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Scott Kowalski

Bike Bike 2016

Scott Kowalski · Sep 11, 2016 ·

Bike Bike is an annual community-bike-shop-conference.

If you volunteer at Free Ride and are interested in attending, we are willing and able to pay your entrance-fee and potentially provide transportation to the event.

If interested email : freeride15224@gmail.com with the subject : ‘Bike Bike 2016’.

Here is information about this years’ conference: http://thehubofdetroit.org/bikebike-2016/

Hope to see you there !

Minutes August 18, 2016

Scott Kowalski · Aug 20, 2016 ·

Free Ride Council Meeting : August 17, 2016

Attendance: Scott K., Tess F., Tom A., Aryn G.

Guests: Pitt-Bike-Coop Founders and Students (Naomi and Hana)

Agenda with Discussion:

Electric – Another quote for lighting and wiring was presented.  The price is comparable to previous estimates but work-break down is more detailed.  There are plans to follow up to research a revised quote with downgraded lights (non-LED) with the same contractor, to see if this would reduce the estimate price.

Entryway – Possible effort to repaint the entryway next Sunday, August 28 – time TBD.  Additional details to come through email. May seek volunteer help.

Door – a volunteer is still working on ordering a door that will fit – it isn’t forgotten.

Rent-A-Hook Sheet (New) – Now shop users can ‘rent’ hooks for their bike projects.  A follow up email will explain the process.

Earn-A-Bike – it does still exist – it does not require paperwork or classes.  Volunteer hours earn anyone the value of the bike they choose.  Earn-A-Bike does not let you keep a bike on a hook in the shop. To leave a bike in the shop on a hook, for any reason – Rent-A-Hook.

POS System Approval to Purchase – Not enough council members for ‘quorum’ to approve – the group refreshed the discussion.  Ideas:  the POS system will not resolve money missing from the drawer, and given our narrow business hours, the additional expense may not justify the cost.  A POS system will make it easier to track the ‘new part’ inventory, but may not change the way FR accounts for used goods.  Overall the attitude is positive, even though these comments are critical.  The group realizes the POS System will only work as well as the staff is able to use it.  On that note – please do fill out the balancing sheet when you close out the register.

Donation Receipt Format Change – A new format for a donation receipt was presented.  The new receipt will include a simplified explanation of Free Ride, more readable contact and EIN info, and may save paper, because 2 receipts can fit on one 8.5”x11” sheet.

Youth and Shop Saturdays – a new volunteer is interested in testing the waters and volunteering to supervise youth on Saturdays.  She plans to begin this Saturday – everyone is happy about it.  Let’s make this a success!

Cash Drawer – the cash drawer is coming up short when volunteers open.  Staffers consistently make sure there is $80 left for the next open shop or class, but do not find $80.  Please continue to leave $80.  Please do not take money from the drawer to use as ‘petty cash’.  Free Ride has decided not to use any petty cash – if you make a purchase for Free Ride, please use your own money and seek reimbursement afterwards.

Flowers For Spring – A volunteer would like to plant bulbs outside for Spring.  Sounds good!

Bike Racks Out Front – There has been follow up with the city, no new news.

Bike Bike!!  – Goal is to get confirmation of to-go-head-count before next council meeting.  The event is either September 28 through October 2nd, or September 29 through October 2nd. Free Ride will reimburse attendees for conference fees and transportation.

Comprehensive Volunteer Task List – not discussed.

Alcohol and Drugs while Staffing – volunteers must be sober when staffing.  While staffing you represent Free Ride, please take it seriously and be presentable and helpful to the general public.

Teaching Classes – The group refreshed the discussion on the requirements to teach classes.  there is a policy on teaching classes – one must be vetted to teach classes and the process starts by shadowing each class, voluntarily, to learn the curriculum and approach.  The process ends with approval by the other teachers as ‘ready to teach’ and completing the correct tax form to be eligible for pay.

Big Pour the 10th of Sept – Free Ride will be closed on this day.  We will need to help clear the space in front of the garage door Friday September 9th.

Next Council Meeting – September 21 from 6:00 PM at the shop.

Dog Sculptures

Scott Kowalski · Aug 2, 2016 ·

Pretty Cool Artist making sculptures out of Bike Chain.

These dog sculptures made by Israeli artist Nirit Levav really make us smile. They are life size sculptures of dogs made out of upcycled bicycle chains. Although scrap metal chains are quite a heavy duty material, these dog sculptures are super sweet and look absolutely adorable.

Dog Sculptures

Free Ride Closed on the 4th of July

Scott Kowalski · Jun 27, 2016 ·

Free Ride will be closed on the 4th of July – no volunteer night – go see some fireworks !

Our Continued Resolve Towards Inclusion

Scott Kowalski · Jun 12, 2016 ·

In light of the tragedy in Orlando,

We want to reiterate Free Ride’s resolve in making our space inclusive for all people. In our March council meeting, Angela suggested we move from a safe space towards a “brave space,” and get training to ensure that our practices are in line with our goals. We will continue to investigate that process.

We would also like to thanks those who have held us accountable when our practices don’t live up to our goals and hope that we can continue this ongoing and necessary dialogue to ensure that Free Ride is as inclusive as possible.

Lastly, we’d ask that those of us in positions of privilege; continually educate ourselves towards understanding other people, fight against hate, and to support our communities that continue to face discrimination.

With love,
Free Ride

Our next Women and Queer Nite is June 22nd from 6:30-9:30pm.

Links about brace spaces:
From Safe to Brave Spaces
Brave Space Guidelines

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