The MASM Christmas Party was a great success. On December 6, we had 27 people in attendance at the Old Spaghetti Factory. As is our tradition of late, it of course, was raining. However, the food was good and the atmosphere was friendly. For those that want to see some of what occurred, Richard Dao did a short video that can be seen on YouTube. Thank you, Richard, for putting this together, even as it caused you to disrupt you’re eating.
Noteworthy were two award plaques given for outstanding service to the club. The first went to Gary Sease for his many years of service as Club Secretary and Chief Historian. The second outstanding service award went to Arthur Harreden, who has been a very dedicated supporter of MASM in both time and money.
Scott Hale, VP MASM, put together a listing of prizes and photos of our raffle winners.
First Choice Prize (Member Only Tickets)
The First prize was one for which each MASM member got one free
ticket. The winner of this prize was Dave Stewart - free membership renewal.
Now for the raffle prizes
2nd Prize: Leonard Walker got the Hyperion EOSO606i Battery charger.
3rd Prize: Leonard Walker got a Talon 90 Amp speed control.
4th Prize: Scott Hale got a Sig Pro Balancer.
5th Prize: Chuck Davidson got a Nexus TB6AC charger
6th Prize: Hank got a 10cc, .6 cu in engine.
7th Prize: Dave Stewart got a $75 RC Country gift card.
8th Prize: Art Harrenden got a $50 RC Country gift card.
9th Prize: Bob Pepper got a Sullivan engine starter.
10th Prize: Alonzo Pack got a $25 RC Country gift card.
11th Prize: Dean Smith got a $25 RC Country gift card.
12th Prize: Louise Harrenden got a $25 RC Country gift card.
13th Prize: Alonzo Pack got a Sky Buggy kit
14th Prize: Dominic Cecchetti got a Lectron Pro ACDC-10A battery charger.
15th Prize: Chuck got a Spektrum S44 Smart Charger.
Thus ended a very enjoyable 2023 MASM Christmas Party.
The 2022 MASM Christmas Party at the Golden Corral was a
great success. We had a good turn-out of 30 members and guests After enjoying a
great buffet, the meeting got underway. I began the meeting by introducing our Officers.
The service Appreciation award for John Stewart was shown but John could not be
there due to illness. Next, we had a moment of remembrance for Rex Williams II.
Rex was a long-time member of MASM and was instrumental in getting the club to
be a “Gold Leader†club for many years by having activities such as Toys for
Tots, open field days for Girl Scouts, Mall Shows, etc. He will be sorely
missed. The following video recounts some memories of interactions with Rex.
Rex Tribute
Unfortunately, Rex Williams III could not attend but he was
very pleased to receive the video. When I was looking for a good date to have
the party, I thought that December 7 would be ideal. I was able to get the room
at the Golden Corral for that night. I was able to get a copy of a WWII poster
to display for our night that was a theme of REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR. We had a
moment of silence to honor those that died that day at Pearl Harbor and then we
had members of the party recount stories of their friends and relatives that
served in the war. I then asked for all who have served in the armed forces to
stand and be given recognition.
We then moved on to highlight the goals of MASM in 2023.
These are to complete asphalt repair of the runway, reinstall the gate posts,
and paint the runway. Our goal is to increase MASM membership by 50% by
encouraging members to spread the word that we will be keeping the field and it
remains a top location for RC flying. We will also try to have three Club
Events and start by having our annual Freeze and Fly on January 1, 2023. Due to
torrential rains that occurred in California in late December, we have opted to
have a Spring Fun Fly when better weather is certain, probably in April. Dan
Cunningham has agreed to serve a breakfast the morning of the event. Finally,
we will look at restarting our Gold Leader status which we lost in 2018 due to
lack of events. An update of the web site is also planned.
To complete the evening, we began the process of having a
raffle. We had a total of 16 prizes to hand out. While the table had more than
16 prizes, this gave each winner a chance to pick the prize that best suited their wants/needs. I should point out that Art
Harreden generously donated several items on the gift table and also bought
lots of raffle tickets for his party of five. To start off each women present
received an Amazon gift card.
First Choice Prize (Member Only Tickets)
The First prize was one for which each MASM member got one free
ticket. The winner of this prize was Abby Cunningham who is also our only
female RC pilot.
At this point all raffle tickets purchased were put into the
drum.
2nd Prize: John Gundros – Fokker DV 250 Airplane
Kit
3rd Prize: Arthur Harrington - One O Nine
4th Prize: Louise Harrington - $50 RC Country
Gift Card
5th Prize: Rob Hills - DX6 Transmitter
6th Prize: John Gundros_P40 Kit .20 scale Airplane Kit
7th Prize: Scott Hale - Electrostik Rx-R Airplane
Kit
8th Prize: David Stewart Membership Renewal
9th Prize: David Stewart $25 RC Country Gift Card
10th Prize: Debbie McDowell $30 RC Country Gift Card
11th Prize: Dean $25 RC Country Gift Card
12th Prize: Will Clenney HiTEC X1ACPluss Charger
13th Prize: Dominic Cecchetti Space Walker II Airplane Kit
14th Prize: David Cole - One O Nine Airplane Kit
15th Prize: Les Gillett - Sky Raider Airplane Kit
Thus ended a very enjoyable 2022 MASM Christmas Party.
I just wanted to take a moment to inform everyone that MASM is alive and well, and we hope to to keep flying though out 2021 and for many years to come.
Our flying field is still open for our members to enjoy our wonderful hobby. We just ask that everyone practice social distancing and to follow COVID-19 guidelines as one does when they are in public. However with that in mind, MASM, has decided to offer a stimulus package of our own !
For this year only, Renewal Membership DUES and Renewals are $75.00,senior membership is $60.00.
Here is the email received from Eric Williams, on of candidates for AMA President 2016 in response to my request about his policy regarding f.p.v. and laptop control flight systems ( drones/quard copters)
From: "eric williams" To: "norman poynter" Sent: Friday, August 12, 2016 7:05:14 AM Subject: Re: New message via your website
Hello Norman, Thank you for reaching out to me. The matter of FPV and laptop control is complex. Some reckless operators have given what would otherwise be exciting technologies a bad reputation.
As you know today's younger generation of boys and girls are highly skilled in computers and other advanced technologies. In the 1960's 70% of commercial and military aviators reported starting as modelers in their youth. It is vital AMA work diligently to capture today's youth as they are the future of aerospace, engineering and aviation professions, not to mention our hobby. As today's youth are deeply into technology, we must engage them at their interest level. Various clubs have told me when they do this, youth are prone to then investigate more conventional model aircraft. That's a plus for scale builders and flyers like me and all other aeromodeling categories as well.
From technical and safety standpoints I'm not too certain about "laptop control." However, if an aircraft can be safely operated and meet the AMA Safety Code, it would appear to be a viable alternative. AMA's FPV rules have been in place since 2008 and modified along the way. Those rules forbid flying beyond VLOS and require a safety spotter/pilot who can assume control if need be. The concept is not much different from flying a student on a buddy-box.
I have personally met with dozens of federal, state, and local public and elected officials advocating for recreational aeromodeling. In my conversations virtually all of these people understand it's not about what is flown but how it's flown. They universally say our AMA clubs are the right places to send the public to learn to fly properly.
We have so many categories of flight; FF, CL, RC, Scale, Aerobatic, helicopter, etc. to learn from each other! I support all recreational unmanned aircraft pilots, as long as they fly safely and responsibly within the AMA Safety Code.
It`s been awhile and lots has happened. Thanks to all who sent their condolences, it`s been a rough year for me and family. Your well wishes made it easier.
The summer heat is up, triple digits and flyer`s at the field are down, single digits. That`s to be expected until cooler weather prevails. Meetings continue and numbers are down there too. I've gotten several suggestions to improve this, ALL HAVE BEEN TRIED !! At this point maybe MASM should reduce the monthly meetings to by-monthly or quarterly. The problem is, We the Board would have to make that decision due to lack of members to form a quorum. Something to think about because at the next meeting, August 1, 2014 that will happen.
On another note participation is down at club sponsored events, the minimum we can do is support our own members at events. The last two events at our field there where more guest than MASM FLYER`S. Every guest who visits our site has nothing but praise for what we have accomplished. Something more members should hear. That alone should instill some degree of pride and increase members participation. The Open House came and went with out an e-mail, phone call, or question from the 90 paid members in the club. Whats Up !!
MASM Officers Elections approaching." We" The board are questioning the future of the club. If no members are willing run for position. It`s not fair to those who always step up and carry the weight and responsibly of keeping our field open, paper work done, membership current and books ($$) in proper order. MATHER FIELD/GENE HUGHES FLYING SITE doesn't run on automatic.
This will be my last year as President. Not because of the above mentioned reasons, family matters require my attention. I have talked to different club members about stepping into my position. No insult to anyone, but we need new younger flyer`s with enthusiasm and fresh ideas.
The same old thing and status quote is out dated and won`t take us into the future. This hobby has changed drastically in the last 20 years, it was started by ( modelers) who took great pride in building, exchanging ideas, flight training and supporting the hobby. Now we have ( buy and fly ) there is little attachment to aircraft and out side of flying, no commitment to clubs or club functions. Its not only us but other clubs too. We are a family oriented flying club, not racing or war birds. You would think that would increase our draw but it has not. So its up to you.
Well the weather is here and we have no excuses anymore, LETS GO FLYING !!!! The Merwin Ranch Memorial Fly-In was a hit with all who came.
I have received a number of positive e-mails from modelers who had a ball. They complemented our field, loved the shade, clean pit area, great parking, but most of all the large fly over area. To those members who attended and help with everything, KOO-DOES!!!. That was the first thing in most e-mails, the hospitality you all showed. This was the second time the event was held, last year it was just too damn hot. They will be back next year with friends. I would like to thank S.V.R.W. for their help and participation in this event. They stepped up and volunteered, did some flying too. See we can work together and have fun!! Just a few problems, forgot to add map to flyer, the meals and provider ( SUCKED ). The first one we will correct, the second I will take the hit on. JR`s Texas Barbecue has been used in the past, Merwin Ranch, Borges Field, Local 522 Fire Fighters with excellent results. After talking with him, and his response. It wont happen again and I have passed on our experiences to others.
We have a great write up coming in AMA Magazine from Rick Medea and pictures by Kelly Clarksen. ( put Ricks write up here followed by Kellie's pictures) check spelling on names.
Check the calendar of events for the year and plan accordingly, we want maximum participation from the membership! that's what make things work. Who knows you may have a good time and enjoy your self.
Last month we (MASM) were asked to speak at a retirement home, I received several comments ( none positive ) Keith Fick and I showed up to represent the club. At our next meeting I will tell you of our experience, you never know who you`ll meet. We where in the company of true hero`s and you mist it.
On a personnel note, Thanks for the concerns in regards to my family.
Sincerely, Norman Poynter
MERWIN RANCH LEGACY
THE MATHER AEROSPACE MODELERS ARE GIVING A FLYING SITE LEGEND ITS DUES. THIS YEAR, APRIL 4, 5 AND 6 2014, UP IN SACRAMENTO AT THE GENE HUGHES FLYING SITE AND HOME OF THE MATHER AEROSPACE MODELERS, PUT ON THE SECOND MERWIN RANCH MEMORIAL. 21 PILOTS ATTENDED AND ENJOYED THE GREAT WEATHER AND FLYING SITE AS WELL AS ALL OF THE MEMORIES OF THIS SITE.
MERWIN RANCH LOCATED IN THE DELTA REGION CLOSE TO COURTLAND AND WALNUT GROVE WAS A PERFECT VENUE FOR FLYING AND TESTING ANYTHING OF RC AND SIZE. YOU COULD BASICALLY TAKE OFF AND LAND IN ANY DIRECTION IF YOU NEEDED THE ROOM. THE SURFACE WAS A VERY SMOOTH DICONDRA GRASS THAT WAS HARVESTED EACH YEAR. THE CROP WAS GROWN THEN BURNT OFF AND THE SEEDS WERE VACUUMED UP AND SOLD ALL OVER THE WORLD. IT WAS FLYING OFF OF A GOLF GREEN. THE OWNER BILL MERWIN WAS AN AVID AVIATION ENTHUSIAST AS WELL AS A PRIVATE PILOT. HE HAD A HANGER ON ONE PART OF THE RANCH THAT HOUSED A BIG CESSNA ,TAIL DRAGGER OF COURSE AND A SKYBOLT BIPLANE. THE WEEKENDS, HIS BUDDIES WOULD FLY IN AND GIVE US A GOOD SHOW. BILL AND HIS BROTHER WOULD COME AROUND AND FLY SOME OF OUR RC AIRCRAFT. IT WAS A GREAT TIME. BILL WOULD ALSO GIVE SOME FOLK RIDES IN HIS FULL SIZE AIRCRAFT AND ALWAYS WOULD BUZZ THE FIELD. HE WAS SUCH A BIG KID AND A WONDERFUL PERSON WITH A HUGE LOVE OF FLYING. HE LET US FLY THERE FOR MANY YEARS. WE WOULD HOLD BIG BBQ’S AND POTLUCKS. WE ALSO HOSTED THE IMAA GIANT SCALE FUN FLY’S THERE FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. IT WAS SO COOL.
THIS WAS THE BEST PLACE AND WHERE ALL THE BIG AIRPLANE MEETS GOT STARTED. PLACES LIKE THE MINDEN GRASS FARM, CROWS LANDING, SAN LUIS OBISPO OR THE SLO FLYERS FOLLOWED THE SAME SCENARIO FOR THE BIG BIRDS. CHOWCHILLA, MADERA, FRESNO AND NOW FINALLY IT IS HELD AT CASTLE AFB. BUT NOTHING LIKE THE RANCH FOR A WEEKEND OR DAY OF FLYING. IT WAS ALWAYS A FAMILY REUNION WHEN YOU ARRIVED. SEEING ALL OF YOUR BUDS AND FLYING. I MYSELF STARTED FLYING THERE IN THE LATE 70’S. IT WAS THE ONLY SITE IN 100 MILES THAT CATERED TO THE BIG WARBIRDS AND RACE PLANES.
SO WHEN NORMAN POYNTER (PRES. OF THE MATHER CLUB) CALLED ME UP TO INVITE I WAS IN FOR SURE. GOOD FOLK. GUYS LIKE NORMAN POYNTER, KEITH FICK, LES GILLETTE, DAVE SULLIVAN, GEORGE FAULKNER, DENNY BAKER, JUST SOME OF US THAT REMEMBER MERWIN RANCH VERY WELL, BACK IN THE GOOD OLE DAYS. WE ALL SHOWED UP ON FRIDAY AND ENJOYED THE MEET AND MEMORIES. SUNDAY WAS THE BEST BECAUSE WE ALL SAT AROUND WITH STORIES OF MERWIN. SO COOL. NORMAN TRIED A BBQ FOR SATURDAY BUT THE PERSON HE HAD AN AGREEMENT WITH, WELL YOU KNOW HOW THAT GOES. OH WELL, MAYBE BETTER NEXT YEAR. THE WEATHER WAS VERY NICE ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. ALTHOUGH THE DAY BEFORE IT RAINED A LOT.
UNFORTUNATELY AS TIME WENT ON AND BILL PASSED AWAY, HIS FAMILY KEPT THE RANCH GOING BUT NOT WITH THE DICONDRA. IT WAS ALL CONVERTED INTO TOMATOES. BUT LONG LIVE THE MEMORIES. THERE WILL BE NO BETTER PLACE THAN MERWIN RANCH.
SO LETS HOPE THAT NORMAN AND THE MATHER BUNCH KEEP THE LEGACY ALIVE.
First I would like to thank all who sent e-mails, and left phone mess: in regards to my families health. Going back home reminded me why I came out here, cold! snow! traffic! all where bad. I`m warmed up now and ready to play!!
There have been changes in how the AMA renews Club Charters and it took a little longer than usual, but we`re all legal, up and running for 2014. Sacramento County has new Risk Management Employee`s so all the I,s and T,s had to be crossed for renewal. With that being said, Safety needs to be a MAJOR concern to all members. Not just when flying, but monitoring who is at our field and their AMA Members Cards. All members are responsible!! Not Just the Clubs Safety Officer ( Jamie ) he may not be there or unaware of a problem. We are all Safety Officer`s !!
Aprils event, Merwin Ranch Memorial Fly-In is drawing near, 4-5-6. We need club members to man post and make our guest welcome. Contact Keith Fick. We will have people coming from other clubs and out side the Sacramento area. Lets show them how the Mather Aero Space Modeler`s do and event, make them want to come back next year. ALL MEMBERS BE SURE TO WEAR OUR CLUB SHIRTS, CONTACT L. BONNER, V. P. IF YOU NEED ONE. ALSO WE WILL HOLD ( APRILS CLUB MEETING ) AT THE FIELD.
There have been some changes in this years Calendar of Events, so check your e-mails and monitor our web-site. There was a break-in on our neighbor to the north, the gentleman creates wood carving's and other items in his shop. He lost lots of tools so keep your eye`s open. Our site will continue to be a target for vandals and 4-wheelers. We are working on more telephone poles for the north end, Bob Pepper is doing his best to WOO! SMUD. We just need a few to slow down, if not stop the problem.
I have heard members from both clubs, MASM and SVRW complain about dog training to our north. Remember this is County Property, not our property! Don`t buzz them or challenge them. They have been made aware of issues when they are in the glide path of our runway and proximity to helicopters.
With summer approaching trash will be a problem on the approach road, call me and I will contact the appropriate people to remove it. Speaking of trash, the site barrels are for general trash. NOT FOR AIRPLANE REMAINS !!! IF YOU BROUGHT IT TAKE IT HOME WITH YOU.
Jim Gerrow and the Old Fart`s week day group replace bags and remove trash. DON`T LET THEM BE THE ONLY ONES. Take a bag home, make it your contribution to the club. Keep Our Field Clean.
That's all for now and lets keep flying, and supporting the hobby.
Well here we go again, and with your help 2014 will be one to remember. We closed out 2013 with a great Christmas Party, lots of fun, good food and raffle prizes. A number of MASM members went to the Ontario, AMA Convention, lots of new stuff out there $$$$$. Our own David Sullivan set up shop to sell canisters and promote Plane Bender Products. The MASM calendar of events is almost ready, with all the other clubs in the area, makes things a little ruff to avoid over lapping events. We will post their events on a monthly bases, keep your eyes open! go and support them when you can.
In case you hadn't noticed our news letter has stopped. Thanks again to Rhonda Sullivan for and excellent job. Now we need and up and coming journalist to continue this tradition. You know who you are! step up and take the reins. All of you who take pictures at the field make sure they`re sent to Ryszard for web and news letter.
We have events coming up this year, new and old that will require club participation. Over the past four years improvements have resulted in a primer field. We have received lots of complements, it usually starts with "we heard you guys lost this place" so support club functions with pride. Mather Aerospace Modelers has 50 + years under her belt with no signs of stopping. And to think we still have a few of the original members.
Monthly meeting attendance is down, and with the dues increase we lost a few flyers. That was to be expected ! We had fryers who hadn't flown in years, and that was their way of showing support for this hobby we all love. We wish them well and hope they visit from time to time. Meetings, well what can I say. They are what they are, some fun a little boring but required to make decisions and pass on information that keeps the wheels turning. Try to make one only if it is to complain.
Same old things continue to haunt us at the field.
Well November is upon and the good flying weather is coming to and end. So!! Get out and fly, the field is lonely.
I don`t know how to start this, so bare with me. Ellis Hall long time member of A.M.A. and all the clubs in N. California passed away Saturday, November 2, 2013. He has struggled with health issues for some years, in July 2013 he was involved in a vehicle accident and things started to take their toll. But we all know Ellis, he didn't slow down until his body made him.
All the years he`s contributed to the hobby, A.M.A. and club events all over the state, I never heard a single complaint, NOT A ONE!! He loved what he did and we are all the better for it. He held a special place in his heart for the S.A.M. club and could always be found at the races, he also would kept our club "M.A.S.M." close to the vest. Once or twice a week he would make his morning trek to the field and talk to members about the latest A.M.A. news and scuttle butt, some times even pull a plane out and fly. He would always attend our monthly meeting at Sam`s Hof Brau, even after his doctors told him not to push him self by driving at night. His love was R.C.! for years he was the driving force behind the Capitol City Barn Stormers, the local RC show team.
When I was elected President of our club, Ellis came to me and shook my hand and stated " let me know what you need kid and I`ll make it happen". On three occasion I did have problems, one District X and some confusion with the A.M.A. As quick as these things reared their heads, Ellis stepped forward and poof! they disappeared. Just his name at times was enough to correct any issues. He always checked in with me to pass on information helpful to our club and to volunteer for any assignment he could to benefit the membership. As District X Contest Coordinator, He was the man all the local clubs went to for advice and help with paper work. We here in N. California will feel the loss of our own special " A.M.A. watch dog" Ellis Hall YOU DA MAN!!!
If any members has pictures of any kind with Ellis in them please pass them on to Richard, also any information would help for and article in the A.M.A., District X section. Also for later in the year a page in the A.M.A. We will all miss you Ellis.
The November meeting went well, attendance was up from Octobers numbers (8). Officers positions will stay the same.
The new membership application is on the web-site with new dues structure.
The Christmas Dinner forms should be on your door step this week, They need to be in no later than November 26, 2013. I invited some Sac. County official as our guest, John Dito Property Manager, he put us on the calendar.
Well that's all for now looking forward to that prime rib and another great year with our club.
The year is coming to and end fast, but you would never know it by the weather. HOT! HOT! HOT!
The meeting was a good one and several changes have been made. The Field Marshal position has been vacant; James Mason ( Jamie ) was voted in, so be on your best behavior at the field.
Club Dues was increased to $100.00 a year with a 2 year cap. $15.00 Senior discount still applies.
New Junior Membership, 18 years and younger $100.00 / 12 years and younger $25.00 ($100.00 initiation waived) only on Junior Membership.
Family Membership voted out.
Associate Membership $25.00, no voting wrights, no guest, live outside 100 mile area.
We have been invited to Consumes River College on October 26, 2013 from 1-4:00 p.m. for the Girl Scouts Renaissance Fair Showcase. This is display only and a great way to promote our club and hobby. If you are interested contact Rex William or Norman Poynter. We need your feed back by September 25, 2013.
We still have a problem with none members flying at our site. NO MASM / AMA CARD WITH 2013 STAMP, NO FLY!!! This has been brought to my attention too many times. If you are a member and see another flyer with no card, be polite and explain our rules. If the problem persist call Rancho Cordova Police Dept.at 362-5115, press #1 and report the problem. Sacramento County has a request in to monitor their property. MONITOR YOUR OWN FIELD, YOU DON`T LET PEOPLE WALK IN YOUR HOMES DO YOU!!!
This may insult some but I just can't wrap my head around the lock problem:
You arrive at the field:
open the lock;
swing open the gate;
re-lock the lock and fly.
You leave the field:
open the lock;
close the gate;
re-lock the gate;
and go home.
The other thing is locks are taken. If the first is a problem I will personally give gate and combination lock classes. If your a thief and locks are your thing I can't help you. THE CLUB HAS SPENT $300.00 ON LOCKS. THE PARKING LOT GRADING WAS $500.00 AND NOW WE HAVE A PRETTY FIGURE EIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF IT. This was because some knuckle head didn't lock and remove the combination from the current lock. This is your R.C. Field and the money to keep it nice comes from you dues, stop throwing your money away monitor the field.
President's corner
