ROC Membership Meeting, 2015

Posted: October 16, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Launch Announcements | Leave a comment

It is one of my duties as Secretary of the Corporation to give notice of ROC’s Annual Membership meeting.

The 2015 meeting will be held during the November ROCStock (RS 42), taking place at Lucerne Dry Lake November 14th and 15th.  The meeting will be called to order at 5pm on Saturday, November 14th at the Range Head on the lakebed.

All ROC Members, Daily Flying members, and Spectators are invited to the meeting.  However, only Executive (Annual Paid), Board, and Lifetime Members can be recognized for business during the meeting or are authorized to vote.  This is a standing meeting; i.e. you must be present to participate.

The only item currently on the Agenda is the Announcement of the results of the 2016 Board of Directors election. Items may also be brought to the floor during the meeting after the set Agenda is completed.

From Mike Riss, Secretary

Youth Group Registration for November ROCkstock is FULL!

Posted: October 16, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Launch Announcements | Leave a comment
We have a policy for youth groups who register in advance, and are approved, to get a very reduced launch fee. The approval is for that specific visit to that specific launch, and is dependent on whether we can accommodate the group. This is open, on a “first come-first served” basis to any youth group (scouts, CAP, schools, church groups, etc.) that bring a number of youth to a launch.
We just had a very successful ROCtober launch, which is our annual launch that is specifically geared to youth groups and promoting rocketry education. At ROCtober we had multiple banks of low power pads and processes to efficiently launch a large number of rockets from them as quickly as we could safely do so. This also required an number of additional volunteers during the launch. We ensured that we had additional “porta-potties” to handle the number of people at the launch.
At our normal monthly launches we will have far fewer low power pads. We are working now on increasing from six to eight pads per bank with a new launch control system, so the number of pads at a normal monthly launch will be going up by 25%, but this is still only one bank of pads at each level. Near, middle, and far rows with each have eight pads each rather than the six we have had up now.
Even at ROCstocks, we anticipate having only two banks of low power pads, for a total of 16. Obviously, 300 youth lined up for 16 pads would mean long lines and slow launching.
In fact, we have already received requests from as many youth groups as we can accommodate at this November ROCstock. Any addition youth groups can not be approved for the lower fees, and will be encouraged to attend later launches.
At regular monthly launches we limit the number of youth approved. Again, this is “first come–first served”, so early applications are important.
Information for youth groups can be found at:  https://rocstock.org/youth-groups/
Please note also that LDRS-35 (that is Large, Dangerous Rocket Ships!) is a high-power rocketry event, and there will be no special fees for youth groups.

Weather Prediction for ROCtober

Posted: October 4, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Launch Announcements | Leave a comment

The weather for Saturday and Sunday will be a bit warmer than average, with highs of about 91° both days.

It should be calm and clear, with fairly calm weather for night launching.

Humidity is expected to be around 30%, and the UV index moderate at 6 of 10.

While the UV index is expected to be lower than at any launch so far this year, sunblock is still a good idea, and staying hydrated is always important. Bring and drink plenty of water!

Congratulations to Kurt Gugisberg and Neil Hunstein!

Posted: October 2, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Launch Announcements | Leave a comment

They will be filling the two three-year terms on the ROC Board of Directors. Mr. Gugisberg is currently on the board. Mr. Hunstein is a long time ROC flier and volunteer. Their new terms will begin on the Saturday of the November ROCstock at our annual meeting.

The ROC Board of Directors election for 2015 did come to an early end.

The two members who were elected submitted self-nominations in a timely manner, for three available positions. The Board of Directors considered the situation and our club by-laws, and decided that the two candidates would be elected for the two three-year terms of office.

The remaining vacancy will be filled for a one year term, until the 2016 election. The board of directors will appoint an Executive or Life member to fill this position. This term will also begin at the annual meeting, on the Saturday of November ROCstock.

If you are an Executive or Life member of ROC and are interested in being appointed to the vacancy, please contact any current board member or use the contact form on the web page.