Friends of Pepperell Rec.

Staff Writer

PEPPERELL — The second annual Friends of Pepperell Recreation Inc. used bike sale takes place this Saturday, April 12 (rain date April 13) at the Community Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

It is not too late to donate your used bike, Big Wheel, tricycle, bike seats, etc., to the newly-established nonprofit organization, Susan Boswell, president, said. Bikes will be accepted at the Community Center on Friday, April 11 between 5 and 7 p.m. and on the morning of the sale beginning at 8 a.m.

They also can be dropped off anytime at 52 Heald Street, next to the gray shed, or donors may call (978) 433-8623 to arrange pick-up (see www.geocities.com/friends_of_pepperell).

Police will give bicycle safety talks beginning at 10 a.m. and, while supplies last, they’ll give away bike helmets to the purchasers.

Repair-A-Bike clinics will be given by Harrison Gray of Earn-A-Bike of Worcester, and as was the case last year, all unsold bikes will be donated to the Earn-A-Bike program (www.worcesterearnabike.org), Boswell said.

The Friends acquired its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status a week ago with the help of Groton attorney Aleta Manugian. As such, the local organization can accept donations and give receipts for tax purposes. It has a tax exempt number.

Profits from the sale will go toward the Friend’s ultimate goal of building a playground for town field in conjunction with efforts by the also all-volunteer Pepperell Skatepark Committee to beautify the field.

Boswell said an example of what could be done is Dunstable’s Larter Field, where a walking track has been built around the soccer and baseball field, and a playground and public parking has been added.

She said there are seven or eight active members of the Friends of Pepperell Recreation, who meet once per month at 7 p.m. in the Community Church Parish Hall. The next meeting is April 29, and any interested resident is invited to attend. Normal meeting dates are on Mondays.

For further information, contact Boswell at (978) 835-0133.

Thus far, many bicycles for children ages 10 to 15 and several 10-speed bikes have been donated. Last year, about 200 bicycles were collected and about 100 sold. Gray took the leftovers to Worcester where less fortunate potential owners are taught how to repair and care for bicycles.

The next big event planned by the Friends is a town-wide yard sale scheduled for May 10 in which maps to participant’s numbered home will be provided for a fee. Each yard sale will be numbered on the maps.