Announcements

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Here we are in December getting ready to say goodbye to 2020. Just my own opinion, but good riddance to a pretty messed up year. There were some good times to talk about: we resurfaced the runway; we signed a new 5-year lease; we redesigned the RC short course track; and in November we celebrated the life of George Field. George was an honorable man and a great club supporter. He helped fund the first Float Fly and Schneider Cup reenactment. While the weather for George’s Celebration of Life was not the greatest, we had a good turnout from his family and the club. A grateful thank you to Phil Hatch for being Master of Ceremonies.

The IMAC event in November was a success. We had 32 pilots and served over 100 hamburgers during the two days. Thank you to those who came out and helped make the event a success. 

Bill Roberds made our new flight stations they look great. Thank you, Bill. These flight stations are there for your protection we encourage you to use them. 

On a sad note, club members George Field and Ron Rounds passed away in 2020. 

The website, once again, became a problem for us at the most inopportune time. For those of you who had problems paying dues, we apologize. We have learned a lesson and decided the web site does not have to be as complex as it previously was. We scrapped the old website and www.deserthawksrc.org is no longer in use.  We built a new simpler website from the ground up and our new web address is www.deserthawksrc.club. As of this writing the web site works, and you can pay dues and keep up with major club news. The club email info@deserthawksrc.club should be used for questions and to contact the BOD. Our Webmaster retired to Washington and our Membership Coordinator Carol Rinde is now also managing the Website. What is noteworthy is there is no longer a member’s area. Until we can come up with a better solution club rosters will be emailed once a quarter, with the 2021 1st quarter roster emailed the first week of January. Club minutes and treasurers reports are archived and if you need to see a specific report, email your request to treasurer@deserthawksrc.club. Please allow 5 days for a response to your request. A copy of the by-laws is available on request. By-laws, Safety Rules and most current Minutes and Treasurer’s Reports are posted on the club bulletin board.

COVID-19 is still causing issues. There is an extremely high probability that someone you know or have had contact with has been or will be exposed. For everyone’s safety if you do not feel well please stay home. 

At the December GMM, the 2021 Board of Directors were elected. We have one new board member, Mike Lacasse, who will serve as Secretary. John Orrell will continue to serve as Treasurer. The rest of the Board is unchanged from 2020.   

As we move into the new year remember we are a club of nearly 200 members. When you look around however, you must notice only 10% are carrying the load. We have been in operation for over 35 years and while we have a lot to be proud of, a high percentage of club participation is not. 

Wearing your badge is required for using the facilities. BADGE UP in 2021.

At the December GMM, the members in attendance unanimously voted to raise annual dues from $60.00 to $80.00 a year for Regular Membership and from $80.00 to $100.00 for Family Membership, effective February 1, 2021. If you pay your dues prior to December 31, your dues for 2021 are still $60.00 (Regular) or $80.00 (Family). On Jan 1, 2021 if you have not paid your dues you will be dropped from the membership roster. We have not had a dues rate change in 6 years while the cost of maintenance has been rising. This change was necessary to keep pace with our cost of running the complex. 

Ending on a high note, a sincere thank you to: John Orrell for carrying the load of two board positions for the past 3 years; Carol Rinde for managing the membership and now the website; Rob Rinde for managing Carol (or not), the Track Committee and the VP position. Thank you, Jerry Morris, for being our Safety conscious advisor officer and setting the example for all of us to follow (or not), and to Dennis Atchison for being a Large Member (or not). Please note those members taking on the responsibility of more than one position.

We cannot run this club without help. Thank you to our Field Marshall Bill McMillon.  A big thank you to Larry Salsberry who is not only our Flight Instructor but more importantly is the guy who always has time to help others. Special recognition goes to the Martinez family who make it easy to join the AMA and our club, run the track races, operate the hobby shop, as well as care for aging parents and keep up with a few kids. Thanks to Brian Fernandes, Helicopter Field Marshall. A less noticed position is occupied by Phil Hatch, the “Club Chaplain.”  If you need to talk to a good listener who understands grief, check him out. To those that contribute in any way, your BOD appreciates all that you do.  

To my fellow board members thank you for putting up with me and to the membership thank you for your trust and support. Bring it on 2021!!

Let’s Have Fun in 2021