Tag: Meeting Minutes

General Meeting Minutes

Date: October 11, 2023

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Mohnton Fire Company

Treasury Report – Shaun Luther – 123% of target. Expenses for Blues Cruise expected. Paid the annual bill for Storage World.

Races:

• Blues Cruise 50K (completed for 2023) – Mike Whalen: gave the statistics for Blues Cruise. Items donated and given in kind totaled $5875. Hoffman Industries donated 6 new folding tables, facilitated by Jeff Hills. The runners did ok, even in the warm weather. No issues with the park reported – the directors were especially focused on the parking and the overtime of the rangers. Over 40 volunteer hours of trail maintenance were logged. The profit was respectable. Elaine Cook: 131 registered volunteers – all the runners talked about how good the course was and how committed the volunteers were. “Oktoberfest” won the aid station of the year – the surveys were overwhelming positive for the aid stations. The date for next year’s event will be October 6, 2024. Registration will open in December. 
• Oley Valley Country Classic 10 mile and 5K runs (Saturday, November 4) – About 100 runners registered so far. Volunteers needed. Lenny and Barry setting up on Friday. Trailer pullers are needed. 
• Kris Kringle 5-Mile Run (Sunday, December 31) – About 60 runners registered so far, on New Year’s Eve day again this year. 
• Shiver by the River 5K and 10K (First race is December 10) – Sue Jackson – Some people won gift certificates for the race, and they should mail in their application with the certificate. About 40 people registered so far. 
• Jr. High Cross Country Fall Invitational (Saturday, October 23) – Tom and Gwen Chobot continue as directors for this event. They are looking for volunteers, 6:30 to 11:00 at the Fair Grounds. The High School event is on October 17. More details are posted in the discussion group on Facebook. Parking, registration, finish line, and tear down.

Committee Reports

Social Committee:

• Wine and cheese social evening (recently held) – a really nice venue and event, which included a brief glimpse of the STARLINK satellites train in the summer sky. Britny and Lisa did an excellent job of organizing. They will book this venue and do a similar event again next year. The pre-registration via an app went well, and seems to be how event registration will be handled in the future.
• Skating, 5 to 7 p.m., Oct 21, at Skateaway, Tiffany and family hosting.
• Christmas Party, Friday, December 1, at the Grill Fire Company. Planning to do the pre-event attendance signup like the wine and cheese social.

Communications Committee

• Website – Michelle Henry will work with Ed Recker, Caroline Hill, and John Durand to improve the website

Community Service

• Long run, scheduled for Sunday, Oct 29, at Opalanie Park / Bryn Coed Preserve – see the discussion board for details.
• Race Mates – IM Able in Wyo went well. This program will start up again in the Spring with the Lacey Run.
• The club is donating unopened race food to Opportunity House. A volunteer Pacer-hosted dinner, is scheduled for Monday, January 8, for Pacer. Mike Whalen made a motion to have the club pay for the food (not the volunteers), seconded, and approved by the members present. Donations will be approved up to reasonable expenses to prepare the meal for approximately 70 to 80 people.

Membership committee: Annual membership drive will commence soon. Jason Karpinski will be sending out an e-blast.

Old business 

• Annual club election starts at the beginning of November – refer to the newsletter for information for those who would like to run for office.
• For anyone still wanting to complete the Pacer passport: November is the last meeting to attend for the year, in case you need your meeting attendance completed.

New business

• Oil Creek 100-miler – Cody Harris (2^nd overall) and Jason Karpinski was a finisher. Congratulations to them. (Other Pacers ran and finished well – hopefully they will post their completion in the race results section.)
• Girls on the Run, upcoming, help needed. 9:00 for volunteers. Saturday Nov 18. 

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.

General Meeting Minutes

Date: August 10, 2023

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Mohnton Fire Company

Treasury Report – Shaun Luther—Account balance is at 135% of target. Grings Mill race expenses listed. Wine and cheese social expenses will be coming in.

Races:

• Grings Mill 5K and 10K (concluded for 2023) – Jason Karpinski – Total revenue of the race was discussed.  Some expenses varied (increased) this year. There were 233 registrants this year versus 236 last year. 200 people actually ran the race each year. $302 was donated from participants to Opportunity House. A motion made to contribute an additional $398 of club funds to make an even $700. The motion was seconded and approved by the membership present. The remaining amount left for contribution will be used to fund the annual scholarships.
• Blues Cruise 50K (Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the Dry Brooks day use pavillion) – Mike Whalen – meeting with Elaine Cook every 2 weeks for race planning. They will have a meeting with the captains of the aid stations. Current registration stands at 144 runners from 10 states. An online swag store is being planned. Volunteers are needed the entire month of September, and, of course, on race day. All volunteers must sign up on “UltraSignup – Blues Cruise 50K” in order to keep track of everyone, and assign people where additional help may be needed. (Note: Volunteer swag will be given only to those who have signed up and helped. No registration = no swag.) This event is an RRCA Regional 50K Championship, which comes with some benefits. The event is also a Trail Sisters approved race. Mike is talking to Holiday Inn to about reserving a block of rooms. Planning some more spectator-friendly events. Fire –police doing Old Church Rd crossings. There will be scheduled trail maintenance throughout September (Kincaid, Beane, Demsko, Whalen). Saturday, Sept 30 will be the trail marking. Mike is looking for a Strava map of the lake—please forward it to him if you have one. Training runs being planned. September 10^th is a long run on the Blues Cruise course. 
• Oley Valley Country Classic (Saturday, November 4, 2023) – Lenny Burton – a few registrations so far. Food truck committed 
• Shiver by the River 5K and 10K (12/10/23, 1/14/24, 2/11/24, & 3/10/24) – Sue Jackson – online registration is open. No mailings this year. But you can print out the online application and mail it in. Swag this year is a runner’s towel. 
• Jr. High Cross Country Fall Invitational – Saturday, October 21, Tom Chobot – needs about 10 volunteers on this day

Committee Reports

Social Committee:

• Brittany Harris – Wine and Cheese Party, The Barn at Cacoosing (Saturday, September 16) – need some volunteers. Tickets would have to be purchased on line. No money accepted at the door—can purchase on-line that evening. (Will be the same format for the Christmas Party.)

Community Service

• Weekly runs – Matt is coming back soon! Lisa D. is having the WNR after the boat launch. “Dip off” for cool prizes.
• Trail Maintenance – Mike Whalen – Blue Marsh, the large tree down on the ski slope taken care of. 
• Horseshoe trail – Shaun Luther – the Horseshoe trail organization may be willing to purchase a heavy duty weed whacker or some other piece of equipment; would come in very useful for trail maintenance. Shaun will look into this further
• Long run, August 19, at Rocky Park near York; 5 or 10-mile loop
• Race Mates – this Saturday have a race with 3 athletes. Have been busy this season planned.

Old business

• MeetUp app – will hold off on posting on MeetUp until people’s homes are not being used for the social gathering after WNRs. Likely to start in the fall.

New business

• Pacer-branded pop-up canopy tent for use for ‘whatever’ will be purchased – races, events, etc. Two logo selections – looking for vote of preference.
• Step and repeat background wall (i.e., a large photo backdrop with the club’s logo) to have pictures done will be purchased. Jane Setley recommended getting a replaceable roller style, so that it can be changed out as needed.
• Michelle also considering purchasing handheld waterproof signs with the Pacer logo – useful for holding and using in photos.

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.