DCRRC Board Meeting

September 26, 2005

Board Members	Also Attending
Susan Maher	Bob Platt
George Getek	Max Reid
Rob and Judy Wolfe	Robin Martz
Melissa Edeburn
Ian Clements
Toni Marie Diegoli
Pat Brown
Joe Racine

Susan Hage called the meeting to order at 7:30pm.

Reports

Treasury

George Getek presented a handout on income and expenses in the 05-06 budget year as of Sept. 26. Income YTD is $17,460; expenses YTD actual is $29,239. These figures do not reflect National Capitol 20 Miler income and expenses, which have not yet been entered into the books. The most recent membership checks, as well as proceeds from the Turkey Trot, also have not hit the books. The total account balance is $59,831.57.

Membership

Toni Diegoli displayed copies of the 2005 DCRRC Membership Directory, which she put together and which is divided into two parts: one organized by name and one by zip code. Various formatting suggestions were offered to further decrease the number of pages. The directory will be mailed asap. The directory includes only those members who elected on their membership forms to be included, but it will be sent to all members. Toni will contact the printer/mail house for details. She will ask the printer to print the indicia on the back cover. One additional suggestion—let the reader know that the directory has two parts, possibly by adding the following words to the title on the front cover: “by Name and by City,” or by adding a table of contents page: Members listed by name, p. 1, Members listed by city, p. 36.

Toni also distributed DCRRC membership statistics by gender, state, member type, age group and gender, and age group and state.

Training Programs

10-Mile—Kristin Blanchat reported that the group of more than 80 participants (actually three groups of individuals at varying paces) consists of many 10K program participants. The group’s goal race is the Army 10-miler. The coaches responded to requests for variety by starting runs at various locations. The groups were designated by color (red, blue, and green) rather than by “advanced,” “intermediate,” and “beginner.” Participants quickly identified themselves and their fellow group members by color designation.

Marathon—Max Reid and Robin Martz reported that the program has 45 participants. The goal race for most is MCM, but some are training for Chicago or New York. The coaches have received much less e-mail than in past years. The reason is unclear. Max noted that guest speakers were scheduled to talk immediately before SLR, perhaps diminishing participants’ sense of belonging to a special group. The coaches have maintained a high level of support, in part by sending regular e-mails to their respective trainees to provide tips, answer queries, and so on.

Track—Members discussed the pros and cons of the new venue. The new, later start time (7:15pm) has mitigated overcrowding problems that led to some conflict with other groups. Although the new venue is not metro-accessible, it does have lights, the absence of which made workouts impossible at American University (at least during the winter). The W&L track may be available sometime in October, but renovations there are more likely to be completed at year’s end. It appears that the new venue is an acceptable option until that time. Workouts at two tracks (one in DC, one at the new venue) were discussed. The board will explore the possibility of holding parallel workouts.

Hill—Robin Martz reported that the new program is detailed on the Web. One scheduled workout this fall remains without a leader. Members are urged to volunteer! Hills throughout the metro area and even outside the beltway may be proposed.

SLR—Max Reid reported that the workout continues to be heavily attended. The number ranges from 75 to 150.

Newsletter

Susan Hage has taken over the job of editing the newsletter. Bob Platt will handle layout. Susan will send an e-mail requesting submissions for the fall issue.

DC Issues

Rob and Judy Wolfe shared some of their ideas, including a stride clinic and a flier to be distributed to DC gyms and other appropriate venues. Rob and Joe Racine advertised DCRRC when they held a stride clinic for the DC Tri Club, whose members attended in large numbers.

Races

Susan Hage reported that DCRRC and Pacers co-sponsored the Katrina 5K, which benefitted the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund. This race, which was not on the DCCRC schedule, had more than 3,000 registrants.

DCRRC will again provide finish line services for the Herndon Turkey Trot on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Landon has contacted DCRRC to provide such services for a high school cross country invitational with five races, including an open race in which club members will be able to participate. Susan said Ed Grant is making arrangements for the open race and will get back to us with details this week for posting on our Web site.

The Turkey Trot was discussed in connection with Doug Fertig donations (see below), as was the advisability of having an official water stop at MCM. It was agreed that requesting permission from race management for an official water stop or informing management of plans to organize such a stop is unnecessary.

Other Business

Web site

Susan clarified responsibilities for maintenance of the site. Dave Kapson has worked on design issues. Melissa Edeburn will work on content. Myrna will execute the content changes, of which many are needed. Bob Platt agreed to provide an electronic file on the club’s history to Melissa so that she can see that it added to the site. Once existing content is cleaned up, Melissa will work to get new content, including reviving club member profiles and features on various appropriate topics.

Doug Fertig Donations

Doug Fertig was an avid participant in the club’s annual turkey trot. When Mr. Fertig died, his wife, Susan Hepler, chose DCRRC as a beneficiary of donations amounting to $972. Board members discussed ideas for honoring Fertig’s memory, including signage (such as at mile markers) and awards in his name at the Turkey Trot. Susan Hage will present three or four possible ideas to Susan Hepler. Please email any new suggestions to Susan.

Miscellaneous

Fall Pizza Party and Awards Banquet

The party was scheduled for the day after the Marine Corps Marathon, its customary date, but because this date falls on Halloween, it will be moved to Tuesday, November 1.

Shoes for Ugandan Runners

Melissa requested postage cost donations and received $11 from attendees. George Getek suggested that the board consider postage costs for a club donation, and Susan requested that Melissa present this proposal at the next meeting of the board.