Member Profile – Seymour Stern
Preferred Name: Seymour Stern
Profession: Retired US DOT – motor vehicle crash data collection systems
Education: Northwestern University, BS in Civil Engineering; U of MD, Master of Science
Member Since: 1992
Bet You Didn’t Know: I led the walking group for two years around 1995.
Why did you join the DC Front Runners?
I came out late and the first place I went was to attend services at Bet Mishpachah where I met Warren Snaider, need I say more? I went to my first walk on a Sunday (we were doing them back then) and I wanted to continue to meet more of the obviously friendly and outgoing people in the club.
Why is the DC Front Runners important to you?
DCFR has provided me with at least weekly in-person interaction with a varied and intelligent group of people who I like talking with. I met my closest friends through the club. I like the exercise even though I haven’t recently been walking regularly.
Do you have a favorite memory or story from the DC Front Runners?
Even though I wasn’t running in races, I’ve enjoyed road trips over the years to cheer on and photograph the runners for the NY Pride race, the Philly Half Marathon, the Frederick Keys 5K, the Colonial Half Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon, and others. In NYC, Warren gave me his DC Flag to hold and people were asking me what country it was from.
What was your first race ever? And your favorite race?
I’ve only walked in two races, the Run for Research (HIV) 5K in 1999 and the Pride 5K race in 2018.
What are your non-running hobbies?
The one I’m still working on is my recent retirement. I have plenty planned for that including scanning photos and family genealogy.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
DCFR has meant a lot to me over the years. I’ve helped at the DC Pride Festival, the Parade, and sometimes just been a spectator. I know without question that I could call on any of the members for advice or assistance. It’s hard for me to believe that I’ve been a member for 28 years. It hits home annually during the anniversary party when long term members are called up first to get the food.