KENT RADIO AEROMODELERS, INC.
Minutes of the November 6, 2012 Meeting
Called to order at 7:00pm by President Nikolei Zinsli
Members present: 27
Guest: Roger Heileman
Review of the Minutes of the October meeting resulted in no additions, changes, or deletions.
Motion to approve by: Danny Osborn
Seconded by: Ed Bradley
Vote: carried
The Financial Report was presented by Dan McLaren and can be seen by members on the web site.
Motion to accept by: Mark Schmaltz
Seconded by: Danny Osborn
Vote: carried
New Members: No new members were introduced this month. Total membership remains at 79.
OLD BUSINESS:
Dave Pierce reported out on the very successful Swap Shop. Front door entries totaled over 230. The raffle plane generated $454.97, thanks in part by Butch donating the plane. The Swap Shop, including the raffle, generated $2712.38 so it more than accomplished its assigned task of “paying next year’s field rental”. A number of guests noted that the address given on the flyer was not correct and would not come up on their navigation system. Attempts to resolve this issue will be made for next year. Dave will be sending a letter of thanks to Hobby World, Ryder’s, and West Michigan Park Flyers for their donations and support of the Swap Shop event. Dave also expressed his appreciation to all that assisted with the set up, operation and tare down of the event. Dave asked that anyone with ideas for improvement contact him by email or phone at any time between now and next year.
(Editors note: be sure to thank Dave next time you see him for a job well done!)
Nik reported on the flying demo last Wednesday at West Michigan Aviation Academy. He, Jase Dussia, and Greg Markly, owner of West Michigan Park Flyers, put on an indoor flight demo during the two lunch periods for the high school kids to see the possibilities of indoor electric flight and generate interest for the R/C club they are establishing at the school. During the Jase’s flight demo his dad, John, gave a running commentary about what he was doing, practice time, and accomplishments of 13 year old Jase. Danny Osborn and Dan McLaren manned a static display in the entry commons to answer questions. All went very well and I believe all who chose to observe were impressed.
Dan McLaren reported on the R/C club activity at the school on Tuesday & Thursday. A number of club members are assisting the school with teaching the kids how to fly small electrics in the gym and a number of other members are teaching the kids how to build. Two kits – that is sticks, not ARFs – are being assembled. The two has now climbed to four as two of the students have crashed their personal planes which now gives us the opportunity to teach the finer art of repair. Both the kids and the club members are enjoying the activity. If you have an hour to spare on a Tuesday or Thursday morning between 8:00 and 9:00 and care to join the party, come on out…
Nominations for officers for 2013
President Nikolei Zinsli
Vice president Dave Pierce
Assistant Vice President George Orphan
Secretary-Treasurer Dan McLaren
Director I – Safety Officer Ed Bradley
Director 2 – Field Maintenance Officer Ed Fowler
Director 3 – Social Director Mark Shaughnessy
Director 4 – Web master Nikolei Zinsli
After Mark Shaughnessy agreed to fill the open position of Social Director, the ballot was complete – all positions filled and unopposed. Nik then called a vote to elect the slate of officers and directors for 2013. The motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
Nik led a discussion on 2013 Swap meet ideas – anything we should add, change, delete? A number of ideas were presented – move the swap meet to the school, change the day from Sunday to Saturday, expand the area used for the event. Currently there is a deposit holding the KofC for Oct. 27, 2013 but more discussion will take place at the next meeting on the subject. If you are not able to attend and wish your thoughts known, call or email the secretary and I will read your thoughts to the meeting.
Nik announced there will be winter flying at the West Michigan Aviation Academy gym. The schedule will be 9:00am to 1:00pm on the following Saturdays – 12/1, 12/15, 1/12, 1/26, 2/9, 2/23, 3/9, 3/23. The December 1st date is “free” flying; all dates thereafter are $5 per flyer for the date. All proceeds will go the WMAA R/C Club.
Mark Schmaltz announced there will be 2013 IMAC event at KRAM field on August 23, 24, 25. This will be a Giant Scale IMAC meet with about 20 pilots. If you want to try competing, let Nik know and practice! The club will be responsible for providing food for sale for the event, running the scoring table, providing runners from the scoring table to and from the flight line and judges, etc. Club keeps a good portion of the registration fee and all food profits. Keep the date open and plan to assist and observe…
Nik asked the group if there was support for another Buffalo Wild Wings winter fundraiser. A show of hands indicated about half of those present would try to go out to dinner to support the club. Nik will make the arrangements and announce them at a future meeting.
Nik solicited thoughts on a “build night” or a build contest for the winter. After some discussion the idea was tabled until next month so people could think about the idea and come back next month with ideas and a decision.
Jim Heist asked that the folks that roll our field be added to the list of people who get a fruit basket at Christmas time. General membership approval was granted.
Mark Schmaltz read a letter of appreciation from the Vets for having them out to the field and providing the picnic and day of enjoyment for them.
Nik announced that the flag pole was broken, probably last Thursday when the area had 50+ mph winds in the area. The pole broke above the union. Tim Power has volunteered to fix it.
Danny Osborn volunteered to bring a ladder to the field and take down the flag inside the shelter for the winter.
Lee Frederickson reminded everyone that there is indoor flying every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00am until 2:00pm at the Woodland Sports Arena (across the street from Ryder’s). Cost is $10 per pilot per session.
Lee Frederickson also noted that the Sky Hawks “ADVERTISE” and suggested we get a nice banner and display it anytime any of our club attends other club’s events. Likewise, he noted the Ionia club had tables and a video about their club going at our Swap Shop. Both ideas were good methods of advertising the club to those not familiar with KRAM.
Dan McLaren passed out the “renewal form” to all present and announced he will be sending out an email (or snail mail for those without email) with the form attached to all members reminding them that next year’s dues are $75 and should be mailed to the Treasurer along with the completed form before the end of the year.
The remainder of Hal Stratton’s R/C supplies were made available for sale after the meeting. Another $58 was realized from this generous donation. A “thank you” card will be sent by the club secretary to his wife expressing our appreciation.
Show and Tell – none this month.
George Pavey won the $19 50/50 for November.
The November attendance winner was Bernard Despres who took home a transmitter neckstrap.
Next meeting: December 4, 2012 at 7:00pm at West Michigan Aviation Academy
Meeting adjourned. 8:03pm
Motion by: Mark Schmaltz
Seconded by: Danny Osborn
Respectfully Submitted
Dan McLaren
Secretary / Treasurer
