TAMPA TRIBUNE

March 8, 2008

Old Bikes Offer New Opportunities To Some

By MAUREA SLEESMAN Hernando Today correspondent

SPRING HILL - The Easter Bunny may deliver some of his eggs riding a donated bicycle to a Dade City mission for migrant farm workers and their families.

The bike charity ministry and other outreach are vanguards of Grace Presbyterian Church.

The Rev. Chet Okopski, senior pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Spring Hill, describes the ministry: "Resurrection. The Bike Ministry is a kind of Easter Ministry, because these bicycles - many of them - are resurrected from their graves and given new life, like God does for all of us."

A group of men meets weekly in a special church garage to rebuild bicycles; they just created "bicycle No. 1,300," said Moe Volzer, the ministry chairman. "It's a beauty, as pink as an Easter egg, for some lucky little girl.

"We have several bike stands for fixing the bikes and all kinds of tools. Special tools for tire rim removal, cable cutters, spoke-straightening and rim alignment. ... Between the time we disassemble used and broken bikes, figure out the repairs and replacements needed, and then produce the finished 'resurrected' vehicle, it could easily take four hours of one morning or several days.

"The bikes are tested for good tires, brakes and working gears so they are safe and ready to use. Then we deliver the bicycles along with donated food and clothing for the needy recipients. Many workers don't own cars or have easy transport. Having a bike is an important gift."

Helping Their Community

A sign outside the Dade City destination of the bike ministry says "Immigration," and Margarita Romo, executive director of Farmworkers Self Help Inc., is described by Volzer as an outstanding Christian who provides farm workers and needy families with help from local churches and donations. He said Harbor Behavioral Center is the other main recipient of the bicycles. Caseworkers Dana Basewell and Amy Crause match the donated bikes with youths, some of whom have never had a bicycle.

"One time we delivered an adult three-wheeler to Dade City for the migrant farm workers," he said, "and before the bike hit the ground from the truck, one older man grabbed it and rode off to use it not only for his only transportation but for family grocery shopping. We sure made his day."

A Growing Ministry

Grace members Volzer, Walter Airel, Russel Cressman and others meet every Wednesday morning in the church bike ministry garage. Chuck Palmer initiated the bike ministry in 1998, which first met in a home garage, then in a private home work space in Hernando Beach before moving to the church.

Airel retired from a trucking company career, moving to Spring Hill from New Jersey. "I had such aching joints and poor health from the cold up north," he said. His arthritis and other health problems found relief in sunny weather, a hot tub and a swimming pool. He said he prefers working on coaster bikes because they are easier to fix than the complicated gears of the 5-speeds and 10-speeds.

Volzer, a longtime church member, retired from Eastman Kodak engineering in Rochester, N.Y. At 79, he says he needs to slow down a little. He had surgery on his left hand and can't wrench tires easily. He knows how to wrench computers, though, and keeps an inventory of all bikes, parts, contacts, schedules and resources.

He and Airel both said they are grateful to Black Bear Bike and owner Dave Sims for discounts on tires, parts and free repair advice when they need it. They also appreciated the time Sears donated some bikes still in boxes. "We're so glad to get donations of old bikes anytime. Just give us a call," Volzer said.

At 6 p.m. Sunday, a free ice cream social will feature cold treats and entertainment to welcome new members and serve the community. Local entertainer Cliff Ritchie will sing and perform comedy. Tickets are available at the church office.

"From 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, March 15, the Presbyterian Women will have their huge rummage sale," Okopski said. "The popular event will include refreshments and everything under the sun for sale: furniture, clothes, toys, kitchen stuff, electronics, books, CDs, DVDs, tools, games and maybe even some golf clubs, all for charity."