Whirlwinds of Southwest Michigan

Minutes for the Meeting of March, 3^rd , 2010

The meeting was called to order after 7:12 by Larry Wringer. John had to take his daughter to Bronson and could not be here tonight. Dick Klass was also unable to attend. We had the meeting upstairs because of a conflict with some church function going on in the cafeteria.

The minutes from the February meeting were read.

Roll call was taken. There were 9 members present. There were no guests.

The Treasurer was not here to read his report. 3 members paid their $75 dues for 2010 tonight, and one new(old) member rejoined the club. So we would like to welcome Fred Lalone back into the club.

OLD BUSINESS:

John had sent out an email to all members a couple days ago. Hopefully everyone received it. If you did not, please contact John so that he can correct your email address on his computer.

At last meeting John reported that Steve Metzger had been diagnosed with another form of cancer. We were happy to see Steve attend the meeting this evening and he was looking pretty good. He reported that he’s to undergo another bone marrow transplant, but this time using donor cells since they can no longer use his own. They are currently typing possible donors and he will be undergoing that procedure in the near future and he has high hopes of being able to fly again this summer. We wish him well.

We need to get some volunteers to help mow, dump trash, and other field maintenance items. Dick has made up a sign up sheet and passed it to the members present to sign up for when they would like to mow the grass and other such maintenance items. We will post the list on the building this spring. Anyone else who would like to volunteer, please contact Dick Klass so he can add you to the list.

(last meeting) A discussion was held regarding the condition of the shed and the need for some repairs this summer. Overall the shed is in decent condition, but there were some areas where the wood has rotted and needs to be replaced this summer.

(last meeting) With several planes lost around the field, we had a discussion of having a possible search party in very early spring before the trees start leafing out. We will have to wait until the spring to determine a date. Please come out and help in this effort, maybe one day it will be your plane we will be looking for.

(last meeting) John put on a demonstration of soldering. He brought in some pieces of copper tubing and wire and showed how to properly clean and flux the parts and how to apply heat with a torch so that the solder would wick itself in and make a perfect joint. Due to the fact we were using the church kitchen, none of the other members were brave enough to try it themselves (including me). John also showed the same technique joining two pieces of wire. Larry brought in some various pieces of holders and soldering irons to show and gave away some heat shrink tubing to whomever wanted any.

NEW BUSINESS:

There was no new business brought up for discussion this evening. In light of all the lost planes last summer, Larry brought in items to show that could be used in our planes to assist in finding them should they go down in the woods or surrounding fields. These items included various audible alarms and lighted accessories that you could insert in your plane. During upcoming meetings Larry will try to build some more of these from different circuits he finds on the internet and so forth. There are also several commercial varieties for sale in hobby supply stores and the internet. Larry will gather some reviews on these to try to separate the good, the bad, and the ugly. This summer we can run some tests on these at the field.

Bob Christiano has been moving to his new home in South Bend. He has decided to clear out some of his inventory and has donated them to the club to put up for auction. As soon as he gets settled in and separates these items, we will get some pictures and information and post on the website. So watch the website for further information and instructions.

Will gave me a sheet from Wendy at Hobbyland in South Bend. I will post on the website if anyone is interested. These are the fuels she is carrying and their current prices. She would like orders placed before March 27^th and she plans to order on March 29^th and should have around April first. She has brands, Omega, Cool Power, and Wildcat.

Omega and Cool Power 5% 9.69, 10% as 12.99, and 15% is 14.69.

Cool Power 4 cycle is 14.69

Wildcat 10% is 12.69, 15% is 13.99, and YS 20/20 is 20.50

Dick Mathias asked that we put a “Want Ad” section on our website for people to post things they have for sale, or things they are looking for. I think that is a good idea. So if you have some items lying around you’d like to get rid of, email me some pictures, descriptions, etc. and I will post on the website for you. I will only put up club related items however, so don’t send me stuff on your grandmothers rock collection, and such.

The first item I will post, is Dick is looking for a Futaba FP-R127 DF 7 channel FM low band(20) receiver. If anyone has one they would like to sell, please contact Dick Mathias.

MODEL OF THE MONTH:

There was no model of the month.

 Meeting was adjourned.