Minutes from the General Meeting (March 2020)

General Meeting Minutes

Date: March 12, 2020

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Blind Hartman’s Tavern

Treasury Report – Shaun Luther—133% of target. Not all of the Shiver proceeds have been processed, and a few sponsors still need to pay. In order to make sure he isn’t the only person with access to the financial data, in case something unexpected should occur, Shaun plans to back up information on a thumb drive and give to some executive board members.

Races:

• Charlie Horse Half Marathon—Shaun Luther—The course may need trail maintenance closer to the race. The logging, now completed, had destroyed the trail at one point, but most of it was recovered in the post-logging clean up. But there may be some maintenance needed once a few weeks have settled the area. Also, Shaun will need volunteers for the horse shoe painting once they are ready.
• Run for the Ages 10K—Donna Hey—12 or 13 registered so far. Donna has paper apps ready. She still doesn’t know about the parking lot situation. Right now, there are a few trees down on the trail.
• Grings Mill 5K and 10K Run—Caroline Hill—She is having trouble getting the logo drawn for the shirts, so she is looking at other options for someone who can do this. Awards: they will be hand-painted slates with a picture of the red bridge.
• Blues Cruise 50K—Mike Yoder—things on track. Permits are in. 
• Oley Valley Country Classic—Lenny Burton—He and Barry are evaluating options to change the venue and the date to coincide with the Oley Valley Apple Fest (Oct 11). New course isn’t quite as runner friendly, due to some running on the main road. The club membership wasn’t too keen on the date change, but the Oley Fairgrounds proposed location was supported. The vibe of the OV Youth League seems to have changed to one that is not as supportive of our race. Lenny is looking into the motorcycle club as a community support group. Lenny is putting out feelers for an additional race director. The amount from 2019 donated to the OVYL is corrected to $3300.00.
• Kris Kringle 5-Miler—Polly Corvaia—John Thompson and Lisa Domeshek will assist as race directors.
• Shiver by the River 5K and 10K Series—Sue Jackson—another series down!! The surveys did not have anything reported or suggested that was a major surprise or request for change. Sue will look at different pricing (increasing) for the series, and some suggestions were given. A no-shirt option will be available next year. Contact Sue if you have any thoughts on next year’s plan or pricing.
• Race director comments—Jon Durand—The Pacer logo should be on all race applications. Georgine McCool suggested having specific shirts or other identification to wear for a person or people who runners can go to with questions at each race event.

Committee Reports

Social Committee:

• Pacer Palooza weekend: All events held: Wally Ball, Reading Royals Hockey, and the Oley Valley run were well attended and enjoyable.
• Discussion of the summer picnic—ideas needed for venues. Cacoosing Meadows in Spring Township has had issues with flooding. Suggestion made for maybe a place that has pool, such as Wilshire Pool, also in Spring Township. If someone has a suggestion, then please share with the group.
• Wine and cheese party—Karin Long—Saturday, June 20—at the Pagoda (same day of the Duryea Hill Climb), from 6 to 9 p.m. Karin will contact some wineries about participating, and she is working with Brandon about beer options. (Happy 5^th Birthday to Liam.)

Communications Committee—Jon Durand—He is looking for photos to put on the Instagram. socialmedia@pagodapacers.com

Charity Committee

• Scholarship committee—Beth Kohl—She has received a good number of applications this year, about 15 or 16. The team will review and have a recommendation for the April meeting.

Membership committee: Dee Koutsourais-Ganster—She has been trying to look at gaps in our membership needs, and she would like to increase partnerships in the community, such as with Fleet Feet and Girls on the Run. She also is looking for ways to increase our visibility in the high school area. Several ideas discussed, but more are always welcome. She recommends that club members make an effort to wear Pacer gear to races.

Old business

• The new Pacer logo stickers and magnets are available. 
• There continues to be a need for better branding of our races and events. Also, the club has been missing a banner for a few years.
• Meeting notes from the Executive Board—There was mention that these have not been made readily available. Steve noted that he did write about the board meeting in his President’s letter following the board meeting. But it was agreed that this could be addressed better in the future.
• The club received a hazard analysis from the Army Corps regarding Blue Marsh, in case, a volunteer working there wants to review it. Any volunteers should remember to record their hours.

New business

• The annual Berks County high school cross country championship held in Kutztown that Tom and Gwen Chobot organize—They will not be organizing this again in the Fall. The organizer would like to continue Pacer involvement, so he is looking for a volunteer to do this.
• Jane Setley is investigating an internet site or store to let members purchase Pacer gear that has a variety of options and price points. This would be a continually available option, not a one-time run that has to be coordinated for ordering and delivery.