4 August - Back from vacation

Good morning,
Just returned from vacation in my hometown of Monroe, WI.  Although I've been gone, things have still been happening.  Here's a short list...
- The bike trail reopened on schedule last Sunday.   You can once again ride from downtown to Star City peacefully along the river instead of in noisy, smelly, gridlocked traffic.  Of course if you miss that, the option is still there.
- The bike board has finished their video Public Service Announcements which will be airing soon.  They will be previewed at the meeting this Thursday in the Public Safety Building at 6:30pm.  More details at: http://www.morgantown.com/bike-board.htm
- We have a potential new location in Sabreton.  When we finalize the deal we will need LOTS of your help volunteering to move, clean, paint, unpack and setup.  Call if you can help.  Thanks!
- Donated bikes continue to come in and we've been doing repairs and sales as time permits, but we need your help with this too.  Please call to volunteer anytime.
- I've been working on a weatherproof drivetrain/bike for personal use and possible commercial sale.  If you'd like to see it give a call and come visit.  See it here: www.positivespin.org/drivetrain
- Grand Central station has gone into receivership and the future of our current location remains uncertain.  It is certain that the floor in the office won't be fixed anytime soon so our ability to operate in the shop is severely limited.

Call or stop in if you can help out, or just want to visit.  See you soon.
Nick

Footnote:
Just wanted to add these heartwarming notes from our partners at Bikes for the World.  This is how lives are changed with the bikes you donate that we send overseas....

Testimonies from El Salvador

These stories, and others, along with photos will be up shortly on the Bikes for the World website.

My name is Delmy, I am 15 years old and I live in the village of Lower Saint Peter Bethlehem (San Pedro Belen Abajo), up to three months ago I was walking six kilometers daily to attend school, in all honesty there were times that I arrived a little late, but now that I've received the gift of a bicycle I arrive early to classes and it's easy to get together with my friends to do errands.  Before, I was begging my parents for a bike, but we never had enough to buy one, now I am very happy, thanks to God and to the good-hearted people who sent us these bikes.  We thank Bikes for the World for having donated this useful gift, which has motivated us to continue studying.  
--Delmy Adelina Cortez Torres, Canton El Suncita

I live in the village of Lower Saint Peter Bethlehem (San Pedro Belen Abajo), three kilometers from the school where I attend ninth grade.  Beginning three months ago, I no longer walk to school, now that I have been given a beautiful bike donated by generous individuals.  In my household [in spite of remittances from family members working abroad] there still isn't sufficient money to buy another bicycle, so you can imagine how happy I was the day I received this valuable gift that--besides allowing me to attend school--also helps me fulfil other commitments and undertake errands.  I never imagined being able to attend school on my own bike!  Gracias amigos altruistas!
--Maria Teresa Melgar Iglesia , Canton El Suncita