Posts by Becky Keck

As Doug Smith’s journey on his bike has concluded, we ‘d like to thank the many folks who’ve helped us raise funds to provide arts education programming at SMARTS Community Art School. We’re grateful to all our supporters who “donated by the mile” and to all our friends who volunteered to help sell these mile tickets.…

On Day 65 and over 3200 miles, Doug Smith dipped the tires of his 2-wheel companion, Cassie, in the Atlantic Ocean at Rehoboth Beach, DE. He has officially completed Going the Distance for SMARTS! Every student, every staff member, every donor, every volunteer—we all collectively say CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU to Doug for his incredible, personal effort and…

Over the last couple days, Doug Smith has been trekking across Maryland, along the C&O and Western Maryland Rail Trails. It’s been very hot and humid, with the ever-threatening chance of rain. Through bumpy, muddy puddles and construction detours, Doug has made it to Silver Spring, MD. He now rests a day before his last 2 legs…

At just under 3000 miles, on Day 60 of Going the Distance for SMARTS, Doug’s ear worm of the day raises an existential question, “Is this love?” Since leaving his Youngstown Pit Stop on Friday, August 3, Doug has ventured eastward into Southeast Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and now Maryland. He continues to be greeted by this country’s…

Thanks to everyone who came today to wish Doug a happy birthday and to encourage him for the last part of his journey. Go to our SMARTS website at  https://smarts.tunahelper.net/smarts/going-the-distance-for-smarts-donation/ to “Donate By The Mile.” $5 = each mile so please donate for 1, 5, 10, 20, or more miles. Please help make Doug’s remaining trek from Youngstown…

Join us at SMARTS on Friday, August 3 at 10 am to see Doug Smith as he continues his journey “Going the Distance” for SMARTS. He will share some stories about his trek and the people he has met along the way. We will be celebrating Doug’s birthday with cake and encouraging him as he…

It IS pretty sweet when you see how getting closer and closer to home provided serious motivation for Doug. He logged in yet another “century day” (100+ miles) to get into Kent, OH and once again see the face of his wife, Jena. Enjoy that rest, Doug and we’ll see you in Youngstown on Friday!…

Not that SMARTS is trying to give Doug one of his daily earworms, but the 1961 tune sung by the Marvelettes seems apropos for this post. You see, all along the way of Going the Distance for SMARTS, he’s been photographing creative interpretations of mailboxes that he’s passed by. These 2, one from Ann Arbor, MI and…

Please join us as we celebrate Doug’s birthday this Friday at 10:00 am at SMARTS! He will be making a quick stop here before he heads east. Help us to encourage him and hear more about his journey. SMARTS, 25 E Boardman St, First Floor, Youngstown, OH 44503, 330-574-2787.

Going the Distance for SMARTS is now EAST of the Mississippi River! Now comfortably biking along designated trails, Doug Smith continues to meet other cyclists, bike shop owners, Warm Shower Hosts (and their dogs), plus a couple familiar faces along the way between St. Cloud and St. Paul. But one of the best encounters he’s had…