We had great weather for our Annual Toy Run to support the Shriners Hospitals
for Children on Saturday. There were 901 motorcycles that left the BCBS parking
lot to take part in the parade through Barre and to the State House in Montpelier.
The current economic downturn has affected the Shriners as much as it has
the rest of the country. There were reports recently that they might have to
start shutting down some of their hospitals. It was great to see so many
socially caring motorcyclists turn out to support the Shriners and the work they
do for children. Many people made cash donations in addition to the toys.
It was a shame that none of our elected officials were able to greet us at our
house, the State House in Montpelier as they have done previously. But the
Shriners were there to accept our toy and cash donations and that is what really
matters.
We'll have photos and hopefully video of the Toy Run posted soon. Please be aware it
takes a tremendous amount of work to pull off the Toy Run and we couldn't do it without
the support of the local police and sheriff's departments. This is a yearly parade and
we do obtain the necessary permits and make every attempt possible to keep traffic
off of the parade route to insure the safety of the participants.
It was also a shame that there was no mention of the Annual Toy Run in
any of the local media. Well, except for a negative letter to the editor in
today's Barre Times Argus. Please read it and feel free to respond. Be
courteous of course, no need to be rude.
Letter to the editor - Barre Times Argus
...I waited at the light on the corner of Main and Maple streets for 15 minutes as the motorcycles went by,
I pulled onto Main Street heading toward Montpelier..when
another round of motorcycles appeared behind me...we came to a stop due to traffic.
My vehicle instantly was swarmed by motorcycles passing on both sides...
Read the entire letter at the Barre Times Argus site.
Most motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers. These people will then
claim that they never saw the motorcyclsit. Start seeing motorcycles.
