October 2023 – Page 2 – Pagoda Pacers News

♫LET’S GET READY TO JINGLE!!♫

October 29, 2023October 31, 2023 by pagodapacers

The Pacer Christmas Party is quickly approaching.

When: Friday, December 1, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Where: Grill Fire Company

Tickets must be bought in advance online–we will not be accepting cash at the door (except for raffle tickets).

Advance ticket purchase makes this much easier on the club volunteers and helps get an accurate headcount for food and alcohol. Plus, you can easily verify your current membership status and/or renew your membership for 2024!

Tickets and info are available at https://runsignup.com/TicketEvent/PacerChrismtasParty

Thank you to everyone who donated to our raffle so far! Just a reminder that we are not accepting “day of” raffle items this year. All raffle items must be given to Julia Hager or Brandon Beane by Tuesday, November 28th. It just makes it easier on everyone. Contact us if you need us to pick something up!

Raffle tickets are still cash only and will be sold until 8:30 p.m.; the raffle will be drawn at 9 p.m. We have a ton of great prizes this year!

Just a reminder that no outside beverages (including alcoholic beverages won via raffle) can be opened/consumed on the fire company premises…inside or out. They were very adamant about this.

Can’t wait to see everyone! Bring your dancing shoes!!

Thank You, Pacers! (Sept, ’23)

October 29, 2023 by pagodapacers

september-18-2023 Download

Next Membership Meeting: Thursday, October 12, 2023

October 2, 2023 by pagodapacers

October’s Monthly Membership Meeting will be held on Thursday, October 12th, at Mohnton Fire Company Social Quarters, 100 E Summit St., Mohnton, PA 19540. The meeting is upstairs. Enter the front door and go up the stairs to your left. There is no need to ring the buzzer for entry.

Click HERE to see the location on Google Maps.

Food and drink at 6:30pm | Meeting starts at 7:00pm. All members are welcomed.

Members are responsible for purchasing their own beverages. Please bring cash.

** Please remember to RSVP by Monday (the week of the meeting) if you plan on coming so we can have an accurate headcount for food & seating.

RSVP can be sent by selecting your correct response on the Facebook event page or via email to mhenry.pacers@gmail.com.

29th Oley Valley 10-Miler & 5k Just a Month Away!

October 2, 2023 by pagodapacers

The Oley Valley Country Classic is fast approaching, and we are excited to see you all there enjoying the atmosphere and camaraderie of running a great 10 mile (or 5k) event!

November 4th will be the 29th running of the OVCC. The races start at 9 a.m. from the Oley Fairgrounds. Enjoy the rolling hills on this course which winds through Oley Farm Country.

This year we are also representing the RRCA as the Eastern Regional Championship, which means extra awards presented in addition to our locally made artisan awards!

Post-race fare will be available for all runners, along with indoor facilities pre- and post-race. Finally, Munchiez Food Truck will be on site selling yummy items from their great menu.

Come out for this great Fall Classic–if you don’t want to run the 10 mile course, come out and do the 5k! It’s just as pretty of a course, with a few less steps.

Registration is $30 on or before October 18–after that day (including race day), the fee will be $35. Extra long-sleeve shirts will be available while they last. Pre-register to lock in your size!

Thank you to our sponsors this year: IMG Physical Therapy, Fleetwood Footcare, Dieffenbach Potato Chips.

Professional timing will be provided by Pretzel City Sports.

https://www.pagodapacers.com/Races-Results/Races/Oley-Valley-Country-Classic.aspx

Not racing? VOLUNTEER! We need you!! Reach out to the race directors to let them know you are available to help with the event! Email leonardeburton@gmail.com or barrygoodhart@gmail.com.

See you Saturday November 4th!

Any questions–let us know!

Len Burton

Try Salomon Trail Shoes with Fleet Feet!

October 2, 2023October 3, 2023 by pagodapacers

Our local running store, Fleet Feet West Reading, has a fun event planned for October 5th:

Test drive some of Salomon’s versatile trail shoes at our Thursday Night Run on October 5! We’ll be going from road to trail in Wyomissing park so you can test the shoes out on a variety of terrain.

All Participants will be entered into a Salomon raffle. Two lucky winners will win a pair of Salomon running shoes, a hydration vest, and a custom Fleet Feet West Reading X Salomon mug!

When: Thursday, October 5, 6 p.m.

Where: Fleet Feet West Reading

Run for the Ages 2023 Recap

October 2, 2023 by pagodapacers

The Pagoda Pacers’ Run For The Ages Trail Chase was held on June 25. The race draws nearly 200 runners to Nolde Forest and features an age-graded start, where the older age groups start early and the younger, faster runners have to catch them through the hilly trails of the park.
The race supports maintenance and improvements at the park, and, through the Friends of Nolde group, provides a donation to this effort.
Race directors Donna Hey and Blair Hogg presented the check to the Friends of Nolde at their monthly meeting on September 7. Many Pacers enjoy running the trails at Nolde, and we are pleased that we can give back to the facility by holding this race.

Front row: D. Hey, Jennifer Stinson – Friends of Nolde President, Brent Erb – Nolde Forest Chief Ranger, B. Hogg

Back row: Friends of Nolde volunteers, several of whom helped on race day

Mark your calendar for next year’s race!

The 2024 Run for the Ages Trail Chase will take place on Sunday, June 30th!

October means high school cross country championship season, and once again, the Pacers will play a vital role

October 2, 2023 by pagodapacers

There are two cross country races coming up this month, which involve the club, and of course, this means recruiting volunteers. One is an actual club-sponsored event, and one is assisted by our members with race course marshaling and finish line management.

The first is the BCIAA (Berks County Interscholastic Athletic Assoc.) High School Cross Country Conference Run and takes place on Tuesday, October 17, on the Kutztown University Campus. Traditionally, the club contributes volunteers from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. to manage the course, road crossings, and finish line. The second is the Junior High Championships, which takes place at the Reading Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 21. Parking volunteers are needed from 6:30 a.m. until 9 a.m., and volunteers for course marshaling and finish line from 8:30 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Both races comprise the “big dance” of their schedule, and are the most important races of their season.

These are the only events during the year where the club engages specifically with Berks County youth, and it is a golden opportunity to make a lasting impression on the future of the local running community. This is the club’s 15^th year of involvement, and the club has earned a stellar reputation among this community as a result. Let’s keep it going.

Please send me a text or email if you can help.

Thank you!

Tom Chobot

484-269-2889, chobot7957@msn.com

It’s Time to Run…For President or Board!

October 2, 2023 by pagodapacers

As we move into the final quarter of 2023, it’s time to gear up for this year’s election of important club officers.

Several members of the club’s Board of Directors have announced they are unable to run for re-election. Our current club president, Michelle Henry, has also announced that she does not want to run for another term.

That means that it’s time for US to step up. Here’s what you need to know:

CLUB PRESIDENT — serves a one-year term, leads monthly meetings, represents the club in various public contexts, delegates and appoints other members for diverse duties and responsibilities

Board of Directors — members serve a 2-year term; meet 4 times per year to set goals, strategies, and priorities for the club; advise president as needed; 4 vacancies for this year’s election

Eligibility — Any Pacer who has been an official, dues-paying member for ALL of 2023 is eligible to run for Club President or the Board of Directors (except for current Board Members who are term-limited).

HOW TO NOMINATE YOURSELF — Send an email to Matt Brophy (Matthew.L.Brophy@gmail.com), who will be coordinating this year’s election. Identify the position you are running for, and, if you’d like, share a brief “blurb” that we can publish in next month’s newsletter, which summarizes your history with the club and reasons for running.

DEADLINE: Please nominate yourself NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 19!

A list of nominated candidates will be advertised in the November Newsletter, and voting will take place online between November 1st and November 9th.

The results of the election will be announced at the November 9th General Membership Meeting.

Thank you, in advance, for stepping up and helping the club move forward! Your leadership and service are appreciated!

Minutes from the General Membership Meeting (September 2023)

October 2, 2023 by pagodapacers

General Meeting Minutes

Date: September 14, 2023

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Mohnton Fire Company Social

Election – Steve Vida: For the upcoming annual election, four board of director positions are open for election, and the president’s position, elected/reelected annually, is open. An applicant for a position must be a member in good standing for 1 year (and a dues paying member for all of 2023.) Steve reminds anyone thinking about running that board meetings are held quarterly in the evening – and anyone who is elected should be available to attend the meetings, being mindful not to miss more than 2 meetings. Any experience level of club involvement is welcome to run for an open position. The president is an annually elected position, acting as the face of the club and often creating the initiative behind club projects.

Matt Brophy will conduct elections as previously done for the past few years.
Nominations accepted until October 19.
Voting on line will take place from Nov 1 to Nov 9 at 5 p.m. (Nov 9 is the November membership meeting.)
Results announced at the November 9^th membership meeting.

Motion made to conduct the club elections according to the 4 points above, seconded, and voted as approved by the members present.

Michelle Henry announced that she is likely not to run for president for next year – although, not totally firm on this yet. She encourages anyone interested in running for president to do so. The positions of vice president, treasurer, and secretary are appointed. The secretary position will be open in 2024.

Treasury Report – Shaun Luther – as of today, the account is 132% of target. Expenses are out there for all the various events, but also income is coming in. $1000 still to donate to Special Olympics.

Races:

Blues Cruise 50K (Sunday, October 1, 2023) – Elaine – people running as trail markers to meet on Saturday, September 30, at 3 p.m., contact Mike Yoder for additional details. Trail maintenance needed for 17/18 September – Skinners loop mowed, because they will be running all of it this year. Jason Karpinski is measuring the course this weekend. A couple of aid stations still need support, especially at 1, 6, and 7. Sign up on UltraSignup as a volunteer, ensures being covered by insurance and that Elaine has your contact information, PLUS you will get a lovely volunteer shirt in your size, and delivered to you at your volunteer site. Elaine is requesting for people at the start/finish area to bring some yard games for entertainment – make sure your name is on these items.
Oley Valley Country Classic (Saturday, November 4, 2023) —Lenny Burton – registration is going well. Looking for volunteers.
Kris Kringle 5 Miler (Sunday, December 31) – Lisa Domeschek – registration is open through Ultra Signup. They are not ordering extra hoodies. This year, they are red with a new design.
Shiver by the River 5K and 10K (first one, December 10, 2023) – Sue Jackson – not sending registration application mailings, but printed application forms are fine to mail in. The directors are sending out emails and Facebook posts. They are accepting day-of registration. Sue showed the group the towel swag for this year.
Jr. High Cross Country Fall Invitational – Saturday, October 21, reach out to Tom Chobot if you want to volunteer.

Committee Reports

Social Committee:

Wine and cheese social – this Saturday, Britny is hosting.
Tiffany – skating event, October 21, 5 to 7 p.m., skating help and instruction will be provided by Tiffany’s family. Skate rental available at the event location, Skateaway, in Shillington. A Facebook event will be created. Snack bar will be open, no alcohol permitted or sold. Also, if people want to stay for the public opening, from 7 to 10 p.m., they can do so without paying additional entry fee. The cost is $5 for a guest, members no cost. Rental of skates in $3.

Scholarship Committee: Beth Kohl wants to step down as chair. She has a request about the amount of the award – states we should consider increasing it to $1000 per award. She is looking at reviewing the applicant questions, and reaching out to the area guidance counselors. A motion was made to increase the amount of each award to $1000, seconded, and passed by the membership.

Old business

Pop-up tent has been purchased, and will be used soon.
Website updates – Michelle spoke to Ed Recker, and he gave her a contact for web site development. She will be forming a committee of 3 to 4 people to move this forward.

New business

Help needed with towing the trailer, additional people with trucks are needed – contact Mike Whalen with details of the requirements of towing.
Guts and Glory health education event from 10 to 3 on September 23 at Penn State Berks. Michelle will be attending to represent the club.
Holiday beer garden and market at Fawn Hill on 11/25, 11 to 6 p.m. The Pacers will represent.
Shawn Luther suggested ‘trail race series’ – having people run the three trail races and give some sort of swag – Charlie Horse, Run for the Ages, and Blues Cruise. Prize/swag to be determined – most likely in the form of additional swag. Elaine suggested starting with Blues Cruise for advertising. The race directors will discuss the development of this idea and the swag further.