Here are the nomination statements given by the individuals seeking Board positions for next year. Don’t forget that the last day to vote is on Monday December 15th 2008!
President
Tim Short
Being a member of Wicked for the past 2+ years, I’ve had the wonderful experience of getting to know some truly remarkable people. Seeing their passion and devotion to Wicked has made me realize that I would like take the Wicked to the next level. I understand the time and effort that would be required of me if I was to become President, as I’ve had the pleasure of being the Vice President for Wicked over the past year. I’ve taken on many projects and feel that I have the experience and knowledge to get much accomplished.
I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that face Wicked in 2009. Together as a Club, I know we can achieve many great things. I’m excited to see Wicked grow and expand and would be honored to serve as President of the Wicked Running Club.
Vice President
Doug Bollen
I am running for VP to continue to strengthen, promote and work to provide a positive experience for members of the Wicked Running club. The club just enjoyed its greatest year with participation in events and membership growth. I have been with the club as one of the original members who started the club with the Mike and Jen Toomey. I have worked with to bring running clinics and races to Salem and also have been involved in directing races on the North Shore for over 20 years. I will be looking at the big picture in every issue we have to what best serves our club and its members.
Secretary
Alison Phelan
Running has always been my passion, but in particular, since I turned 40. It has led me to some great adventures, many fun times w/different groups of people, and also I’ve learned more about myself. Although running can be an individual sport, when you join a club – such as the Wicked Running Club – it becomes a team event. Since joining the Club in January, I have always felt welcomed by the existing members and I have tried to do the same with new members. Throughout the year, I have had some great runs w/various club members, the crazy Monday Night Crew, the hearty Tues/Thurs runners, the challenging Lynn Woods crowd and sometimes the Sat. morning runners – all fun times. At this point, I would like to give back some of that goodwill and serve as your Secretary. I have lots of experience in this field as that is my background; I have served as a SC Secretary in the past and am presently employed as an Exec. Assist. to a local Superintendent of Schools. So I feel I could definitely use my organizational and timely skills in this capacity. I have also attended some Board meetings, so I am familiar with the time commitment and process. Please choose me when you vote for the role of Secretary in the Board for the WRC. I thank you in advance for your consideration
Treasurer
John Mahoney
I have been a WRC member for 4 yrs and have been very happy to have
found so many new friends and so many people to run with. We have a
great club and I want to see us grow and prosper in the future. I am
particularly interested in making sure we always have a place for
those of us that are not quite so fast.I have been on the board for 3 yrs now, one year as president, and
understand the time commitment required to server on the board. I
think I can server the club well as treasurer and will feel honored to
be your choice to serve in this position.
Membership Director
Kerry Gertz
I would like to hold the position of Membership Director within the Wicked Running Club for several reasons. First and foremost, I enjoy meeting new people, and feel that I have the ability to solicit new members to the club, by providing them with the necessary information to know that Wicked is a club designed for everyone — from the beginner runner to the elite. One of the things that grabbed my attention and consideration for joining Wicked, was the warmth and feeling of community that the club emanates. Since I joined as a new runner myself, I feel that I can describe the club to new members with the same information that I received; we welcome every runner, that all runners are created equal in their ability to participate, and that regardless of how seriously you take running in your life, at a minimum, you will make new friends, and Wicked is a place to share your running experiences with others, and to also receive valuable information from all club members about the sport.
Clothing Director
Kathey Moskal
I am interested in becoming the clothing chair for the Wicked Running club for multiple reasons. Most importantly, I feel that as a newer member, it is a great way for me to become more involved with the club and gain the opportunity to meet more of the members whose paths I may not otherwise cross. I do have some contacts through my job that will allow me to increase the clothing choices to include more women specific choices as well as different options for jackets, fleece, and even hats if we so choose. I think it will be a fun opportunity to become more involved and hopefully get more members more involved in the overall running of the club.
Member at Large(two people will be selected for the Member at Large posistion)
Colin Maclay
I’d be honored to give back as an at-large member of the board. It seems fair to spread the board responsibility across our members in order to not lean too heavily on any among us, and also because it’s important to that ensure flows of new ideas and energy reach the board. Wicked has been great socially and running-wise, but I’ve never served in any official capacity even though I am one of the founding members. I run a non-profit that is focused on and driven by its community, and I think that I could bring lessons and experience about getting (and keeping) people involved, communications with members and others, creative uses of technology, collaboration with others groups, and growing and sustaining an organization.
Mike Toomey
I am excited for the opportunity to become more involved with the club. I have been involved with the club from the beginning as a founder, member, and coach, and feel I can have an impact as a member of the board. I would work hard to promote the club in the running community as well as the cities and towns our members represent.
ShariHewson
By way of introduction my name is Shari Hewson and I joined the Wicked Running Club this spring. I started to get back into running a couple years ago but did not seriously train. My idea of training at that time was “Hey, there is a 5K coming up – let’s run.” I realized I wanted running to become a bigger part of my life and began researching running clubs in the area.
I met Tim Short at one of the Danvers 5K runs and spoke to him about the Wicked Running Club. Tim was extremely pleasant and took the time to answer my questions. His enthusiasm for the club was clearly evident. I then sent an e-mail to Deb Touchette, Membership Chair and explained my reservations and concerns (I am a “slower runner” and was concerned there would be no one to run with at my pace). Her response to my e-mail was almost immediate and she was very encouraging, assuring me that there were people my pace. She forwarded my e-mail to John Mahoney who also contacted me immediately. I knew this was a club I had to try and I have not been disappointed. My husband Kenny joined shortly after and we have had a great time.
I was always somewhat envious at races when people that belonged to a club all congregated and supported one another. This was something we had been looking for. The Wicked Running Club has provided support and encouragement at all times. There is always someone to run with, ask questions of and commiserate with. The mantra often spoken is “You can do that – no problem”.
For those of you who do know me fairly well you are aware I am truly a “Type A” personality and perhaps a “little” OCD! As a result, when I become a member of a group or get involved in an activity, I give 100%. I have been on and continue to be on several Boards and truly enjoy the experience. I would welcome the opportunity to be a member of the Wicked Board; I am definitely a team player and will bring enthusiasm and experience to this position.
Thank you for your consideration.
Dan Barrett
Years Ago, I attempted running several times, I couldn’t seem to get into the right mind set. I always felt alone & rather bored, and never stayed with it.
This year, however, my interest came about as a spectator @ the June 29th, Charles River Run, supporting my favorite runner, Gail Gordon.
Caught up in all the emotion & obvious camaraderie amongst the runners, this time my experience was a little different. For the first time, it wasn’t just about me running; it also was about runners as a group and their positive energy around me.
I began running on July 01.
I ran my first race on September 01, and had a blast.
I noticed many runners with group affiliations.
I spoke with several runners @ each race that I either participated in or was a spectator.
I always received a very consistent response from wicked members.
“A great running club filled with really nice people”
My curiosity of wicked running eventually brought me to “Crash” the Board Meeting on September 6th.
I thought to myself that this was probably a pretty good reflection of the group.
I was very impressed by the operation, especially the warmness of the board.
The final decision was made. Gail & I signed up that night.
What followed, I certainly did not expect. We received an incredibly warm welcome, which has never diminished in intensity to date. The 4 weeks that we have been members the quality of my whole running experience has multiplied 100 fold. With all this said, I’m realizing, I can not fully explain what it’s meant to be a member. I do know it’s a good thing. I do know that in a world that is full of indifference, that I found a wonderful group of runners, whose goals are all about helping & supporting each other. I do know that Wicked Running Club will certainly improve any runners’ experience, if they joined. I do know that I would love to do as much as I possibly can to help strengthen & grow the club, so others could be as lucky as I, to find you all.
For this reason, I seek the position of “Member-At-Large” on the Wicked Running Club Board.For this reason, I seek your vote, so I may be elected, to contribute all I can to the service of Wicked Running Club.
Chip Bott
The Wicked Running Club has become the premier running club on the North Shore. When I first joined the club in 2006 I observed what appeared to be around 20-30 “Active members”. Well times sure have changed. A few open houses’ later and some really great publicity, that number seems to have tripled. This truly is an exciting time for the club. After my first year in the club I ran for the At Large position and have served faithfully over the past year. I am running for this position again this year. I have also served on the Frosty Four race committee. While in the club I have had the great fortune of meeting a lot of nice people and some really great runners. Most of the people I have met over this time I would consider very good friends. I look forward to the growth of the club and hope to continue to be a part of it.
