I think we all had a good time and a great dinner in spite of Lou’s expression. The gift exchange did not seem to have the hilarity we have enjoyed in past years, but it was still a lot of fun. One of our members grabbed the largest gift in sight and then hid it under the table so no one could see what it was—thus preventing another gift exchange. He later admitted that he did not know what he was going to do with the yellow and black toolbox! Roger Short talked some about the "airport" on his property and made a very tempting offer. Your officers will certainly be chewing this one over.

Dude! Dues are due. Please bring a check to the next meeting or mail your membership dues to me at:

53 Alderwood Pl.

Port Townsend, WA 98368

$45 for individuals, $55 for family membership.

Thank you,

Jim Cook

J From Bob Kampmann: LIPO disposal revisited--Home Depot in Poulsbo has a rechargeable battery disposal container just inside the right hand entrance to the store.  The sign on the container says it's for any and all rechargeables!

J Thanks to Larry Berger for this reminder: For the past several years the McMinnville Aircraft Modelers in McMinnville, Oregon has hosted a successful swap meet for radio control model aircraft clubs in Oregon and Washington. The club is planning to host another swap meet on March 12, 2011. The swap meet will take place at the Yamhill County Fairgrounds in McMinnville, Oregon. Following is the contact information:

Larry Miller

larry.sanford.miller@gmail.com

503 472 4987

http://www.rbogash.com/Plant%202/Plant2.html

J Thanks to Bill Berson for this one: My friend Fred Keller lives in Alaska and builds indoor models. He was in the news recently with a larger toy. See the video here:

 
http://www.ktuu.com/news/ktuu-radio-flyer-car-092910,0,1784245.story

Fred was also in the Jan 2011 Popular Science.

I hope to obtain a brief bio and a picture of our new members to enhance their introduction to the membership. This is voluntary on the part of the newbie, but it should be beneficial for all.

http://www.cdsg.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=381

From The BARC newsletter FLIGHTLINE edited by Don Bunyard: Model aviation may be in for a fight with the FAA. In the November, 2010, "AMA Today", the lead article discussed the three years of negotiations with the FAA rulemaking committee.

"For the past three years the AMA has been negotiating with the rulemaking committee of the FAA regarding potential restrictions for all unmanned aerial systems, including model aircraft. It has become increasingly apparent that the FAA will likely present these new restrictions for public comment in June. It's time for all of us to understand these proposed changes, familiarize ourselves with regulatory procedures, and prepare for a probable campaign to protest these changes."

Note the phrase, "...potential restrictions for all unmanned aerial systems, including model aircraft." Most of us don’t have a clue as to what the FAA is planning, but if the AMA is concerned about it, and predicts that we should be ready to protest, then all of us need to follow this process very closely, and be ready to write letters to Congressmen and spread the word in our communities.

Stay tuned, and watch for further articles in "AMA Today" and "Model Aviation".

N Wisconsin flying bud Ron Jans sent me this very sad letter:

Dear Tejas R/C Members:                                  November 29, 2010

It’s with great sadness that I write to you today. For the past 25 years I have seen many great changes to TRC.  We started off at Pfeifer field in Mission, and then moved to the city of Edinburg Airport where if you all remember, we were asked to leave. Months later I found and developed the field at San Juan .

Today, I was contacted by the city of San Juan and our lease has been terminated as of December 1, 2010 .  No one will be allowed on the field.

The gate will be locked.

I have been fighting for this club for too many years, first at Edinburg, where I was publicly embarrassed during the last show and now this. "No field to fly". By the time you all receive this; I, Xavier Pruneda along with the board of directors will no longer be active and the club will not re-charter.

Be advised that no one is allowed at the field or you may be charged with trespassing. I would not like anyone to get into trouble. The City has also advised that they don’t want any communication with any of you except me. They will simply not answer any questions.

After all the rain we have had, we really need a crew to man the pumps!

If you want to list an item, just send me the details including your name, phone number, and asking price or trade-for item. Low pixel count digital (JPEG) pictures are also acceptable.

Our new officers will gather at 6:30 to try to get their collective act together. I have no info on a program for this meeting, but all you members out there should be in touch with Jeff with your program suggestions—or bring them to the meeting. There will also probably be a field maintenance sign-up sheet being circulated as well. DON’T FORGET TO COME PREPARED TO PAY YOUR 2011 DUES.

Pete Granger

granger@olypen.com