District XI - 2011/06
Salem R/C Pilots Association Polar Bear Fly-In — January 1, 2011
The Salem R/C Pilots Association in Oregon held its Polar Bear fly-in on January 1, 2011. Dave Dibble reported on the event: "This is the best one we have ever had and it was worth all the effort we put into it. Thanks to all 33 pilots who registered and the one or two who we missed."
Dave thanked the many people who helped make the event successful:
- Joanne Dibble — for all her help and making sure everything got done.
- Ron Terry — always there to help, especially during setup and cleanup.
- Pete Melin — helped set up the event, took pictures and video clips, and sold Polar Bear sweatshirts.
- Matt and Mary Myatt — brought marshmallows and sticks for roasting.
- Glen Malone — handled the fire pit used for roasting marshmallows and warming up.
- Bob Ramseyer and Wayne Austin — brought propane heaters.
- Wayne Austin (former club president) — handled registration duties and sold Polar Bear patches.
- Alan Lasneski — helped with cleanup and registration duties.
- Dan Anderson — made sure there was water and assisted in other areas.
- John Stroup — took photos and brought the checkbook.
Dave also thanked anyone he might have missed and everyone who came to support the club's function.
The first pilots in the air were Richard Stutrud, followed by Pete Melin and Glen Malone. These men each received the new "Chili Mugs" for showing how it is done.
There was no shortage of willing pilots braving the cold and slightly windy day. Old and new pilots were both present; Dave wished he had had more time to visit with everyone.
A new trend was noted: last year there were only two or three electric airplanes, while this year electrics made up about 75% of all airplanes that flew. The club has room for helicopter pilots too, and Dave hopes they will join next year.
The event served three large crockpots of homemade chili with all the fixings — cheese, onions, chips, and crackers. The almond rock candy was also a big hit.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
