As tough times have fallen to this area so many are in need. Tax revenues are down.

It seems like to me that some of our citizens are unaware of a gift to our business community.

Bentley Warren took a little tavern and in a short span and has made it a must stop tourist destination.

If your economic backbone is tourists then we need to welcome them however they decided to roll into town – two wheels or more. We all complain of the tourists that come to this beautiful piece of the planet. Yet we all want a piece of the pie when they spend it. Between petitions and complaints many want to try their best to bring to a halt these travelers.

These machines are expensive. On these machines are not Hells Angels. They are folks with an average age late thirties on up who work hard and play, hard. They are working-class, firefighters, police and professionals who ride and spend money. The bikes are a little loud sometimes, yes. That is also for safety you may not see a bike and not take a second glance before you pull out but you may hear it. Bentley’s has always asked them to keep the pipes quiet as they ride.

In the summer of 2007 I personally stood along side Bentley as he raised more than $40,000 for people in need. These are called “runs,” which ask the biker community to start at Bentley’s and ride for a cause. Each rider pays to ride in the group, on average $20. Most riders then spend another $20 on raffle tickets. They ride to another establishment spend money then ride back to Bentley’s, buying food maybe buying more tickets. Summer 2008 was about the same.

 Bentley Warren and his faithful riders have stepped up to help four small children who just lost their mom in a traffic accident. Or for a young family that the father was murdered at work, for veterans. The list would make you cry. As the people receiving our help are humbled as they thank Bentley. He always says “we wish it could have been more, we want you to know that some one cares.”

They show up time and time again. Why? Because Bentley asked them to help. Arundel’s children are never forgotten at Christmas.

 Bentley’s guests stay at our local motels in the area, buying food at grocery stores and at restaurants, buying lobsters, spending at gift shops and then gas to get home.

It is only the people who complain and call town offices that seem to be heard.

I am here to stand behind a man and his desire to help others.

What have any of you done lately to help someone in need? 

Unless you are willing to give up your Saturdays, ride in November to make sure kids have warm gloves then either step up or step off. Let these people spend their hard earned money while helping others and helping our local business. I am glad to see that  Arundel officials have come to an agreement to let Bentley’s and all the faithful riders continue make a difference for so many people.

 As I have stood on Route 1 letting our bikes leave sometimes by the hundreds, the cars that patiently waited would often ask me what the run was for and asked how they could help. Kindness is contagious. Even if you don’t ride we encourage everyone to help someone, some how, some way.

 I am asking all to check out the Web site www. bentleyssaloon.com and get involved. It has been my honor to be a part of Bentley’s Runs.

Tammy Nadeau-Mallory

Kennebunk