October 2012 President’s Letter
A Fond Farewell. . .
It is with great sadness that I must report that longtime KBC database manager Paul Bruneau will be leaving the organization. Paul was offered a position with the New York Times in software development and has decided to take the job.
Paul had expressed in recent years his desire to move to a large urban area, and it doesn’t get much bigger or more urban than where he is headed. While I am happy for Paul and his wife, Linda, this news is unsettling for a number of reasons.
One is that Paul has been a major contributor and volunteer at Bike Camp since its inception. He lent a different perspective to the Campers over the years – one based on his fast-paced, scientific, factual, and hilarious presentations on the necessity and pleasure of hydrating properly while on the bike; and also because of his promotion of and interest in recumbents as an alternative to “regular” bicycles.
On a more personal level, I have always relied on Paul for unvarnished opinions on many different subjects throughout my affiliation with KBC as Newsletter Editor, Secretary, Vice President, and now President. His views were unfailing ethical and accurate, and often pointed a direct route to resolution.
Finally, it would surprise me if many KBC members know that the club even has a database manager, and that Paul has been at the helm of the position for years and years. His work has been so efficient and seamless that things get done with little hassle and no fanfare. Though you might not realize it, we have all been the beneficiaries of his diligent and exacting work.
So, although we are so sorry to hear that Paul is leaving, we wish him and Linda the best of luck in their new life on the East coast. KBC’s loss is the New York Times’ gain!
When One Door Closes, Another Opens. . .
When news of Paul Bruneau’s impending departure first broke, David Jones, KBC’s current webmaster, informed me that he is interested in the database manager’s position. David has demonstrated his commitment to the club in the past and has the technical expertise that makes him well suited to take this on.
Frankly, the post of database manager is not exactly a high-profile, glory-filled one, and it requires unique skills – most of which David has. So, after consulting with the Executive Board of Doug Kirk, Vice President, John Olbrot, Treasurer, and Mary Gerger, Secretary, we quickly and gratefully decided to take him up on his offer. We’ll officially appoint David at the monthly meeting on October 9th.
David will give up his webmaster title, meaning that we’ll need to find another volunteer interested in providing those services. Look for that job posting elsewhere in this issue of the newsletter.
Anniversary Ride
We all had high hopes when Chad Goodwill stepped up last year to fill the post of Social Director for the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club. Not only were we thrilled that someone was willing to plan and organize KBC’s social events, his surname is so welcoming that we felt as though we had just the right person in place.
Well, Chad delivered on that promise on Saturday, September 29th, the date of the annual Anniversary Ride and Party.
Not only did he dial up an absolute corker of a fall Michigan day – sunny, mild, and pleasant – but he also introduced the 40 or so riders who showed up to delicious pizza from Jac’s, in Portage, and a pleasant and congenial environment under the pavilion roof at the Kal Haven Trailhead on 10th Street.
Those who participated on the 38 mile route (which actually is more like 32 miles) rode at a relaxed pace for most of the way, and the group largely stayed together. We had a dozen different conversations going on at once as we rode up past Otsego.
Although momentarily quieted during the climb up the big Jefferson Road hill west of Otsego, those dialogues continued back at the trailhead over plates of potluck salads, cider, brownies, Rice Krispie treats, and the aforementioned pizza – both vegetarian and with meat toppings. It was great to be able to catch up with so many different people with whom we often have only fleeting contact before and after the regular weeknight rides.
Well done, Chad! Thank you for organizing this great KBC event. . .
I would like to add a shout-out to John Olbrot, who saved my bacon by printing up maps of the ride routes. That was one of the only things I was responsible for bringing and at the last moment I realized I couldn’t find them; John came to the rescue.
Elections
According to the KBC Constitution, the October monthly meeting is when prospective Executive Board members announce their intentions to run for President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. So, if you have an inclination in that direction, please plan to show up on Tuesday, October 9th, 7:00 P.M.at the YMCA on Maple Street in Kalamazoo. KBC holds its election, following the national model, in November … but with way less hoopla, acrimony, and money being spent. . .
Zolton Cohen, KBC President