GULF WINDS TRACK CLUB Minutes

Board/GWTC Members present: Tom Perkins, David and Mary Jean Yon, Beth Alexander, Joe and Nadine Dexter, Judy Alexander, Bonnie Wright, Fred and Margarete Deckert, Charlie Yates, Bill Lott, Jane Johnson, Peg Griffin, Tim Unger and Paul Ahnberg.

Tom Perkins called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. and quorum was established. The March minutes were reviewed. A motion was made, seconded and passed by unanimous vote to accept the minutes.

NEW BUSINESS:

Damon Karras presented the Board with samples of apparel and accessories embroidered with the Club’s logo. The logo can be placed on almost anything and used as fund raisers.

REPORTS:

Race Director — Tom Perkins announced that checks continue to come in for Springtime. David Yon reported that the Forrest Meadows site is secured for the Pot Luck Bash on June 3. Also, Peg Griffin pointed out that the Meals on Wheels flyer date is incorrect. It says May 2, but should read May 6.

Race Director Coordinator — Charlie Yates announced the race calendar had no changes since last month.

Clothing Coordinator — Margarete Deckert sold 2 shirts and 3 bandanas at Springtime.

Newsletter — Fred Deckert raised three issues dealing with the Newsletter. The first was the Fleet Foot deadline for submissions now at the third Saturday of the month. The 15″‘ is the earliest this occurs and he found it very reasonable compared to other newsletters he researched. Since many contributors to the FF do not care for the warnings about deadlines, he will no longer issue them unless he is asked. The second issue was a possible decrease in rates charged for advertising. Third, Fred asked opinions about enlarging the size of the newsletter. After discussion about each of these issues, it was concluded that as editor, Fred decides. Paul Ahnberg suggested sending out a survey to the Club members to generate more opinions. Fred will place a poll in the Newsletter asking for responses.

Training Committee — Nadine Dexter announced that she has 56 paid members including a number of children in Boot Camp. The class is proceeding well. She and Joe have offered an incentive program including pens and calculators for those that turn in homework and miss only one class. May 11 is the last class which will include a party for participants. Equipment — Joe Dexter turned in checks. He announced that 26 races have occurred already this year. He reported the float in the Springtime parade was decorated with silhouettes of two runners that lost significant amounts of weight since initiating a running program.

Treasurer’s Report — Bonnie Wright presented the budget for March.

Membership — Peg Griffin reported that there are currently 938 members represented by 648 memberships. She asked about reduced entrance fees for members at races. Most races do not offer that. Tom asked Beth to check the by laws.

Chenoweth Fund — David Yon reported the committee received 5 requests for funds. 1) Gordon Cherr requested $250 on behalf of a Mississippi High School cross country program in need as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The committee recommended funding this request, but only if we could be sure it was still needed and the right people located. Tim Unger offered to help. Gordon Cherr had advised the committee he was investigating further, but had been unable to reach the person he was communicating with about the high school uniforms. If he gets in touch with this person, he will also confirm where it goes. 2) The Chenoweth fund would like to give $500 to the Trailblazers, a group that encourages kids to run. The Club has supported them the last 5 years. 3) The local Special Olympics branch would like $500. Member Terry Massa is associated with them. 4) Vicky Gill needs $399 to travel to Stanford Invitational to compete. 5) The Committee would also like to donate $500 to the Kids Triathlon. There was a motion to put all the requests into a single motion, which was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Grand Prix Committee — Paul Ahnberg reported that all Grand Prix awards are mailed now. Also there is a revised age group structure beginning 1/1/2007. Instead of lumping everyone over 75 years of age into one group, there will be groups of 5 year increments.

Racing Team Coordinator—Tim Unger reviewed the racing team schedule and results. Although he began the season as a noncompetitive, social team his teams experienced great success. The Masters took third place in the men’s open division at the Azalea Trail 10K. Two teams placed at the Gate River Run: one took first overall in open men’s and another placed second in the male masters division. Gate to Gate is on Memorial Day.

Social Coordinator — Kathy Lindsay no report. David Yon announced the Pot Luck once again will feature a low country boil.

Lecture Series — Michael Pasquier no report. Tom Perkins continues to work with Len Harvey at Premier about a weight lifting lecture for runners.

OLD BUSINESS:

David Yon reported that he met with City officials regarding the Summer Track Series. They want to continue to partner with the Club but will not require money. They recognize the Club’s efforts over the years and appreciate it. They would like to provide the ribbons with their name on them. In addition, they will advertise the Series on their website.

There was a motion to adjourn at 9:00 p.m., which was seconded and passed by unanimous vote.

The next board meeting will be held on May 10, 2006 hosted by David and Mary Jean Yon.

These minutes have not been reviewed and accepted by the Board.

Beth Alexander, Secretary