The Charles River Wheelers Board met on November 2nd for a productive session addressing year-end activities, planning for our 60th anniversary celebration, and electing new leadership for 2026.
Leadership Transition
In a unanimous vote, the Board elected Amy Juodawlkis as CRW's next President, effective January 2026. Amy has served as Executive Vice President and brings extensive experience in operations, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. We look forward to her guidance as CRW enters its 60th anniversary year.
Celebrating CRW's 60th Anniversary
Planning is underway for a year-long celebration of CRW's 60th anniversary in 2026! A planning committee including John O'Dowd, Barbara Jacobs, Susan Grieb, Nina Siegel, Jim Salvie, and Mark Nardone will develop a framework for commemorative events. Initial ideas include special cycling events, a summer BBQ, and anniversary merchandise celebrating our rich history. The committee will meet in early December to establish a budget and timeline.
Honoring Eli Post's Memory
The Eli Post Memorial Bench will be installed in Chelmsford within the coming weeks, providing a lasting tribute to our beloved board member and cycling enthusiast. The bench arrived at the town on November 6th, with installation expected shortly thereafter.
Expanding Club Operations
CRW has engaged a virtual assistant, Ayo, to help manage growing administrative needs. She's already assisted with volunteer awards coordination and venue research. Members can now submit requests through va-request@crw.org for various club administrative needs.
The club has also secured a dedicated Google Voice phone number to improve member communications and support.
Holiday Party Planning
After extensive discussion, the Board is exploring options for the traditional holiday party, which historically brought together 100-200 members for dinner, awards, and celebration. Planning continues for an event in early 2026 that will honor our Ralph Galen Service Award and Volunteer Award recipients. Stay tuned for details!
Winter Riding Season Kicks Off
As the regular riding season winds down, winter programming ramps up:
- Zwift Series begins in December
- Winter Ride Challenge starts December 1st
- Virtual Training Presentation: December 11th
- Turkey Burner Ride: Day after Thanksgiving, with a new food drive component coordinated by Mark Nardone and Doug Cornelius
Supporting Cycling Advocacy
The Board approved a $1,000 sponsorship donation to MassBike, supporting statewide cycling advocacy and infrastructure improvements that benefit all riders.
Cranberry Harvest Century Recap
Despite challenging weather conditions, the Cranberry Harvest Century showcased CRW's resilience and member dedication. While attendance was impacted (81 of 275 registered), the food was a big hit and the event generated $11,655 in revenue. Thanks to all volunteers who made setup and breakdown run smoothly!
Website Improvements Coming
New CPEC committee member Jess Robinson, a UX designer, is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the CRW website, examining:
- Overall design and color scheme
- Ride registration process
- Content organization and presentation
Members with feedback about the website experience are encouraged to share their insights with the committee.
Volunteer Recognition
The Board finalized volunteer award voting results and updated ride waiver language to ensure proper coverage for both members and guests. Award presentations will be scheduled as part of upcoming celebration events.
The next Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 7 PM, marking the beginning of an exciting 60th anniversary year for Charles River Wheelers.
