Safety Update

All aircraft in the pit area, with engine running, should always be restrained, never left unattended.  Also, with the increase in spectators, we all need to be alert to those families with small children and when appropriate, remind them that they should remain a safe distance back from these potentially dangerous machines.

Beginners & Non Member Helpers
Thanks to all members who voluntarily help beginners and visitors get started.  However, before letting anyone operate their transmitter, we all need to verify that that individual is an AMA member.

Flying Site Hopes
Although there is nothing concrete that can be taken to the bank, there does appear to be some sliver of light beginning to show.  First though, frequently members ask if the club is considering buying the site.  Well, yes.  For about 3 seconds.  After considering the asking price to be over $30,000 per acre (for 200 acres)... well, maybe 3 seconds is for us slow thinkers.  That sliver of light though comes from a conversation that Mike Kinsey had with one of the owners, where it was indicated that there are two parties considering buying the property... and leaving it as it is.  

GMA Becoming Community Conscious

The GMA has implemented a program to make the GMA more prominent as a community organization.  The GMA will be making annual contributions to the Forsyth County Sheriff Department, the Forsyth County Fire Department, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).  The MDA contribution will be in honor of GMA club member Ray Sweat.  The initial contribution to the MDA was made from proceeds from the Chris Hinson 3D event, a total of $830, which included a $100 donation by club member Fred Henry.

Drink Machine And Aluminum Cans

J.D. Sweat has taken over managing the drink machine.  He has also placed several trash cans along the shelter for collection of aluminum cans.  Please help J.D. by tossing your empty cans in those collection cans.

So Long Lanier R/C

Lanier has been bought by Great Planes.  What?  No more Bubba to harass?

Shelter Upgrade
Plans are under way to enclose a portion of the shelter center section.  This enclosure will serve primarily to block the wind from 3 directions, and will also provide additional shelf storage space.  Stan and Greg will be coordinating this effort in hopes of having something in place in the next few weeks.

Keep 'Em Close

The tree line straight out front across the runway is about 1000 feet away.  Apparently, on the other side of the Etowah River, there is some sort of hunting field or club.  It has been reported that some hunter has visited our field and claimed we are flying over his property, and he intends to shoot them down.

Cumming Address Changes

It appears that some 30040 and 30041 ZIP Codes have changed.  If yours has changed please be sure to let Earl know.

Firewood

Thanks to Mike Reynolds for arranging for about 100 pallets that we picked up for firewood.  And thanks to Linda Carnes for picking up and delivering a big trailer load, and to David Halcomb and his friend for delivering the balance.

Locking Up

If you're the last member to leave the field, be sure to close the overhead roll-up door and lock the gate.

GMA Board Changes

In an effort to provide expanded coverage at the field for overseeing safety and policy issues, the safety officer positions have been eliminated and the Board has been increased to a total of seven members.  Please welcome new board members Buzz Killingsworth, John Singer and Greg Ledford.

Earl will be resigning (retiring) from the board as of December 31st.  Rex Briant will become president on January 1st.  Earl will continue to manage the club's membership duties of processing new and renewal membership, and coordinating the club roster with the AMA.  He will also continue to maintain the cameras.

Member Communications

GMA Board members have been assigned specific areas of responsibility.  Any member wishing to offer comments or suggestions should do so through a web page where the board member names and their area of responsibility are listed.  This will assure consistency and will allow the board members to respond in a manner that keeps all board members in the loop.  On the GMA Home Page, there is a link at the top to access this list.

Stan Erwin - Field Maintenance

Buzz Killingsworth - Security & Safety

Rex Briant - Member Relations

Greg Ledford - Event Coordinator

Patrick Manville - Secretary & Treasurer

John Singer - Administrative

 

2008 Events

Pattern Contest - April 12, 13

Family Day - May 25

Warbirds - September 13, 14

Huckfest - Late October

Rat Race - November 29