Highlights of the 2013 Annual Celebration
Nearly one hundred PPTC members and friends convened at Monte's in Gowanus on February 22 for the annual "celebration dinner". Delicious buffet food and generous pours were in abundance, as were good cheer and camaraderie. After dinner, President Tom Meany and the Celebration Committee (Jason Horowitz, Lynda Mules, Tom Tobin) bestowed honors on many of the club's members. There were a few surprises along the way, as well.
The board presented the members of the Technology Committee (Yvetta Barner, Meaghan Horner, Krishna Kumbhar, Jerry Luna, David Simandl) with gift certificates to JackRabbit. These code-literate members volunteered many hours to revamp the PPTC website.
The members of the women's masters team from the previous weekend's Millrose Games presented Coach Tony Watson with a signed baton in thanks for his training efforts and advice.
The club announced a $250 donation to Coney Recovers. Charlene Kohler-Britton added $100 to this total, the amount she won in the "Run Brooklyn" drawing.
To conclude the presentation, Regina Cahill introduced a slideshow of Harry Murphy's era of PPTC leadership, marking 20 years since his passing. Several of Harry's contemporaries gave moving speeches honoring his legacy.
Over at his site (which might have the longest name in the blogosphere), PPTC Vice President and course-measurer extraordinaire Michael Ring reflects on receiving the "Ultra Runner of the Year" award:
As a sprinter I embarrassed myself, but no matter how long the race I finished. So, I was a distance runner. In 4 years of track I never scored in a race. However, I gained the respect and friendship of my teammates, because I ran as fast and as far as I could.
Now fast forward 36 years from my freshman year at Sheepshead Bay High School.
Read the rest here.
Now, for the full list of award winners:
These awards were given by the board, the president, or pre-set criteria.
President's Award: Matt Strawn
Most Races: Arthur Gonzalez
Ultra Runner: Michael Ring
Top Runner (Male): Rusty Singletary
Top Runner (Female): Karen Ziga
These awards were given by vote of the general membership. Winners are in bold, with nominees also listed.
Bob Mueller Award: for a member over the age of 50 who is a top runner and who has served the community, including volunteering at least one PPTC event in the past year.
Anne Perzeszty Yves Roger Tyron Sklaren Tom Tobin Geoff Vincent Coach Tony Watson
Outstanding Single Contribution: given to a club member who has improved club image, operations or provided a unique opportunity for member participation.
The Technology Committee (led by Yvetta Barner) Steve Lastoe, head of NYCRUNS Lynda Mules, Ms. Everything Staci Pearson, for leading our efforts to attain 501(c)(3) non-profit status Richard Weaver, head of our volunteer program and leader of the volunteer rewards program
New Member: given to a new member (joined after mid-2011) who contributes noteworthy running or significant contributions to club events.
Linus Ly Keith Williams Jess Yeomans
Comeback Runner: given to a member who battled injury or illness during 2011 and 2012 yet managed to race well during the past year.
Tom Greene Patty Perlo Yves Roger Tyrone Sklaren Marianne van Ooij