GULF WINDS TRACK CLUB Minutes

Present: Mary Jean and David Yon, Judy Alexander, Mark Priddy, Keith Rowe, Kevin French, Bill Lott, Sheryl Rosen, Charlie Yates, Peg Griffin, Gene Opheim

Guests: David Chayer, Bob Lotane, and Ken Foster

Mary Jean called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m. Quorum was established.

A motion was made, seconded and passed by unanimous vote to accept the September minutes as presented.

New Business

David Chayer and Bob Lotane of the Capital Area Chapter of the Red Cross thanked the club for help organizing the Red Cross Hurricane Run, which raised $20,000. They donated $400 to the Chenoweth Fund; presented certificates of appreciation for Peg Griffin, David Yon, Bill Lott, and Jack McDermott; and showed a short video of the race.

Ken Foster, the ombudsman for the Apalachicola National Forest, briefed the board on efforts to maintain the Munson Hills trails. He requested $300 to $600 to pay for part of the cost of crushed limerock, pinestraw, and day labor. He estimated the whole project will require several thousand dollars. A motion was made to donate $1,000 to the Friends of Our Parks Foundation to assist with the project. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Peg Griffin presented the final slate of candidates for the 2009 board and club officer positions. Candidates include: president: Judy Alexander and Mark Priddy; VP: Bill Lott; secretary: Nancy Stedman Laux and Jackie McDaniel; treasurer: Gene Opheim; directors-at-large: Julie Clark, Sarah Dugas, Tolar Griffin, Seeley Gutierrez, Keith Rowe, Jay Silvanima, Perha Varley, Felton Wright, and David Yon. The nominating committee will mail ballots the third week of October. They aim to certify the results at the November board meeting.

Judy Alexander read the board a proposal from Ben Giles of Bagelheads bakery and eatery. Ben would like to discount or give away bagels to Gulf Winds races and offer specials and giveaways of race day certificates. Board members suggested Ben should approach individual race directors and asked Judy to get more clarification from Ben regarding what, if anything, he is requesting specifically of the board.

Judy announced she and Brian Corbin are timing the upcoming city championships and the 1A district cross country meets. She asked the board to donate approximately 500 race bibs and safety pins to be used at these meets. A motion was made and seconded to approve the donation. It passed by unanimous vote.

Race Director Report – Judy Alexander, 10-Mile Challenge

Judy presented a race budget. A motion was made to approve the budget as presented. It was seconded and passed unanimously.

Race Director Report – Peg Griffin, GWTC Ultra

Peg presented a race budget. A motion was made to accept the budget. It was seconded and passed unanimously.

Race Director Report – David Yon, Turkey Trot

David presented a budget. He reported the race will use disposable timing chips this year. Beneficiaries of the race will be Refuge House and The Shelter. The Kiwanis Club will help with parking again. A motion was made and seconded to accept the budget as presented. It passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report – Gene Opheim

The club has $83,278, which is an increase of $3,834 for the month. The Chenoweth Fund has $13,586, which is an increase of $1,085 for the month. Part of the increase to the Chenoweth Fund is due to contributions from the beginning running class as they join the club.

The Women’s Distance Festival netted $1,153.80. The Prefontaine 5K netted $1,503.66. Proceeds from Prefontaine were shared between the St. Francis Wildlife Association and the Chenoweth Fund.

Gene presented a third quarter budget comparison. The club’s income is ahead of the projected schedule, and expenses are in line with projections.

Cornerstone Learning Community requested a renewal of their $300 school running grant. Gene, along with Mae Cleveland, coordinator of the club’s school running grant program, will get Cornerstone the funds.

Gene has had trouble cashing checks that are incorrectly made out. For club races, runners are reminded to make their check out to Gulf Winds Track Club or GWTC and not list the name of the race. Also, checks intended for the Chenoweth Fund should be made out to the club with a note in the lower left corner designating the Chenoweth Fund. Kevin French suggested having a stamp made that could be used at registration for club races. The Board liked that idea and asked Kevin to proceed with the purchase of multiple stamps.

Newsletter Report – Sheryl Rosen for Fred Deckert

Fred is stopping the quiz feature due to lack of interest.

Lecture Series Report – Sheryl Rosen for Fred and Margarete Deckert

Kim Ortloff is set to speak Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Premier Health & Fitness Center.

Clothing Coordinator Report – Sheryl Rosen for Margarete Deckert

Margarete has not yet ordered the tank tops as approved at last month’s board meeting because the screen print is not working on the fabric selected. She and Fred are working with GoTeez Clothing Co. to find a solution.

Race Director Coordinator Report – Charlie Yates

Charlie has not received word whether the Christmas Connection race will happen this year. Bill added that the Gey Foundation 5K is moving from Nov. 15 to Nov. 16.

Equipment Report – Kevin French and Bill Lott

Mike LaBossiere donated a portable PA system to the club.

Website Report – Peg Griffin and David Yon

Maclay School runner Jana Stolting has been writing columns about high school running for the website. Also, the site has a new side tab in the training section that lists distance running groups around town.

Chenoweth Fund Report – David Yon

At last month’s meeting the fund received a request to help Stephanie Liles travel to the USA Triathlon Age Group Championships in Oregon. The Committee approved the request, but Stephanie’s plans changed so no motion was required. Also, Chenoweth received a request from Carl Nordhielm, coach at the Magnolia School, for $83 for team jerseys. A motion was made to approve the request for the Magnolia School. It was seconded and approved by unanimous vote.

Membership Report – Peg Griffin

The club has 1,090 members in 631 households. 73 of the new members are from the beginning running class.

Training Report – Judy Alexander for Robin Borschel & TJ Cutchins

The beginning running class has 73 paid members and has raised $365 for the Chenoweth Fund. The core strengthening and stretching session after the running class is a huge success.

A motion was made to adjourn at 8:50 p.m. It was seconded and approved unanimously.