CVR Birthdays this week:
Happy Birthday to: Kelly Cochrane-Collar, Natalie Chapell, Marie Voisin, Leigh Martin, Hardin Bethea, & Jocelyn Lorrey!
Greetings from a waterlogged Adamant!
Wow! Again with too much water! We didn’t lose any power, roads, bridges, or dams here in Adamant, but the roads sure got muddy. AND, it was a Monday. The fourth in a row with some extreme weather. However, Tuesday arrived with a beautiful sunny morning. Colder temps are returning so the roads are firming up again. I hope everyone got through the storm without too much trouble. If someone does need something, please reach out and let me know. This is club has great members who are glad to help a fellow runner.
It’s the time of year when I start thinking about the past year. I was prompted to think about my running this morning as I was getting my shoes on to head out the door for a walk. I tied my shoes and stopped as I realized I only tied a single knot with each lace. As a runner, I have always double knotted my shoelaces. Who wants to have to stop in the middle of a race to re-tie a shoe?! Now, after more than two years of not running, I’ve stopped tying my shoes like a runner. I have acceptance that I’m not a runner at this point in my life. It seems funny to think about as I’m the president of our running club.
I miss running. Eric, my neighbor across the street stopped running for several years. However, this fall, there he was, on the starting line at a race in November. As he told me about the race, it seemed he really enjoyed being there. There is an energy that comes with running with others. So, I’ll hold on to the idea that maybe I’ll run again at some point.
In the meantime, I’ll watch videos like this one (WHAT A FINISH! 
Men’s U20 race replay | Brussels 2023 (youtube.com) ) and appreciate the photos Darrell sends me of all the people, like those below for the WGR, who are getting ready to go out for a run. It was a large group (around 25?) that met at Red Hen Bakery this past Saturday. Nothing brings out runners like friends and great food.
Also note that while there will not be formal WGRs the weekends of 12/23 or 12/30, we will send out an email to suggest informal run meetups those Saturday mornings in case folks who didn’t travel for the holidays want to get some steps in. Look for updates in the coming weeks. Also Heather is still looking for hosts in January! If you’re interested sign up on the google sheet here. Thank you!
There will not be a formal WGR this Saturday, but for any folks who are looking to get out and run some miles, we’re organizing an informal group to meet at 9am at the Maplewood’s in Berlin to run routes/distances of your choice at Berlin Pond. Maplewoods has ample parking and some decent post-run snacks and coffee on offer!
Jennifer Dickinson reports that the signup for the New Years Eve race https://cvrunners.org/cvr-races/nye-5k/ is open. This is our starting event for the 2024 CVR/ORO race series. As a result of flooding, the course will be changed this year. If you are not planning on running, Jennifer is always looking for volunteers. With this race through the streets of Montpelier, helping with traffic to keep everyone safe is always welcome.
We will hold our club awards and appreciation dinner the end of January. We’re looking for a place to hold it. Donna and I would appreciate suggestions for possible locations. We’d like to hold it in the Barre/Montpelier/Waterbury area.
I’ve asked for and received some ideas for ways to spend club money next year. One suggestion was to rent a pavilion at Hubbard Park after a few summer fun runs to hold picnics. Increased support for local running programs at local schools or programs such as Girls on the Run. Give out CVR Clothing swag as awards at the end of the year, as well as providing members with either a new singlet/t-shirt or hat when re-registering.
This is your club so let me hear your ideas.
At the March meeting we’ll also be electing new officers. We have one person interested in the vice-president position.
We’re needing a membership coordinator.
Here’s a quick summary of the main responsibilities of the membership coordinator:
- maintaining the membership directory in the CVR database: adding new members, updating members’ details when they renew, troubleshooting account access
- maintaining member details in the mailing directory (MailChimp): adding new members and updating details when necessary
- sending membership cards by regular mail to new and renewing members
- depositing payment checks at VSECU
- providing updates on membership data for club meetings and newsletters
- participating in club discussions about membership (eg fees, communications, community discounts, etc)
From the end of December to the end of April, the role needs typically an hour a week. The rest of the year, it’s typically 30 minutes every 2 or 3 weeks.
Send me an email ( andresen41@gmail.com ) to let me know if you could help the club with this.
Trail Running
If you’re interested, a group runs up Spruce Mt in Plainfield Sunday mornings. They start at 7. Keep wearing your orange.
Fun Run
Official fun runs are over for the year; however, there continues to be a turnout on Tuesday evenings to get in a few miles. The length of day is now less than nine hours. Next week is the shortest day of the year. This time of year, it’s hard for drivers to see runners and may be distracted by holiday decorations. Keep visible, Keep safe.
Membership Renewal – Reminder
There’s a link to RunReg at https://cvrunners.org/join-cvr (“JOIN CVR”). This page also has a printable form for those who prefer to mail their renewal.
Renewing with a multi-year membership means fewer year-end renewals for you and less administration for the club.
Not sure when your membership is due for renewal?
• check your membership card (contact Graham if you need a new one)
•check when your membership expires by logging in to the CVR website. (Here are the instructions to log in)
• contact Graham and he can confirm your renewal date
Volunteers
New Years Eve race is coming!Race Series
The race series is done! Check the website for final standings!
REMINDER: All volunteers get a free dinner at the club awards dinner.
Web Site
I know we’ve had members running some races outside the local area that I’d like to hear more about. Reach out to John with the details so we can share your experience with the entire club.
Send your running related stories and articles to John at info@cvrunners.org to be published on the CVR website.
Up Coming Events.
New Year’s Eve run through the streets of Montpelier.
Sunday, December 31, 2023
A 5K ROAD RACE IN DOWNTOWN MONTPELIER
A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS WILL GO TO SUPPORT VT FLOOD RELIEF
Start time: 2:00pm
Pre-registration: We strongly recommend pre-registration online at RunSignupPre-registration fees:
Adult: $15
Youth 19 and under: $10
Adult 65+: $10
Online pre-registration closes at midnight on December 29.
Race day registration: At Onion River Outdoors’ new location: City Center, 89 Main St., Montpelier from Noon until 1:30 p.m.Race day registration fees:
Adult: $20
Youth 19 and under: $15
Adult 65+: $15
Bib number pickup: From Noon to 1:30 on race day at Onion River Outdoors’ new location: City Center, 89 Main St., Montpelier
Other News
The Governor’s Corporate Cup race committee is looking for new members. The current committee includes Leslie Davis (chair), Mike Feulner, Pam Chisholm, Patty Turley, Jeff Bourdean, and Dot Helling. This year’s corporate cup will take place on Thursday, May 16th. Please email dothelling@gmail.com for more information.
CVR Equipment Use
Anyone wanting to use equipment send Sal (and cc myself) a request that includes 1) Date equipment to be removed from the shed, 2) Itemized list of equipment being removed; including quantities, 3) Date equipment will be returned to the shed. Please send Sal (and cc the club president) and email to let us know when the equipment has been returned.
Elected Officers
President – Chris Andresen (andresen41@gmail.com)
Vice President – Kim Caldwell
Finance – John Valentine
Secretary – Cheryl Lasell
At Large Executive Committee: Bob Murphy, Darragh Ellerson
Keep your feet moving
Chris Andresen
If you have a comment or question, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at: andresen41@gmail.com