Meadville Community Bicycle Drive

Ben Masters stands proudly with 4 of the over 20 bicycles that were donated to the Bicycle drive this past weekend.  Ben approached Juniper Village about getting involved in his program this spring.  After hearing his initial plan for the Community Bicycle Project, we knew we had to support his efforts in the spirit of healthy aging.  Ben initially started integrating what he learned abroad in the Peace Corps at Fairview Fairmont through an earn a bicycle program. He began looking to grow a sustainable inter-generational program focusing on bicycle education and implementation as a means of transportation in individuals of all ages.  It was at Fairview Fairmont where he met Diane Craven.  Diane works at Fairview Fairmont and she and her husband Dan are working with Ben to grow the idea into a reality.

Bike Drive day came.  The sun was shining, it was hot, but there was a cool breeze blowing and up drove our first van FULL of bicycles and Bonner students from Allegheny College (pictured above).  The same Bonner students who had previously worked on our Juniper Garden Project!  In the driver seat was one of our Juniper Village Family members!  I giggled with excitement and Ben turns to me and curiously says: "Do you know Diane?" 
Diane and Dan attended the event in support of both the program, the Bonner Students and Juniper Village.  It was on that beautiful Sunday afternoon that we all came together and realized we were already connected. 

Shortly after noon, Hagen Business Machines pulled up with another donation.  What support we were getting from our local community!  The afternoon was filled with reminiscing, laughter, and a pizza party.  The next two days brought even more community support as the bicycles filtered in.
Ben is currently working towards a non-profit status with his Meadville Community Bicycle Project.  He currently has over 75 Bicycles in his Grandmother's Basement and is hoping to secure an alternate location to set up the Bicycle Shop.  His goal is to recycle the Bicycles for the earn a Bicycle Program and give them back to the Community.  Ben can be reached directly at bdmasters@gmail.com. 
Ben is a Bicycle mechanic who just LOVES to ride his Bicycle, coupled with his energy and passion for growing awareness in the Meadville community, we look forward to seeing his vision for a Bicycle Friendly community grow!  Juniper Village supports the Bicycle Program, which is right in line with our philosophy of healthy aging and Maintaining an Active Body, Engaged Mind and Fulfilled Spirit.  I am not surprised to have found that Dan and Diane, the Bonner Students and Ben all were connected.  They have all been a part of our Juniper Family and have given back to Nurturing the Spirit of Life in each individuals life they touch.  Thank you all for your passion in what you do daily!  You can read more about Ben's Adventures in his blog: http://www.yearbybicycle.blogspot.com/