We are updating our field regulations to include the following policies related to fire prevention and fire fighting.

AAM Fire Policy & Procedures

Revised Aug. 10, 2022

1. If a crash occurs (any type of model), everyone look for smoke. This is the responsibility of everyone present, not just the pilot who crashed.

2. If smoke is visible: (a) a member must be assigned to immediately call AFD. In addition to the field address posted in the east field shed, we will post maps of the area so that whoever calls AFD can better describe the location of the fire for efficient access. (b) Everyone who is physically able to do so, regardless of which flying site they are currently using, should immediately scramble to fight the fire. If you’re flying, land your plane and go fight the fire.

3. AAM will provide club members (at least annually) basic training on proper fire-fighting techniques as well as proper use of the available equipment.

4. Club will provide fire extinguishers and pay for maintenance to recharge/maintain. Members must contact the Safety Officer or other Board member if a fire extinguisher is used and needs service or maintenance.

5. AAM will enhance its firefighting capability by purchasing additional firefighting equipment and apparatus, which may include shovels, axes, blankets, “5-foot fire swatters,” and other durable tools, and installing one or more new gates in the fence to facilitate greater access to Pattridge Park.

6. Limits on flying.

a. AAM will honor any type of fire restrictions or “red flag” warnings (open burning, fireworks, etc.)

b. If a state/local/AFD fire ban or fire restriction is in effect or a “red flag” warning has been issued, members will not fly unless there is someone physically present with a working cell phone so that in the event of a fire, they can immediately notify AFD. And, if during a fire restriction or “red flag” warning, current wind conditions at the field exceed 25 mph steady or 30 mph gust within the previous hour, members will cease all flying.

c. Notice of fire ban/restriction will be based on the latest available information posted at:

https://www.jeffco.us/511/Fire-Restrictions-Bans, and

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-105.21130084991455&lat=39.83868707372878#.YryFC3bMK0o,

respectively, and monthly updates of the status of any fire bans/restrictions will be published in the newsletter and on the club’s web site.

d. AAM will attempt to schedule larger contests or invitational events (e.g., the annual Big Bird fly-in) with AFD.

Notice of Annual Business Meeting – November 1, 2022

It is my obligation to schedule and announce our intent to hold an Annual Business Meeting (“ABM”) on Tuesday, November 1^st, 2022 at 7 pm.

Location will be: Arvada Seventh-day Adventist Church, 7090 W 64th Avenue, Arvada, CO 80003.

The official Club business scheduled for the ABM will be:

1. The election of Club Officers for 2023 (i.e. President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Safety Officer). Please see separate report from the Nominating Committee regarding the current slate of officers; and
2. Voting on a proposed Dues increase for the Club (please see separate notification from the Treasurer in this NL).

Quorum Requirements

Please note that in order to conduct the ABM and have the Elections, we must have a quorum consisting of at least 30 active/voting members. Please make a point of attending for the sake of holding the elections.

Thank you,

Joe Pirozzoli, President

A Nominating Committee has been formed to seek out candidates for the 2023 Elected Officers. The Committee consist of myself (Jim Hagberg), Brian Dillman and Steve Allen. We are seeking individuals that wish to run for the elected offices of Club President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Safety Officer. The current list of candidates are as follows:

President: Joe Pirozzoli

Vice President: Bruce VerWest

Secretary: Jerry Higgins

Treasurer: Ian Isaacs

Safety Officer: Duane Gall

Anyone seeking to run for office or wishing to nominate someone else, please contact the committee or see one of us at the field. If you are nominating someone else, please be sure and ask that person if he or she will accept the nomination.

You can contact the Nominating Committee by clicking on the email link on the Board Members Webpage, under “Other Staff”. The following link will also take you there:

https://dev.arvadamodelers.com/contact/?recip=Nominating%20Committee

Thanks,

Jim Hagberg, Chairman

Brian Dillman and Steve Allen

Email: nominations@arvadamodelers.com

Jefco Aeromod’lers will be hosting their annual RC Auction this year at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds on Jan 29th.

[gview file=”https://dev.arvadamodelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-JA-Auction-flyer-Front-2.pdf”]

Our dear member and fellow modeler, Werner Illig, passed away on November 29th. Werner was 88 at the time of his passing and had been a member of AAM since July of 1991. His wife, Janice, commented that Werner derived a great deal of enjoyment from the hobby and, in particular, his membership with the Club. Werner expressly desired to not have a public memorial. As such, the family had a small, private service.  However, if you wish to express your condolences to the family, please see the intra-Club weekly update from Joe Pirozzoli, dated 12/27/2021, for instructions and an address. The family has specifically requested that not send flowers.

[gview file=”https://dev.arvadamodelers.com/wp-content/uploads/AL-737-Checklist.pdf”] [gview file=”https://dev.arvadamodelers.com/wp-content/uploads/AL-737-Presentation.pdf”]

[gview file=”https://dev.arvadamodelers.com/wp-content/uploads/Notice-of-Annual-Business-Meeting-and-Elections_2021-11.docx”] [gview file=”https://dev.arvadamodelers.com/wp-content/uploads/Nominating-Committee-Report_2021-11.docx”]

Farewell to Our Good Friend, and a Great Member

Dewey Louderback

I want to bid a fond farewell to a good friend, a super guy, and a really great member, Dewey Louderback.  Dewey and his family are moving back to Sydney, NE (which is where I believe they are originally from).  They are leaving within the next week or so and he will truly be missed.  Our records show that Dewey has been a member of AAM since 2011, although it seems quite a bit longer.  He has had a tremendously positive impact on our Club and made many, many wonderful contributions.  I’m sure I won’t be able to do him justice, because Dewey volunteered for everything!  If you need any proof, all you need to do is scan the photo galleries on Lee Jay’s website.  Dewey is everywhere!  Here are some of the things I can give him credit for:

• It seemed as though Dewey was at every work party, ever organized.  I don’t think I was ever at a work party where he was not present.
• He also made numerous special construction contributions.  The two that come immediately to mind are the mast for the East Field solar panel and mounting the large “propeller” on the peak of the East pavilion.
• Dewey was a flight instr uctor for many years and served on the Board as Chief Flight Instructor from 2016-2017.
• Dewey participated in the Harvest Festival Parades, Airshows and Open houses.
• Dewey hauled the boat and/or organized dozens of Float Fly’s held at Vern lake.
• Dewey participated in several Arvada Parks events and demonstrations.
• Dewey was an Airboss at WOTR, every year (as I recall).
• Dewey has been involved in almost everything we’ve done for the past 10 years.

I cannot think of anything that Dewey hasn’t participated in.  However, the one thing that Dewey may best be known for, are his wonderful “foamie creations”.  Dewey has designed and built some of the most unique and interesting foamies any of us have ever seen (or are likely to ever see again).  I know that there are many, many of us that own a “Dewey-built” Polaris.  And I, for one, will never part with it.

A more decent, humble and generous man, you may never know.  If you happen to run into Dewey, please make sure you shake his hand, thank him, and wish him and his family bon voyage and a happy life!

Once again, I am very sad to report the loss of one of our fellow members. Brian Gates reported to me that his father, Sidney Gates (88), passed away on 5/15/2021. Many of you know that ‘Sid’ was one of the giants of our hobby and very well known throughout the Denver RC community. He was also one of the founding members of the Denver RC Eagles (i.e. Cherry Creek).

I first met Sid (a couple of years ago) when he was out flying with Brian. I remember writing about Father’s and Son’s enjoying this the hobby together, and highlighting the fact that these 2 fella’s were not a “typical” father and son. I also remember thinking how special it was that, after so many years, they were still enjoying this great hobby together. I will pass along details about a memorial and an obituary as they are available. Until then, please join me in extending condolences to Brian and their family and wishing Godspeed Sit Gates!

You can see Sid’s flying in the videos he posted to his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/sidgates/videos

Here is some ancient flying: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OkJfP6ZDeA&t=11s

Sid’s memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 30 at 11:00am., at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6601 S. Colorado Blvd. Centennial, CO 80121. Memorial donations may be sent to either Air Force Aid Society or The American Heart Association.  You can read his obituary at the link below

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/centennial-co/sidney-gates-10200776