits for celebrities such as Robert DeNiro and Matt Dillon. Michele owned a 1958 custom bobber; in fact, the last time I saw him was at the grand opening of Harley-Davidson of NYC’s Soho location last December. His passing leaves a big gap in the NYC artistic, fashion and riding scenes. We’ll miss your vintage styling sensibilities as well as your bigger-than-life personality… There’s a new women’s ride happening this June! If you’re a female rider who lives in New England (or too far away to make it to the Black Hills Custom Parts anniversary bash), check out the inaugural We Ride Too ride for female motorcyclists to be held June 28. Riders will meet up at Boston Harley-Davidson at 8:30 a.m. in Everett, Massachusetts, where they will depart for a scenic ride followed by a barbecue. The ride is limited to the first 114 women and preregistration is required. Sign-up information and more can be found on their Facebook event page. Just search for “We Ride Too.”… RevZilla is expanding! The online motorcycle apparel and accessories store that launched its website for online orders in 2007 opened up a brick-and-mortar store in Philadelphia two years ago. The company’s success has necessitated another expansion, so RevZilla will add a new East Coast warehouse and fulfillment center adjacent to its location at the Navy Yard in Philly. Best of luck to this American-owned company that really gets it… Thanks again to Dom Mazza for giving me a heads up on new doings at Americade, the popular touring rally in Lake George, New York. I picked up the phone and called founder Bill Dutcher who filled me in on some details. Bill tells me that there are more changes this year than any time in Americade history. For the first time ever, a brand-new 2014 Harley-Davidson Super Glide Custom will be given away (note that only registered Americaders are eligible). There will be more Harley involvement in Americade 2014 than in many years past. Harley is sponsoring a rodeo night, is involved with a charity poker run and, as usual, will be offering demo rides of its new models. Many other changes are afoot, as well. To find out more, check out www.americade.com… Tramontin Harley-Davidson in Hope, New Jersey, has earned The Motor Company’s Silver Bar & Shield Circle of Excellence Award this year. This is the third consecutive year Tramontin has won a Bar & Shield award, but it’s the first Silver for the dealership. And this year, the criteria has gotten a lot more stringent. A dealership can’t just excel in one area; all areas have to perform at a high level. Congratulations to my friends at Tramontin for a job well done!
