AUG'01 MEETING MINUTES
By Doug Larson

The evening meeting was held at the flying field. The barbecue was out on the lawn and the charcoal was almost started and had to be primed again to be prepared to cook. Those in attendance barbecued what they brought and enjoyed a nice summer picnic. Terry Hain was selling his excess hobby materials on the sideline and there was quite an assortment of stuff. Gordon Andersons brought a robot for show and tell made of bicycle parts to deliver negotiation telephone equipment by the police in hostage situations. We all had a good time eating, spending a little money and enjoying the evening.

The regularly scheduled meeting of the TCRCM was called to order at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of August the 15th , by President Gordon Anderson. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as published in the July ’01 Leading Edge Newsletter. A financial report was presented by Treasurer Rick Magnuson and the current club membership is at 81 members. The pattern contest in July was successful and netted a $165 profit.

Special Events
 Monte Stratton gave a brief announcement. His family provided housing for a Russian participant in the 1989 Nats held in Richland. One of the family members of the Russian visitor is a musician and will be providing a free concert at CUP Church on Aug 22nd.

New Members
We have some new members but they were not in attendance, thus not introduced.

Field Report
The water delivery problems at the field causing the nagging dry spots were solved recently. The city maintenance folks discovered a cracked valve that was reducing the delivery pressure. The delivery pressure is now up to normal which should help to keep the grass uniformly green. The proposal to fence the perimeter of the parking lot to reduce damage from motorcyclists has been approved by the city. A work project will be scheduled when the weather is a little cooler.

Event Report
The Aug 3rd TCRCM Annual ARC Event went well with Bill Greger’s leadership. The Richland Fire Department was represented for about half the time with their ladder truck but then had to leave to fight a fire. There was a police K-9 unit giving demonstrations plus there were rides in police cars. The ultralite fly by was a hit, especially when the last machine dumped some wrapped candy on the field. Almost 50 of the attendees walked away with a pilot certificate after receiving training and hands on flying experience from TCRCM’s finest, the volunteers who brought their trainers for pilot instruction. There were many volunteers participating and their contribution is certainly appreciated, and the adult leaders of the ARC program who were in attendance adamantly expressed that. Bill did a fine job of planning the whole event was a large effort, Thanks Bill!

Water Buffalo
The Fall Chili Dog Float Fly is set for September 15th, 8 a.m. at the Edison Street area across from the duck pond.

New Business
The Biplane Fly-In is set for Aug 17-18th. It is proposed by Ted Tanasse to install a flag pole at the field so we may appropriately show our patriotism and appreciation for the rights we each have as citizens of the Great and Grand United States of America by flying the United States Flag. The proposal was accepted and further action is pending. Ted, though not in attendance, was volunteered to lead the effort.

There was a good article covering our club in the Tri City Herald recently which was stimulated by our outstanding web site constructed and maintained by Steve Sterling. It is planned to forward a copy of the article to the Radio Control Hobby Trade Association for consideration of an award.

There will be a sprint boat race September 9th and we have been asked to provide a flying demonstration at that event.

Old Business
Our little relief station is our responsibility for servicing, the city did not want to include it in the servicing rounds of the others at the park. Still plan to put up some signs at the field to advise spectators to stay out of the pit area and remind pilots of frequency control. Engine test stand concept is still alive, just barely, and will eventually come to pass. Please remember to keep the gates locked on Thursday and Friday of each week plus before 8 AM on any day

Instructor Program
The flight training manual is still in the works. Safety When flying in hot weather be aware of dehydration and heat exhaustion. Drink fluids and seek shelter from the sun occasionally.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:34 PM.