Mid-Virginia Radio Control Club

This was just reported to me by Len Rozamus:

“I was saddened to learn that Dave Robelen has gone on to the ultimate flying field. This, a week after I flew one of his Pronto designs at our fun fly, evoking discussions about Dave.

The photo here was taken at a free flight contest at Dinwiddie Airport where I had the pleasure of spending the day with Dave and his daughter. The airplane he holds was one of many this prolific designer, builder and columnist was known for. We will miss him.”

Agreed. He was a great contributor to the hobby. I’ve got an old, damaged Playmate I’ll probably now rebuild, and plans for the smaller, e-powered Playmate XL. I will pursue both projects now as a tribute to this great talent.

Edit: April 12, 1:56pm. There is a touching tribute thread growing on RCGroups.com. If you’ve ever met him or built one of his designs, you might want to drop in and leave a remembrance.

Popularity: 86% [?]

Dan Slagle Uploaded over 30mb of digital photos to our server. My dad also shot a few worth sharing. I decided that rather go through the time-consuming task of processing and posting all of the images myself, I thought it would make more sense to put that time into a gallery feature that would allow members to do it themselves.

It was great to see so many digital cameras being used, but I broke out in cold sweats when I suddenly realized that all of the data that they were capturing might be heading my way.

Its a start. I’ll be creating a page soon that asks for comments and input on the Gallery’s configuration.

Popularity: 87% [?]

I was really glad to see some new guys show up at our Fun Fly. I especially liked seeing the more experienced pilots helping out the newbies. I think if we really want this club to grow we must cultivate the new folks. Because I am here to tell you if it were not for Tom Lewis I would not be flying helicopters. I would have given up on that 3rd crash.

Help a newbie - Grow the club

Popularity: 78% [?]

This new Web site, an open line of communications, has been up for nearly two weeks now.

With the exception of contributions from our newsletter editor, I have seen no more that a few visits from anonymous visitors. Maybe I’m just too impatient, too caught up in this digital age of instant gratification, but I had expected a bit more of a rapid embrace of the new format. After all, every MVRCC member now has the opportunity to have a voice on this Web site. It is not my agenda to use this as my own personal soapbox, But with nobody else willing to speak up, it begins to appear that it is.

That being said, I’m tossing out a couple of items that are significant to a number of members as catalyst for discussion:

First is the news that Hobby Corner will soon close. No big surprise to some, but nonetheless, a huge inconvenience to most. I interviewed Yvonne briefly and reported on it.

Secondly, when the wind is howling, the precipitation is stinging, where you gonna fly? The availability of small, cheap, electric aircraft open up many possibilities. Indoor venues are out there, but will require action on our part as a club. Don’t just sit there and expect to be invited!

Popularity: 78% [?]

This site is set up so that club members wanting to join will have to contact me to do so. Get the page password here and my email address here. The public at large will be able to view MOST pages on the site, but there will be a few pages and features accessible ONLY to registered members. It just has to be that way to minimize the workload of those of us who are charged with monitoring the content.

As time goes on, I will be tweaking the format, adding new features and doing all I can to make this something our membership can utilize to its best benefit. If you have any ideas, hopes and dreams for this site, let me know… we’re open for business!

By the way, the March 2007 newsletter is up and more details about the Spring Fun Fly are available. Have fun!

Popularity: 76% [?]

Please keep below the posted speed and expect the unexpected. This week we are transitioning this site to a new host, so expect a few potholes and workers stepping onto the highway. My goal is to be finished by week’s end. From there, we push the left stick forward, up the throws and start tryin’ stuff. We have a new domain, http://midvarc.com/ , but will also be pointing the old one to the new site eventually. Your patience is appreciated.

Popularity: 75% [?]

Some good buddies of mine who own a private flying site just North of Ashland have extended an invitation to all area pattern fliers to join them for an IMAC sanctioned contest on June 23 and 24. More…

Popularity: 73% [?]

Gents: I am sure, by now, that you have heard of the passing of Tony DeOrio. Tony fought a long battle of surgery and treatment, but succumbed recently. Please remember Tony for his love for the hobby and the Va. Aviation Museum and his dedication to his family and friends.

Popularity: 49% [?]

In an effort to exploit the full potential of the World Wide Web as a two way communications channel, the site you are viewing is phase 1 of a three stage proposal being offered. It will enable us to greatly enhance the quality of communications within the membership, with nearby clubs and the general public.

Membership on this level of the website is limited to that of MVRCC’s active member list. From time-to-time we may well grant membership to special contributors and liaisons from nearby clubs. Upon approval of this website, the administrator will collect and process email addresses from everyone to allow them access to the “members only” features of the site.

Content published on this site will be contributed and maintained by our membership, however, anybody in the world can view our content using a modern Web browser.

All content from the old site will be re-purposed and formatted to reside this site over time, once the domain is relocated to the appropriate host. It’s good content that should not be lost.

To read the full proposal about all three stages, look here.

Popularity: 49% [?]