Archive for June, 2012

Times Square

Saturday, June 30th, 2012

6-30-12Every day of the week, Times Square is crowded, especially on a Saturday before a holiday. I decided to take a break from visiting Heroes and spend the time today among the throngs of individuals visiting this popular tourist destination. I did visit the Times Square NYPD and several of the officers throughout the area. They are some of the busiest officers, having to interact with the tens of thousands of people who make their way through this place.
All of the conversations with the men and women in blue centered around The Kindness Bus Tour for Heroes. One of the conversations touched on the very reason I am doing this ride. I was told by one of the officers of many parents discouraging their children to be friendly towards the police. It is a sad commentary on the way some children are being taught to respect those who put themselves in harms way to protect us. I am hoping in some way The Kindness Bus Ride for Heroes changes some of those young minds.

NYPD Mounted Unit

Friday, June 29th, 2012

6-29-12AI’ve been wanting to visit the Mounted Unit of the NYPD since I arrived in New York City three weeks ago. I got to this facility at the perfect time as Officer Michael Weiss was able to find the time to give me a small tour. He has been with the Mounted for 4 years and previously with the NYPD in Brooklyn. In this hot weather, Michael had his horse Admiral, out for an early morning ride to avoid the heat of the day. As I turned to walk away, Michael said, “Thanks for what you are doing, it means a lot to us.”  What a great compliment!!
The exposure I got as I rode through the streets of Manhattan today was incredible. This town is as busy as I have seen as the Independence Day crowd has started to arrive. It may be because of the patriotism this time of year, that I am getting such a positive response for The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes.
My visit to 3 Firehouses culminated in a visit to the Firehouse at 8th and 48th. These men were helpful with directions and future contacts in Brooklyn.

Warm Welcomes

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

6-28-12Being in New York City several times with The Kindness Bus, I always am welcomed with open arms. This city is very friendly to me and since I have been riding The Kindness Bicycle through many of the neighborhoods, it has been even friendlier.
I met so many people today during my full day of riding. Rob from New Jersey has 2 kids and loved the message of One Million Acts Of Kindness. He helped further my travels with a very nice donation. Mary, who comes from a very patriotic military family loved the fact I am riding for an awareness of Wounded Warriors.
Today I visited 4 Firehouses and 2 Police Precincts on the west side of Central Park. Firefighters Mark, Kevin and Ben were helpful in making sure I was hydrated and nourished. Three more friendly people, in this very friendly city. It was another incredible day. Thank you to all.

The Word is Spreading

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

6-27-12With the temperature about to heat up again, over the next few days, I decided to visit all of the remaining Police Precincts south of Central Park on Manhattan today. My visits were met with great interest. Every Precinct I visited is posting the flyer announcing The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes in their building. I visited 8 Precincts, New York City Police Headquarters, 2 Firehouses and Federal Marshals at the US Courthouse. It was a very big day.
I am seeing people from across the country who have seen me previously. “I saw you in Chicago,” said Frank a photographer who has recently moved to New York City. I love the potential power of this grassroots movement. It is spreading one person at a time across the country.

On Call

Tuesday, June 26th, 2012

6-26-12Getting a quick lay of the land through many of the crowded neighborhoods in south Manhattan, proved to be a great way to get into many conversations. Peter, a State New York Officer came out to talk and is going to post one of the flyers in his building.
Ladder 9 from Great Jones Street was on a building inspection call when I was locking up my bike for an appointment.
Lieutenant Thomas Baroz was in the truck and loved talking about some of the friendly people in his neighborhood. He has been with FDNY for 22 years and is passionate about helping those in need.
I will be visiting 10 of these neighborhood Firehouses over the next 3 days.

Busy Day in Manhattan

Monday, June 25th, 2012

6-25-12Today was a busy day to plan in advance for some of the rain days or days off that I may take this summer. I visited a mix of 7 Firehouses, Precincts and a Courthouse. I even dropped off a flyer at the Ed Sullivan theater for The David Letterman’s producer. I think it would make a great story. Keep your fingers crossed.
Firefighter Hero Rich at E 75th Street was busy at call in his Firehouse when I rolled up. He took the time to share his time learning about The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes.
I also visited the 17th and 18th Precincts today and received the warmest welcomes. Clearly, these Heroes don’t receive messages of gratitude and honor often enough.
Being out on The Kindness Bicycle for 10 hours today, allowed for dozens of long conversations about the need to honor Heroes.

Deja Vu

Sunday, June 24th, 2012

6-24-12“Where is the bus and the dog,” John, a Firefighter at Engine 39 and Ladder 16 Company on East 67th Street in Manhattan said as I rode up on The Kindness Bicycle. “We still have one of your stickers hanging up inside from you visit two years ago.” I was honored by these words. It helps me realize that these brave Heroes I am visiting, appreciate The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes. There is a famous photo which hangs in the Firehouse that shows two of their men walking toward the 1st tower after it had collapsed, to try to rescue victims. They perished when the 2nd tower came down.
Police Precinct 19 on 67th Street, adjoins the Firehouse. I received many praises both inside and outside the Precinct. I love when Police cruisers give me a short siren blast when I ride by. I received two such sirens from cruisers from the 19th.
Thank you to everyone today!