Merry Christmas and
A Happy New Year!

No December Meeting
2006 Applications are Available

"Don't do anything stupid!" This was the calming, sage advice Jack Squire gave me, as I was about to make my solo attempt on an overcast day at Millis in October of 2000. "I can continue being a nursemaid if you want...but you're ready to solo," he said. "Just don't do anything stupid."
xxxThese words rolled over and over in my mind as I timidly started my Easy 2 trainer and walked up towards the pilot station. Jack had been incredibly patient with me throughout the summer months, guiding me through the typical rough spots along the learning curve. I think he was right with the nursemaid comment, as I probably would have been content to continue hearing his resonant voice in my ear as I practiced lazy figure eights over our heads. So, with all the compassion of a mother bird kicking the reluctant chick out of the nest, Jack sent me off to fend for myself on that autumn afternoon...shaky knees and all.
xxx I had a similar experience a season or two later when Mike Kenney pitched me on becoming a member of the MMAC board as secretary. "Secretary?" I thought. "What do I know about being a club secretary?"
xxx Mike went on to explain about how everyone has busy personal lives, but if club members refuse to step up and contribute...then eventually there wouldn't be a field, or a club for that matter. So, partially out of a sense of guilt and mostly so Mike would stop bugging me, I agreed to take on the job.
xxx It's funny, but after 24 years of marriage, two kids and running a successful business, you would think that not much would surprise me. However, what I have learned lately is that sometimes we need a little push to do the thing that's best for us. To take on new challenges, which help us to grow and make every day interesting. That's what this hobby...and this club in particular...have taught me. The friendships and camaraderie I've had the pleasure to experience are icing on the cake.
xxx Now I find myself as club president. What do I know about being a club president? I would have been content to continue as secretary. But, when I think about it...what would have been the challenge in that?
xxx So as the 2005 flying season comes to a close and we look forward to the holidays and the coming winter as an opportunity to build, repair and dream of the smell of fresh mowed grass and castor oil, I'd like to thank you for giving me the chance to try something new and challenging.

And yes, Jack...I'll try not to do anything stupid!

Keep up your airspeed!
Jim McCoy

Club Meeting November 29, 2005

The club's new president and previous secretary, Jim McCoy, brought the annual meeting to order a little after 7:30PM. Jim's first order of business was to thank the retiring board members Mike Mauricio and Charlie Neville, and continuing member Dave Seale for their time and dedicated service over the past year. Jim also welcomed the two new board members; Bill O'Donnell and Roger Gilman. As a special note, Dave Seale has now been club treasurer for three years and editor of the club newsletter since July 2003.
xx The secretary's report as published in the November newsletter was accepted by a unanimous vote. The annual treasurer's report for 2005 and the monthly November report were read by Dave Seale and accepted. In addition, Dave also presented his 2005 Banquet financial report.
xx A motion was made and seconded to keep the membership cap at its current level of 150. It was noted that the current membership level is approximately 50.The motion passed unanimously. A motion was made and seconded to keep the dues at last year's amount of $50 with a $5 discount if paid on or before the January 2006 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.The ensuing discussion focused on the following issues:

xx • The club does not currently have an emergency fund.
xx • Only 14 out of the 50 members took advantage of the $5 dues discount.
xx • It was felt by some present that we should strive to make money
xxxxfrom all of the events we hold. The club does not sponsor a major
xxxxfund raising event each year.

A motion was made, seconded, and accepted to have the board implement as quickly as possible an electronic form of the newsletter. In electronic form, the newsletter can be emailed to members and posted on the club website. It was noted that most members now have email. The newsletter currently costs the club approximately $500 annually to publish and mail. An electronic newsletter will allow the editor to include more articles and pictures. Also, the pictures will now be in color. For those members that do not have access to email, the club will continue to send them a paper version as it does today.
xx Jim McCoy asked Bill Lloyd to continue in his role as the club's safety officer. Bill accepted, then took a moment to state a couple of his unwritten rules:

xx • Do not start an engine at the field (or at home) alone. If you
xx x happen to get hurt you may not be able to summon help.

xx • Do not go into the swamp alone. It will be very difficult
xx x to find someone who gets lost or stuck out there.

The club did not appoint a Bill Martin Field representative was appointed for next year. The general feeling is that a representative at CRRC meetings is not necessary and the board will deal with issues if they arise.
xx A tentative club schedule for 2006 will be published by Dave Seale in this newsletter. It includes a couple of fun flies and the annual Milford day event. John Holcomb mentioned that the club used to hold a picnic and was wondering if anyone would like to run such an event this year.
xx Dave Seale mentioned that Al Tripp is getting out of RC and is selling all of his planes and equipment. A complete listing will be in this newsletter.
xxBill Lloyd conducted a show and tell (all tell). He was troubleshooting a problem with Bill Costello's plane that has an engine set up as a pusher. The engine on the pusher would quit every time it took off. Bill L finally asked Bill C which way he had installed the gas tank. Bill C answered that he had installed it with the front facing the engine. Bill L's response was that the tank was installed backward. The tank needs to be installed with clunker towards the rear of the airplane. When taking off, the fuel moves in the tank toward the back of the plane. If the clunker is at the other end, as it was in Bill C's pusher, it will draw air. The solution was to turn the tank around so it is orientated as it would be in all of our pullers. Good job, detective Bill.
xx Anticipating that the dues would remain at their current level, Jim McCoy printed the 2006 Membership Application form. A new check box has been added this year for members to indicate if they would like to receive the newsletter electronically. A motion to adjourn was accepted and the raffle was held. Bill O'Donnell will be taking over the raffle from Jack Squier. Thank you, Jack, for a job well done.

Roger Gilman
MMAC Secretary

Web Sites to Check Out

www.bassfiles.net/parachute.swf
Don't miss this sky-diver game! (sound & pix)