The wheel of time has completed another turn. The BWAH season of 2001 begins! Again Mothers’ Day brought with it the bikers, the clown, and a very dear child to honor on our first "Ride For Cheer". So, once more I must engage my keyboard and try to capture the essence of the BWAH "Ride For Cheer".

  Let me tell you about Steven. Steven is one interesting little boy. He is only 11, and has a fascination with motorcycles. I guess that is part of being a boy of 11 years. He knew that Vas and some of his friends were coming to visit him on their bikes, but he was not aware it was a special honor for him. His mother, Judy, describes him as somewhat shy, and she was concerned that he might feel overwhelmed. But, Steven took it all in his stride, and even helped Renzo with some of his magic tricks. Judy states that Steven is very upbeat and positive with an unusual gift for making friends. She feels that the challenge he has faced has not held him back socially. He lives in a neighborhood where he is free to ride his tricycle and have a good measure of independence. We saw the evidence of that when his little friend Peter, not only assisted with the clown act, but also hopped into the back basket of Steven’s tricycle for a ride up the street. Steven really displayed his independence when he flatly refused to return the handsome black leather jacket that he had worn on the parade ride. His, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO" when he was told he had to give it back was priceless and gave us all a chuckle.

  It was a pleasure to meet and greet our friends, old and new, at Coastal Decorating in Kennebunk. A hearty group of motorcycles and four vehicles followed Sgt. Gary Fecteau with blue lights flashing to Steven’s home. Magic was the top of the order, with Renzo in fancy new duds, and a new bag of tricks. Both parents and some of the bikers were recruited for magician’s assistance. We rewarded him with our laughter. Renzo plans to provide us with clown for the season, but his job at Funtown will prevent him from personally joining us again.

  Josh Fecteau presented the gift bag to Steven. Not only did Steven receive a BWAH T-shirt, but also because it was Mothers’ Day, his mother did also. Bob Baker, who with his wife, Millie was a first timer, read and presented the "Certificate of Proclamation" with the picture of Steven with the group. Steven, we hope you enjoyed your day as much as we did sharing it with you. Although there was some concern that Steven might be intimidated with the parade ride he handled it like a pro according to Dusty Lowell with whom he rode. Dusty said Steven had a great time and tried to talk to his sister, Chelsea who was also riding alongside with Kermit Poe.

  Once again we will gather at Coastal Decorating Center (sharing the parking lot with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles) on Route One in Kennebunk, June 10^th at 3:00PM. The June recipient of the "Ride For Cheer" will be Patrick Denger, who lives in Biddeford. We are looking forward to seeing all at the June "Ride For Cheer"!