Join me for a Bike Ride to Promote Community Reinvestments
I am hosting another Bike Ride with the Mayor event on Monday, September 16th at 6:00 p.m. at the Veterans’ Memorial Park. This is the second ride this season after having a successful first ride in August.
River Riders Bike Share started in 2014 and was spearheaded by community members who saw the need for transportation and recreation options in Wisconsin Rapids. River Riders Bike Share is focused on making sure that biking is suited for all ages, and that residents and visitors will have increased access to transportation, recreation, and physical activity opportunities.
Recognizing the positive impact this program has had on the community, I worked with the bike share team to create the Bike Ride with the mayor event in hopes that it will promote community involvement, physical activity, and give community members a different view of the city.
Wisconsin Rapids is experiencing a period of brand-new developments and road improvements almost everywhere you look, among them, bike-friendly initiatives. The Bike Ride with the Mayor event will allow community members to ask me questions about new developments, understand the timelines of projects, and learn how bright the future is for the city.
On-hand for the event will be bicycle safety materials, helmets, water bottles, and reusable bags to give away.
Residents are encouraged to bring family, friends, and bring their biking gear on Monday, September 16th at 6:00 p.m. at the Veterans’ Memorial Park to enjoy an evening with the mayor.
To RSVP to the ride, check out the Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/2488180771405796/
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Did you know that suicide was responsible for 44,193 deaths in 2015? According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), that is approximately one suicide every 12 minutes. In fact, there is a higher rate of suicide in rural areas in comparison to urban areas.
In 2014, Wood County reported 10 deaths by suicide, and the rates are only continuing to increase with each passing year.
Yesterday marked World Suicide Prevention Day, and with September being recognized as being National Suicide Awareness Month, I wanted to take a moment and share this important information with you.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, you can reach out locally to the Wisconsin Rapids Area Crisis Hotline at 715-421-2345, or nationally at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
You can also find more resources on the Wood County Human Resources Crisis Services page. https://www.co.wood.wi.us/Departments/HumanServices/Crisis.aspx
Coffee with the Mayor Tuesday, September 17th
The unique opportunity to meet face to face and talk with fellow citizens during “Coffee with the Mayor” sessions throughout the city is very rewarding. I look forward to another special occasion this Tuesday, September 17th from 9:30-10:30 am at The Hilltop Grand Village, 1400 24th St. South.
Engaging with citizens and empowering all to be “part of the conversation” helps to generate invaluable insights about our city’s current status and future direction. I hope you’ll be on hand to share your thoughts and questions!
Thanks for reading!
Mayor Zach
Blog of Wisconsin Rapids' Mayor Zach Vruwink 