Crestline Soaring Society

The Flypaper

Newsletter for the Crestline Soaring Society
USHPA Chapter 16

P.O. Box 9052, San Bernardino, CA 92427-9052 · www.crestlinesoaring.org

December, 2004

President's Report

It’s been a very successful year with the CSS managing to overcome some major hurdles. Thanks go to the many members who jumped in to assist in the extensive work parties since the fires of Oct 2003. I would also like to express a special thanks to the CSS officers for their extra effort in keeping the CSS moving forward on everyone’s behalf.

LZ Lease Renewal:

We have just negotiated a renewal of our LZ lease with the Department of Water Resources. It’s for the next 5 years making it the 3^rd 5 year lease for us since the inception of the Andy Jackson Airpark in 1994. Final signing should be in the first few days of Dec 2004. This has happened as hoped and expected, but it is very nice to have something as big as this not become yet another major project for us to work on. Thank you DWR!

Toy Drive:

The annual Christmas Toy Drive is coming up Saturday Dec 18^th from 2PM to sunset at the Andy Jackson Airpark. For those new to the CSS, this is the largest annual PR event for the CSS. Members are encouraged to bring a donation of a nice unwrapped new toy. If you find you can’t bring a toy, you may donate $ directly to the CSS letting us know it’s for the toy drive. Each year funds based on past donation$ are used to purchase toys that greatly boost the amount of toys at the drive. Please send in cash donations by Dec 12^th, but even if you are running late please send it in as it will be used for the following year.

Here’s a picture from last year’s drive. Yes, the local fire department comes out to collect the toys which they subsequently distribute to local needy kids though the “Spark of Love” program. It’s nice they collect toys on this trip instead of a pilot from a hillside. We can help needy kids, show appreciation for our fire department and have some fun all at the same time.

Update: CSS Toy Drive was a big success, with members donating over $1,100 and the CSS Charity Fund kicking in an additional $500.

2003 Toy Drive: A nice turnout for the 2003 Toy Drive on Dec. 20th. The mountainside in the background burned in the 'Old' fire 3 weeks earlier.

Elections:

Also, it’s time to think about upcoming elections for the CSS for the year 2005. Here are the current offices and officers in 2004:

President – Rob McKenzie
Vice-president – Len Szafaryn
Secretary – Kathy Rhodes
Treasurer – Alan Crouse
Editor and Webmaster – Ken Howells
Site Coordinator – Dianne McKenzie
Safety Director – Gary Brock
Activities Director – [vacant]

As of this writing I believe that the current officers are willing to run again for the same offices. But it is encouraged that ANY CSS MEMBER willing to hold an office, either being one that is currently filled or one of the 2 vacant positions, please let me know. Or you can nominate someone else. But if nominating someone else, please get their permission before submitting their name. You must do so by Jan 1^st 2005. You can contact me by email through the flytandem.com website contact page or telephone (909) 883-8488. Ballots will be mailed out early in January. Elections will be held the first week of Feb 2005.

Remember that the positions are not to be taken lightly as the many decisions for the day to day running of the CSS are in the hands of the officers. But if you think you would be able and willing to volunteer a few hours a year to the task, please feel free to step forward. We have learned to streamline much of the interaction among the officers through online meetings. This has greatly reduced the amount of time needed to hold an office.

See you at the toy drive on the 18th!!!

If there is anything you wish to contact me about, remember that the best way is to drop an email to president@crestlinesoaring.org

- Rob McKenzie, CSS President

Notes From The Vault

In looking back over the past year it seems amazing; what we have done and where we are today. Last year this time, CSS had just spent about $6,400 to fence and protect the LZ after the devastating Olds fire. Marshall was closed and the potential dates for re-opening were pushed farther and farther into the future with each passing month. On the financial front, we were in great shape even after the fence with $39,056.81 in the bank.

You all know the story from there. Fencing the Marshall road was a great success in volunteer turnout from members and pilots all across the region. Probably the best $7,000 we ever spent. We’ve also replaced a water tank destroyed in the fire, and added a second storage unit in the LZ area. The 10^th Anniversary Fly-In was not only a great time, thanks to many generous sponsors and the huge turnout of pilots; it also made a little money for the club. Twelve months later, our bank account is somewhat reduced at $28,956.82. But the reduction can be directly attributed to one-time (we hope) capital costs. On-going operating costs and revenues over the year were essentially break-even.

We continue to maintain a healthy reserve of approximately two year’s operating cost. The new lease is in place, we have a greatly strengthened relationship with the USFS, and our application for designation as a federal charitable organization (501(c)3) is under review with the IRS.

So come on out and fly! Let’s take full advantage of our World Class site!

See you up there,

- Alan Crouse, CSS Treasurer

Weather Station and Webcams Awaiting Location

We have a lead on locating the euipment on the microwave towers just east of Crestline launch. We sent a proposal to the BNSF railroad after John Hoehn spoke to the local communications coordinator and had a very encouraging conversation. We are still waiting to hear back from them.

- Ken Howells, CSS Website & Editor

Vice-President's Report

A 2005 competition calendar poster is offered for free by the 2005 US Paragliding Team. It's got the major Paragliding and Hanggliding US competitions happening in 2005. Contact Len at if you'd like a copy.

- Len Szafaryn, CSS Vice-President

2005 Competition Calendar Poster