In May, Toby Bartlett spent some time with our long-time volunteer, John Grew, to write an article about Portland Wheelers for Scarborough Living Magazine. We have a number of ride partner locations in Scarborough. You’ll see us riding the Eastern Trail with folks from Scarborough Terrace or The Enclave. You might spot us at The Downs with wheelers from Maine Veterans’ Homes or Scarborough Public Schools. We roll past Higgins Beach with our friends at Piper Shores, and we roll through neighborhoods near Pine Point Center. We are quite visible in Scarborough! Toby writes about sustainability, so there was a bit of that in the article, but what really came through was kindness and connection.

John spoke of a connection that really stuck with him, recalling how he once calmed a distressed 12-year-old simply by singing to her. He shared:

“I felt such great satisfaction that perhaps through my small act – and less than melodic singing – I had made a small difference in this girl’s day. That is what Portland Wheelers is all about.”

John values sharing experiences, not just giving rides. There is real joy in “little moments,” like stopping to watch birds or seeing flowers in bloom.

“Little moments that turn into big memories.”

The article goes on to share our story of sustainability, noting that rides are human-powered (with some help from the E-assist trikes), and our transport vans are electric.

While the rides are sustainable and free, the effect on the community is priceless. Even for volunteers, like John Grew, who has found the experience offers a reciprocal gift:

“I knew I’d be helping someone else, but I didn’t realize how much it would help me.”

If you would like to read the full article. Click here to find it at Scarborough Living Magazine.