President’s Message…

I'm writing this on the day after the IMAC event.  First the good news.  I want to thank all the members who have stepped up and volunteered to help.  Thanks to George Case, Dennis Christman, Keith Daubert, and Lee Buskirk for their time and effort preparing the lane and field for the event.  Many thanks also to all those who spent time and effort in the setting up for the event.  Thanks to Walt Gladney for manning the Swap Table.  Thanks also to Jack Hilbert and his kitchen staff for all the great food, not only at the event, but also throughout the season.  If I forgot anyone chalk it up to me having a senior moment!

Now the bad news.  After last year we noted that our neighbor, Mr. Stufflet was concerned with large airplane flyovers of his home.  To that end an agreement was struck between him, our Officials and Pete Castine representing IMAC.  When I met with Mr. Stufflet about our flying limitations, I reminded him about the IMAC meet and gave him my word that if there were any problems he should see me ASAP and I would address it immediately.  When Pete arrived at the field on Friday I showed him the over fly map which does have enough room for the specified contest box.  We discussed possible problems and then agreed to hold the contest provided the pilots hold to the contest box.  I warned Pete that if anyone complained the meet would be terminated immediately.

Friday and Saturday went fairly well with most of the pilots attempting to hold the box.  However, on Sunday there were a greater number of the pilots far exceeding the limits.  A plane went down in the Christman's cornfield across the road and some of the TCWS members assisted the pilot in finding his plane.  Jack Hilbert, Jim Ellis, and I were among the searchers and during the search we realized that the area that was being flown in far exceeded the agreed upon area including variances.  We immediately set out to remedy the problem.  Jim Ellis went west on Balthaser Road and found out that the flying went so far west that the planes were past the Stufflet farm and approaching the next farmhouse of Ray and Barbara Seidel.  While returning to the field Jim stopped at the Stufflet house and learned Mr. Stufflet was concerned about the flying and was about to visit us with a complaint.  Upon learning this, I approached Pete and terminated the contest.  I went to visit Mr. Stufflet and explained what transpired and promised him that there will be no more contests of this type during my tenure.  I apologized for the Club and parted on good terms with no further problems expected.  Later I stopped at the Seidel farm and spoke to Mrs. Seidel, apologized for any inconvenience and assured her that there would be no more planes flying that close to their property.

I made the decision to terminate the contest after conferring with my Officers who witnessed the over fly problems from the lower road.  I take full responsibility for the decision, which was an unpopular one with the IMAC people and a few Club members.  A small percentage of the IMAC flyers were the problem.  Several had a very arrogant attitude that our Club rules did not apply to them.  I spoke Pete and Rich Fletcher, IMAC NE Regional Director and they understood my position.  I have our Club members, over 100 strong, to consider first and foremost.  A good relationship with our landlord and neighbors is essential and I took what steps I considered necessary to protect those relationships.

On to Club news.  There is a new map of the field posted on the pin board, which clearly shows our flight areas; flight restricted zones and no-fly zones.  Please look at it closely and read the notes as they provide pertinent information about procedures for recovering a downed plane in a restricted area.  The zones are no different than they have been but a fresh look at them is a good idea.

The Building and Grounds Committee has gone through some changes as long time members Sam Miller and Larry Smith have resigned.  New volunteers joining George Case and Dennis Christman on the committee are Lee Buskirk, Terry Miller, and Dave Renninger.  Keith Daubert will be an advisor to the committee as necessary.  Thanks to all you guys!

Nanci and I will represent TCWS at the CAP's Christmas in the Air program at the Reading Airport on Saturday, December 11^th.  If you wish to participate let me know.

Elections are here.  Consider running for Office.  Nominations will be taken at the October 17^th meeting at the field.  As I said before, members are what make a Club and we have a great bunch!  Let's all participate and we'll become an even better Club! 

                                                            Until Next Month…..   John     

Unofficial Meeting Minutes… 19 September 2004

President, John Messersmith called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. at the TCWS field pavilion.  (26) Members and (1) associate member were present. Jim Pauley won the 50/50.

Jack Hilbert read the Secretary’s report for August.  One correction was noted pertaining to the proposed By-Law change. A motion to accept by Bud Wunder, seconded by Jim Pauley, and all approved.  Dale Loop read the Treasurer’s report as of 19 September 2004.  A motion to accept was made by Terry Miller, seconded by Bob Gregor and all approved. 

Old Business

1.      Fall IMAC Event

a.      Everything is planned and the event is moving ahead

b.      Club SWAP table will be set-up for club member use.

c.      Field set-up will commence Friday, 24 Sept around 1:00 pm

2.      2005 Swap Meet Update

a.      Dave Renninger will soon begin the direct mailings

b.      AMA paperwork has been completed

c.      An organizational meeting will be called in the near future.

3.      2005 Giant Scale Fly In

a.      IMAA / AMA paperwork has been completed

b.      Plans moving ahead

4.       2005 Club Picnic

a.      Pig roast supplier has been reserved

b.      Bud Wunder volunteered to be the covered dish coordinator

c.      More plans to be confirmed closer to the event.

5.      Club  Sign

a.      Resolution to continue past practice of temporary signs at key locations for major Club events

b.      Lee B. contacted the man at Rt. 78 & 143 and has an agreement to not remove TCWS signs as long as we remove them at the event's end.

6.      Club Clam Bake

a.      Due to only a limited sign-up, the Clam Bake will not be held on the 17^th of October.

b.      Alternate dinner selection will be available.

7.      New Contest Directors

a.      Erik Rudjord has volunteered to fill the additional CD position.

b.      John Messersmith to coordinate all necessary notices and paperwork.

8.      Recommended By-Law Change

a.      It was suggested to change Officer elections to October in lieu of November.

b.      This would allow the nomination and voting process to take place during the period of outdoor meetings when attendance and membership participation is higher than the indoor winter meetings.

c.      This amendment will be voted on at the October meeting.

9.      Field Grass Condition

a.      It was decided that the TCWS Building and Grounds committee will take over all the necessary chemical treatments to the field.

b.      A pull behind spreader has been donated by Lee Bushkirk

                                                   i.      Donated spreader has been deemed too small.  BOD has authorized Kip Daubert to purchase a larger one at the price of 179.95 + tax. 

c.      George Case has donated (20) bags of Lime.

d.      A motion was made by Terry Miller, seconded by Jim Pauley and approved by all to rent a plug type aerator for Fall aerating.

e.      B&G Committee Chairman Sam Miller and Member Larry Smith have resigned.

f.        Lee Buskirk, Dave Renninger and Terry Miller have volunteered to serve on the B&G committee. Kip Daubert will also help out as necessary.

g.      A B&G committee chairperson is required.

10.   2004 Club X-Mas Party

a.      After continued discussion, it was decided to keep this year’s X-Mas party at the Hamburg Moose Lodge.

There was no other old business at the time.

 New Business…

1.      2005 Officer Nominations

a.      Existing slate of Officers are willing to run again for 2005.

b.      Additional nominations should be given to any Club Officer.

2.      Boundary and Fly-Over Restriction Reminders

a.      John Messersmith provided copies of the field layout which clearly shows boundaries and restricted fly-over areas.

b.      Hard copies will be posted at the field.

c.      Restrictions will be reviewed with IMAC participants and STRICTLY ENFORCED.

d.      All TCWS members must comply with the boundary and fly-over zone restrictions.

3.      Winter Meeting Schedule

a.      George Case suggested the winter meetings be rescheduled from Thursday evenings to Sunday afternoons.

b.      Alternative locations to the Moose Lodge will be considered as well.

c.      This item will be discussed in more detail at the October meeting.

There was no other new business at the time

.

Announcements

1.      Jack Hilbert announced the Pork and Sauerkraut Dinner will be served at 4:30 PM.   (Editors note: (12) meals were actually served.)

Local R/C Events…

1. Fall Fun Fly – 9^th October
1. Hosted by TCWS
2. 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
3. Contest Events and Prizes mixed with Open Flying
4. CD / info – John Messersmith e-mail:  BLU-FTAS@comcast.net

2. Blue & Grey Chili Fly – 10 October
1. Hosted by Blue & Grey Miniature Aircraft Society
2. Open Fly-In – All size aircraft – 1:00 PM until Dark
3. Gettysburg, PA
4. Jeffery Black CD – 717.624.7489

3. Flea Market & Auction – Export, PA – 07 November
1. Info & Tables – Gene Binduga – 724.733.8106

.

          Web Sites…

1.      www.modelaircraft.org/templates/ama/-1-4news.asp – The AMA National Newsletter can be found on this website.

	Editor Note:  If you have a favorite web-site or found one which may be of interest to the Club members – forward me a note at jack.hilbert@flsmidth.com and I’ll post it in the newsletter

 

From the TCWS Snack Bar…

As we rapidly approach the end of another flying season, I would like to say that I have enjoyed a great deal of personal pleasure in coordinating the food service activities this year.  We have had lots of fun working together while offering a very economic service to our members. 

The monthly dinners at each of the club meetings averaged 10-12 with some as high as 20.  The weekend dinners for the “regular” Sunday flyers have become somewhat of a “fixture” and the weekday kitchen activity has increased as well.

Assuming all things work out, I look forward to the 2005 season with enthusiasm.

Please remember the kitchen will remain open through-out the remainder of the year as we deplete the food supply.  After October though, we will have “limited” services as long as the weather permits flying at the field. 

october fun-fly -

This is a reminder that we will be sponsoring an open Fun–Fly THIS COMING SATURDAY – 9 October as another Club fund raising event.  We have invited local R/C clubs to attend as well.

John Messersmith and Jack Hilbert have volunteered to organize such an event.  As this will most likely be the last outdoor Club event of the year, everyone is asked to attend and participate.  As always, a full menu will be available from the kitchen and families are always welcome.

Club Officers…

John Messersmith - President         610.562.4767                       Blu-Ftas@comcast.net

James Ellis - Vice President             610.965.5766                       racer8297@email.net

Jack Hilbert - Secretary & Editor       610.657.5286                       jack.hilbert@flsmidth.com

Dale Loop - Treasurer        610.562.0643                       mrbehavan2@aol.com

Board of Directors…

Jeff Shriver            (exp. 2007)            610.366.1820                       jeff773@fast.net

Vince Indelicato   (exp. 2006)            610-845-3222                      vince@southeast-pa.com

Nelson Gould       (exp. 2007)            610.395.9159                       at6snj@rcn.com

Building & Grounds Committee…

TBD – Chairman                

                                                George Case                                       610-264-9782

Dennis Christman                                              610-562-3680                      christmanlake@aol.com

        Dave Renninger                                  610.374.2306                       xxspeed@netzero.com

        Terry Miller                                            610.944.0300                       trmflies@ptdprolog.net

        Lee Bushkirk                                        610.751.1464                      

Flight Instructors…

Dave Renninger                                  610-374-2306                      xxspeed@netzero.com

Erik Rudjord                                         610-285-2176                      ejorudjord@cs.com

Bill O’Neill                                             610.435.9640                       oneillwj@aol.com

Field Marshals…

Larry Smith                                           610-377-4941                                     

Jack Hilbert                                           610-767-6938                      jack.hilbert@flsmidth.com

Safety Officers…

Larry Smith                                           610-377-4941                     

Larry Dunkle                                         610-929-2159                      larry4113@netzero.net

Summer/Fall Meeting Schedule

·        Sunday, October 17^th, 2004 – 1:30 PM @ the TCWS field

·        Thursday, November 18th, 2004, Hamburg Moose Lodge – 7:30 PM

·        Thursday, December 16th, 2004, Hamburg Moose Lodge – 7:30 PM (Christmas Party)

A Bar-B-Que Chicken Dinner will be served on the 17^th of October at approximately 4:30 PM, including, Freedom Fries, and a cold drink of your choice -- +/- $5.00 per person