Member of the Month: Laurie Buell!

Veteran BTC member Laurie Buell has always been known for reliably volunteering at club races, and in recent summers she has gone a step further by donating her home for club meetings as well. She is easily recognized for her slim physique, auburn hair, big smile and lively sense of humor. Her positive attitude and dynamic lifestyle have undoubtedly been helping her bounce back from some very serious injuries. Getting to know her, one finds a fun and diverse individual, with running being just one of many hobbies in quite an active life.

Although born in Brooklyn (her mom declares that "she was so cute"), Laurie mainly grew up in Freeport and was an involved student at Freeport High School, where she participated in volleyball and badminton. After several years studying Animal Science within Southampton College's strong Biology curriculum, Laurie continued on to receive advanced certification for animal care at B.O.C.E.S. (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) in Bellport.

In recent years Laurie has found a passion for dog grooming, her latest employment being a four-year stint at the Sachem Animal Hospital. After her return from injuries, she hopes to be working again at a shop in Bay Shore, if not taking more classes. She attends annual industry shows and expos and keeps involved with the animal care community. She emphasizes that on a physical level grooming is a deceivingly demanding occupation, and notes that the pet industry has become a very big business just within the time she has been in the field. And she stresses that she, like many other groomers, prefers dogs to cats.

Laurie started running during her eight years working locally for NEC during the mid-1980's, persuaded by friend and fellow runner Hillary Boucher. While enjoying the excitement of many corporate-sponsored races, runs for charities and weekly Islandwide Running events, she began to incorporate 7 to 10 miles runs nearly every morning- often from her home in Medford to Gubbin's Running Ahead in Patchogue and back! Laurie tends to prefer long casual runs, often with a friend, and usually looks back in disbelief at the distance afterwards. Having survived unfounded pre-race panic attacks (especially the fear of coming in last) she now has several small trophies and plaques, awards attained even while merely competing within herself.

Laurie has been a long time member of the Bohemia Track Club, having been involved for about ten years now. She enjoys the friendliness and hospitality of other members and has always been grateful to founding father Ed Schulte, who was extra helpful in getting her involved. She has constantly been a phone volunteer for the club, and a monitor for course director John Pekarik at every race.

Not only an active member, Laurie has also enjoyed hosting several of the club's annual summer meetings. Her current residence in Medford is quite impressive and is equipped with all the party amenities: an in-ground pool, outdoor bar, pool and tree houses, and even a trampoline.

Aside from the club, Laurie is also a longtime member of the informal Wednesday night Adirondack 10K crew, which includes BTC members Dr. Bob Lawrence and Richie Hollmann, Carolyn Ciccone and her friend Carl, and Mary Madieros. Laurie estimates that she has met most of her friends through running.

Recently Laurie survived a tragic accident, having been hit by a car while crossing Ocean Avenue during an early evening jog near her home. Although recovering quickly after being in serious condition in the hospital, she "does not recommend" having to go through daily therapy for such injuries. Home now, and fun as ever, she is looking to be walking and working as soon as possible.

Laurie has many hobbies and is tremendously active. She is an excellent dancer, having taken classes in jazz, tap, ballet and gymnastics (she says she is a better dancer than runner, and to prove it she has a dance prize won at a running club party!). If that's not physical enough, she has a yellow belt in Karate, and has been a very active member at her local gym for the past 15 years. Laurie absolutely loves her Honda motorcycle, and will never give up going to clubs across Long Island. Her taste in music is quickly described by her car's "HEAVYMTL" vanity plate. She enjoys bike riding and has never had a problem eating properly. To add to her list of hobbies, she would really like to luge someday. Her silliest running moment was, against all instinct, carrying a live lobster at a recent relay race. And she will never go without the companionship of her friends Jandi (boxer), Mieskeit (bulldog), Chu Chu (toy poodle), Kerri (Llasa), Princess (cockatiel) and Philisa (cat).

Although she feels that she is shy and hesitant when meeting new people, and declaring that she "takes some getting used to," Laurie is actually charming and outgoing, with an amusing sense of humor. She is obviously highly active and always involved, traits that have certainly kept her going through tough times. For her spirit, generosity and volunteerism, Laurie Buell has become our newest Member of the Month.