General Meeting Minutes
Date: August 13, 2020
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Via Zoom
Treasury Report – Shaun Luther—Balances are 121% of target, in good shape. There is no income coming in, and expenses are limited to refund checks, scholarship checks, and the check for $1500 for Special Olympics.
Races:
- Charlie Horse Half Marathon—Shaun Luther—no input (still too early to start planning).
- Run for the Ages 10K Trail Race—no input
- Grings Mill 5K and 10K—Laura Yoder—no input (although this year’s race would have been flooded out again due to the storm).
- Blues Cruise 50K—all refunds were done, according to Shaun. Steve states there may be some sort of ‘fat ass’ on this weekend. There is a lot of maintenance being done on the property, so more to follow on this.
- Oley Valley Country Classic—Barry Goodhart and Lenny Burton—They are having a difficult time hosting the race, especially with losing the location venue. But canceling this year is a difficult decision as well. The township is not issuing any permits at this time. Steve suggests an event with Strava on a preset course, and others can run the marked course for no charge, no awards or swag, on the same weekend (or over 30 days). Lenny is supportive of the idea, but is not familiar with the details of Strava. It would be a 10-miler and/or the 5K. No trespassing on the OVYL field at this time, so will consider an alternate start/finish location, such as the high school. (Since the meeting, Lenny has posted details on the Pagoda Pacer Facebook discussion page.)
- Kris Kringle 5-miler—Polly Corvaia—would like to do the race for 200 runners, and change location from 4-H Center to Reading Fairgrounds Pavilion. Either venue is ok with holding this and are flexible with any change of plans. At the fairgrounds, there can be a large area for the start. Polly would possibly like to run the course entirely on the fairgrounds (a cross country course), and do two laps, for about a 4-mile race. (Considering some road to keep runners from lapping other runners.) Registration would be on-line only, and food would be very limited. Masks to be worn as designated by the club. Entry fee would be reduced. To avoid having to place a large hoodie order, a limited number and size of hoodies would be sold separately on the day for approx. $20, on a first come, first served basis. Check for 2019 donations will be going out soon, but the race is unlikely to make a contribution for 2020.
- Shiver by the River—Sue Jackson—The directors are thinking hard about trying to do this. Still a go as far as Muhlenberg Township is concerned. All volunteers to wear masks/gloves. Limited access to the farmhouse, no congregating inside, access for registrants would be in one door & out the other. No paper apps or day-of registration. Up to 200 runners and the race could still stay within current guidelines. Possibly staggering the 5K and 10K race start time this year, and have people commit to one race or the other this year—not having the usual flexibility to decide mid-course. No soup or bagels served; any food would be pre-wrapped and on a table for selection and to keep people moving. And maybe use one of the pavilions to spread out. The race app will contain the standard disclaimer for COVID screening. Trying to figure out the awards and trophies. Please share thoughts, if you have them. Already has the awards ordered, and can be saved for the next year in case this year doesn’t work out.
- Jr. High Cross Country Fall Invitational—Tom Chobot—The season for high school events is still quite fluid. Tom can wait for a while to see what will happen, as planning comes together quickly—lots of cross purposes between the state and the PIAA, so the season is still up in the air.
Committee Reports
Social Committee:
- Wine and cheese mixer is officially canceled for this year. Thanks to Karin for her efforts, though.
- A small group gets together on Tuesday nights at Nolde for a run, if anyone is interested.
Community Service:
- Weekly runs—These have been pretty well attended, despite the weather. Safety precautions have been adhered to, and no incidents to report.
Old business:
- Venues for in-person meetings. Some areas were discussed with outdoor pavilions or large spaces. Suggestions are welcomed.
New business: None.
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