Hey Fliers,
We have some warm days coming as we finish up August. I hope everyone stays safe and hydrated as temps at the beach go above eighty degrees. I hear quite a few members mention the fact that they leave their planes in their vehicles between flying days, to save time and effort of unloading and reloading their gear. This can bite you in several ways. Think of your planes in the same manner you would think of leaving a pet in the car.
On sunny days inside temps can quickly get above 150 degrees if the vehicle is in direct sunlight. This can cause foam airplanes to change their shapes and wood airplanes can have undesirable tensioning/loosening of their heat activated covering film. Glues stored inside a hot vehicle can cure in the bottle, and batteries can puff from just sitting in the heat.
I also feel the pain of unloading everything after the weekend, and reloading Friday night for the next outing – but it’s something you should keep in mind.
My main focus this month will be to stir some interest in members to take a turn or two on the clubs Board of Directors. In September I will be actively be looking for nominations to replace a member or two that will be moving on at the end of the current term. Right now I feel the club is in a good place with the majority of members stating that they feel ours is the best club in the county, and I appreciate that feedback. Every month I hear ideas from members on what they feel is a direction or action the club should take in the future. The best way to affect change in any organization is to get involved in the overall management and have the ability to bring new ideas to the board for vote – that can bring the changes you would like to see. Some of us have been on the BOD for quite a while, and enjoy doing it. I openly will say the not all of my personal proposals have been approved – but I do feel that they have been heard and the decision to approve or disapprove was based on the idea’s merits vs detractors. Like I said, I’m happy with where the club is at this moment in time, as it aligns with my vision. BUT… I would like to see other peoples ideas and visions put into effect – to see where they can take us in the future. I hear people respond that they don’t have the time to be involved, but there is no major commitment required. We have one monthly BOD meeting that generally last between one and two hours, then maybe a few words spoken at the monthly meeting at the field. The BOD meetings are held at a members home for those who like to attend in person, and there is a virtual attendance option for those who would rather log in from home.
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, September 10th at 6:30 PM. If you would like to attend in person or remotely, let a BOD member know and we will get it set up. Sort of a preview if you will. We will be looking for interested people to actually speak up in September and October, and have the 2026 BOD named in early November.
Some bits in closing: The field is very dry, Fliers should have an extinguisher with them and readily available. If you need to walk out into the field, keep an eye out for animal burrows – they have been digging to escape the heat, I nearly twisted my knee. Bring fluids for yourself and your guests, and shade/hats/sunscreen is your friend!
Augusts Fun Fly event on the 23rd will be : Foamy Frenzy! Plan to fly your foam planes ( only ) between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM for a chance of gift certificates to Discount Hobby Warehouse.
Our monthly members meeting will follow the Fun Fly, and we will finish up with a hot dog lunch, and then open flying for the remainder of the day.
Stay Safe!
Brad
