September 2007 Meeting Minutes

Rockford Road Runners

Minutes  - September 5, 2007

Rock Cut State Park/Lion's Shelter

I.  The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by President Larry Ward.

II. Minutes - August minutes were approved as printed in the September newsletter and as published on the website.

III. Treasurer's Report - Glenn Greenberg was out of the country so there was no report. However, it was noted by Larry that the club will assist the Wildcats with achieving non-profit status through the attorney who assisted us.

IV. President's Remarks

A. Larry noted that seven more paths need to be marked.  These include Willowcreek at Rock Cut, the Mel Anderson path and the continuation of the recreation path across Rt. 251. Volunteers to assist are welcome.

V.  Vice-President

A. Larry Swanson said that the Rockford Marathon needs a marathon training group.  Volunteers are needed to assist with the group.

B. Larry also noted "cookie" bakers are still needed for the Hobo Run.  Two more training runs remain until that event on September 23.

C. An article on the previous Hobo Run by Wisconsin runner, Mary Gorski, appeared in Ultra Running magazine.  Copies were available at the meeting.

VI. Race Coordinator

A. Steve Korn noted that the Waterfront Five was a success and two course records were set.  Up coming races include the Thin Mint Sprint, Saturday, September 15; the Rock Cut Hobo Run on Sunday, September 23; and the Fall Trail Run on Saturday, September 29. There are no circuit races scheduled in October.  The Rockford Jingle Bell Run will be held Saturday, November 17. 

B. The Rockford Marathon race route is set.  No changes can be made as the city has approved the route.  There is a Rockford marathon web site; registration will be open in the near future. Norm Yarger will undertake the huge task of certifying the course.

C. The club's time machines are in bad shape.  In addition new software is needed for scoring.  This software will make it easier for volunteers to score events.  A motion was made by Bob Sharp and seconded by Ed Clucas for the club to purchase new scoring software.  The motion passed. Discussion ensued about the time machines and their replacement. It was agreed that research is needed before the club purchases new time machines.

VII. Communications Chair

A. Norm Yarger announced that articles are needed for the October newsletter. 

B.  Brian Fruechtenicht said the club's web site was getting 50,000 hits a month and that the last two months have been the highest in visits since the start of the web site.  He also noted that Ann Johnson is teaching a class at Rock Valley College on web design.  Her suggestion is that the students develop web sites for the club from which we could choose a design.  Software is needed.  Brian was authorized to pursue purchasing the software not to exceed $400 in cost.

VIII:  Membership - Kathleen Yarger said there are approximately 435 members.  The club picks up a number of memberships through the Hobo Run.

IX. Old Business

            A.  Bob Sharp noted that $1000 was given to the Wildcats from the State Street Mile.  He said that plans are being made for the 25^th anniversary of the run, which is dedicated to the memory of Dick Berry,  Dick's son will be invited to participate.  Bob also thanked the 50 to 60 volunteers who assisted this year and Ed Clucas for being emcee in Eric Wilson's absence.

X. New Business

            A.  Phil Best announced that a bus will be going to the Chicago Marathon.  The cost is $30.  It will be leaving at 4 a.m. from the Cherry Vale Mall parking lot located across from Menard's.  He also will pick up packets for those participating.

            B.  Steve announced that the Windy City table at the Chicago Marathon expo will have flyers about the Rockford Marathon.

XI. Announcements

            A.  Larry Ward announced that some Rockford Middle Schools need volunteers to assist with training the cross country teams.

            B.  Larry also noted that another branch of the Wildcats is being established in the Rockton/Roscoe area.  The club has grown to 100 kids and many of the current high school runners are previous Wildcat members.

            C.  Tanya Thayer announced that the Arne Johnson race will be April 5, 2008.

            D. The next meeting will be Wednesday, October 3, at the Stockholm Inn.

XII. Adjournment - meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gerrie Gustafson

Secretary