Each year around this time, my thoughts turn to Boston. Writing this for the Cape Cod Athletic Club, this of course elicits a big "duh" for anyone reading and even for the person writing it.

I think of Johnny Kelley. Again, "Gee, ya’ think?"

But here’s the thing; I think of Johnny as a young man, cruising painfully home, still striding strong through the physical and emotional burn of winning and losing. I also think of him smiling in the Dennis sunshine, an old man who seemed to do nothing but look at the positive, hopeful side of life.

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Where to start? I don’t ask this to simply recognize that I see so many good things in front of me that I don’t know which one to address first. I say it more for the fact that, unlike the races or the runs that we all engage in so regularly, there is no real “start” here, merely a continuation of something very good.

from John Worgan

November 2004 – April 2006. It’s gone quickly. A couple of marathons, a Johnny Kelley, a couple of grand prix’s, and two banquets later, “poof” it’s over.

I rewrite this epistle – as of last night, my tenure as president of the CCAC becomes part of history. Robert Clarence “Ecky” Eckerson becomes our new leader and I can’t think of a better person for the job. As Bill Ferguson put it, “it’s about time we had a real athlete represent us.” How true. Not only one of the more accomplished runners, how many of us can boast (he does not) that we have completed Ironman races, ultra-marathons and all the other races and training involved and still is prospering, now in a second career, and has a happy wife at home. Joanne, you’re a saint.

As I look back over the past year and a half, I can truthfully say it’s been a fun ride. Past presidents all have made the journey pain free and smooth. The membership has been awesome in responding to my call for volunteers to help in the scheduled races. It’s a dedicated crew that will stand for up to six hours on a winter day, directing traffic, runners and onlookers when you could have been slip-sliding away on your own – or relaxing at home reading about the results the next day. I’ll not forget Franco’s Bloody Mary gathering at the corner of Hawes Avenue nor will the runners and others who found their way to the brownies and tomato juice cocktails. Thank you Liz and Liz for surviving out near the end of the race and cheering the end of the pack lo those many hours alone out there. How about Jane Lovelette banging fenders with surly drivers who had to drive five hours to get home? How about running five hours you jerk?

I especially want to thank all those who have helped with the Grand Prix over the past few years: Bob Edwards, Paul Masterson, the Nally’s, Evyn and Geof Newton.

Two new knees and other medical additions have curtailed greatly my limited running talents but my involvement with the CCAC allowed me to continue an association with persons of all athletic abilities and notoriety on an even keel. Runners are wonderful people.

I may be out but not down. We’ll see you at Campari’s, the next meeting, or the roads and certainly at the Last Gasp Grand Prix at the top of the hill.

Thanks everyone.

~ John

from Bill Ferguson

Attention All Members

There will be club meetings as usual on the first Wednesdays of April and May. We will then adjourn for our summer recess and reconvene on Wednesday, September 1st.

Please begin thinking about next fall when, in November, annual club elections will choose a slate of officers as well as a board of directors. It is appropriate to start canvassing candidates to vie for the positions at this time. In the coming months, please give strong consideration to making yourself available for a role in the management of the club, or nominating someone who would be willing to serve. The attached form may help you in organizing your selections.

There will also be two questions on the November ballot, two issues which will require your vote. Please consider the following:

1. A vote will be taken on a motion to amend the club’s by-laws and move the date of the club’s annual elections from November to April. The proposed change recognizes that elections, and the terms of new officers currently take place at the height of the club’s busy planning and activity cycle of winter racing and social events. The change to April elections would allow a less hectic transition period.
2. There is a motion before the club to possibly move the monthly meeting site away from the Dennis Senior Center.  We have been informed by the Town of Dennis that there will be an annual user fee of $276 assessed for the use of the facility. The vote will be whether to pay the fee and continue at our present location, or form a committee to find a less expensive (or gratis) spot to meet each month.

The November election meeting will be here all too soon. Please give a lot of thought to those people who might best continue the fine traditions and events of the club, and the issues now up for consideration. If you would like to submit you candidates, ideas and opinions before that day, send the attached form to the club or contact the outgoing, lame-duck president.

by Joe Weinberger

Another successful club year has come and gone.  With the upcoming elections on Nov. 7th, I have decided not to run for president.  I have served as your president for a total of 4 years which just so happens to be the longest anyone has held the position.  After completing my first two years, I declined to run and Sean Doherty stepped up and served admirably for one year.  Since Sean chose not to continue, I again was elected for two more years.  It’s now time for me to move on and make way for a new leader who has a passion for running and the club.

In 1996, Joe Barr and I decided to run for club president and VP.  After being elected, we agreed to be Co-presidents and share the responsibility, work and the fun of running the clubs activities.

We were full of ideas and energy.  We wanted to renew the club spirit.  To make the club open to all athletes of all abilities and have fun doing it.  To bring the club’s finances up from the low point they were at.  To create a new, more informed and professional newsletter.  And maybe create a web-site for the new world of computers.  I believe we have accomplished most of what we had intended.  After Joe died tragically in October of 1997, I was filled with sadness from losing my best friend.  I then committed myself to making the club the best I could with what ever I had to offer.  I’m most proud of the following things that have been accomplished all of which could not have been done without the help of numerous club members who gave their time and expertise so generously over and over again.  Thank you all.

1. Financially sound treasury throughout my terms in office.
2. A larger updated first class newsletter with Loraine Smith.
3. Created a club web-site.  First with Jeff Ernst, then Geof Newton.
4. All time high club membership.
5. Record number participants at the club Grand Prix series, as well as more Grand Prix races.
6. Started Sunday morning fun runs from Johnny Kelley Park.
7. Tuesday night Chatham Harbor runs initiated by Bob Smith and Mike Naughton.
8. Polar Bear Swim & Dash.
9. Club meetings with informed guest speakers and refreshments.
10. Annual Picnic barbecue and Joe Barr Memorial softball game.
11. Lastly but perhaps most importantly, thousands of dollars donated to numerous charities, scholarships and athletic programs in the local community.

In closing, it’s been a pleasure being the president for so long.  What I will take with me are the friendships that were made, the laughs, and the camaraderie that runners have for each other.  Keep on running and I will always be available to help the club whenever I can.  Keep on smiling for every day is a gift.

Joe