BKVR Meeting 2/24/2026 – 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Zoom

 

Present: Judy Orton, Ruth Jones, Gail Wood, Jenn Sharpe, Pat Zemianek, Mike Zemianek

 

1. Review of Minutes: 12/16/25 – approved

2. Membership Status: There have been 26 renewals (6 families) since November * Forty-nine previous members have not renewed. An email will be sent to past members reminding them to renew along with a ZemBenn registration reminder.

3. Treasurer’s Report: Balance $17,589.96 as of 1/31/26. A P&L comparison for calendar years 2024 and 2025 was reviewed to understand changes that have affected the bottom line.

4. Race Updates:                                                                                                   Zem Benn – 5/3/26: details of the race were discussed

   1. Venue: Park McCullough has been secured

   2. Logo competition: several students submitted designs. Kennedy Dence from MAU was the winner and will be awarded the $50 cash prize. The other contestants will be honored at the race.

   3. Registration: a) BKVR website has been updated; online registration available. b) Mike will be emailing past participants to encourage registration. c) Judy will provide hard copy of the registration form to attach to emails. d) Online registration will be shut down the Wednesday or Thursday night before the race. The website will then be opened for payments. e) Mike will add a question to the registration process to help determine how registrants heard about the race.

   4. Race Promotion: there will be a premium listing ($39) with USA Running. Ads will also run in Upstate Sports in March & April. Judy will check with Anita to see if her friend can create a

   5. Prizes: Amy Chambers is donating maple syrup. The group agreed on the green cooling towel for the age group prize.

   6. Bibs: Judy will check at Community House for 2 separate series of numbers.

   7. Volunteers: The track team will be at the bridge; hope to recruit track team members to call out the mile splits. Pat and Kathy will see if there can be any volunteers recruited from the Interactive Club.

   8. Kid’s Race: The ¼ mile loop will be scheduled for 8:30. Kathy will get the prizes.

   9. Food: Green Mountain Pediatrics will donate up to $75. Cups will be used not bottles. Water jugs will be at the bridge, finish line and refreshment area. The usual bananas, oranges, bagels and cream cheese will be available. Scones probably not available this year. Members are encouraged to bring homemade goods.

   10. Shirts: Kathy will work with Crae on ordering. Entrants must be registered by April 16 for a guaranteed shirt.

5. Scholarships: Judy, Anita and Jenn will continue as the committee to review submissions. To date there has been one from a Hoosick Falls student.

6. Moonlight and Other Runs: Anita has volunteered to steward the monthly Moonlight Runs.

7. VT Walk/Bike Summit – 5/8/26. VT AOT has been hosting this bi-annual Summit. The event will be held in Bennington this year. BCRC has requested BKVR to join as a sponsor. The group agreed to this request at the Friend level of $350 which will give BKVR recognition in the Summit program. Gail will attend the event as the BKVR representative.

8. Officers for 2026:

   1. President – Judy Raffone

   2. Vice President – Ruth Jones

   3. Secretary – Gail Wood

   4. Treasurer – Anita Gabalski

 

 

NEXT MEETING: April 15, 2026 at 6:30 pm via Zoom

 

Respectfully Submitted:

Gail Wood