Minutes of the AARC General Meeting 5-17-04

Upper Dublin Township Building

 

  1. Nathan welcomed everyone to the meeting and set out the agenda for the evening.  Everyone was given a brief opportunity to introduce themselves.  We had a great turnout of board members, regular active members, and a number of relatively new faces.



  2. Election:  The slate of those standing for election was presented and voted in by the members present:


Karen Kingma – President
Sean Smith and Joanne Santomauro – Race Directors
Jim Moulton – Membership
Tom Jennings – Treasurer
Dana McBride and Ali Fox – Social Events/Fun Runs
Toby Hanlon – Corresponding Secretary
Nathan Relles – Communications / Website
Alan Gross – Member-at-Large
Ed Klaas – Member-at-Large

Nathan thanked previous Board members who contributed so much of their time and efforts to AARC's many successful activities and events, and welcomed new Board members.  All AARC members are encouraged to let Board members know if they're interested in being involved with any projects and activities.  He then reported that the club could use some assistance with producing our Newsletter.  Although the web site and emails have proven effective in keeping members informed, there are other advantages to a periodical newsletter.  Anyone with desktop publishing skills who is interested in helping out in this way is invited to contact Nathan.

  1. Phil’s 5K:  Joanne provided information about the race and passed out sign-up sheets for various volunteer opportunities.  The race will be held Wed, July 21 at Shady Grove Elementary School. It starts at 6:30 with a kids’ 1-Mile Run.

We had an incredible turn-out last year—about 500 runners.  A brief discussion was held to discuss how we might better manage the crowds in terms of race-day registration, adequate supply of shirts, and distribution of food.  The board will work on these issues.  Applications for the race are currently being produced and will be available soon.


Joanne and Bonnie discuss some plans for sponsorships

Alan Braverman showed a brief video about the Golden Slipper Camp, which will be the beneficiary of our Phil's Tavern 5K Race.  Alan expressed his thanks on behalf of GSC for our support, and the club in turn thanked Alan for the volunteers and sponsors that the Camp will provide to assist in the race.

  1. Frostbite 5-Miler:  Sean reviewed some of the stats and financial aspects of the 2004 Frostbite Run held last February 14.  We had a record 538 runners.  Our proceeds enabled us to contribute $600 to the Wissahickon Fire Police and $2,200 to Ambler Main Street.  Representatives from both organizations were in attendance to accept their checks and to thank us for AARC's support.


  2. Committee Reports:
    1. Fun Runs are being held Mondays at 6:30 pm from Born to Run, Thursdays at 6:30 pm from Temple Ambler, and Saturdays at 8:30 am from Starbucks in Springhouse. 
    2. Track Workouts will be held Wednesdays at 6:30 pm at the Upper Dublin High School track.  Pete Jennings has been hired as our coach.  Please watch the website for a firm start date.  (Since these minutes were recorded, that start date has been set as Wednesday, May 26th.)
    3. Membership:  Jim reported that we have 226 members-- 44% female and 56% male.  Average age of an AARC member is 41, not counting Buddy.  The board is working on rolling out our new renewal schedule.  New annual membership fees are $20 for individuals, $25 for a family.  All memberships will renew each March; for this transition year, fees will be prorated based on when current memberships expire.
    4. Reach the Beach:  Jim, Ali, and John all provided information about the upcoming 200+ mile relay in New Hampshire (Sept 17-18).  A team is forming and there are still a few available slots.  Please contact Ali (foxavrp@juno.com) or John (jjherman@erols.com) if you’re interested.

      Veterans of last year's Reach-the-Beach team describe
      their experiences to Stampede prospect, Dawn.
    5. Social Committee:  Ali and Dana reported that they are organizing a Country Run for Saturday, June 5.  Watch the website for details.


      Dana explains to John why she and Julie are thinking
      about joining the team to Reach-the-Beach.

 

Please note that The Ambler Area Running Club has a new mailing address:

Ambler Area Running Club
PO Box 204
Springhouse, PA 19477

 

Submitted by Karen Kingma

 
John demonstrates to Tony that after-meeting
refreshments can help runners prepare for their next run.

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Click here for pictures from previous General Meeting