District IX - 2011/05
District IX Vice President
Jim Wallen; [email protected]
States
- Colorado
- Kansas
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Wyoming
Orvin Fossen — F-M Skylarks (2010 president)
The F-M Skylarks Control Line club has been around for more than 50 years, and we have dealt with everything from floods to encroaching development. Our field is owned by the City of Fargo, North Dakota, as part of the parks system, and is maintained by the Fargo Park District.
As a club, we can do almost anything we wish to enhance the site. The spring of 2010 brought another flood for us to deal with, and after years of flood waters taking their toll on our circles, we decided we needed to redo the centers of our circles and part of our Carrier deck. As club president at the time, I contacted Troy Lapp, our District IX associate vice president, and asked if we could get any financial help from AMA.
After filling out and sending in disaster assistance paperwork, the club received $500 to help with our concrete work. The photos show what has been accomplished by our club members, with help from AMA. We once again have a first-class CL flying site, and our field is open for all to fly.
— Orvin Fossen, F-M Skylarks' 2010 president
Jim Varno — F-M Skylarks (2011 vice president)
Over the holidays each year, our family watches the movie It's a Wonderful Life. The movie is about George Bailey, who doesn't appreciate what he has until he almost loses it. I see the movie relating to our life in the USA: the easier our life is, the less we seem to appreciate it and the more we take it for granted.
Most of us as F-M Skylarks realize we have one of the best flying fields in the USA. What started as a weed field, the City of Fargo and the Skylarks club have continually updated (for more than 50 years) to a park with two paved circles, one grass circle, and a Carrier deck with concrete centers.
The grass is as well maintained as most golf courses by the Fargo Park District, and because of this the park is used for a multitude of other family recreations. Taking a day off to fly and sometimes just read a book or take a nap at the field rejuvenates me to face the rest of the work week.
Being within the City of Fargo, the park is near Paul's Model Supply for any needed repairs or supplies. Many restaurants and supermarkets are close for refreshments, as is the downtown shopping area.
The field is next to the Red River for excellent fishing and has a paved bike/rollerblading path that goes on for miles. Several picnic tables and well-maintained portable toilets add to the enjoyment.
Over the years, my family has come to appreciate and love what the City of Fargo and the Skylarks have done for us. Next time you come to fly, take advantage of the park; it's not just for flying. Take a whole day to come and enjoy what the park has to offer.
— Jim Varno, F-M Skylarks' 2011 vice president
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
