District IX
BRENDA SCHUETTE, Associate Vice President (AVP), Auburn, Kansas, sends this insight into control-line (CL) activity in her area.
Topeka Control Line Association (TOPCLASS) — New Year's Tradition
We did it again! The Topeka Control Line Association (TOPCLASS) celebrated the New Year by flying the old year out and the New Year in. With special permission from the City of Topeka Parks Department, several members met at our flying circle in Gage Park around 11:30 p.m. on December 31 to get their planes ready for the last/first flight of the year.
This is a tradition our club started in 1988. While the number of participants has varied over the past 20 years, it is a tradition we have found enjoyable and hope to continue for many more years.
This year we had four pilots on the circle before midnight. Unfortunately, at 11:59 p.m. the wind decided to take out one of the planes, leaving three to survive until the clock struck midnight signaling the beginning of 2009.
Including the spectators who arrived to help us celebrate, there was a total of 14 participants. Weather is not an excuse for not attending this event. This year it was a blustery 23 degrees and the wind was blowing at least 15 to 20 mph. Needless to say, the guys put up their flights, packed up their gear, and off to IHOP we went for some hot chocolate, breakfast, and a lot of visiting.
Another tradition that TOPCLASS observes is to get together on New Year’s Day for more flying and camaraderie. Although only three members were able to make it this year, the tradition was carried on. What a wonderful way to start the New Year.
TOPCLASS wishes you and your families a very Happy New Year!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
