The November Meeting

Chuck Paulson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. No guests or new members were in attendance.

1.       The minutes from the October 7th meeting were approved.

2.       The Treasurer’s report was given by Al Jones. He advised the account balance and his report was approved by membership.

·          All air show expenses are now paid including $150 to cover the expenses of the skydivers. $100 was donated to the Civil Air Patrol for their help with the show. Al mentioned that the CAP was very appreciative of the donation.

·          Although expenses exceeded our income, Al recommends that we do not raise dues for 2009. Air show expenses accounted for much of the loss. We discussed charging for parking and making better negotiations with the food vendor. We talked about saving on porta-jon rental next year. We will send e-mail reminders to members asking that they pay their dues promptly (by the time of the winter banquet) so the club can invest in a 6-month CD.

·          Al received an e-mail message from the AMA asking SCRC if the club sponsors fund-raising events for charity. Also, he was contacted by the Miniature Aircraft Association of Westchester. They are sponsoring a Swap Meet on Saturday, November 15th at the Solaris Sports Club, 210 Veterans Road, Yorktown Heights, NY. For more details, visit: www.MAAW.com.

3.       Old business –

·          Last month, membership passed a motion to set the daily flying hours for gas and glow models at 10:00 am until 8:30 pm. Chuck motioned to amend this ruling by applying the 10:00 am restriction to Saturdays and Sundays only. Motioned carried. Gas and glow models can now fly during any daylight hours (until 8:30 pm) on weekdays, while weekend hours are 10:00 am until 8:30 pm. No restrictions on electric-powered model aircraft.

·          Al Jones, Al Niessner and George Gurney updated us on field search progress. SCRC’s Committee members attended two park planning meetings. Our club was well represented and feedback from park planning committee members was positive. They are planning for two parks and both locations have flying site potential. Al Niessner showed aerial views and indicated the best areas for SCRC’s purposes. These projects are known as the Whitehall Road Parklands in Ferguson Township and the Oak Hall Parklands. Centre Region Parks and Recreation conducted paper and on-line surveys. Results indicate strong support from the community for a “Remote Control Airfield Facility”. Meeting and survey results can be viewed at:

 

   http://crpr.centreconnect.org/parks/Regional-Pks/Regional-Pks-Index.html

 

·          Chuck advised that we now have nominating committee - Curt Buergin (chairman), Sam Stitzer and Charlie Wingert. Nominations for officers for the 2009 season should be done by the December meeting, when elections will take place.

·          Chuck took a poll for banquet menu choices. Beef and chicken entrees were the favorites but Chuck will send e-mails to solicit responses for more accurate counts and then relay the details to Donna. The American Legion is booked for SCRC’s winter banquet on January 24th.

4.       New Business –

·          Curt reminded us that we are in need of programs for the winter meetings. Members interested in helping by giving a presentation should contact Curt.

·          Henry Margusity advised us that the Civil Air Patrol will be helping Jack Garbrick to maintain the airfield by doing some fix-up jobs next spring. Jack, Bob Grove and the CAP asked if SCRC members can help with this. Henry plans to help so if anyone else can volunteer, please contact Henry or Bob.

·          George Gurney asked if anyone has volunteered to help Kevin, a new RC enthusiast who contacted Chuck by e-mail. His Kadet Mark II is mostly assembled but he needs some help to finish it. If anyone can help, Kevin mentioned that he lives within a few miles of Centre Hall and gives his phone number as 814-571-7055.

 The motion for meeting adjournment passed at 8:00 pm. Paul Bittengle won the 50-50 drawing, splitting $24 with the club.

5.       Program -

·          Curt Buergin attended the Hamburg Jet Jamboree last month and took some amazing video footage. The Farview RC Flyers and Tri County Wing Snappers sponsored the event at an excellent flying site in Hamburg, PA. Curt’s 20-minute presentation included some phenomenal flying, awesome scale model turbine fighter jets and at least one impressive smoldering heap, the result of a mid-air collision!

6.       Show and Tell –

·          Daryl Allen flew his miniature indoor helicopter before and after the meeting. This is a new E-Flite product called the Blade mCX. It comes with a four-channel DSM-2 transmitter, a tiny LiPo battery and a charger. Flight performance in all directions is good and control is positive for a tiny indoor model. This is the smallest “Blade” that E-Flite makes and it can absorb many hard knocks. For details and videos visit:

 

   http://www.e-fliterc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFLH2280

 

2009 Officer Nominees

  The nominating committee has prepared the following slate of officers for 2009:

 Pres: Ron Lueth

 VP: Brad Fisher

 Secretary: Daryl Allen

 Treasurer: Al Jones

 Newsletter Editor: Sam Stitzer

   The floor will be open for any additional nominations from the members at the December meeting, then voting will occur.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

  Once again, it’s time to gather families and enjoy a Thanksgiving feast in gratitude for the blessings of life. It’s a difficult time in America, with raging Mideast wars, and a shaky economy hanging like a huge cloud over our flying field on air show day! But Americans and R/C flyers are perennial optimists, hoping the clouds will pass quickly. A new U.S. president stands ready to lead the country through perilous times, and a new flying season next spring awaits all of us who fly R/C.

  I am thankful for the friendships I have made in SCRC and other clubs in this area. Those of you reading this are the best friends I have! Thanks for putting up with me all these years.

  I am thankful that, way back in 1971; I stumbled upon some guys flying R/C planes, and was totally mesmerized, changing my life forever!

  I am thankful for our flying field, and the sheer joy of flying model airplanes with my friends. We had a good, even if not profitable air show, and many days of enjoyment. It has been a good year. I hope you share my gratitude, and take time to thank a generous God. Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Daryl’s little Blade hovers over a table at the November meeting.

 

Sam Stitzer  814‑364‑9530

          samstitz@yahoo.com