On behalf of the Montague Community Television (MCTV) board of directors I would like to thank the many people who made the Montague Soapbox Race a success. I apologize in advance the people I inadvertently omit.

The race would not have been possible without director Mik Muller’s vision, enthusiasm and countless hours of hard work and the planning committee of Brandon Stafford, Barry Savinski, Doug Fontaine, Charles Kelley, Hyrum Huskey, Jon Dobosz, Jason Burbank, Greg Garrison, Joe Landry, Deb Bourbeau and Tom Bergeron.

A special thanks to town officials in Montague and their “event friendly” cooperation – from the fire, police, DPW and parks departments to the select board to the many town employees who volunteered their time behind the scenes and on race day. The MCTV team of Robin Mide, Dean Garvin, Kathy Lynch, Donna Festinger, Don Clegg, John Duda, AJ Cook, Janet Masucci, Linda Downs-Bembury, and Jo Schneiderman captured racers on video and Brickett Allis provided the PA system.

Deb Bourbeau was in the limelight on race day, recording racers’ speeds and times on the platform but also organizing an incredible team of race officials. Dave Jensen checked in carts and drivers; Miette Muller registered late arrivals; Mandy Hampp ensured their safety inspections were in order; Bob and Wendy Bogusz lined up the racers and pushed the carts to the start line; Mike McAuliffe and Kevin McCarthy set up and released the stop blocks at the starting gate on the countdown; flagman Doug McIntosh radioed Bourbeau when carts were in position, relayed the ‘time to beat’ to the racer, and confirmed when the racer was ready; Linda Ackerman did the radio countdown for racers AND officials; Greg Garrison operated the radar gun on loan from the Erving Police Department; and Dr. Mark Allen, Mike Burek and Jack Nelson were at the finish line to capture and relay times and speeds and ensure the road was clear for the next racer.

Bourbeau was joined on the platform by announcer Russ Brown and Pat Allen who kept the crowd entertained between races. Allen also judged the style awards along with Senator Stan Rosenberg. Hyrum Huskey not only coordinated the radio communications but donated a set of radios to MCTV for future events. Nancy Paglia was the vendor coordinator, Nina Martin the first aid coordinator, and Doug Fontaine was the sponsor coordinator. Chuck Vassar and Barry, Laurie and Bill Stafford acted as the safety inspection team. Tom Bergeron and the DPW ensured blockades were in place at key intersections, swept the street in advance of the race and provided event boxes for trash collection. Barry, Cody and Mary Savinski ran the 50/50 raffle with help from Lindsey Gilbert. Joe Landry set up the announcers’ platform and hosted a build party. Bill Melnick arranged for hay bale delivery and Mike Blanchard coordinated volunteers. Charles Kelley helped the racers at the finish line, and Paul Redeker provided the tents for the first aid area.

A special thanks to all those who set up the hay bales – many of the "race officials" listed above, along with Mike Blanchard, and especially those who restacked the hay at the end of a long day – Ezra Ward, Tim Burbank, Claire Pless, Russ Brown, Mandy Hampp, Nancy Paglia, Stefan Smyth, Cody Savinski and Alan Curtis.

Our underwriters were Greenfield Savings Bank, Narragansett Brewers, Kostanski Funeral Home, Montague WebWorks and Dr. Jordan Quinn, while sponsors included Maniatty Real Estate, Holy Smokes, Joe Gochinski, FirstLight Power Resources, Good Dirt Pottery, The Solar Store, Florence Savings Bank, and Power Down Debt. T-Shirts, cups and posters were screened by SilverScreen Design.

We look forward to an amazing race in 2011 if the excitement and buzz from this year is any indication. Entry applications will start being accepted in May and will be capped at 100 racers total. Those interested in underwriting, sponsoring or advertising or vending at the race may call Race Director Mik Muller at (413) 320-5336. Racers look to the website for information as it comes available. The Race Rules will be locked by October 1st, 2010.

Anne Harding, President
Board of Directors, Montague Community Cable, Inc. -- MCTV