SEPT '00 PRESIDENT's CORNER
By Ron Gibby

The Fun Day for ARC of the Tri-Cities held July 21, 2000 was again a big success. Thanks to Bill Greger for his efforts in getting it all organized. And, thanks to all of the 40+ club members who showed up to do all the work to make it a fun day for the kids of the ARC. We also appreciate the support we received from GESA Credit Union, the cities of Richland and Kennewick, the Benton County Sheriff’s K-9 Corp., and some Ultralite pilots who did flybys for the kids. For all our efforts we got to see some happy kids, and we also got a write-up in the Tri-City Herald and a news clip on KEPR-TV News. Hopefully, we can receive a monetary award from the Radio Control Hobby Trade Association for the publicity we received. If we do, it will be donated to the kids of the ARC.

The wind tried to spoil the Biplane Fly-in again this year, but those that showed up had a good time. The planned touch-and-go contest that was a big hit last year had to be cancelled because of the wind. Unfortunately, what was supposed to be a two-day event ended after only one day. The second day turned out to be perfect weather for flying but no one showed. Thanks to John Hanson, the CD for the event, and all those that helped John with the event. A special thanks to John’s wife, Darlene, who took care of making sure there was food for lunch.

It was brought to my attention that some of our older former members who have retired from flying due to age or health concerns were not aware that they qualify for an Emeritus membership, which is free. This membership allows the Emeritus member to receive the monthly newsletter and the combination to the gate locks. They do not have to be a member of the AMA to qualify for this membership, but they are not permitted to fly at the field. If anyone knows someone that may qualify for this membership and who still wishes to be involved with club activities on a limited basis, please provide the name to Clee Childress, who can take care of the details of their club membership.

Thanks to Bill Greger for providing a fancy new frequency pin board at our flying field. It’s a work of art and much more functional than the old board.

Our fearless editor, Bob McDougall, has informed me that he will be retiring as our newsletter editor at the end of this year. We really appreciate the excellent job that Bob does each month in getting the newsletter published and distributed. It’s a big job, but Bob has made it look so easy. I can tell you that his efforts are going to be missed! If there are any aspiring editor’s out there that would like to take a crack at the club newsletter job starting January 2001 please give me a call.

For comments or questions about the club please contact me by phone at 946-5356 or by Email at president@tcrcm.org.

Until next month, happy flying.