Tag: Meeting Minutes

General Meeting Minutes

Date: July 13, 2023

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Mohnton Fire Company

Treasury Report – Shaun Luther – The financial account is at 131% of target. Scholarship checks were issued to this year’s recipients.

Races:

• Charlie Horse Half Marathon (concluded for 2023) – Shaun Luther – Although the entrant numbers were down this year, the race did make a slight profit and there were donations for Special Olympics. The usual amount for the club’s donation to Special Olympics is about $1600 to $2000. The minimum has been $1000. A motion was made to give $1000 this year. The motion was seconded and passed by the members present. Kelly is helping with marketing for next year’s race. 
• Run for the Ages 10K Trail Run (concluded for 2023) – Blair Hogg – The race had 192 total entrants of which 174 ran the race and 44 day-of entrants. Profit was about $2700, plus donations for Nolde Forest through PCS online. We normally give $2000 total to Nolde, and this would give the Pacers roughly $800 for the club account. The usual $2000 was approved as the donation.
• Grings Mill 5K and 10K (Sunday, August 6, 2023) – Jason Karpinski – registrations are picking up. The race timing will be done via the Run SignUp app timing. Registration is restricted to online and day-of registration only. According to Jason, this is a good test for administering the race without using a timing company, and Run SignUp continues to add a lot of useful features and analytics.
• Blues Cruise 50K (Sunday, October 1, 2023) – Elaine Cook – over 100 runners signed up so far. A training run will be held on July 29th, 0900, Church Road lot for the ski loop. She is hoping that someone will step up to lead a fast group. The race is attempting to receive “Trail Sisters” accreditation (an organization that seeks to increase women’s participation and inclusivity in trail running) – from which Elaine read a list of requirements. Tentative swag is being discussed, and also preselling additional swag during the sign up process. Possibly creating a Pagoda Pacers race series shirt. 
• Oley Valley Country Classic (Saturday, November 4, 2023) – Lenny Burton – planning phase has begun. The OVCC will continue to be an RRCA-designated race.

Committee Reports

• Sept 16, Wine and Cheese – selling tickets on RunSignup. Adults only. Cacoosing Meadows in Spring Township. Link to buy tickets will be on Facebook.

Community Service

• Weekly runs – Michelle has been looking into the ‘Meetup’ app to advertise WNR. There is a cost associated with different tiers, for first year it is $241. Anyone’s comments advertising events on this platform would be appreciated. Steve Vida is bravely handling the WNR duties in his solo summer capacity, but Matt is missed. 
• Trail Maintenance – Brandon asked: any maintenance for Blues Cruise? Jason reports one bad area in our location, and a tree is noted to be down on the slope. Some of the grass mowing will wait until the birds have fledged. 
• Nemesis Fitness – another local running club, is having a color run on Sunday, July 23, 4 p.m., at Canal Street. Melissa would like to have the club sponsor a ‘Chalk throwing’ color station. Nemesis draws a large amateur, new to running, and/or non-running crowd. No-cost event with over 600 registered so far. They are a fun-focused group, and some members have participated in Pacer events.

Scholarship Committee

Membership committee:

Old business

• Changes to the by-laws are on-going. Tonight we will vote on the changes proposed last month.
  • Allow board to run their own meeting, rather than rely solely on the president to set the agenda.
  • Remove the volunteer positions described in the by-laws (they will still exist as active positions).
  • Describe the annual election process.

A motion made to approve the changes, seconded, and approved by the membership present.

New business

• Michelle added a new section to the meeting – highlight another club’s runs. Fleet Feet – alternate Thursdays and the monthly coffee runs. Saturday morning runs. Check their local website for further details.
  • Nemesis fitness club – See their website.
  • Trail Sisters – chapters all over U.S., increase women’s participation in trail running. July 30th, Michelle bringing an introductory event to the local area
  • Girls on the Run, Saturday Nov 18, local run event
  • Reading Hospital Run (Beth Kohl, race director), Sunday, October 16. Proceeds will benefit the McGlinn Cancer Center patient assistance fund for personal expenses. 
  • IM ABLE – refer to their website.
  • Race Mates – may need chariot pushers. Pagoda Pacers Race Mate Pushers on Facebook. 

Date: June 8, 2023

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Mohnton Fire Company

Treasury Report – Shaun Luther – 131% of target. Constant Contact yearly bill was due, generator for the inflatable start/finish line (capital equipment designated), and Charlie Horse expenses.

Races:

• Charlie Horse Half Marathon – Shaun Luther – race is completed for 2023; operationally the event went well, and the weather was good. The maiden use of the inflatable start/finish line went well. Registration numbers were 66 entrants for the half marathon and 25 entrants for 5K. According to Shaun, these numbers are too low to keep the race sustainable. Feedback from those who ran was positive, but that doesn’t include people who didn’t run and their reasons for not choosing to participate. Various ideas for marketing and changes to race were discussed.
• Run for the Ages 10K Trail Run (Sunday, June 25, 2023) – Blair Hogg – 106 entries so far (last year was 175 entrants). Yesterday was the change in price and the end of the guarantee for socks as the swag item. This WNR will be the run for the Pacer course – Steve Vida needs someone to lead the run for this.
• Grings Mill 5K and 10K, Kids run (Sunday, August 6, 2023)  – Jason Karpinski – planning going ok. He will have list for volunteers at the next meeting.

Committee Reports

Community Service

• Weekly runs – Steve Vida will need help with leading the distances since Matt is not here this summer
• Trail Maintenance – Shaun Luther put in a lot of work on the Horse Shoe Trail – a shrubbery cutback, which took about 4 hours. His effort received kudos from the trail association and the land owners who also benefitted.
• This month’s long run, Port Clinton run, with ‘afters’ at Copperz Brewing Company. See the club’s Facebook page for notifications about this.
• The ‘Intro to trail running’ event was successful. Fleet feet covered the gear, Berks Trails did a discussion, and Pacers did some training and about a 2-mile run.

Old business

• Annual Passport – From Michelle: Keep in mind that 3 meetings are required and there are 5 left available to attend.
• Remember the RSVP for meetings (for food headcount) needs to be made by the Monday prior to the meeting.

New business

• Board meeting – next round of changes to the by-laws. The board members looked at section 6 about officers.
  • The club President runs the board meetings according to the current by laws, the change is attempting to lessen some of this responsibility.
  • Descriptions of volunteer positions: several positions also indicating that they are officers of the club. Proposing that the volunteer roles be removed.
  • Elections – needs a new section that provides actual details of how the elections are conducted. Propose that election announcements get started in September which will lead to the election in November, and that any dues paying member may vote in the election. Motion made to post the proposed updates in the next newsletter, with intent to vote at the July meeting. Seconded, and passed the motion.
  • Also discussed the update of the website—Michelle is looking for any club member(s) who have experience in website development. The objective is to explore whether a member would volunteer to do this (update the web site) or make recommendations about a service that can assist with this. Someone who speaks the website lingo is needed.

General Meeting Minutes

Date: May 11, 2023

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Mohnton Fire Company

Special presenter: Chris Gordos, DPT, Integrated Medical Group, Fleetwood PA, discussed running and proper running form. He and his physical therapy are sponsoring the Oley Valley Country Classic.

Treasury Report – Shaun Luther – the balance is at 133% of target. Not a lot of transactions this month. Filed the 2022 taxes a few weeks ago, electronically. For checks from Pretzel City Sports, when using PCS for registration, Ron sends checks to the race director, and then the race directors give the checks to Shaun. Shaun wants to know if race directors are ok with Ron sending the checks directly to him – yes, this is fine.

Races:

• Charlie Horse Half Marathon (Sunday, May 28, 2023) Shaun – need volunteers on Saturday for course marking, then Sunday for the race. Separately, the Horse Shoe trail should be cleared in one section, needs heavier work clearing brush, probably on May 20. 
• Run for the Ages 10K Trail Run (Sunday, June 25, 2023) – Blair Hogg – registration is slow. The order has been placed for socks – this year’s swag. Volunteers needed on June 24 from 4 – 6 to mark the trail, and then for the race on Sunday. The WNR before the race will be a course run of the race.
• Grings Mill 5K and 10K (Sunday, August 6, 2023) – Jason Karpinski – registration picking up slowly; marketing will be picking up, volunteers needed.
• Oley Valley Country Classic (Saturday, November 4, 2023) – Barry Goodhart- working on the details

Committee Reports

Social Committee:

• May 14, rescheduled bike ride due to rain cancelation, went well.
• Saturday, Oct 21, 2023, 5 – 7 p.m., at Skateaway for the roller skating event that Tiffany Pantoja is planning.
• Saturday, Sept 16, 2023, Wine and Cheese Party, Lisa Domeshek, is organizing with Brittany, will be at ‘The Barn at Cacoosing’ in Sinking Spring. Similar food/wine set up to previous years.

Community Service

• Long run, May 21, 9:30, at Mt Penn. Course being planned. Swamp accompanying with a bike ride. 
• Trail Maintenance –Shaun Luther, Horse Shoe trail on May 20. At the ski slope at Blue Marsh, Mike Whalen removed 3 trees.

Old business

• Mike Whalen displayed the newly purchased arch for the starting line prior to the meeting.

New business

• The old start/finish line trellis apparatus needs to be disposed of now that there is a new start/finish line. It is currently being stored in Charlie Crowell’s barn. It has some usable step ladders. Shaun is proposing that Charlie’s son be offered the ladders for a minimal amount. This was approved by the membership present.
• On May 20th, Girls on the Run, Lisa Domeshek is having a Pacer table from 7:30 to 12:00 noon. Would like company, if possible.
• Michelle Henry had a printed sheet with the race details and QR code for all Pacer races. She printed 500 to see how they go. Will update as necessary.

General Meeting Minutes

Date: April 13, 2023

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Mohnton Fire Company

Treasury Report – Shaun Luther – account is at 137% of target, some outstanding expenses still from the Shiver. Income coming in via Run SignUp for Grings Mill.

Races:

• Charlie Horse Half Marathon and Dirty Pony 5K (Sunday, May 28, 2023) – Shaun Luther – Registration has picked up slightly. The entry fee price increases soon. Shaun will put together a work crew for the area where logging started recently. This won’t interfere with the race, but the trail will be ripped up and needs to be redrawn. The section is off Maple Grove Road, about ¾ of a mile in length.
• Run for the Ages 10K Trail Chase (Sunday, June 25, 2023) – Blair Hogg and Donna Hey – Registration starting to pick up. Socks are the swag this year. They need volunteers day of, and 4 hours the day prior (Saturday, June 24) to mark the trail.
• Grings Mill Run 5K and 10K (Sunday, August 6, 2023) – Jason Karpinski – experience with registration through Run SignUp is good and has useful features to track registration.
• Blues Cruise 50K (Sunday, October 2, 2023) – Mike Whalen – Counter clockwise direction this year. Many volunteers will be needed (about 90). About 44 registrants so far.
• Oley Valley Country Classic (Saturday, November 4, 2023) – Barry Goodheart – The awards will be grouped into 5-year age groups. The directors are working on the shirt design.
• Shiver by the River 5K and 10K (completed for the 2022/2023 season) – Sue Jackson – Made a little under $2000. After reading the survery responses, some changes will be made for next year, which include swag and an alternate direction of course. Meeting soon to plan for next year. 

Committee Reports

Social Committee:

• Caroline Hill – Bike ride – Oaks to Manayunk; about 30 miles round trip, flat, can use a road or gravel bike; suggesting April 30^th (Sunday) as the date. Rain date under consideration.
• Roller skating – poll taken, most interest on a Saturday, 5 to 7 p.m. Date TBD. Discussed the cost options of having food snack bar open ($300) vs. bring in your own food ($350). Tiffany will check dates, can reserve date for $75 deposit. After discussion, the date will likely postponed until October 21.

Community Service

• Weekly runs – June will open for the WNRs to be from people’s home. Phil will update on Facebook
• Long runs – Interest noted in the bike riding option.
• Opportunity House service – Mike Whalen reported on the event. It was well organized and enjoyed by all who participated.
• Race Mates – the IM Able event in March was good. The Mates pushed people for about 3 hours. 

Scholarship Committee – Beth Kohl – The committee met last month and reviewed 7 applications, all in the cross country category. No Pacer-family applications were received. Four scholarships were given in the cross country category, rather than the customary two each for the cross country and Pacer categories. The award of the scholarships as proposed by the committee was motioned upon, seconded, and approved.

Old business- 

• Finish line arch: Mike Whalen got some further comparisons ranging from $200 to $4,400. A motion was made to go with the Promotional Design Group, and seconded. After no further discussion, the group passed the motion. Mike will move forward with the purchases needed to complete the project.
• By Law update – Mostly language updating and further definition of ‘borrowing the club’s equipment.’ The updates had been noted in the March newsletter posting. A motion was made to accept the language as propose, and seconded. No further discussion. The motion was passed by the members present.

New business

• IMG Physical Therapy of Kutztown wants to sponsor the Oley Valley Classic race. A representative will likely give a talk prior to the next meeting. (This is the same PT providers who occasionally present at Fleet Feet.)
• Race directors meeting on 4/27. Sue will send out an agenda.

General Meeting Minutes

Date: March 9, 2023

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Mohnton Fire Company

Treasury Report – Shaun Luther – 143% of target. Equipment purchase – Georgine bought a new coffeemaker. Annual donations for Berks Nature and the Horse-shoe Trail conservancy fund are due; Shaun will be sending them $100 each. The required trailer insurance reminded Shaun about the trailer vehicle registration renewal. Mike Whalen will check the date of renewal. According to Mike, the trailer doesn’t need a vehicle inspection because it doesn’t have brakes.

Races:

• Charlie Horse Half Marathon Trail Run (Sunday, May 28, 2023) – Shaun Luther – Libby has the T-shirt design close to finalization. One private landowner is giving his ok to have the course on his land, so the course remains intact. Registration is down about 50% of expected. Mike says the trailer needs a driver that weekend, as he is away. 
• Run for the Ages 10K Trail Chase (Sunday, June 26, 2023) – Blair Hogg, registration is open and live on Pretzel City Sports web site. Donna Hey will work on the social media. 
• Grings Mill Run 5K and 10K (Sunday, August 6, 2023) – Jason, registration through Run Signup is live. Looking into race timing options.
• Shiver by the River 5K and 10K (2022 – 2023 season complete) – Sue Jackson, last run with banquet to follow. Door prizes have been collected. Donna Hey will sweep the final participants. Mike Whalen is bringing the trailer.

Committee Reports

Social Committee:

• WallyBall on March 17 at Colonial Fitness, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., $5 for members/$10 for non-members. Karen and Brad Sinnen organizing.
• Still looking into the Manyunk bike ride.
• Roller skating still being looked into. Steve Vida will create a poll with potential dates. Tiffany will organize if there is interest.

Community Service

• Opportunity House dinner preparation, Monday, March 13. Mike Whalen is organizing this event.

Scholarship Committee

• Applications have been received – Beth Kohl will organize the review and announce recipients in April/May.

Old business:

• Race directors working on a 1-page advertisement sheet. Will have a QR code that goes to the Pacer web site. Race directors are requested to send updated web site information to Michelle.
• Matt Brophy won’t be here over the summer, so please consider volunteering to be a run leader.
• Long run last weekend – next month’s run is in discussion; check Facebook for updates.
• Mike Whalen continues with the finish line arch details – The Pacers actually own a finish line apparatus, but it’s not easy to put up or safe. The company does make a smaller inflatable arch, but it cost more. The size proposed will work. The finished cost is $3028. Motion made to purchase and seconded. Shaun Luther then requested that a few more bids be gotten. Mike agreed and will get some additional bids for comparison. This motion is tabled until next month.

New business

• From Michelle Henry, the executive board convened and reviewed the by-laws. Michelle discussed the process to change something in the by-laws. The updated version is on the Pacer web-site. Some items were changed to reflect current practices – such as the start time of the monthly meeting was changed from 7:30 to 7:00 p.m.; paying for dues only by cash or check was updated to reflect current payment methods, etc.
• Mike discussed making some stricter activity requirements in order to be on the executive board, citing the potential consequence of a group of people conspiring to take over the board.

General Meeting Minutes

Date: February 9, 2023

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Mohnton Fire Company

Treasury Report – (Shaun Luther not present) – Michelle passed around copies of the expense report. No questions/concerns raised.

Races:

• Run for the Ages 10K Trail Run (Sunday, June 25, 2023) – Blair Hogg – Swag this year is a pair of commemorative socks. Run, volunteer, or both. Registration will go live soon.
• Shiver by the River 5K and 10K – Sue Jackson – Third event is Sunday, February 12; the fourth, and last, event is on Sunday, March 12. Registration opens at 8:30 and race starts at 10:00. Buffet and award ceremony to follow after the March race. Sue is looking for door prizes. The cost for the buffet for a non-runner, non-volunteer is $13.00. There will be a sweep at the February race – Michelle Henry, accompanying the last runner to let volunteers know they are done. Mike Whalen will get the trailer.

Committee Reports

Social Committee

• Brad Sinnen – Wallyball went well in February. Next date is Friday, March 17 (also St. Patrick’s Day – he is aware). Watch for the Facebook event posting.
• Manayunk bike ride proposed. Karen & Brad Sinnen willing to organize, if there is interest. Karen will check with Caroline Hill about the details, since she previously organized the rides.
• Tiffany – proposing a roller skating activity at Skateaway, if there is interest. Michelle will do some sort of poll to gauge interest & date/time preference. Rental for the rink is $300 with the food service area open; it is $350 if the club elects the bring-your-own-food/beverage option.

Communications Committee – no report

Community Service

• Wednesday night runs – Matt Brophy isn’t going to be around this summer to lead the WNRs, so he is looking for someone(s) to fill in and assist Steve Vida. FYI – volunteering to lead a run will count as ‘volunteer’ check off on the Passport.
• Race Mates—May 7, Laney’s run. March 18, IM Able Bash at Alvernia University: The Chariot drivers will be giving demonstrations. If interested in participating, register at the event page online (which is free) and put ‘Pacers’ in the comment box, so you will get VIP access. 

Scholarship Committee: 2/28/23 is the deadline for the application.

Old business – none

New business

• Start & Finish line inflatable arch project: Mike Whalen presented this to the race directors, and now is presenting to the membership.
  • Would be branded with the Pacer logo
  • Blues Cruise, Grings Mill, & Charlie Horse are self-timed races and could benefit from this, but the arch could be used at any of the races.
  • Deflated, the arch will fit in trailer
  • Weighs about 50 pounds
  • $2500 with 3 year warranty
  • Inflated, it is about 10 feet tall by 15 feet wide, and some questions raised if this might be too wide
• Matt Brophy – as part of the monthly newsletter, he has started a member profile to briefly highlight a few people every month. Andy Styer and Raine Fussner were profiled in the January newsletter. He is looking for a few people every month, so that new (and existing) club members can get to know each other. If interested in participating, there is a form with a few questions sent with the newsletter.

General Meeting Minutes

Date: January 12, 2023

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Mohnton Fire Company

Please note: If you are attending the monthly meeting, an RSVP (“Going”) on the Facebook event page is appreciated in order to plan for food ordering.

Treasury Report – Shaun Luther – reviewed the past year’s expenses. Spent a bit more that we made. Explained some for the expenditures.

Races:

• Charlie Horse Half Marathon (Sunday, May 28, 2023) – Shaun Luther, registration is open. Registration start time is moved to 7:30, since people are not being bussed to the start. This is the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. 
• Run for the Ages 10K Trail Run (Sunday, June 25, 2023) – Blair Hogg, the swag will be socks this year. Still putting the final touches on the application. 
• Blues Cruise 50K Ultra Trail Run (Sunday, October 1, 2023) – Mike Whalen, 14 registered so far (several from out of state). The run has been designated as the RRCA regional 50K championship – the event will get a few sponsors and incentives with this designation. Michelle commented on the Facebook personal updates – it’s great to be putting a face with all the names. (FYI – serious Blue March infraction alert – No parking on the grass.)
• Oley Valley Country Classic 10-mile race (date TBD) – Lenny Burton, numbers were down for this race in 2022. He would appreciate some media promotion support. Michelle commented about more interaction with the communications folks. Karen Sinnen recommends a coordinated marketing campaign. Decision on donation to Oley Valley Ambulance Association – motion made to donate $1000, seconded, and passed.
• Kris Kringle 5 Miler – Lisa Domeshek – The even went really well. Raised about $9000. Half of proceeds will go to the Berks County Cross Country Coaches. 526 runners/600 registered. 
• Shiver by the River 5K and 10K series (Sunday, February 12, and Sunday, March 12, 2023)  – Sue Jackson – runner numbers are down from pre-Covid races. There is a time limit on the first lap set at 45 minutes, due to the farm house being needed early in the afternoon. She would like ideas to get more runners. Georgine reported that she got a direct message from someone who appreciated the races that the Pacers do. 

Committee Reports

Social Committee: Need a social committee lead

• Wallyball, next week. $5 for members; $10 for non-members. Tentative date for March in consideration, if there is interest. Pizza, snacks, wine, and beer provided. Please try to RSVP for any Pacer event. Court shoes needed. 
• Jane Setley – Would the group like to cook another dinner at Opportunity House? March 13 is the next Monday available. 6 to 8 people needed. Mike Whalen requests that we commit to this date. Jane will coordinate the date. 
• Jane Setley – Fleet Feet does the Teddy Bear Trot, $15, and all proceeds go to Opportunity House. The Souper Bowl event is on January 30 at the Double Tree, 28 restaurants this year will be represented.

Community Service

• Weekly runs – Steve Vida, There have been a year of posting the routes, and this has been working well. 
• Trail Maintenance – Jane Setley, small tree down near Jane’s house. Requesting some support – Brandon will assist. Contact for the Blue Marsh power equipment training
• Rt 10 to Rte 165 – Shaun Luther – proposes that the club formally take over this portion of maintaining the horseshoe trail. Motion made, seconded, and passed. 

Scholarship Committee

• Deadline for this is 2/28/23. Open to children of Pacers member (at least one year in good standing) and high school cross country runners. 

Old business

• Long run on the Horseshoe trail this Saturday.
• Race mates – Mike Whalen, next event is March 18, IM ABLE BASH fundraiser at Alvernia on an indoor track to demonstrate their equipment. Sign up on line and put in box that you are a Pacer. Some upcoming races that he is working – Grings Mill in August , Laney’s Fashionista 5K, and Jingle in July. The pace will typically be at the slowest pace of the runners. 
• Still looking for 6 missing tables from the trailer – please return. 

New business

• Sue Jackson – the trailer is wonderful, but the club is looking for more assistance with getting it to/from the race. (Requires a vehicle that can pull the trailer.)
• Marketing the races – each race director, please email a short description of your race and the event date to Michelle Henry. She can create a handout to have at each race.
• Race director meeting on January 26, 2023.
• New lock for the trailer – due to the many keys that are all over the place. 
• Board of directors will be reviewing the club by laws as a focus this year.
• Condolences were expressed on the passing of Albert Booth age 102. He was an inspirational person and dedicated runner.
• If you are attending an event that is posted on Facebook, please indicate that you are going to help with planning.

General Meeting Minutes

Date: November 10, 2022

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Mohnton Fire Company

Treasury Report – Shaun Luther – We are at 148% of target. Blues Cruise expenses are almost all accounted for. More income for Oley, Shiver and Kris Kringle are coming in. 

Races:

Oley Valley Country Classic (recently completed) – Lenny Burton – There were a total of 237 registered runners. 144 of those ran the 10 mile race, the rest ran the 5k. Estimated revenue was $8800 with an estimated profit of $3930.

Shiver by the River 10k and 5k race series (first race Sunday December 11, 2022) – Sue Jackson – 100 pre-registered runners so far which ahead of last year at this time and 2019. Swag will be a hat and gloves this year. Soup and pre-wrapped snacks will be served this season. There will be a 50 minute first loop time limit this year. This is due to scheduling with the farm house at Jim Dietrich park which needs to be available for other afternoon events. 

Kris Kringle 5 mile race (Saturday, December 31^st 2022) – Lisa Domeshek – Everything is going well and on schedule. About 140 pre-registered so far. She is looking for a few more volunteers on race day. Please email her at lisa.domeshek@gmail.com with your preferred responsibility. 

Charlie Horse Half Marathon (Sunday May 28, 2023) – Shaun Luther- date for 2023 is confirmed and the Dirty Pony 5k will also take place the same day. 

Blues Cruise 50k – Michael Whalen and Elaine Cook – Will offer a nonbinary gender category for 2023’s race. They are also applying to become a RRCA affiliated race. 

Committee Reports:  

Social Committee: The annual Christmas party is scheduled for Friday, December 2^nd  6 – 11 pm at the Grill Fire Company Social Quarters. $10 for members and $20 for non-members. 

Brad Sinnen has two dates planned for Wallyball this winter since it is a member favorite, Friday, January 20^th and Friday March, 10^th 2023.

The Pacers are still looking for someone to head the social committee. Please contact Michelle Henry if you are interested. 

Community Service:

Trail Maintenance – Shaun Luther – As discussed at our last meeting Larry Sundberg is retiring from his work on the Horse Shoe Trail. Shaun has contacted the Horse Shoe Trail Organization and the Pacers will now be responsible for a different portion of the trail. The new section is 7.4 miles between Route 625 and Rt. 10. 5.2 of these miles are part of the Charlie Horse race course and are already relatively maintained by the pacers due to the race. The club will be sending Larry a thank you card and gift for all his hard work. 

Race Mates – Michael Whalen – IM ABLE’s main fundraiser The BASH is scheduled for March 18, 2023. This event will be held at The Plex at Alvernia. Michael is hoping many Pacers will want to attend. Please contact him if interested it tickets so that we can have a Pagoda Pacer table. 

Membership Committee 

Jason Karpinski – Email reminders will be sent soon for current members to renew. New and current members can also pay their annual dues at the Christmas Party. He also is working on reinstating the welcome packets that are sent to new members. 

Old Business: 

Was all discussed during committee reports. 

New Business: 

Club Elections

Michelle Henry was reelected for a second term. 

Board Members – Brandon Beane was reelected for another two year term. New baord members are, Kelly Ammon, Lisa Domeshek, Cody Harris and Blair Hogg. 

The pacers would like to thank the retiring board members, Matt Brophy, Tom Chobot, Jon Durand and Sue Jackson for their numerous years of service. 

General Meeting Minutes

Date: October 13, 2022

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Mohnton Fire

Treasury Report – Shaun Luther – the account is at 155% of target – Blues Cruise purchases and charitable donation obligations were the expenses. Regarding the refunds needed for the rescheduled pickle ball event, Shaun was not able to use RunSignup for refunds due to type of account the club has, so checks were issued.

Races:

• Blues Cruise 50K (recently completed) – Elaine Cook and Mike Whalen are the new race directors – Mike reported for this year, there were over 100 documented volunteers, some putting in 10 to 12 hours. Stephan Weiss has been timing the race for no charge, but he is moving away from this responsibility. Also, the Blues Cruise web site will move from Stephan’s site to the Pacer platform. Riley Bradley was the overall winner of the race, and the first female to win the race, and in a record time for any female finisher. 298 registered runners, with 222 finishers. Dirt Sculpt was able to complete the trail repair just prior to the race.
• Shiver by the River 10K and 5K races (1^st: Sunday, December 11, 2022) – Georgine McCool – she is having difficulty finding sponsors, which is not something the directors are super comfortable with, so if anyone can lend a hand, please do.
• Kris Kringle 5 Miler (Saturday December 31, 2022)
• Oley Valley Country Classic (Saturday, November 5, 2022) – Lenny Burton – just over 100 registrants, fewer than are hoped for at this point. At the Oley Valley Fairgrounds. A food truck will be available for the post-race event.
• Jr. High Cross Country Fall Invitational – Tom Chobot, Tuesday, October 18, needs between 6 and 8 volunteers for this event – course monitoring and help in the finish chute, 4 and 4:45 p.m., usually done by 5:15. And then, Saturday, 10/22, the Junior High cross country event (the club’s race), about 330 kids will bet there. There are 9 and 9:40 races, with parking assist, it is about a 4-hour period of time to volunteer. Held at the Reading Fairgrounds.

Committee Reports

Social Committee:

• October 25 is the pickle ball reschedule.
• Friday, Dec 2, Christmas party. $10 members, $20 for non-members, at the Grill Fire Company.

Communications Committee

• Website – Michelle Henry – she is working with Ed Recker, the webmaster, to get a race results tab created. The one there now is not current. Race directors should be sending these results to Ed, but this task may have gotten overlooked with the passage of time and races to new directors.

Community Service

• Trail Maintenance – Larry Sundberg is resigning his work for his portion of the Horseshoe Trail. Shaun Luther suggests we talk to the Horseshoe Trail Organization. Shaun will contact his POC about this to find out if other sections are a priority to be maintained. 

Old business:

• Opportunity House evening meal volunteering – people volunteered in person and had others dropped off donations. They served meatball sandwiches, potato chips, salad, and apple crisp (made personally by Kris Jacoby, and it was a best seller). Everything went quickly, and we served about 75 people. Jane would like to make another event due to club interest – possibly by the end of the year.
• The pop-up marketplace for swag is open until Oct 25.
• Elections are next month – with the president’s annually reelected position open and then 5 new board member positions are open.

New business

• Jeff George memorial ride (BAMBA), Nov 20, starting around 11:00 at Fishpond West, dedication of a bench in his name. You can bring food, if desired. Liz Glass is trying to establish a scholarship.
• Cranksgiving Berks County, October 29, Jim Borden is director, benefits Helping Harvest. 
• Calls were made for Wally ball – Brad will set this up, as requested – may go January and March
• Possible roller skating social – Michelle is working on some details

General Meeting Minutes

Date: September 8, 2022

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Victor Emmanuel II pavilion

Treasury Report – Shaun Luther – The financial account is 185% of target. Bigger expenses now being paid for race awards and a payment to the Berks County Coaches Association, which was 51% of the profit from the Kris Kringle race last December. The bill for trailer storage is paid for 12 months in advance, which gets the club one month free.

Races:

• Charlie Horse Half Marathon (past event of 2022) – Shaun Luther – discussed the Special Olympics donation for this year’s race. There was not a lot of profit from this year’s event, but there was $400 of personal donations from Charlie Horse runners, and the Grings Mill race director (Jason) donated some of profit from that race to go to the Special Olympics cause.  A motion was made to donate $1600 to Special Olympics. The motion was seconded and passed.
• Grings Mill run (past event of 2022) – Jason Karpinski – He wants to thank all those who volunteered to make the race successful.
• Blues Cruise 50K (Sunday, October 2, 2022) – Dan Govern – getting close, needs a lot of volunteers. Dan would appreciate emails from those who are volunteering, so he can assign the 30 to 40 people to where they will be needed. Also, you can contact any of the aid station captains, if you are interested in volunteering at one of those. Registrations are low, about 233 entrants so far. Hoodies will be the event swag this year. The awards are in. Mike Yoder is marking the day before (Saturday, at 3 p.m.), if that is something you are interested in helping with please let Dan or Mike know. Going cupless (drinking cup, that is) again this year. 
• Oley Valley Country Classic (Saturday, Nov 5, 2022) – Barry Goodhart – Shirts again this year. Needs volunteers. Will take place at the Oley Valley Fairgrounds.
• Shiver by the River 5K and 10K series (1^st race: Sunday, December 11, 2022) – Sue Jackson – planning in progress for this year’s series. 

Committee Reports

Social Committee:

• Pickle ball, Sunday, September 25, 2022, email went out to sign up.
• Christmas party – Jules Hager is the new chairman, taking over from Swamp. 
• Holiday (Labor Day) run was this past weekend.
• Long run planned for pre-Blues Cruise event – meeting at Church Road parking lot. Will do the ski loop, 7miles, by Liz Glass, and also the lower loop of 22 miles will be run.
• Long run for October (date TBD) will be at Trexler Preserve near Allentown.

Community Service

• Trail Maintenance – Mike Whalen – He will take care of one issue on our Blue Marsh trail section that is not too bad. Otherwise the section is good. The bridge will likely not get done before Blues Cruise. There is some heavy-duty trail access needed prior to this maintenance being done.
• Opportunity House volunteering – Steve McGuire – there are some details still to be worked out. Jane Setley will be in touch. 

Membership committee:

• Guts and Glory info table on Saturday, September 24 – Michelle and Jason will man the table at this event.

Old business

• Berks Nature event at Angelica Park (Sept 11, 2022). Steve Vida is doing a run at 1100—dog friendly, the event starts at noon. Pagoda Pacers (Lisa D.) will host a membership table. 
• Pop-up Pacer gear purchasing – info will be in October’s newsletter. Open for only 2 weeks. Can ship directly or Michelle can distribute.

New business

• Next month and November’s meetings will be at the Mohnton Fire Company.
• Elections will be in November. The president position (reelected every year) and 4 board member openings are available. Details to come out in October. A few board members have timed out of their allowable service time, so new people are needed to run for board membership.
• October 22, 2022, 9 a.m., interval speed training for beginners. Lisa will have a member table. More details will be provided.
• The Pacer trailer – if anyone has a vehicle that can mover the trailer, please inform Michelle or Mike Whalen. The group would like additional options for moving the trailer, if needed. There are tables missing, about 5 or 6 – if you have one, please return it. Mike Whalen will power wash the trailer and make sure things are cleaned for Blues Cruise.