President’s Corner November 2009
What a flying season! So much to talk about and only one President’s corner! One item is safety on the field. Dave Szabo is doing a great job as safety officer and he will continue to remind us of the rules. I had the opportunity to go out to the field with a park representative to observe if the flyers were respecting the tree line as our field boundary. I am happy to report that 90% of the flights were in compliance with our field rules. We received a “thumbs up” from the park. Keep up the safe flying.
On October 26th, the Officers had an “end of season” meeting with the park. Karren Newman represented the Park Commission and Len Alford, Dave Rollino and I represented the Somerset Signal Senders. We talked about the condition of the field and how the ground crew did a great job of cutting the grass. Dave suggested that they cut the grass earlier in the morning so the fliers can have some time on the field. Karren will notify Gill of the suggestion.
The park seems interested in a weather station and we will assist in helping them when they need it. We can work with their IT department to set up a link to the parks website if necessary.
The park will be increasing the county permit price to $25.00 for in county and $50.00 for out of county. I think JR members will remain at $5.00. The park commission will give the in county price to any signal Sender members that are out of county providing they show their membership card. That is a 50% savings to any one from out of county. If you know someone from out of county that isn’t a member just explain that for $5.00 more they can join the Signal Senders and have a park permit. Follow this: $50.00 out of county permit cost. $30.00 signal senders’ dues. Permit cost as a member of Signal Senders $25.00. Add the $30.00 Signal Senders dues and your cost is $55.00 for the permit and membership to the Somerset Signal Senders net difference is + $5.00. Such a deal!
A really important item was brought up about the unloading in the parking lot as opposed to being able to drive down to the bridge over the stream; you know the one with the telephone pole in it! It has become a hardship for several members. Karren suggested we contact Ranger Dave Dendler and explain our situation and see what he can do.
Karren will have the official rules reflect the addition of Electric models being able to fly starting at 8:00am.
After the meeting Dave Rollino and I went to the ranger station to see what was required to get a permit. We spoke to Ranger Dave Dendler and he was quite open and lenient about how to acquire a permit. A miss conception is that it is only for handicapped people. Dave Dendler explained that he put in place to accommodate anyone that has a physical problem not necessarily a handicap. The only thing required is to fill out an application at the Ranger Station across from the Park building and explain why you want it.
If you have a back problem, bad knees, or just feel it’s a physical hardship unloading from the parking lot please fill out an application for a permit. This was put into place to help us not hurt us.
The permit allows you to drive down to the post, unload, and then drive back to the parking lot. You are NOT allowed to park on the grass by the post for the day.
What he doesn’t want is people driving down without a permit to unload. If you are caught unloading by a Ranger you can receive a warning, a fine and/or lose your flying permit. My choice is APPLY FOR A PERMIT.
We also had two events in October, the Electric Fly, on October 10th and the Fun Fly with the Central Jersey and Union Model airplane clubs on October 11th.
The electric fly will be followed up with an article in the November news letter. The other event was the Fun Fly. Ray Jajko was good enough to write an excellent article about in our October News letter available on our website. Thanks again Ray.
I must say that we have had no complaints this year from anyone about any of our events, club members or not. Everyone had a good time rain or shine!
Remember: “Keep ‘em Flyin’”
Thanks again
Tony Rossi
President of
Somerset Signal Senders
AMA District II AVP