Stolen bike unites Corinna residents
6/25/09 | 27 comments

Stolen bike unites Corinna residents


By Diana Bowley
BDN Staff
BANGOR DAILY NEWS PHOTO BY KATE COLLINS
Carrying a cardboard box to collect returnables, Everett Rockwell pedals through Corinna on his old bicycle on Wednesday. On Sunday, Rockwell's new bike, which was a birthday present from his family, was stolen from outside Robinson’s Mobil Mart. Rockwell, who has multiple disabilities, is a familiar face in Corinna, making his rounds in search of returnables twice a day. Buy Photo

CORINNA, Maine — As long as anyone can remember, Everett Rockwell, 56, has pedaled an old-fashioned bicycle around town twice a day nearly every day to clean the roadsides of returnables and to visit the clerks at local stores.

Sunday was no different. Rockwell, who has cerebral palsy and is deaf and mute, parked his brown and orange bicycle outside of Robinson’s Mobil Mart, went inside and visited with his friends. When he went back outside about 30 minutes later, his bicycle was gone.

“He just fell into my arms and cried,” clerk Vicki Parker recalled Wednesday. Rockwell had come back into the store and gestured that his bicycle was gone. “He was very upset,” she said. Parker said she felt so bad for “Ebbie,” as he’s affectionately known around town, that she too ended up weeping.

Parker said she and Rockwell went outside and checked around the store for the bicycle while customers searched in other locations without success.

“Everybody adores him and everybody was so upset, and the biggest consensus that I got from everybody is that this is just so wrong,” Parker said.

Wanting to do something to help Rockwell, employees on Tuesday placed a jar on the counter seeking donations for a new bicycle. By Wednesday it contained about $250. She said vendors and salespeople who know Rockwell have helped fill the jar. Parker said store employees plan to keep the jar on the counter through the weekend.

Rockwell, a Corinna native, had been very happy with the Raleigh old-fashioned single-speed bicycle his family gave him on his birthday last year, according to Betty Floyd, his sister and caregiver. Until he received the gift, Rockwell had pedaled a used, cobbled-together bicycle, which he since has resumed riding. Because of his disabilities, Rockwell is unable to use handlebar brakes and must rely on the more traditional pedal-operated brakes, she said.

The loss of his new bicycle devastated Rockwell, Floyd said Wednesday.

“It’s pretty distinctive so if anybody saw it they should be able to recognize it,” she said of the bicycle. Her brother had never felt the need to lock his bicycle, but has since learned his lesson, she said.

Floyd said Rockwell travels the sides of the roads daily balancing a box on his knee for the bottles and cans he finds along the roadsides. His daily travels put him in contact with local employees and residents, who have befriended him.

“It’s kind of amazing how he makes people understand him,” she said of her brother’s hand gestures.

Because of his disability, Rockwell doesn’t work, so collecting bottles and helping out around the stores give him something to do, Parker said. She said he is quick to empty the trash and even takes out the flags if they aren’t outside. “Just little things like that, he really enjoys doing because it makes him feel like he’s accomplishing something and he likes being part of the crew,” she said.

He’s such a fixture at the local stores that Parker said employees call when Rockwell fails to show up, to make sure he is OK. If he’s going to be gone for a week or so, his sister calls to notify the store, she said. “She knows that we look for him every day,” Parker said.

“All we want is for whoever took it to bring it back, have a big enough heart to know that this is his only means of transportation and it’s his life,” Parker said. “You know, if they just have to bring it back and leave it behind the store or whatever, just do it.”

dianabdn@myfairpoint.net

876-4579

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Comments
27 comments on this item
On 6/24/09 at 10:17 PM, sebec39 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Too bad! I hope whoever took his bike will have a change of heart and return it soon.

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On 6/24/09 at 10:59 PM, oceanmist wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Me too, Sebec. It's bad enough to steal something from someone, but to take something from someone with disabilities is just beyond words.

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On 6/25/09 at 4:15 AM, umograd wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

As the old saying goes--what goes around comes around. Whoever stole it will have what is coming to them!!!

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On 6/25/09 at 5:40 AM, friendly wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Please keep us posted.

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On 6/25/09 at 7:09 AM, PabMainer wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

It is so encouraging to go thru Corinna and stop at Robinsons and see Ebbie and to see him riding around town....sounds like some money has been given and one of the local organizations have donated a bike that is almost the same as the one that the person stole....great job all & citizens of Corinna thank you, oh except for the jerk who did this!

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On 6/25/09 at 7:46 AM, nononsense wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

UNBELIEVABLE ! BRING IT BACK. THE TEEN THAT DID THIS OBVIOUSLY DOESNT HAVE A HEART ! OR A BRAIN! AND SHOULD BE FORCED TO DO PUBLIC SERVICE FOR THE SUMMER ! LOSER !

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On 6/25/09 at 7:46 AM, Marrin wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

It goes without saying that the person / persons who stole this bike are uncaring, heartless thrill seekers. What touches me more is how the community has rallied around and provided this man with the support and love that he obviously deserves. Great job Corinna for doing what you know is right and appreciated!! Hats off to you all who have embraced this man in his time of need.

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On 6/25/09 at 7:50 AM, JD2008 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

nononsense....teens are not the only ones capable of this act. Maybe it was a teen and maybe it wasn't. Either way it was a despicable act.

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On 6/25/09 at 7:52 AM, beachfreak wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Sounds like someone was just waiting for him to leave it, why would they do this to such a nice individual? Maybe when they purchase him a new bike they could get him one with some baskets on the back or even on the front to hold the bottles he collects, it would be much safer. I hope whoever took it feels guilty and brings it back.

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On 6/25/09 at 8:09 AM, LindaAlina wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

JD2008 is right. It doesn't necessarily mean that it was a teenager who took Everett's bike. What a wonderful story! Just goes to show you that Maine is still Maine. I grew up in Lucerne and live out of state now, but read the BDN news everyday. Keep up the good work Corinna!

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On 6/25/09 at 8:11 AM, drc480 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Now there is my Hero,, God Bless you Everett

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On 6/25/09 at 8:12 AM, vchapes wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

What a sad, but heart touching story. I watched it on the 11 oclock news. Poor guy!

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On 6/25/09 at 8:12 AM, DaddyBiggs wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

A thief is just one rung above a child molester.

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On 6/25/09 at 8:25 AM, gonesouth wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Too bad there always has to be bad eggs out there but I won't let them spoil the whole basket. I am proud to call Corinna my home town and the way this town always comes together when a fellow neighbor is in a time of need makes me proud and miss small town Maine! I am still very angry about this, poor Ebbie did not deserve this, it is sad that not only has he lost his precious bike, he has also lost his trust & security. I am just glad to know that this story will undoubtedly have a happy ending! Way to go Corinna!

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On 6/25/09 at 8:30 AM, berquis wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

This story made me tear up!! We have a man similar to this in our town. You can always find him collecting bottles and driving his trike with fishing pole in tow. Most people are very good to him, but there is sadly the occasional @ss that makes fun and bullies him.

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On 6/25/09 at 8:38 AM, BarbaraM99 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I enjoyed the story but am sad that someone ripped off his bike. It is cold . The proper thing to do is return his bike as it is not yers to begin qqith. It is wrong to keep that bike. I can't ride a 2 wheeler bike as I have C/P and legally blind. The person had to know that the man at the centre of this story is deaf and that be his only means to get about. If the person has that man.s bike ,,,RETURN THE BIKE NOWWHO EVER STOLE IT..God knows who has it. I hope who ever has that man's bike does return it. There was a day it was safe ye could park yer unlocked but not today. This is awful.,The person stole more thab a bike in that man's eyes. That is so low. I hope the bike is found. .It is kind of others to help this man. Find the ones that have the bike and teach them a lesson. Krrp us posted.

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On 6/25/09 at 9:39 AM, outlaw wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

ok to the dirt bag who stole the bike,you reap what you sow in this world,welcome to your nitemare ,let the wrath begin,the cost for what you did is 10 fold,thats 10x10 x10x10x10x10,get the picture.peace

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On 6/25/09 at 9:46 AM, astrol64 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Kudos to Corinna for pulling together for the sake of one person.

To the person who stole the bike: does it make you feel big, strong and brave to steal what does not belong to you...and not just that, but from a man who cannot defend himself? Stealing is bad enough, but stealing from the disabled is an act of cowardice, not bravery. It does not make you look smart or clever; it makes you look sad and desperate. Even if noone human saw you, there is One who has, and be sure that punishment will be forthcoming, one way or the other!

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On 6/25/09 at 10:30 AM, berquis wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

We are all making comments that suggest that this jerk who took the bike CAN or DOES read the news. Somehow I doubt it. If a low-life such as this does READ, I would assume that it's not current events.

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On 6/25/09 at 11:31 AM, redsoxnation wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Please find the young punk who stole Ebbie's bike and send him to the Charleston Correctional Facility for the summer. Paste his face in the papers so everyone in Corinna know's who did it. You are a jerk.

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On 6/25/09 at 12:04 PM, huhinpi wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

wow to steal from a disabled person... i cannot express in words my anger at that person.

return the bike to this guy

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On 6/25/09 at 12:07 PM, RedHandOfUlster wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Despicable. If this person has no problems stealing from a disabled man, what else are they capable of?

Despite the disgusting theft of this man's prized possession, it is wonderful to see a community take care of one of their own. A heart breaking story turned heart warming thanks to the caring residents of Corinna. Please keep us updated on this story!

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On 6/25/09 at 12:42 PM, maine04401 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I hope there catch the low life that did this and put his name all over the news. I am certain he will have a new bike very soon as the people in the Town know the good and kindneess this guy has.

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On 6/25/09 at 4:49 PM, huhinpi wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

does anyone have the contact information for the store collecting money for him. I would personally like to help out mayeb they could get him a ttrike as it would be easier for him and safer

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On 6/25/09 at 7:40 PM, leftme wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

There is nothing worse then a thief ! They are the lowest form of life .

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On 6/26/09 at 10:59 AM, rockadvice wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Ebbie is my little cousin, and it's sad to read about a low-life stealing his bike. Ebbie, despite his disabiliries is a very smart and loving person. Carl Edgerly, who owned a grocery store across from the mill, woked with Ebbie when he was a very young boy. He did little jobs Carl at the store, which probably shaped his entire life. He loves being at the store and collecting his returnables.

Burns Rockwell, Atlanta, GA

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On 6/26/09 at 11:48 PM, chersully2000 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Update: According to the local news tonight (and maybe there will be an update on this in the BDN tomorrow), the people of this town collected enough money to buy Ebbie a new bicycle and I believe a group (Lions Club or another one) also stepped up to get this nice man his new bike. This is really good news!

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