Lancaster Road Runners Take over Berks County Trails!

Lancaster Road Runners Club will be in our area twice over the next couple months during their First Saturday Winter Series Schedule.

March 5th at Blue Marsh (State Hill Boat Launch large parking lot) — LINK TO FACEBOOK EVENT

April 2nd at Hamburg Reservoir for a Pinnacle/Pulpit Rock jaunt. 

Their runs start at 9 and typically last about 2 hrs. They also pick somewhere nearby to get lunch. Let’s get a group together to join them!

Pacers Scholarship Deadline: February 28, 2022

It’s Scholarship time again! Do you know a Berks County senior cross country runner? Are you a Pacer member parent of a graduating senior? They may be eligible to apply for one of our Pagoda Pacers Scholarships, but they must do so by our deadline of February 28, 2022.
The details:
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.
Scholarship Application and additional details are online at: https://www.pagodapacers.com/Scholarships/Guidelines.aspx.

Applications must be postmarked or emailed by the deadline of February 28, 2022.
Contact scholarshipcoordinator@pagodapacers.com with any questions.

Kris Kringle ’21 Recap

2021 KRIS KRINGLE was a great success. We had 508 finishers. 

Overall winners:

  1. MIKE PADILLA 28:13 (Phoenixville, PA)
  2. JOE CHUKOSKI 29:00 (Kempton, PA)
  1. ALISON WILINGMYRE 29:28 (Wernersville, PA-4TH overall)
  2. ALISON SUKOLSKY 30:55 (Indiatlantic, FLA-11th overall)

Pacer member Dylan Forrest placed 6th overall in 30:15. Nice job everyone and please see our website for all results.

Thank you to our wonderful volunteer crew, 35 strong. Thank you Mother Nature for providing sunny, warm weather. Special shout out to Andrea Thrush for creating the best painted rocks ever; everyone loved them.

Much appreciation to the Fleet Feet crew led by Jason Corby for the gift card awards. We continue to be the largest race in Berks. 

Partial proceeds benefit the BERKS COUTY CROSS COUNTRY COACHES ASSOCIATION. 

Please share any feedback with Polly Corvaia or Lisa Domeshek (kriskringledirector@pagodapacers.com). 

Fleet Feet’s ’22 Teddy Bear Trot

Saturday, February 12, 2022
LOCATION: West Reading, PA US 19611
TYPE: Run or Run/Walk

I just wanted to let everyone know that the location of the start/finish to the trot this year is at B2 Bistro and Squawk Café so that we can have shelter from the cold. You may wait outside if you prefer. Please consider grabbing a drink or bite to eat to support the Bistro and Café and to say thank you for providing us with their space. Below is the map for the 4 mile loop. –Jason Corby

REMEMBER: Pagoda Pacers receive a 10% discount at Fleet Feet West Reading!

Wednesday Night Runs (February ’22 Locations)

Steve Vida and Matt Brophy have been posting and leading routes to make these runs more welcoming to new runners. If you have an idea for an interesting route from one of these locations–or if you know the neighborhood and would like to lead a group–please reach out and let us know! (Editor@pagodapacers.com)

Here’s where we’ll be in February:

February 2–Stoudts Ferry Bridge Playground — Post-run gathering TBD

February 9–Knitting Mills (VF) Lot (8th Ave and Reading Ave–opposite Sly Fox, in West Reading) ***Bring a new runner out!!!! Post-run gathering at Sly Fox.

February 16–Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center—Post-run gathering TBD

February 23–Weis Markets, 13th and Rockland, Reading–Post-run gathering TBD.

ALL RUNS START AT 6:15pm.

Letter from Our NEW President (January 2022)

by Michelle Henry

Here it is, my inaugural letter as president. I hate to disappoint you this early on, but I do not have a captivating way of words like Steve Maguire, nor do I have the gift of storytelling like Matt Brophy. What I do have are big shoes to fill. While it’s true, I do have small feet, it is also true that I am determined to fill those shoes to the best of my ability. 

As I sat at my desk not knowing what the heck to write in this thing, I decided to do what will surely be a recurring theme to some extent. I referred to those who paved the way before me for support, by way of tapping into the Pacer newsletter archives. What started out as me reviewing past letters from the presidents quickly spiraled into me going down a rabbit hole of entertaining stories about some stellar runners. I had completely forgotten that we used to have runner profiles in the newsletter! From their running background and accomplishments, to a peek into their personal lives and what motivates them, with fun stories and memories sprinkled in, I couldn’t stop reading. I found each of them even more enjoyable now that I’ve gotten to know everyone better. If you’re new to the club or perhaps just want to get to know more about some of your fellow Pacer members, I highly suggest going back and reading through them. You may find some things that surprise you! We’re certainly not a boring bunch.  

Now down to business…

I’d like to send out a big “thank you” to Steve Maguire for doing such an outstanding job at being the “face” of this club and keeping us in line over the last few years. 

Over the course of my time as president, my goal is to expand upon the groundwork that has been laid before me, while implementing new ideas to keep the club fresh, relevant, and growing. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute and add my own stamp to the future of the club.

I’d like to thank those who are stepping away from their roles as officers and board members so that others can step up and contribute to the club in a leadership capacity. I am excited and confident that we have the right mix of new and veteran leadership to accomplish great things. To learn more about those changes, you’ll have to keep reading.

2022 Pagoda Pacers Leadership Team

OFFICERS

President: Michelle Henry*

Vice President: Lisa Domeshek*

Treasurer: Shaun Luther

Secretary: Ellie Alderfer

Membership Coordinator: Jason Karpinski*

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ellie Alderfer

Karen Rule

Beth Kohl

Steve Vida*

Matt Brophy

Jon Durand

Sue Jackson

Tom Chobot

Brandon Beane

*New to role as of 2022

Interested in getting involved? Contact Michelle Henry at president@pagodapacers.com.

New Venue for the Monthly Meeting

Monthly Membership Meeting

All members are welcomed to attend.

1/13/2022    **NEW VENUE ALERT**

Mohnton Fire Company Social Quarters

100 E Summit St. Mohnton, PA 19540

Parking lot access is at the end of E Summit St. 

Enter the front door and head upstairs.

Food will be served at 6:30 p.m.

Meeting will start at 7:00 p.m.

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

–Michelle Henry, President