District IV—Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia
The following information was provided by Mary Catherine Carpenter.
Sipe’s Orchard Home fundraiser (April 21, 2012)
Four months after opening the new flying site in Catawba County, the Catawba Valley R/Cers held a fundraiser for their landowner, Sipe’s Orchard Home. Since the 1940s, Sipe’s Orchard Home has been a safe and caring place for children.
Today, the Orchard serves children through a variety of programs, including:
- NC Pre-K classrooms and preschool classrooms
- Summer day camp for school-age children
- Transitional living for older youth
The club’s Fun-Fly for Sipe’s on April 21, 2012, was a hit with young and old alike. The airstrip at Sipe’s hosted pony-and-cart rides by Sipe’s staff, antique tractors, face painting, balloon art, Humane Society visitors, good food, a sheep‑herding demonstration, a paintball airplane shootout, raffle prizes, a 50/50 drawing, and, of course, plenty of amazing model airplane flying.
What a great time! Forty registered pilots from the surrounding clubs and community came out to support the cause. The club raised $2,500 for the one-day event.
The weather held out after looking questionable earlier in the week. Local businesses donated 30 raffle prizes. Local church members did the cooking, and Kent Porter brought his announcing voice and equipment to keep everyone informed throughout the day. Joel Marley (Table Rock Graphics) was there with his camera taking pictures.
The kids were in line all day to fly the club trainer, giving the intro-pilot instructors a workout. Neighbors were invited and given certificates for free food; the landowners supported the club by helping out and enjoying the day. Club members and their families showed up to help with anything and everything. What a wonderful flying family to have.
Scout show (May 5, 2012)
On May 5, 2012, the Catawba Valley R/Cers were invited to have a booth at the local Scout show at the Hickory Fairgrounds. There were Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and other community groups.
The boys enjoyed seeing airplanes and hearing about opportunities related to the hobby. The club answered questions and signed off on some of the boys’ merit badges.
Take a kid flying.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
