The New England Walkers considered ways of building interest in racewalking, discussed a bid for a 2016 national championship, and affirmed a deadline for club dues at the group’s annual meeting Oct. 25 in Groton, MA.

Resuming a conversation that has wound through many club meetings over the years, members talked of the value of reaching young athletes. Ed Vaitones described the planning needed to get race walkers included in youth track meets in New Hampshire. He and Ed O’Rourke cited the advantages of conducting race walking clinics year-round. Ed O’Rourke raised the possibility of joining forces with the recreational group WalkBoston. He and Bill Harriman proposed conducting more events — group walks and get-togethers — for the members we already have.

Club leaders will make certain that there is a sufficient supply of New England Walkers shirts available to give to new members.

Ed O’Rourke asked what national championship we could try to host for 2016, given that the event we have conducted many times, the one-hour championship, has already been awarded for next year. Ed and Rich McElvery will discuss the possibilities with Maryanne and Ron Daniel following the 10K race in Connecticut on Nov. 1. Members noted that we would need to furnish more volunteers for a national championship than we managed to do at the one-hour race this year in Gloucester, MA.

Members set Dec. 1 as the deadline to pay club dues. The annual cost is $10 for an individual and $15 for a family. Payments should be sent to Justin Kuo, 39 Oakland Road, Brookline, MA 02445-6700

Members reelected Ed O’Rourke, president, Rich McElvery, club vice president, Ed Vaitones, member-at-large, Justin Kuo, treasurer, and Charlie Mansbach, secretary.

Attending the meeting were hosts Ed and Deborah O’Rourke, Tom Knatt, Annie Montgomery, Joanne and Bill Harriman, Anne Neuburg, Brian Savilonis, Hilary and Bob Keating, Rich McElvery, Ed and Valia Vaitones, and Charlie Mansbach.

The 2015 New England Walkers Annual Meeting and traditional potluck will be held on Sunday, October 25th in Groton MA.  Prior to the meeting, there will be a 5K/10K walk on the Rail Trail, starting at 9:30 a.m. from the end of Station Ave. in Groton Center. The event is open to race walkers of all abilities, and is often informally grouped to different paces.

The Annual Meeting will follow at 11 a.m., at the home of Ed and Deborah O’Rourke (978-448-8038), 43 Main St., in Groton Center, across the street from Lawrence Academy. The meeting will include the election of officers and discuss the following:
-Promoting of RW’ing to younger local athletes; getting more local walkers involved
-Booths and Clinics
-Bids for 2016 National races, and the 2016 New England Schedule
-Develop a Task List for future big events
-Helping to recruit more certified officials

Members may suggest other agenda items by emailing Ed O’Rourke (eorourke@geiconsultants.com) prior to the meeting. All are welcome to attend, but only paid members may nominate and vote.

The traditional potluck will follow, around noontime.  Please RSVP to Ed (eorourke@geiconsultants.com) if you plan to attend the meeting and potluck.
No need to RSVP, if you plan to walk only.