The July meeting of the Greater Evansville Runners/Walkers Club was held at the YMCA at 6:00pm on July 14, 2004.

PRESENT: Tom Anderson, Carol Anderson, Cedric Hustace, Joe Whelan, Bob Christmas, Ray Pritchett Angela Reckelhoff, Jerry Seddon, Janet Beamer, Don Nichols,  Jim Effinger, and Richard Tenbarge

TREASURER’ REPORT: Cedric Hustace presented the treasurer’s report. Several questions concerning scholarship funds were asked and answered. Report Approved.

RACE TIMING: Mike Higney was not present.  Jim Effinger said that the next race to be timed will be the Wettlauf 5K in Jasper on August 7, 2004. Last year there were about 400 runner/walkers. 

WEBPAGE: There was a question about policy in regards the University of Evansville putting a registration form on our website.  It was determined that a minimum of $25.00 be charged and that this fee would go to the person maintaining our website.  The organization wanting the registration would be billed and the website director would then bill the club for that amount.

RACE CALENDAR:  Janet Beamer reported on the race calendar.  She has a new email address. Evvrunner@aol.com.  All new race calendar information should be sent to that address.

WALKER’s REPORT:  Bob Christmas stated that the Walkers Club is putting together a 5K at Wesselman’s Park. Date and time not available at this time.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT: Angela Reckelhoff gave the membership report. She advised that we now have 41 family and 75 individual members.  The membership drive for this fall was discussed and everyone was advised to be thinking about it. 

NEWSLETTER:  Jerry advised that he would be out of town at the time of the next newsletter and to send any articles for the letter to gerwcnews@yahoo.com.  We need more articles from members and more members.

PICNIC: Don Nichols reported on the Picnic. He reported that things are going well.  Nonmembers may attend at a fee of $5.00 for anyone over 16. Children will be admitted free. Mike Higney will be the chief cook. There will be horseshoes and badminton as well as activities for children. Email or call Don to make registrations, bring you children and grandchildren and invite your friends for a nominal fee ($5.00).  We will have one more meeting before the picnic which will be held on Sunday, August 15, 2004 beginning at 3:30pm. 

STEP UP PROGRAM:  Carol reported that a Home School Group of about 30 families is interested in starting a Step Up Club.  The Haubstadt Laffenfest donated a hundred dollars to the Step Up Program and Toyota donated $3000.00.  Tom and Carol are in the process of sending out information on  the Step Up Program to all area school principles.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM:  Joe Whelan reported those scholarship awards for 2004 will be giving out at the August meeting. There were 46 candidates for the scholarships and it was tough decision.  Tom Anderson and Ray Pritchett assisted Joe in making the decisions.

SUMMER TRACK PROGRAM:  It was reported that everyone is pleased with the summer track program.  Everything seems to be going well and the numbers of participants are up from last year. There are two more meets, July 22 and August 5. Everyone is encouraged to come out and watch or volunteer to help time, etc..

OTTER STADIUM RUN: The Otter Stadium Run was held this past Saturday evening, 6:00pm, July 10, 2004.  The number of participants was up slightly.  Everyone seemed to have a good time, though several thought the course was short.  If we do the run next year we will have someone else measure it.  Other comments:  Set up the club tent near the ball park and offer fruit and drinks after the run; work hard to get the Park’s Department to open the pool dressing rooms and showers; have the Otter Stadium Run Plaques for all finishers but only number the first fifty; and start the race about ten to fifteen minutes earlier to try to get all finishers into the ball park before the gate is closed.

Meeting adjourned at 7:30pm

Next meeting is Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at 6:00pm at the YMCA

Minutes prepared by Richard Tenbarge