Rockford Road Runners

Minutes - March 4, 2009

Stockholm Inn

I. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Past President Bob Sharp.

II. Minutes –February minutes were approved as printed in the March newsletter.

III. Treasurer’s Report – No report

IV. President’s Remarks – Larry Ward was out of town.

V. Vice-President - No report

VI. Race Coordinator

A. Larry Swanson reported on the third Trail Run which was held February 21 in blinding snow. Next Trail Run is March 21.

B. There will be no race directors’ clinic this year. Instead, Larry is meeting with race directors if they have questions or concerns. Mike Mapes reported that a race director outline developed by Stephanie Baliga is available which would be helpful to any race director, new or old.

C. Bob Sharp said race circuit information was needed by the equipment manager and at Runner’s Image.

VII. Communications Chair

A. Mike Mapes, interim communications chair, noted that the e-mail version of the newsletter was available and all that was needed was to give your e-mail address to Norm Yarger to receive one. Some members reported that the mail version of the March newsletter was not received as of the meeting date.

B. Jim Simmons has agreed to take on the communications chair position which entails editing the newsletter. The executive board approved his appointment. His e-mail address will be listed in the newsletter. Deadline for copy is the 15^th of the month.

C. The board is investigating newsletter costs and convenience, and there may be a new printer by the next newsletter.

VIII. Membership

A. Norn Yarger said renewals were coming in strong. Some new members also have joined, in great part because of promotion at the Trail Runs. Norm will have a membership count in April.

IX. Staff Positions

A. Equipment Manager – Bob Sharp reported that there was a need for new safety vests. The vests being considered have “race official” printed on the front. Norm Yarger moved and Tom Lichty seconded a motion to purchase 20 vests for $100. It was approved.

B. Web Master – Kathleen Yarger said she was adding a runner’s blog to the web site. The site also includes a link to the Annie’s Locker site.

C. Circuit Scoring – Marilyn Goepfert was complimented for the great job she does with circuit scoring.

D. Wildcats Liaison – Mike Mapes noted that the 13^th year for the Wildcats. begins in March.This is the third year that the group will provide scholarships.

X. Old Business

A. Tom Lichty reported that the Rockford Marathon training group had 40 participants broken into four groups, depending on experience and the race entered. The Hal Higdon training plan is being used. Training is held on Tuesdays, Thursday, and Saturdays starting at Peak Sports Center.

B. Gerrie Gustafson reported that plans were in place for the OSF Heritage Run on Sunday, April 26. Volunteers will be needed for the finish line.

C. The Arny Johnson Classic is Saturday, April 4.

D. Winter handicap races are attracting between 17 and 21 people, according to Norm. The cost is $2 per race or $8 for the series. It was suggested that these races be promoted more extensively.

XI. New Business

A. The Red Shoe Run will be held April 11 on the NIU Rockford campus.

B. Bob Sharp reported on the State Street Mile and noted that past winners will be invited to participate.

1. Bob requested $1,000 in seed money for the race since it is the 25^th anniversary of the event. Mike Mapes moved and Norm Yarger seconded the motion for the club to provide $1,000 in seed money for the State Street Mile which was approved.

2. Bob suggested that the Rockford Road Runners provide a training group for those who have never run a mile. It would be necessary for the club to pay a coach for the group.

C. Steve Jaycox is the race director of the 911 Run which will be held Saturday, June 6.

X II. Next Meeting – will be held Wednesday, April 1 at the Stockholm Inn.

XIII. Meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Gerrie Gustafson

Secretary