Dads Scooter Crash

 The Cushman Scooter

We lived on Grand Avenue, and right next to our house was an empty corner lot. That’s where Dad made a track for his brand-new Cushman scooter. He was proud of that thing. He showed us everything: the trunk behind the seat for his tools, the shifter on the side, and the clutch and gas on the floorboard like a tiny car.

After a few careful lessons, he let us ride it only around the track. No street riding, period. But that side street next to the lot led past the turkey ranch and around the block, and it was just too tempting. Every chance I got, when I thought no one was looking, I’d go for the full loop.

One day, I pushed my luck and got pulled over. I came home with a ticket. I braced myself—but there was no punishment. Dad gave me a lecture, sure, but he called it “boys being boys.” That was his way.

Not long after, he started letting me drive the car, with him riding shotgun, talking me through it. Meanwhile, Bruce, Dennis, and I took turns tearing around the dirt oval on the Cushman. Dad still used it for errands and sometimes even to get to work.

Then came that phone call. Mom picked up, and we heard: Dad was in the hospital with a broken jaw. He’d hit a patch of sand going around a corner, and the scooter dumped him. His jaw had to be wired shut, and every meal came out of a blender.

After that, the Cushman was no longer cool. Dad never rode it again. And suddenly, it was “too dangerous for us,” too.

Our Friend Mike McGinny

 Mike the Clown

When we moved to our new neighborhood, Bruce’s friend Mike McGinny became our friend. He and his uncle moved around the same time we did, and none of us knew anyone yet, so the three of us stuck together—riding bikes all summer long.

Mike was a walking (or riding) accident. Most of the time, he wasn’t even trying to be funny—it just happened. Like that time at Ganesha Park when we were flying down Snake Hill. Mike missed the curve, went off the road, and somehow his bike got stuck in a tree. We never figured out how.

Bruce and I were both in Little League that year, and the three of us rode our bikes to every game. One day on the way home, we were racing. Mike was out front, flying downhill, and turned around to see how far ahead he was—just in time to slam right into the back of a car that had pulled onto the road.

We thought it was bad. Mike went flying, the driver jumped out—but somehow, Mike stood up, brushed off, and was completely fine. Not a scratch on the car either (they don’t make ’em like that anymore). We straightened Mike’s handlebars and kept racing.

Another time, we decided to ride out to my cousin’s house, about 3 or 4 miles away. It had rained the day before, and the roads were still full of puddles. We were having a blast splashing through them. Mike, always trying to one-up the fun, pointed to a huge puddle surrounded by traffic cones and yelled, “Watch this!”

He veered off the road and rode straight into it—only to disappear into the water, sinking all the way to his neck.

What really sent me over the edge was the horses in the pasture nearby. They all lifted their heads and let out loud whinnies, like even they couldn’t believe what they just saw.

Board of Directors – Join the Human ECO-Life Parks Leadership Team!

 Human ECO-Life Parks seeks passionate and experienced professionals to join our five-member Board of Directors as co-founders. Our mission integrates sustainable tourism, environmental restoration, and social impact with a focus on homeless transition initiatives—providing pathways to stability, employment, and sustainable living.

Open Positions:

We are looking for individuals with expertise in the following areas:

• Legal: (Lawyer or paralegal): Provide legal oversight, ensure compliance, and guide governance policies.

• Marketing Executive: Lead brand strategy, public relations, and outreach efforts to expand our reach.

• Human Resources Executive: Develop policies, oversee organizational culture, and support workforce development.

• Secretarial Executive: Manage board administration, documentation, and communication to maintain smooth operations.

• Anyone with a Passion for Humanity and Ecology: We welcome individuals dedicated to fostering positive change with an open and balanced approach.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a groundbreaking initiative that promotes sustainable tourism, environmental stewardship, and homeless transition programs.

• Help shape policies and strategies that create long-term impact on communities and ecosystems.

• Collaborate with a dedicated team of co-founders and leaders committed to making a meaningful difference.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome individuals with expertise in their respective fields, a passion for sustainability, and a commitment to ethical leadership. Prior board experience is not required.

If you’re interested in being part of this transformative journey, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out with your resume and a brief statement of interest to:

✉ larry.earthxy@gmail.com

Board of Directors Responsibilities:

A five-member board of directors, as co-founders, plays a critical role in the oversight and strategic direction of Human ECO-Life Parks. Key responsibilities include:

✅ Governance & Oversight: Establishing policies, developing strategic plans, and ensuring financial stability. ✅ Financial Management: Overseeing budgets, securing funding, and managing resources effectively. ✅ Stakeholder Engagement: Working with community members, government officials, and advocates to align with public needs. ✅ Community Engagement & Homeless Transition Support: Organizing programs that empower homeless individuals through housing, employment, and skill-building initiatives.

The Board of Directors plays an essential role in ensuring that Human ECO-Life Parks thrive as a force for environmental conservation and social change.

Join us in shaping a sustainable future for people and the planet!