Meeting Minutes from older 2004 meetings:

December 16, 2004

FAR Dec. meeting was held Dec. 16th at the Moore’s holiday potluck with 59 members. All were welcomed by Chuck Willis, president. Thanks given to the Moore’s for hosting the party.

Minutes were read and approved.

Old business: none

New business:
Elections will be held next month. Be sure to be there !!!!!!

Recognitions of certificates at Max and Ermas was awarded to the following: Vicki Schoen, Ray Bouman, Kurt Loyd, Kathie Hammond, Tom Pfefferle, Jim and Jo Moore, Bill Walker, Tom Etchill, Scott Schoen, Ron Scott, Steve Vrable, George Fosco, Deb Bogden, Kelly Schiewe, (President Chuck then kissed 1st lady Deb, as his assistant!!).

Thanks also given to Bill Hilty for his wonderful photos of races !!

A birthday song was given to Eli Leimbach for his 8th birthday. (A special thanks to Eli for coming from Jo Moore as he is a special runner to Jo). And as I am writing these minutes, thanks for coming Eli !!

Also the president’s award of a beautiful etched glass vase was given to Jim and Jo Moore as charter members of Firelands Area Runners Club in greatful appreciation of dedicated service.

As always, photos were taken and given for memory of 2004. Also thanks given to all from the Moore’s for all the delicious food, and making this a festive party !!

Meeting adjourned- Back to the party !!

November 18, 2004

Minutes of Nov. 18th meeting held at Huron Chamber of Commerce with 13 members present. Social of shrimp, meatballs, Mexican canapés enjoyed !!

New member Chris Acala introduced and welcomed.

Minutes read and approved.

Old business: none

Race report: none

New business:
RRCA- membership- 135 newsletters for FAR Membership accepted. for insurance. The waver does not mean anything. so was accepted to have the insurance.

Roger reported on the sponsors and time to renew for 2005. Ben Hastings will give a discount to FAR members. The sponsors are most appreciated !!!

A reminder was given to all about the Dec. meeting as our annual Christmas party. Meeting adjourned.

October 28, 2004

FAR had the annual pizza meeting at the Cameo on Oct. 28 with 37 members enjoying pizza and beverages provided by FAR.

Minutes were read and approved.

Race report: Kardiac 5K went great. Norwalk just rented clock, and was a fun event. Kurt announced will be a May race for special needs on May 21st in the morning in Sandusky. There will be a race in New Washington Nov. 13 at 4PM. Nov. 21st will be a 4 mile race at Heidelberg College, and was approved to have flyers in newsletter.

Mary Jones is a new member and wished people to run with. It was suggested she contact Deb Bogden as she is interested in marathon training.

Brian Martin brought up need for EHOVE levy. Also congratulations to Brian and Mandy on new son, Tanner James who already has NIKE shoes that fit him now !!!

Dick Johnson who is soon 83 yrs. old attended and is recovering from a recent stroke, and is doing well. Best wishes, Dick !!!

David Darr was congratulated for the Akron Marathon which he completed and also congratulations given to Kurt Loyd for the Columbus Marathon !!! Super !!

Remember the Nov. meeting will be the 3rd Thurs. Nov. 18th due to Thanksgiving.

Mark Dec. 16th on calendar for FAR X-Mas potluck party and meeting.

Meeting adjourned and back to the pizza !!!!! Thanks FAR !!!

September 23, 2004

Thanks went out to Jack and Dottie Girard for hosting the meeting for 22 members, as they rode their bikes to Huron Chamber from their near by new home and found us in a parking lot as the building that was open and lights on was mistakenly relocked by an employee ! So all followed to the gracious welcome we received at the Girards. !!! Social hour of food was enjoyed followed by business meeting.

Old business:
Clyde race went well. Woollybear was very organized also and had 72 runners. There were a lot of races to compete with that weekend. Workers of Jim, Steve, Vicki, Scott for Port Clinton, and Tom, Kelly, Bill, Roger, Jack for Kardiac which will be last club race for season.

Norwalk will be a clock rental.

Tom submitted we will need a new stop watch printer which will be approx. $300.00 and was approved and he will purchase for club.

Roger submitted web site registration fee of $25.00 yr, or $15.00 3 yr. contract which club accepted.

New business:
Deb Bogden asked if any interested in another blood run. We will put in newsletter and will need a commitment of a number to give blood to make it worthwhile for the Red Cross to have available help at that time. We will announce time later, and have a number to call, so all should be thinking if they could help in this much needed way.

Congratulations given to Alex Etchill who in now engaged to Jenny, and July wedding planned !!

Congratulations also to Jack and Dottie on their 4th grandchild !!!!!

Jo set Dec. 16th as the annual X-mas party , so mark your calendars !!!!

Remember Oct. 28th. is our annual pizza party at the Cameo where pizza and drinks are provided by club !!! Social will start at 7:00 PM with meeting at 8:00 pm.

There was a lengthy discussion of when and if club should spend money from treas. on community requests. It was decided to preplan on a future basis if can afford. We had a recent request for pizza for the cross country district meet. Tom brought up that we already donate at no charge services to SOS, Drug race, clock for SBC, etc. Also as only have same few to work races, may not be able to conduct as many races in future, and treas. could dwindle, as the volunteer help is what builds the income. Also without our sponsors which take care of postage for newsletter, and FRMC who do printing of newsletter we would not be in such good shape. Jo brought up to club what a super efficient job Roger does at membership and treas. Chuck and club thanked Jim and Jo who fix the monthly food, and Jo stated she keeps the cost low !!!

Insurance of $700.00 for RRCA will be due, Roger had Steve Hahn give quote for insurance and Steve stated the RRCA was a fair price for liability, and non profit for tax exempt purposes.

Meeting adjourned, and fun at the Girard’s continued !!!

August 26, 2004

20 members present for the monthly FAR meeting at Huron Chamber of Commerce.

Old business:
Reports given on Serving our Seniors 5K with 49 participants this year.
Report given on Monroeville 5k, (rented clock) and Raccoon 5K and Norwalk Thunder 5K and all went super well. The police were all out for support with traffic control at Norwalk. Was a great day but only had 47 runners.

Remember the Sandusky Co. Fair 5k in Clyde Sept. 18, The Woollybear Vermilion 5k, the Port Clinton Harvest Haul 5k Sept. 25, and Kardiac K Sept. 26. As always help is needed.

New Business:
2005 will have a race at Sandusky gazebo Sat. May 21st in AM, and will feature a Special Olympics race, and support Shelter for Women.

Congratulations given to George Fosco for his trophy for Run thru Hell.

A motion was passed for Roger to pay bill of $55.00 as members to Huron Chamber of Commerce.

Wishes for quick recovery given to Roger, our treas., as having knees scoped at Cleveland Clinic for torn meniscus.

Shirts are still available for $10.00 of FAR white with red trim.

Yellow bands available from Roger to wear in honor of Lance Armstrong, and donation has already been given to cancer society by Roger.

Thanks to Vicki Schoen who will direct the Port Clinton, and Clyde races.

Kathy Hammond gave a report on the progress of the Greenway with festivities.Sept. 12.

Taco party continued as meeting adjourned.

July 18, 2004

FAR July meeting was held July 18th at poolside of Jim and Jo Moore’s at annual potluck pool party with 50 members present. Perfect weather prevailed. Thanks was given by Pres. Chuck Willis to the Moore’s and thanks from Jim and Jo for coming and all the great food and desserts brought in.

Old business: Bellevue 5K, Cold Creek 5k, and Huron 5K all went very well and appreciation given for the volunteers. It was noted even Mike Blaszak helped!!!

New Business: Kurt and Debbie Lloyd said all plans going well for the Raccoon Lakeside 3 mile race on Aug. 1st. Don Young reported on upcoming Master’s challenge 5 K at Osborne Park Aug. 15th is for seniors 60 and over. Please check the upcoming race schedule, and plan to run, volunteer, or both!!!!

Deb Etchill was honored as celebrated her 50th birthday which was day of party!!!

Also congratulations given to Deb Bogden for her much deserved award at Huron Riverfest of the Soloman award for great contributions to running.

Remember New Washington 5K Aug. 22 with chicken dinner, many awards, and many door prizes including the hand made racing shirt quilt. The race is directed by our FAR Pat Logsden

Meeting adjourned and party continued!!!

Next meeting will be Aug. 26 at Huron Chamber with social at 7:30PM. Tacos and snacks will be the menu, and bring your beverage of choice.

June 24, 2004

Minutes of FAR June 24 meeting. 18 members present. New member Kevin Schreiner welcomed !!! Minutes May meeting read and approved.

Race reports:

• Fish Festival went excellent with 160 finishers.
• Kelley's Isl. also great with 300 plus, and Ray did a super job as race director.
• Huron race July 10th, and Deb reported hopes Ben Hastings will keep that race.
• Woollybear race date will be corrected in new listing.
• Monroeville will host a race and chicken dinner Aug. 8 with Kevin Ryan directing.
• Vicki Schoen reported has 80 pre-registered for Bellevue race June 26.
• Vicki will be coordinator for Castalia Cold Creek July 17th. (Kelly Schoewe will be at son's wedding).
• Vicki also accepted Norwalk Thunder Aug. 14th.
• Still need Clyde coordinator !!!????
• Ron Leech's “It takes Two will be Aug. 21.

New Business:
Sign up for the FAR pool party July 18 !!!!

Newsletter will have insert for charity swim.

Brian Martin plans a 5K and 1 mile fun last Sat. in July for 2005. He will rent equipment from club, get volunteers from Perkin's and proceeds go for scholarship. The run will go through beautiful scenic Veteran's home and end on the track by bleachers.

Master's challenge will have a 5K for ages 60 plus at Osborne Park Aug. 14. TV video taping will include some of our FAR seniors !!!

Next meeting will be July 18th, at Moore's for summer potluck pool party.
Be sure to come and enjoy some great food and drink and fellowship with club.

Meeting adjourned and social of chicken sandwiches, and baked beans continued.

May 27 , 2004

Minutes of FAR May 27th meeting at Huron Chamber of Commerce. 29 members present. Minutes read and approved. Treas. Report accepted.

Old business: Thanks given to Kurt and Debbie Loyd, and Tom Pfefferly for a great downtown race May 22. 197 registered and 186 ran on a hot and humid late afternoon. Many positive comments were received on the race, including holding hands in prayer before race. Thanks to all the super volunteers.

New business: Check out web site www.healingtrails.com where Kendra Didion, Castalia, MSSA, LISW offers mental health counseling, personal fitness training, nutritional counseling, yoga, message therapy, tai chi, and Reiki.

Cindra Mielke and Jeni Hammond will be doing a charity swim again, and any contributions welcome.

Ray Bouman spoke on upcoming Kelley’s race, and volunteers needed, and ferry boat arrangements.

Applause given on announcement Melissa Etchill will soon be back in USA.

Roger still has FAR t-shirts for $10.00 if wish to buy.

Richard James told of great deal for Boston marathon lodging if interested for next year.

Our well wishes to Kelly post knee surgery !!

See race schedule for FAR on chart in newsletter.

Summer pool party will be in July with date set next meeting.

Jim Moore was honored for his 70th birthday with a chicken dinner, and German chocolate cake enjoyed by all. Meeting adjourned.

April 29 , 2004

The Firelands Area Runners meeting was held at the Huron Chamber of Commerce on April 29, 2004. There were 14 members present.

Minutes from March were read and approved. Treasurer’s report read and approved. Membership report for 2003 had 207 members, and now for 2004, have 179. List of non-renewals handed out.

Old business: The instructional class with Cindra Mielke for those who have purchased stretch bands will be held at Bay Winds May 8th at 10:00, with a possible repeat class to be announced.

Anyone wanting to run with the Sunday gang, usually 7-8 miles, contact George Fosco for time and location.

Concerning race volunteers, we will continue to put the race chart and contacts in the newsletter. Anyone interested in helping out can call the race director. Recruits are much needed and appreciated. So, see if volunteering a few hours fits into your schedule.

Kathie Hammond has the FAR digital camera if needed for race photos.

New business: Kurt reported on the May 22nd Erie County Drug Free Challenge 5-K race. He thanked Tom Etchill for the official measure of the course. Pre-entries are coming in and some are from the web site. Volunteers will get t-shirts. There will be a FAR booth manned by Kelly and Chuck. Our FAR banner will be displayed. A jazz band and more will add to the festivities from noon-9pm, with the 5K race at 5pm.This is all happening in the beautiful bayfront area of Sandusky. Look for registration at the Schade-Mylander Plaza. Come for a great time !!!!

If flyers are to be inserted in the newsletter as a courtesy to other groups, and raises the cost over the allotted postage, the sponsor will be informed and asked to pay toward postage. Please send Jo or Kathie race flyers or upcoming race information to share.

Tom gave race reports. Vicki confirmed the Bellevue race. Lakeside will have its annual Raccoon 3-Miler in August. It will start at 8:30. They asked for supervision from FAR and need a coordinator. Kurt Loyd will consider chairing that race. Date and confirmation will be announced later.

Relay for Life will be June 18-19. Many of FAR will participate, but we will not have a tent, booth, or teams this year.

Kurt Loyd reported on his Cleveland Marathon. He said the entire hotel staff wore marathon t-shirts, and there was a great expo, and a great course.

Richard James reported on the 108th Boston marathon with a noon start of mid 80’s temperature. Hundreds walked due to the heat. But Richard jokingly said the only thing that slowed him down was high-fiving the Wellsley girls! Congratulations to you both on your marathon runs !!!!!

Deb Bogden encouraged any to take part in the Huron Diabetes run/walk.

A social time, with ham and cheese sandwiches, was enjoyed by all. Meeting adjourned.

March 25, 2004

The FAR March meeting was held March 25th at the new location of the Huron Chamber of Commerce with 15 members present. Feb. minutes read and approved.

A post card from Richard and Fabianita from Hawaii read.

Thanks to new sponsor Steve Hahn.

A list of needed renewals given, and we will try to contact.

A form for volunteers discussed.

We will have contact phone numbers to call if wish to volunteer. Will try to appeal to get involved with the club.

Bands were passed out to those who ordered for jump stretch. For those not at the demonstration, can get information and instructions at www.jumpstretch.com if you would like to order, call Chuck Willis 419-626-8594. We will try to set up a time to meet at Blake's Gym for personal instruction.

Deb Bogden talked of her upcoming April 3rd. Lighthouse 1/2 marathon, and 5k, and pre-registrations coming in.

It was discussed to have the newsletter on the web, but was decided to continue with the mailed issues, as is more personal, and also can insert flyers, and as long as club financially stable, will continue with the postage.

It was discussed how many runners our club can handle for timing, etc., and Tom said we have many times had 300 plus, and all went well. There is a graded fee for conducting a race.

An update of races given by Tom, and see race chart.

It was brought up that Erie County landfill will have a Huron ciy cleanup April 24. Anyone wishing to donate time to help will get free donuts, seeds, and a t-shirt. Also will be a city wide cleanup May 1st., and first 150 will get breakfast, and t-shirt. On May 8th. will be an Erie Co. appliance collection.

RRCA will have a convention at Lake Tahoe. No one from FAR will be going.

Rite Aid Marathon mentioned, and at present FAR has no teams going.

Social of beef sandwiches enjoyed along with a 70th birthday cake celebration for Jo Moore, with delicious cake baked by Deb Bogden, and well wishes from all.

Meeting adjourned. Next meeting will be April 29 (NOT April 22nd). See meeting notice.

February 26, 2004

February FAR meeting was held at Huron chamber of Commerce Feb. 26, 2004 with 13 members present. Minutes were read and approved. Treas. report by Roger. Roger also reported on memberships coming in.

Race report by Tom:

• Erie Co. Drug Free, May 22
• Kelley's Isl, June 13
• Fish Festival, June 20 (correction: June 19)
• Cold Creek
• SOS need official date
• No info of Bellevue race

Old business: e-mail read from Karen, web site. It was decided web will give recognition of sponsors. Treas. report will not be on web site. Races will be submitted for web.

Kurt Lloyd passed out a form for evaluation of races. Hope to have people mingle, ask questions, and get feedback from runners for reference.

Suggestion to put forms in newsletter for volunteers to sign up for races. So this will be tried again. Please let any race coordinator know if available to help in any way.

New business: Letter read from Richard James in Hawaii, and doing very well with running there!!!!

Meeting adjourned, and very interesting and informative demonstrations by Cindra Mielke, certified trainer on stretch bands. See article to follow.

January 22, 2004

Jan. 22, 2004, meeting of FAR held at Huron Chamber of Commerce with 21 members. Social of sloppy joes, chips and cookies enjoyed followed by minutes of Dec. read and approved. Treas. report by Roger with discussion of finances.

Race reports: Next meeting will have list of races and coordinators. We will check with Vicki for Bellevue. Tom P. will take May 22 Erie Co. Drug Free Challenge 5K. Ray B. will conduct Kelley's Isl. Tom E. will coordinate Woollybear Vermilion.

Old business: Tom handed out forms for Erie Co. race. Volunteers will have different colored shirts as service groups. Forms to be made out for race volunteers for data year to year. Want feed back from races, good or bad, and how to improve.

New business: Roger gave award of Applebee's gift certificate to President Chuck, and 1st. lady, Deb, who "is the power behind the thrown" !!!

Elections:

• President, Chuck Willis
• Vice Pres., Bob Reiber
• 2nd. Vice Pres., Tim Cummings
• Membership and Treas., Roger Morschhauser
• Sec. and race results, Jo Moore
• Editor , Kathie Hammond
• Web, Karen Vick

Letters read by Roger from Richard James who is in Hawaii (see race results).

Honors to Sandy Reiber who had a photographer from Country Woman magazine photo her rooms. We will post when published- possibly Nov.

Please send in your 2004 dues now. Next year was voted in to have dues payable by Jan. 1st.

Jack Girard was honored for being an active member at meeting - he's one of faithful members back to charter days. (sec. note: Jack looks as young and fit as did 20 yrs. ago when I started FAR !!!) Jack challenged some of other early members to come to fun meetings and parties and "reminisce".

New member, Kurt Loyd was introduced. Kurt suggested more exposure for FAR. He felt was a great club and a lot do not know about it. On his suggestion, Kelly and Chuck will have an information booth and use our FAR banner at Erie Co. race.

Sponsors will be asked for Cameo, and Routh packing if they will continue. We will be starting a "meet the sponsors" for newsletter with one sponsor each month.

Speakers to be asked will be Cindra Mielke on flex band stretches, and also Jeff Hammond, and Lisa Schiewe as speakers again.

Gift of red running vest was presented to Tom Etchill for his 25 yrs. of running director. Thanks Tom. !!!!!!!!!!!!!

The FAR digital camera will be in holding with Kathie Hammond, and will try to assign someone to use at races. (Bill Hilty will use his also if at any of races)

Deb announced in April the Chamber will move to new building a block away. Details later.

Meeting adjourned. Next meeting will be held Feb. 26 at Huron Chamber of Commerce. Social at 7:30 of hot chicken sandwiches, chips, and veggies, and own beverage. Meeting 8:00 PM. Try to come!!