Nov ROCC launch is a GO with Exceptions (Next Weekend Nov 17th and 18th)

OK, everyone has been bugging me about flying at the Farm. Well, here is the current situation. I spoke to Kip Williams tonight (Nov. 7th) regarding the field status. The left hand side of the field has been harvested both of corn and soybeans. They have begun work in the back on the right hand side of the field to harvest it. He expects it to be done by next weekend. The farm received 4" of rain two weeks ago which has allowed them to plant the Barley for the winter crop. That is the good news.
Now, we should be able to launch next weekend provided he completes cutting out the soybeans. The soybeans only leave about a 1" to 2" stalk after harvest which decreases fire risk on the field. However, we still have the surrounding areas to worry about as far as fire threat. You may or may not be aware that when we have "High Wind" days the wildfire danger alerts are posted up on weather.com as special weather statements due to all the dry brush and debris on the ground.

(Ralph's personal experience added here)
Recently, the wildfires in San Diego came within feet of burning my sister's home in Rancho Bernardo to the ground, her subdivision of around 200 homes lost 70 to those fast moving wildfires. Obviously, we will not be flying in gale force winds. however, extreme caution and smart flying will be of utmost importance. As I told Brad it does not take a Rocket Scientist to figure out we are in an extreme drought situation and every day we don't get more rain the drier the brush becomes. With that said lets hope for more rain and a break in the conditions

Official launch announcement:

Saturday and Sunday November 17th and 18th from 11:00 to 5:00 each day

ROCC Sport launch ( Recommend that Motor Power be limited and fly only the most stable and predictable rockets.) RSOs and LCO will be more stringent than normal.

Vendors: Ken Allen from Performance hobbies should be there both days.
Brent Johnson from Hobbytown will be at the launch Nov 17th and 18th.

Meetings: We will have a meeting both days promptly at 3:00pm, no slacking off this year.
Topics: ROCC Elections, need to make nominations for club offices. Election to be held at the December launch.
NAR Contest: Make recommendations on what kind and when.
2008 Membership drive kick-off
New T-Shirts are in make sure if we owed you on from last year, that you received. Roy, bring cash box as we owe Mark Ferrel money.

Duty Roster: I will have new sign-up sheets for the launches through April next year. Sign up to help, please.

Porta-Potty: I will work to have one there by next Friday.

Flyer-Fees: Please come out and fly and pay your fees. Recommended $8-$10 donation a day per flyer. We still have to pay the Piper.

Note: Keep an eye on email and the website for any changes regarding our launch.

Questions, comments - Ralph Roberts @ roccprez@bellsouth.net

Sincerely,
Ralph Roberts
ROCC Prez and prefect.

PS This weekend in Oburg they are having a 2 day Research launch for Tripoli Level 2 folks. I had orginally planned to attend this launch, but due to a hectic weekend at home I have had to scrub the trip.