by Steve Maguire
Word on social media was Target had deals on Christmas decorations where you’d get $50 back if you spent $100. This started an exchange on lights etc and made me wonder the long term impact. You see my youth crossed the time between screw-in bulbs and those first plug-in. I’m not sure if it was frugality, pride, or some generational thing, but strings of lights were not replaced without a fight.
Probably in each household, year after year there was a system to how they were put away, and when they didn’t light, you learned how electricity worked. In those strands each bulb was connected in series like a chain. If one bulb failed, the entire strand goes dark and you’d spend the afternoon swapping bulbs to find the culprit. Through this rite of passage, I may have learned much: unsafe techniques on a ladder, don’t hang lights on a holly bush, what it feels to get shocked, and a few curse words.
We try to get smarter with each passing year, and you learn to check things ahead of time. You learn taking down is as much work as hanging up. You learn to prioritize with what’s available, and most of all, you try to remember why you do it.
Hanging lights is probably the closest I’ll get to being a Race Director. I’m humbled and appreciative that the club elected me for a second term as President. I’m a realist, however, in knowing this organization functions because all the lights light. No different than the single bulbs, each member–through volunteering, participating, and promoting–does a part and the Berks area benefits.
November 10th was the 25th running of the Oley Country Classic 10-Miler and 5k. I believe over the history of the race, the Oley Youth League has benefitted something like $100,000. This is done through the hard work of Barry Goodhart, Lenny Burton, and all the Pacer volunteers. What is amazing is the entry fee is still close to the price in the 90s at only $25. As noted, I have been electrocuted, but I can’t recall even a 5k at that price where you get a competitive race, a shirt, and awards that are as impressive as the work of Maggie Gallen (Barnard). If you haven’t been, the shop at Googleworks is a great opportunity to support local artists such as Maggie.
December brings two races we host with and without festive Christmas bells and lights. The Shiver series starts Sunday, December 8th at 10 am. Time to register your first of at least 3 finishes in the series. Three weeks later, join the festivities for the Kris Kringle 5 miler Sunday, December 29th. Both of these are well organized and opportunities to stay active through the cold on the course with a bib or as a volunteer.
We’ll skip the December meeting as David Feinauer (aka Swamp) and team promise to put us all on the Naughty List with a not to be missed Christmas Party on Friday, December 6th at the Grill Fire Company. If you haven’t gotten your fill of Christmas decorating, I’m sure the team would appreciate the help with raffle prizes and decorating. I don’t believe ladders are permissible.
Last but not least, I’d like to thank Phil Lechner and Ken Seale for their time and involvement with both the Board and the Pacers’ club in general. Ken and Phil both have changes and new opportunities in their lives, which opened the board positions in which Ellie Alderfer and Karen Rule were elected.
We’re working on a Royals game for January and Walleyball for February. If we don’t see you in December, have an amazing Holiday–enjoy the lights!
Time to quit typing, got to run……. Steve
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