The following information was
provided by Mary Catherine
Carpenter.
Four months after opening the
new flying site in Catawba County,
the Catawba Valley R/Cer’s held a
fundraiser for its 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
NCPK Classrooms and Preschool
Classrooms; Summer Day Camp for
school-age children; and 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
was host to 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 its
one-day event.
The weather held out after looking
questionable earlier in the week.
Local businesses donated 30 raffle
prizes. Local churchmen did the
cooking, and Kent Porter brought his
announcing voice and equipment to
keep everyone informed on what was
going on 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.
The neighbors were invited and
given a certificate to get 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.
On May 5, 2012, the Catawba Valley
R/Cer’s 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.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/10
Page Numbers: 146
