JAN. 2004 PRESIDENT's CORNER
By Dennis Cone

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the past officers and to especially give thanks to Gordon for his diligent and faithful efforts maintaining the club. During his tenure he was able to take care of and clean up some of the club by-law language and start the negotiations for the next lease of the club field. His accomplishments were many and very appreciated. I will call on him often when I need information.

During my tenure I hope to promote model aviation locally and promote its continued growth in our community. I know that there are many young (and older) folks who if given the chance would love to try this sport.

We are finalizing the event schedule for the year and the City of Richland Recreation has ask for the club event schedule so they can publicize it in the Spring ORV Park event schedule listing.

We had a great watering year last year and the grass should be in great shape for this summer. We have the most pristine flying facility in the area. Thanks to all those who worked to keep it in such great shape.

It is time to start thinking how we will get people to volunteer for the mowing schedule. There were some voids in the schedule last year causing some to have to mow more than their share. Perhaps we will have to personally call each one of you to get a commitment. This was done the first year with great success. This field belongs to all who are club members and as such all have a responsibility to volunteer to help take care of it. Some cannot mow because of personal limitations and that is recognized. I know those individuals do lots of other things to help. But those of us who can mow, need to. Soooooo- I am open to suggestions and volunteers to keep this program running smoothly.

By the time you read this the Puyallup trade show will be history. For those who are fairly new this is a yearly event where there is a swap meet and vender displays. If you need that certain part or just looking to see what is the latest on the market, this is the place to go. I always get my batteries and fuel there. You can also pick up some of those small special tools you never knew you needed. Tri-City Modelers has a booth set up there each year, aptly tended by Larry Mitchell. He has done this for many years and has increased our exposure and bank account by conducting a raffle each year. Thanks go to Larry.

We had the annual banquet at Roy's Smorgy again this year. The turnout was very light probably due to the weather. There was a great presentation given by Fred Stong showing some vintage moments in modeling history. Boy do we have nice stuff now. We had the gift exchange which is always fun. I managed to get the electric chicken stick this year. Next year it will get passed on. Perhaps with a 12 volt conversion so it will work with a flight box. Way to much power on 120 volts. Will not drag this on any more. Looking forward to working with all of you in the coming year.