In a little over 3 months, on September 11th, The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes will visit the memorial and Firehouse 10, where those shiny towers rise from their footings. I rode today, from Brooklyn into Manhattan, to spend the day visiting friends and strangers to spread the word of my upcoming visits to all Firehouses, Police Precincts and Veterans Organizations in the 5 boroughs of New York City. The response was overwhelming as hundreds of individuals and groups applauded and shared in the sentiment of my beliefs for this mission to honor Heroes. It is a testament to the unwavering support for those who sacrifice of themselves to support our liberties and freedom. In two days I will begin visiting these Heroes in New York City.

This letter was sent to me about a boy who cares for people in need. I love hearing these sort of stories, when the youngest of our society know the importance of helping others.

We always knew that our son Jack was a gentle, kind and caring soul from the moment he was born.  I guess I never realized how much until he and I decided to take part in a walk to raise money for Juvenile Diabetes a few years ago.  Does  he have diabetes you ask?  No.  Just another example of him wanting to help others.  Over the course of the last 3 years, Jack has single handedly raised $700 for the JDRF, and has set his goal for this year alone at $500.  About 6 months ago Jack came up to me as we were sitting in the kitchen with a magazine article about the Smile Train.  He said “Dad, did you know that for $250 we could help a child with a Cleft Palate get a surgery?”  I said “No, I didn’t know that.  Let me have a look at that.”  He then proceeded to express his concerns about what he had read about and how children with this condition in developing countries are treated.  Some will never go to school, others are outcasts of society and many never know what it is to be loved.  This absolutely broke his heart knowing that there are kids in this world that have to feel that way.  He immediately made me call the 800 number to get an information package on how to set up a fundraiser.  His goal is to raise enough by Christmas to help 3 children.  We are so proud of Jack.  Our 7 year old with a heart of gold.

The Kindness Bus Tour received its first police escort in its three year history. Heading into Roxbury, Chief  Simonetti was waiting with two squad cars with their lights flashing. The Kindness Bus was escorted through the streets, past hundreds of interested onlookers, to the Police Station to meet the on duty force. It was an honor hearing from so many officers at once of how important the Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes is to remind all of us.
Chief Simonetti went out of his way to help us get the most exposure possible while we were in the area. The Kindness Bus was also escorted to a local shopping mall where I had maximum exposure, helping to raise awareness in this community of who the real Heroes are in today’s society.
Thank you to Chief Simonetti and the entire Police force in Roxbury Township, New Jersey for the help and words of encouragement.

I spent the day at the most amazing place with the most incredible people who perform hundreds of acts of kindness for animals in need. Visit their website; www.antler-ridge.com to realize the incredible work being done at this sanctuary. The information below, is directly from their website.

Antler Ridge Farm was purchased by Jim and Kelly Simonetti in 2000. Because the 120-acre farm is protected under the farmland preservation program of New Jersey, it can never be developed. Over the years, some of the land has been restored to the original farming fields, while the rest is being maintained as a wildlife sanctuary.

Under the guidance and direction of several agencies such as The Audubon Society, Tree Farm Stewardship, and Ridge and Valley Conservation, these ongoing efforts will help maintain and continue to nurture the flora and fauna native to New Jersey. The loss of habitat in our State has put a tremendous strain on the wildlife populations, and forced the animals to live in conditions to which they are unable to adapt.

Established a year after the farm, The Antler Ridge Sanctuary is licensed by the State of New Jersey to care for all small mammals that includes, but is not limited to, fawn, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, woodchucks, rabbits and opossums.

We are a 501©3 non-profit organization supported exclusively by public donations and grants. Our staff of experienced volunteers provides immediate care for animals 7 days a week, all year round.

Did you know it costs as much as $75.00 per animal per month to care for them?

With over 200 animals a year received at Antler Ridge Animal Sanctuary, expenses can really add up. And our animals get only the very best of care, with the veterinary care services provided at the same quality level as you would give your own personal pets.

So..Imagine the bill if you had to visit your vet EVERY WEEK with an animal that was hit by a car, or attacked by another animal. We count on the compassion and generous services of the local veterinarians and veterinary hospitals that support us.AND on donations from the public to help us continue in our quest for excellent ongoing care.

Every animal we treat is considered a patient until its release. Sanctuary Founder and Director Kelly Simonetti operates the sanctuary like a healthcare facility, with Admission, Diagnosis, Treatment Plan, Rehabilitation then Discharge as standard procedure.

Every step of the process is considered critical to the goal of discharge or release; however human safety come firsts, and every effort is made to prevent imprinting to humans to ensure a successful release.

About the Director

Kelly Simonetti, Founder and Director of Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary, has enjoyed a long career in care giving. A graduate of nursing school, Kelly worked as a RN for 20 years, while also volunteering her time to St Hubert’s Animal Shelter in Madison, NJ where she cared for the many sick animals in the shelter. She has also held an animal control license since 1998, and has volunteered many hours with the local animal rescue groups.

During the Hurricane Katrina disaster, Kelly helped organize and mobilize the Morris County Animal Rescue Team. She was one of the primary organizers in the animal rescue efforts provided by St Hubert’s Animal Welfare and Sussex County Animal Rescue Team to transport and house the left-behind animals from the Katrina Disaster. In 2000, she and her husband Jim purchased the land now known as Antler Ridge Farm. During that year, she also completed her training in wildlife rehabilitation and was granted a license from the State of New Jersey to practice. Since then, the Sanctuary has grown in leaps and bounds under her auspicious and dedicated leadership.

It was travel day for The Kindness Bus Tour as I made my way from Middlefield, Ohio to Clarion, Pennsylvania and then ended my day in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.
The Kindness Bicycle hit the ground early in Middlefield, visiting the Police and Fire departments in this town. I received a great deal of interest from passersby, including from, several Amish riding past me in their buggies.
In Clarion, I stopped to visit The Pennsylvania State Police offices, the Dispatchers were very supportive and helpful, they even referred me to Cassie Bower, a writer for the Clarion News who did an in depth interview of my travels for over an hour.
Late evening found me in Bloomsburg where I connected with people from a local shopping center.
A big thanks to Dart Metals owner Sam Shapiro for his gas donation for The Kindness Bus.

Bogart will be spending the next 15 weeks in a spa-like environment. He will be pampered every step of the way. Late today I left northeast Ohio for a stay of more than 100 days in New York City. It would be a a bit challenging and dangerous to his health to have him stay on the bus while I am gone for the better part of  some days.
Bogart had no problem with the hand-off. He looked like he knew summer is going to be just like last year, when he even had own personal inflatable pool. He will truly be in good hands again.

One thing becomes more and more apparent as I travel the country and visit with Wounded Warriors and Veterans, freedom is not free. A huge sacrifice has been made by every Hero I talk with. It is so easy to get caught up in living life and take for granted the freedom and liberties we have. We are free to do and say what we want because of those who gave so much. If you have any spare time you are looking to donate, visit www.va.gov to find a Veteran’s group you would like to help. The time you spend, is needed in a very big way and is as rewarding as you will ever experience.