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Sonoma Wings meeting notes from 1-22-2004
This was our first meeting of the new-year and the first led completely by our new Prez, Ernie Camacho. Prior to the meeting there was the usual pizza eating and beer drinking. And also the now usual sailplane talk and pictures. (When will it stop!?)
Attending the meeting were, Ernie Camacho, Charley Warren, Kerri Lemos and her friend Aaron Z, Donna Matthias, John DeAguiar, Larry Roberts, Gregg Hackett, Kurt Bainum and Anna, Kelsey and friend, Spencer and Patrick, Anthony Abate, Matt Jagelka, Ian Ridel, Justin Miller, Greg Sugg, Brian Padgett, Leo Jones and Jon James. 22 people.
Ernie called the meeting to order promptly at 7:30pm. He went right into the slideshow produced by him and Charley. People were encouraged to shout out names and places as they appeared on the screen, while a CD of flying songs played in the background. The slide show whipped through 2003, in chronological order, in about 35 minutes. Everyone seemed to like it. Charley promised to do a 2004 show at the next January meeting and spend the whole year working on it.
We learned that the FCC has sent letters to the USHGA and to 16 clubs nationwide reminding us that the fines for operating unlicensed HAM radio stations is $7500 to $10000! We know of some unlicensed operators and admonish them not to broadcast until they can resolve this situation. The FCC said they have gotten complaints from legal HAM operators. We would add to their reminder that people should adhere to the frequency band plans and that drivers also need to be licensed.
Next Jon James gave us an update on the East Park Reservoir RMP (resource management plan). He is enlisting the help of Lynn Wolsey on this matter. Presently we are not banned from landing there by the BOR (bureau of reclamation). We are banned by the Colusa County ordinance that was enacted by questionable means.
We are working with a friendly landowner in the Stonyford area to install a gate on their property, which will allow us to land there and drive in to retrieve our equipment.
WOR is sponsoring parachute clinics 2-21&22. They will be one-day clinics and will be $40 to attend. Betty Pfiffer will conduct the clinics. Go online to the WOR site for more details. Everyone is reminded to pack their `chutes. For those of us who have been through clinics Ernie volunteered to help if people want it.
Next we held a raffle to raise a little money for the club. Pilots bought $105 worth of tickets. Some prizes were donated and some were bought by the club so I'm not sure how much was profit. We gave out five prizes and have enough for a couple more meetings. Gregg Hackett bought $50 worth of tickets so he had an advantage and won two prizes, a HG video and a shirt. Greg Sugg won a headlamp. And Donna and Larry both won some nice homemade candles.
We talked about club events and trips for the upcoming year. Interest in the Santa Rosa Rose Parade was less than lukewarm but we have an entry form. If anyone wants to take this on call the club secretary. Two people raised their hands when it came up.
We agreed to do a Cinco de Mayo fly-in and a St John Mt fly-in. Details to be worked out later. We need people to step forward early to organize these events. VOLUNTEER!
Ernie asked that we use the website calendar to announce and coordinate our trip intentions. He is going to Florida in mid April. There was interest in a Lakeview trip right after King. There was interest in another Woodrat trip and of course interest in Owens trips.
Our Goat Rock permit is in process. It's due in March.
The BAPA fly-in at Elk is March 26, 27 &28.
Michael the trike guy from Petaluma is gearing up to open a flight school and give HG lessons. Rumor has it a lesson package will be in the $3000 range! It will be interesting to see if he gets any takers at all at that price. Donna will contact him for more details.
Pay your 2004 club dues to Matt asap so we can pay our site insurance.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:27. Good job Ernie!
The next meeting will be at Round Table on the fourth Thursday in February. That's 2-26.
CW
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Thanks for the minutes.
One slight modification: the link to find out more about and to sign up for the Betty Pfeiffer clinic is
www.flyfunston.org/chuteclinic.html
. There may be a temporary link on the WOR site but this one will remain until the clinic is over.
We are now half full for the clinic. About 25 spots left over.
Daniel Pifko
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