Arlington bicyclist thanks all who helped him
Published 12:01 am Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Dick Cress of Arlington has many folks to thank.
His bike was stolen July 30. We wrote about the theft Aug. 3, “Avid cyclist’s wheels stolen.”
Cress is well-known around Arlington for riding his bike to and from S
mokey Point, pedaling on average more than 20 miles per day. He took up riding as a way to lose the weight he gained after his son, Patrick, was murdered in 1983 and his wife, Katherine, died of cancer.
Since he started riding 16 years ago, Cress has biked more than 72,000 miles and has lost
130 pounds.
There was an outpouring of donations after the theft that enabled Cress to get a new bike.
“We were amazed at the quick responses and even more shocked at how fast events developed,” Cress says. “I am still humbled with the outpouring of community support that moved our friends and neighbors to give their hard-earned money to help me get back on two wheels.”
Within a few days, with the help and advice of Mark Everett and the staff at Arlington Velo Sport, he says he selected and ordered a new Trek FX 7.3.
“I owe it to all those who gave so generously to make sure that this bicycle does not get stolen like the last one did. I did have a lock for the other one, I just never used it. Now my bike is locked and secured whenever it is out of sight and I have insurance that will, heaven forbid, cover such a loss in the future.”
Few of the donations came in with names, so Cress says he can’t personally thank everyone.
“And thank you seems far too little for all that everyone has done to get me back on my bicycle. It’s my hope that one day all of you will see your reward for the generosity that you have shown toward me.”
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Donna Michelson, mayor pro tem in Mill Creek, started something that was well received in her community.
Recycling is her thing.
The fourth “Document Destruction Day” is planned for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Mill Creek City Hall, 15728 Main St. in Mill Creek.
I wrote about Michelson on Sept. 22, 2008, “Mill Creek leader works hard for recycling events” and am impressed she has kept working for her cause. “Shred-It, a commercial document destruction company, will be on site shredding documents.” she says. Don’t take more than four boxes each and you don’t have to remove staples, paper clips or fasteners.
Leave it to Michelson to add another green twist to the event.
She asked a Volunteers of America truck to be on hand so folks can bring food bank donations.
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Dale Reiner of Monroe will talk about the record 1990 Thanksgiving flood in Snohomish County at 7 p.m. Thursday at a meeting of the Monroe Historical Society.
The meeting is planned at the Monroe Fire Department at 163 Village Court in Monroe.
Farmers affected by floods, including the Frohning family from the Tualco Valley, will share stories about trying to save their homes and livestock from the rising water.
The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments. Share your own Monroe flooding experiences after the presentation.
Please bring a $5 donation.
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On Saturday, Mountlake Terrace marks the end of summer and beginning of fall with a park improvement event.
Help clean up and clear brush at Ballinger Park from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Bring gardening gloves and tools. Meet at the Ballinger Park parking lot, 23000 Lakeview Drive. Register with Parks and Facilities Superintendent Ken Courtmanch at 425-776-1811.
Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451, oharran@heraldnet.com.
