November 2007 Meeting Minutes

Rockford Road Runners

Minutes  - November 7, 2007

Stockholm Inn

I.  The meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m. by President Larry Ward.

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

III. Treasurer's Report - Steve Korn reported for Glenn Greenberg.  Year to date balance is $7,996.16.  The detailed report is available for members to review. It was noted that $2,000 will be needed to finance hooded sweatshirts for the upcoming Turkey Trot.  Fee for that race has been raised to $20, $19 for RRR members, to cover the costs.

IV. President's Remarks

A. Larry noted that 30 5/8 miles of running/walking paths have been marked.  He welcomed guests Melanie Lichty and Doug Widowski.

V.  Vice-President - no report

VI. Race Coordinator

A. Steve Korn reported on the Rockford Marathon.  The committee continues to pursue sponsorships and many are coming in.  It is expected that the Rockford Register Star may be the half-marathon sponsor.  US Bank may be the main/name sponsor of the event.  The course is currently being marked.  The committee hopes to work with the Rockford School Board to get participation of school bands and spirit squads, with portions of the course matched to each school.  Tom Schmitt, an RRR member who also serves as assistant superintendent of community outreach for District 205, said he would assist in getting approval from the board for schools to participate.  Steve also said that the Rockford Amateur Radio Operators will assist.  Volunteers are needed and can register by going to the marathon web site.

B.  Steve announced that Tom Krause will no longer serve as race scorer as of December 1.  Tonya Thayer will take over some of the duties but will not be able to score every race.  Volunteers are needed to assist in this important function.  It is expected that scoring may not be provided for every race and race directors need to be aware of this issue.  Steve suggested that the club honor Tom in some way at the December meeting/dinner.  Suggestions for a gift were taken from the membership.

C.  The Freeport Jingle Bell run is completed.  Upcoming races include the Rockford Jingle Bell Run on Saturday, November 17; the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, November 22; and the first Rock Cut Trail Series Race on Saturday, December 15.

VII. Communications Chair

A. Norm Yarger announced that articles continue to be needed for the newsletter. He hopes to retire from the position after the January newsletter (which is written and edited in December).  Norm has edited the newsletter for at least 20 years.  He is willing to assist the person who wishes to take over the position.  Discussion ensued about how to handle the newsletter since no one has yet volunteered for the position.  Tonya said publication of the newsletter is really up to the club members.  If members want a newsletter, they need to volunteer to handle the position.  It can be one person or a committee.   If there are no volunteers, the club may need to rely on the web site to get information to members.  Race directors will need to handle mailing of their own race registration forms.  Tom Schmitt said there are publishing training programs in the schools and he will investigate the possibility of getting students involved in newsletter publication.  In the meantime, a volunteer or volunteers are needed to take over this function. 

VIII:  Membership

A.  Kathleen Yarger said membership renewal time has begun.

B.  She discussed the possibility of using Pay Pal, a web-based program that allows people to pay their membership on line, for renewal and new membership.  It may increase membership.  The program is convenient and would cost the club 75 cents for each membership.  But it would save on paper and postage.  Tonya moved and Marilyn Goepfert seconded a motion for the club to look into using Pay Pal.

IX. Old Business

            A.  New equipment is being tested for use in scoring.  Tonya displayed a new hand held timing device that could work for smaller races.  The issue continues to be investigated.

X. New Business

            A.  The slate of officers is the same as this year's except for the position of communications chair, which remains open.  Elections will be held at the December meeting/dinner.

            B.  Marilyn suggested the club look into clothing with the club's logo. This could include shirts, windbreakers, hats or vests.  Larry Swanson volunteered to investigate the issue and will contact Steve Jaycox at Runners Image for suggestions.

            C.  Marilyn noted that new rules may be adopted for race circuit scoring in 2008.  Steve Korn noted that some of the more competitive runners would prefer scoring to revert to the previous system, which was based more on race finishes than participation.  Consideration is being given to having two circuit categories: competitive and participation.  The volunteer requirement of working at least one race to be involved in the circuit will remain.  The new suggested rules will be printed in the newsletter and presented on the web site for member input. 

XI. Announcements

            A.  The December meeting will be part of the holiday celebration to be held beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 9, in the YMCA Log Lodge.  The event will include elections, circuit award and annual award presentations.

XII. Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gerrie Gustafson

Secretary