6:30 p.m., Hi-Way Pizza N. Atherton

In attendance:
Bob Crowe (president), Marty Mazur (communications director), Dave Eggler (treasurer), Tara Murray (secretary/archivist), Cheryl and Brian Capone, John, Cindy, and Emma Wilcock, Jeff Smucker, Carl Miller, Blake Cohen, Todd Baney, Alan Cameron, Amy Blake, Jean Brownstead, Kim Gasper, Dave DeGroote, John Domico, Mike and Evan Casper, Mark Fedkin

John Domico heads up the Marathoners for Medicine team running the Boston, Pittsburgh, and Pocono marathons for Centre Volunteers in Medicine. The team includes about 30 runners this year. This is the 10th year of the fundraising effort, which has raised $350,000 so far. On behalf of CVIM, John thanked the NVRC for its support over the years. In addition to supporting Marathoners for Medicine, the Nittany Valley Half Marathon has benefited CVIM, and Kim Gasper has done a homeroom challenge in the Bellefonte schools. The team has a new head coach this year, Russ Rose, and continues to be supported by Sue Paterno and Greg Fredericks. Donations will be focused online this year (go to http://cvim.net), but can also be mailed in.

The NVRC will again field four teams at the Boston Marathon team competition this year. The women’s open team, including seeded runners Lauren Philbrook and Beth Herndon, is expected to place in the top 10.

Bob Crowe has an idea for a course to bring a 10 miler back to the Arts Fest races. The race switched from a 10 miler to a 10K and 5K in about 1986. Dave Eggler, race director for the races, supports adding the 10 miler for 2013. Construction will once again affect the course, but Dave thinks by using sidewalks we can avoid changing the course.

Mark Fedkin announced that Nittany Track and Field will begin its spring/summer youth track program on May 1. Mark needs volunteer coaches and assistants. The program is growing, and Mark thanked the NVRC for its support. Mark has submitted a request for funding for the track program and fall cross country program again this year. Ryan Domico, present at the meeting, provided a testimonial: “It was awesome!” Marty Mazur moved that the club support NTF and John Wilcock seconded.

The club has also received a request for support from Girls on the Run. The program, specifically for girls, aims to build confidence and self-esteem through running. The current club funding policy does not permit supporting groups limited to one gender. Most of those present were in favor of amending that policy and supporting Girls on the Run, but there were concerns about the amount requested from Girls on the Run and whether the expenses were in line with the club’s mission. The NVRC officers will request further information from Girls on the Run and discuss the funding request.

Cheryl Capone passed around samples of the new club singlets. These are available for members to try on at Rapid Transit and orders will be accepted through April 30. Matching shorts will also be available. Cost for singlets and shorts is $27, which is close to the price most members who responded to Cheryl’s survey were willing to pay. Cheryl might order tech shirts or other clothing after the singlet order is complete.

Cheryl also mentioned that she and Dave Eggler could use additional volunteers to time races. Bob Crowe offered to help with the Black Mo races.

At the last meeting, we presented awards to the winners of the club race and volunteer series. At this meeting, we presented two special awards to long-time volunteers. (See the slideshow for photos.)

Marty Mazur presented a plaque for past club president Jerry Steffy, who started the Wahoo beginners group, helped direct the Arts Fest races, coached at State College High, and served as club president from 2005 through 2011. The plaque read, “You were there from start to finish.” Jerry has moved to Arizona, so the plaque will be mailed to him.

Marty Mazur also presented Dave Eggler with “A Major Award” as “Thanks for all you do for the NVRC.” Dave’s contributions include directing the Arts Fest races, the First Night State College Resolution Run, and the Nittany Valley Half, as well as serving as club treasurer and timing about 50 races a year.