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The Avenue Welcomes PET

September 21, 2008

Did you realize that a volunteer group here in Murfreesboro builds units that allow handicapped persons in third world countries to get around?  The vehicles are called PET.  That stands for personal energy transportation.  It does not have a motor.  It is propelled by a hand crank.  The same way your legs move a bicycle, with the PET–your hands crank it forward.  A complete PET unit can be manufactured for $250.  The great news is that $2,475 was raised.  That is almost enough to create enough PET vehicles to give dignity and new hope to 10 handicapped persons in third world countries.

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The Murfreesboro Rotary Club set-up a race track, and all ages enjoyed the hand-cranked PET vehicles.  The top race pitted State Senator Jim Tracy against Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess.  Both gave it their best, but it was Tracy who got to wave the flag with a crank down victory lane.

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(L-R) County Mayor Ernest Burgess and State Senator Jim Tracy.  If you don’t think their competitive, look at the photo insets showing the expressions on their faces.  And (upper right) Senator Tracy rolls down Victory Lane with the flag.

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(Above Photo L-R)  Past Rotary President Becci Bookner and Rotary PET Coordinator Ron Ziemba peel out as the red, yellow and then green light start the drag race.

For information about how you can physically help to build PET vehicles or how your church, civic club or neighborhood group can help handicapped individuals in third world countries become more self-sufficient, contact . . .

image PET TN - Murfreesboro
Freddie Brown and group
452 Gresham Lane
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
615-896-5648
petprojectmidtn@comcast.net

Mary Lucy Yowell, manager of the new Belk’s Department Store, was the mover and shaker behind this fun event.  She was made an honorary member of the Murfreesboro Hot Rod Club.  In her short time in the Heart of Tennessee, she has helped so many charities, civic organizations and churches.  (Photo Left)  Mary Lucy is giving a PET talk explaining how these vehicles give mobility, independence and dignity to handicapped persons in third world countries.

More Cool Wheels at The Avenue

The Murfreesboro Hot Rod Club had a cruise-in at The Avenue on Sunday afternoon.  Great cars from several eras.

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These are just a few of the tremendous vehicles displayed Sunday afternoon (9/21/08) by the Murfreesboro Hot Rod Club.  For more information about their organization, check their website:  http://www.4mhrc.net/

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Written by BartWalker · Filed Under News 

Comments

4 Responses to “The Avenue Welcomes PET”

  1. Sam on September 21st, 2008 7:49 pm

    I heard you guys talking about this on the radio, and went to check it out. What a cool cart. It’s easy to see how the PET can help improve a handicapped person’s self-esteem. I’m caling the Brown’s to see how my church can help.

  2. Andrea on September 21st, 2008 7:59 pm

    My church has done regular mission work in third world countries. It is sad to see how cruel people can be to others who are not like them. I can see how these PET things can change lives in a positive way. How can our church get involved? Can we volunteer to help build them as well as collect money to pay for them? I heard about them on the radio show, but until I saw them–I had not idea what they were.

  3. Becci on September 22nd, 2008 11:00 am

    Bart. these are great photos of a wonderful day for Rotary and PET. I am going to remind Mayor Burgess and Senator Tracy to check out these fabulous shots of their commitment to our project. Congratulations to Ron Ziemba and Mary Lucy Yowell on a great day with the Hot Rod Club. PET is an incredible project and opportunity the change the world…one person at a time. We received a phone call this morning from another car club whose members are making a donation and excited about other opportunities. Thank you WGNS!

  4. Ken on September 22nd, 2008 12:44 pm

    @Andrea - This is a great project for anyone willing to get their hands dirty. Assembly of the PET unit is EASY - and requires no special skills. Of course, it takes $$ to make this project work, so donations are great too!

    Here’s the contact info:

    PET TN - Murfreesboro
    Freddie Brown and group
    452 Gresham Lane
    Murfreesboro, TN 37129
    615-896-5648
    petprojectmidtn@comcast.net

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