It’s the end of a decade, the beginning of a new year. You’d think I’d have this wealth of content to write about. I got squat. The Pacer Christmas Party was a blast; Shiver Race was fast and warm; Tiger Woods turned 44 today; the Eagles squeaked a clinch of the NFC East; and Wawa opened in Wyomissing. I tried Google and the best I get with highlights for 2019 is how to cover my grey with tints of brown and amber.
We’re supposed to have this list of resolutions–call it a plan–a path to goals we tell friends that acknowledge we all want to be a bit better. Really I’m just trying to walk through the kitchen without opening the cookie jar for the umpteenth time. How am I to make this list? This is important. It’s going to be 2020–the year of the optometrist. You know they’re like Santa; they can see things we can’t.
(Fun fact: Herman Snellen developed the eye chart in 1862 with only 10 letters. C, D, E, F, L, N, O, P, T, and Z.) I’m going to do better next time, now that I have the answers.
…. Excuse the pause–I had to get a cookie. I think I have something now. You see tonight I was with a few people who are teachers. Various ages, various districts, but there was one common concern or frustration pushing many towards retirement or leaving the profession. As Aretha Franklin told it like no other, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T.” I doubt this is something new, and I’m sure my classes tested the fortitude of the faculty. Those times however were different and there were repercussions, some following the phrase “when Dad…..”
Our choices and what we support as a club have influence, and maybe there’s a resolution to write. As a club, through various events, we support healthy lifestyles, which I believe the various 450+ members do with character, enthusiasm, and empathy.
Maybe the word “model” or “mentor” should be added. I’ll reference Lance Armstrong, his 7 Tour wins, and the reality that his publicity gained as the product of deceit still brought tremendous viewership to cycling. The same World Anti-Doping Agency that couldn’t or chose not to detect Lance for years this November voted to ban Russian athletes from the Olympics and World Cup competition. I think it’s important, but time will tell how ESPN, CBS, etc. treat the various sports if the WADA ban stands.
At the local level, however, seen in the recent 600ish Kris Kringle runners, we have tremendous youth athletes and support at many levels from the County Coaches. Polly Corvaia, Jason Manbeck, and a great turnout of volunteers put on a tremendous event where pride in the logo may be as warm as the fleece of the hoodie.
In the October meeting we had a presentation from Girls on the Run. In November Dale Wiest presented a program for adaptive athletes he’s developing with IM ABLE. I’m not sure what 2020 will bring, but maybe that resolution might include volunteering, support, and modeling those roles worthy of respect.
The 2nd Shiver by the River 5K/10K is Sunday, Jan 12th, at Jim Dietrich Park, in Muhlenberg Twp. Registration opens at 8:30am; both races start at 10:00am.
If you have never run this race or maybe you haven’t run it for a few years, come out and join us! There are gallons and gallons of soup and dozens and dozens of bagels waiting for you in the farmhouse. Not to mention a chance to reconnect with runners you haven’t seen in ages!
If you choose not to run the race, please consider volunteering. We need volunteers before the race, for parking and registration; during the race – on the road, at the finish line and in the farmhouse; and after the race – for cleanup. If you can help prior to the race, please plan to arrive between 8:00 – 8:15. If you can help with the race itself, please arrive no later than 9:30. Look for one of the race directors somewhere around the farmhouse. Thank you in advance for your support!
Hope to see you there!!!
Sue Jackson, Kelsey Jackson, Georgine McCool, Tiffany Pantoja
The Pagoda Pacers award four outstanding high school seniors each with a $750 scholarship for their continuing education. Students are recognized for their participation and achievements in athletics, academics, and community service.
Pacer Member Scholarships – Two (2) scholarships are open to all high school seniors whose parents are current members in good standing for at least one year of the Pagoda Pacers.
XC Scholarships – Two (2) scholarships are open to all high school seniors who participated on a Berks County high school cross country team.
We run every Wednesday night–year round–at 6:15pm. Come join us. All paces welcome. No membership required.
–DECEMBER 4: Oley Valley High School, 17 Jefferson St, Oley. Post-run gathering at Bella Italia Restaurant.
–DECEMBER 11: Home Depot, 1731 Crossing Dr, Wyomissing. Run to see the lights at Gring’s Mill! Bring money to make a donation.
–DECEMBER 18: Hampden Park (near Reading High School). Christmas on the Mountain run! Bring money to make a donation! Option to climb up to the Pagoda and run along Skyline Drive.
–DECEMBER 25: Christmas run at Nolde Forest, Sawmill Parking Lot, 8:30am. No PM run.
Note: Nine club members serve on the Board of Directors, and each is elected to serve a two-year term. Five or four of the Board positions are up for election each year. The members of the Board who are currently in the middle of their terms, and will be up for re-election next year, are Larry Drogo, Tom Chobot, Sue Jackson, Jon Durand, and Matt Brophy.
The remaining Board members would like to thank outgoing Board members Phil Lechner and Ken Seale for their service to the Board and the club.
Membership dues for 2020 are due by the end of the year. $20 for a single membership. $30 for a family membership (limit to 2 adults over 21 in the same household; children under 21 are free associate members). 3 options for payment are available: PayPal, snail mail, or use RunSignUp. For the first 2 options you must go to the Pagoda Pacer website.
You can go to the Pagoda Pacer website and click on Join Now. Or use this link.
Dinner, dancing and drinks. $10 per member/$20 non-members. Don’t miss this chance to socialize and see all of your friends in something besides their sweaty running clothes.
Renew your membership (or join) by clicking HERE. You can also become a Pacer or renew your Pacer Membership at the party.