The workday went great and everything was accomplished that needed doing except for weeding the runway as the predicted rain would have washed away the treatment before it had effect. We'll have to watch the weather and schedule the spraying another day, after which, we may wish to get some more volunteers with weed whackers to polish it off.

Afterward, we held a short meeting to discuss the runway plan, and the nearly unanimous opinion was that we should redouble our efforts towards a paved runway. Everyone there seemed more than willing to contribute enough money to get it done. I believe we need about $20,000 more for the repaving option. But, our membership isn't the only source of funds. We can apply for an AMA field improvement grant (up to $3,000). We can ask local businesses (esp. the local hobby stores). And, we can redouble our efforts to find the best and most affordable contractor.

On the other hand, the twenty or so regular fliers who attended workday are not necessarily representative of the eighty or so other members who show up far less frequently. As such, I'm still on the fence as to whether we can reach the goal at all. Not everyone can afford a significant contribution toward the runway, and if assessed, I suspect many members would rather quit or find another club. We won't simply get $100 or more from each of our approximately 100 members.

So, I've taken down the current survey and posted a new one with a repaving option - "Repaving, by voting here, I also pledge a contribution of $250 or more". It seems we have at least twenty people in this camp, but that's still only $5,000. If you're willing to pledge more, let me know. And, don't forget, we still have 5 and 10 year memberships for sale. The new poll will be up through August 22, to give everyone a chance to see the GeoTex at Hilltop.

One other thing I heard people say, they don't want to donate money until they know something is for sure going to happen. That being so, I'll take pledges as well (probably best for now) and we'll see if we can get a sufficiently large pledge fund to finalize plans. (Though, remember not all pledges will materialize in the end...)

Finally, I don't like to post any financial information about the club to the Internet, but those numbers aren't secret. Ask me at the field if you want to know more details.

Ken

SMRCF