Recipe for a well-fed soul. Ralph ReedRalph Reed · Pennel made a Red, White and Blue beauty. Sam Zeiler used a Prismatic fabric that will sparkle when the kite tumbles. I was impressed

Number 43 The newsletter of the South Jersey Kite Flyers March/April, 2003 _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Recipe for a well-fed soul. Ralph ReedRalph ReedRalph ReedRalph Reed

Take one kite flier, place in an open area, allow the sun and wind to wash over flier. Add kite. This can be of any shape and size to suit individual taste. Combine with string. The choice of kite will determine the amount of line needed. Allow the flier and kite to mix freely. Add music to taste. This music can be the rustle of the wind against the sail or ear-splitting rock and roll. Some days the soul needs a simple meal of one kite flown in solitude, other days, a banquet of many kites and friends. This recipe can doubled as needed, and works best if shared with laughter. To keep the soul well fed, this recipe

should be enjoyed as often as possible

Oregon Kite Makers Retreat January 16 – 19 2003

By Scott E. SpencerBy Scott E. SpencerBy Scott E. SpencerBy Scott E. Spencer

This year’s trip really started two years ago. I was invited to do a weaving workshop at OKR 2001. They liked my teaching skills, and the committee chose to invite me back. The original plan was for me to do an Ice-cream cone workshop, but since other local presenters were scheduled to do line laundry I was asked to do a Facet Kite. I regrouped and dusted off the info that I used for workshops with SJKF, Keystone Kiters and Wings over Washington. Then I upgraded the tensioning system to what’s available today.

I was fortunate to finally attend the Washington State International kite Festival this summer, and placed first in the cellular category. My entry was the proposed workshop kite but, as you know me, I had to kick it up a notch. The ultimate Facet was made with graphics and cantilevered two-inch wide contrasting edges. With the new tensioning screw the skin was the tightest I had ever made. To justify this extra work I figured it was a good way to show what can be done on their next facet kite. My prep work goes into full swing. There are parts to order, materials to get ready, and then the hardest part packing the workshop suitcase. I also committed to doing another workshop; AOK and AKA mini banners and a Fly Fishing type Cat Toy. There was so much stuff to take, and not much space in the workshop suitcase. After packing, then rearranging twice, everything is squeezed in. Why, did I need 45 pounds of stuff? I tie the case closed with some 2,000 pound spectra line and pray the case isn’t opened for inspection, they’d never get everything back in. My short ski bag is stuffed with a bunch of facets I have made over the years, and I even left a few home; not enough space. Security was tight, with the new National Transportation Security (NTS) group going through there rookie period. We arrive in the medium size Portland airport at two in the afternoon. The place was quite deserted. The shops past the security point were closed. No outgoing fliers, no business. All the planes had left in the morning, and there were only a few arriving flights. Once we passed the checkpoint into the public area things looked normal, shops were open for business and people were milling about; it didn’t look like a ghost town. The hotel shuttle was convenient, even for our host since there was no need for someone to pick us up. At this point we’ve been up for twelve hours, but it’s not even dinnertime yet. After checking in at the hotel, we get back on the shuttle for the five-minute ride back to the airport to catch the light rail train to “city center”. No my dyslexia didn’t jump in there, that’s what they call the downtown area. After getting some good advice from the tourist info place we’re

Page 2 WindWriters #43

off to find a tall pink building. On the 40th floor is the Portland Grill. The three sides offer a beautiful panoramic view. The weather is clear, affording a lovely view of Mt.Hood. The food was decorative and tasty. Seafood is the specialty in this area. They even have Atlantic salmon. As the sun finally sets we stroll the Chinatown section, and then its back on the train and shuttle for an early bedtime. The next morning Barb Wright picks us up. A short trip across the Columbia River and we’re in Vancouver, WA, to hook up with her husband Sam and Diane Weber. Now for the best part, the two-hour drive through Tillamook state forest on a scenic mountain road. First destination is a stop in Tillamook, OR, world famous for great ice cream, and cheese. Legs stretched and tummies happy were off to Twin Rocks Friendship Camp, which is our home for the weekend. This Christian summer camp is on the coast road affording a constant earful of the soothing ocean waves. Dorm style rooms are suitable. Three buildings give ample space to conduct, three, twenty person workshops at a time. The family style meals are tasty and prepared with loving care and there’s always seconds. Having arrived with the registration folks I get to have some fun. I sort through the seventy some packets and find my workshop participants. Each one gets a red star on their nametag. This is to help me place names with faces without looking stupid. The camp slowly fills up and there are plenty of small gatherings as kite friends reunite. Saturday I attend a class by Sam Huston, making a no sew Della Porta kite. Looking back it was an enjoyable day, but that’s hindsight. I did have a few moments when these new no sew skills did not meet my standards. I ease my stress by teaching my table partner, Cari King, how to tie knots properly, a few trips to the snack room are calming too. Without sewing machines humming away people kept conversations to a whisper. The calmness was refreshing and odd at the same time. Sam is very exacting, and presents a finely tuned class. That evening I start unpacking and putting my stuff out in preparation for my class the next day. That evening I also sleep soundly for the first time in two weeks. For weeks before a presentation my mind races with preparing plans and witty things to say, oh well, if I haven’t done or thought of it by now it’s to late. Even with all the planning I put myself through, when it comes to show time I usually improvise and go with the flow most of the time anyway.

Panels were precut and sent out with edge binding so the participants don’t waste time, two – four hours’ edge binding when there are more important things to learn. Learn they did. I have made most of the mistakes there are to make, and that’s why I was standing in front of the room and everyone else was sitting waiting for me to verbalize my many mistakes. I made it through half my prepared outline before I lost track of it. No worries, everything is flowing well. I renamed Scott Hartley “Gus”, so I wouldn’t get an unneeded whiplash responding to calls when it isn’t for me. When I’d take a smoke break or visit the snack room I’d return and see some people spinning in place just looking for me. What a hoot. I break my workshops down into smaller segments so people won’t be overwhelmed with all the details or peripheral info presented. Even with all the forethought to fool proof the assembly of the kite, someone finds a way to make a mistake. Good thing I insisted on checking their kites at critical steps. THE BELL: One of my teaching aids is a small replica of the Liberty Bell. When I had an announcement I’d ring the bell, wait for the sewing to stop then make the announcement. It sure is less intimidating then yelling. Two students did some graphic work on their kites. Cliff Pennel made a Red, White and Blue beauty. Sam Zeiler used a Prismatic fabric that will sparkle when the kite tumbles. I was impressed with the quality of the rest of the kites too. Dinner arrived quickly and most people were just about finished. When requested each class has a Teacher’s assistant. They collect the kit fees and help were needed. Ronda Brewer helped me. As in the last time that I was there, she was tireless in assisting me. Tying knots for those who were knot tying challenged, offering direction when I was busy with someone else, or even giving a more technical explanation to what I just said; I like to keep it simple. Her help made my day less hectic, and with out her things would not of run as smoothly. I’m sure the twenty students in my class appreciated her assistance too. After dinner I held a question and answer session on math and how to apply it to kite designing. A couple learned enough to commit to making a larger facet later on. The evening winds down as small groups gather for an evening of fun, comradelier, and lots of laughter. (Continued on Page 4.)

WindWriters #43 Page 3

Presidential Pondering Bryan BozarthBryan BozarthBryan BozarthBryan Bozarth

S.J.K.F. President

Bryan Bozarth [email protected]

Vice Presidents 1st - Scott Spencer [email protected]

856-854-5520 2nd - Chris Mears

lorddeimos@

Secretary Betty Hirschmann

[email protected] 856-854-5520

Treasurer Pat Mozier


Directors at Large Mike Dallmer

[email protected] 215-722-4092(H)

215-233-6509(W) Jim Davis


Publishers Lee & Ethel Kraft


Merchandise Russ & Pat Mozier


Hospitality Cel Dallmer


Editor Charles Bojarski



(From Page 2.) THE RAFFEL: The bag raffle is held at the conclusion of each meal. Just put your name on the back of a fifty cent ticket and drop it in the appropriate bag. Emotions run high, and low, during the drawings. Six-year-old Zack Colbert never hesitated to let everyone know he was disappointed if he didn’t win his desired items. Zack was a ticket sales person too. Twenty bucks for a bundle was his enthusiastic pitch. Even at a young age he knew the difference between a Lincoln and Jefferson. To keep that one smartass honest, Zack was not allowed to give change. Speaking of gamesters, OKR hosts lots of’m. I got to be the brunt of one of their games. It started last year no less when Arnold Stellema won two to many items. So, this year he was asked to tease me. I kept winning items I didn’t want, or even for which I had not put a ticket in the bag. After the third item, I asked to see the drawn tickets thinking they were confusing my name with someone else. There it was my name clearly written. At that point I knew exactly what was going down, but who was the mystery Santa. Thanks Arnold, SJKF will have class, snack room mother Sylvia Cate knew exactly were to put here hand in the some special items in their next raffle. All proceeds of the raffle go to running the next OKR. With over $4,000 dollars it will be a wonderful event with great invited guests. Sunday’s activities are scheduled for only a half-day. My mini banner workshops are poorly attended, so this gives me time to make a couple of AOK banners for thank you gifts for the major workers. At lunch, I presented the Liberty (Freedom) Bell Award to Mrs. Wright for her hard work as Registration Nanny. Jeremy Colbert (Auction Shepherd) and Diane Weber (Do all dudette) received the AOK mini banners. With any event there is a plethora of volunteers. Teaching assistants for each ice chest to find any beverage you desired. Behind the scenes organizers, lots of raffle workers, and many other dutiful folks are there volunteering their services. My appreciation goes out to all the helpers, without them the retreat would not be the pleasurable experience that everyone enjoys. By lunch most people have packed their cars and are ready to leave. Most have quite a way to go. A stroll up the hill is my plan. A short ways up the hill is a place called meditation point. Some trees have been cleared to afford a

lovely view of the ocean and the Twin Rocks. This is the first time in this ten-year event that it didn’t rain. Guess what? I don’t think anyone else has a nice photo of the sea bound boulders. Onto the summit, I don’t make it since the trail becomes unidentifiable I’m not kidding since I even got a little lost on the way back. By the time I make it back, the registration team has finished their shut down duties. Off we go to Tillamook for a celebratory ice cream farewell party. My little hike exhausted me so much I slept most of the way back to Portland. That evening dinner with Barb and Sam is enjoyable as we recap the weekend’s accomplishments and delights. Even with an early morning flight home it’s late by the time we make it home. The folks at NTS decided to search my workshop suitcase on the way back, I know since they left a letter inside saying they did. What a great trip!!

(Scott's No-sew Della Porta)


Everyone's help is needed!! By Mike Dallmer,By Mike Dallmer,By Mike Dallmer,By Mike Dallmer,

DirectorDirectorDirectorDirector----atatatat----LargeLargeLargeLarge

Hello Fellow Kite Flyers. This is Mike Dallmer, your Director at Large. First let me say that this is not an attack on Scott, Betty or myself but I'm tired of seeing articles by those three individuals in WindWriters. Are we three the only people that know how to put pencil to paper fingers to the keyboard, thoughts to paper? Are we the only people that attend events, got stuff for the Holidays, been anywhere? I know for a fact that a lot of you also attend events, why not write about it. If you are worried about your form, that is why we have an editor, Charlie Bojarski, [email protected], who I'm sure would welcome the opportunity to work with you to get your thoughts, ideas, etc. into our fantastic newsletter. Remember that WindWriters can only be as good as the articles that are in it and I personally am tired of reading articles by the same people all the time. I'm sure you feel the same way also. WE need your ideas, stories, even recipes, so how about it???? This isn't a personal attack against anyone and I know there are other people that write but from my experience as Editor I know these are the most prolific writers. Good Winds....Mike

Well how about some notes from the MKS Retreat?

Alice HaydenAlice HaydenAlice HaydenAlice Hayden

I was a co-shepard of the MKS Weekend Kite Retreat this year and we had a great time. Yep, it snowed that weekend and we sort of got snowed in at the retreat with most attendees opting to stay through Tuesday. But our presenters made it in from Seattle, Toronto and Providence. What a bonus, a true 3 day retreat again. This gave most attendees time to finish both a line junk piece from Bob & Charmayne Umbowers and a Vietnamese Angel Kite from Lam Hoac. Joe Triccarico gave his great lecture on Sewing Machines & their maintenance. Arnold Simon did the Bockman Barn Door, a kite made from split

yardsticks, so who needs to shave bamboo. I presented the Horned Allison sled kite. Harold Ames, winner of the MKS Purple Heart award, had worked out plans with Bill Bigge for the Janus Airplane kites and even a few of these were well on there way to being completed. There was plenty for everyone to do. And Steve was there with Kite Studio and Val brought the Kitelines bookstore, lest boredom set in or supplies ran low. What better way to enjoy the snow than to be snowed in with good friends with common interests, warm rooms, comfortable beds and good food. The Bethesda Sheraton 4-Points Hotel was very hospitable in extenuating circumstances, they extended the MKS group rate to us for the Monday night and let us have the conference room for the full day Monday and through noon on Tuesday. Though the choice of Bethesda was a great site with many restaurants and shops in walking distance. Most were closed Sunday & Monday. We found one restaurant open in walking distance Sunday and an intrepid group of 11 or so walked out through knee deep snow and over huge drifts & plowed piles of snow to go tex-mex at El Guappo's. Los Once Amigos de Cometas?? It was an adventure and the food was good. Don't ever feed Lam Hoac Bailey's Irish Cream with a Margarita chaser. Monday night the roads were plowed more and a few more restaurants were open and an even larger group all tried Thai at the Sweet Basil restaurant (just a few more blocks away). This time Lam entertained us with magic tricks (what a presenter, single line kites, a stunt kite discussion and dinner entertainment!). So think about it for next year, always President's weekend in Maryland, somewhere. You won't regret it.

The Maryland Kite Retreat or

Fun during a Blizzard Russ Mozier Russ Mozier Russ Mozier Russ Mozier

Pat and I went to the Maryland Kite Retreat over President's weekend this year and got snowed in. The retreat was scheduled to start Friday evening and to end at noon on Monday. Due to the blizzard of 2003 it actually ended at noon on Tuesday. Talk about lucking out, what could be more fun than being stuck in a hotel with about 45 avid kite builders and some well known presenters. (Continued on Page 6) We checked into the hotel Friday afternoon, set-up our work tables and adjusted our sewing machines. A dinner


buffet including sandwiches and salads was served from 6 to 10pm. We began Saturday with a full breakfast provided by the hotel and then worked on our projects from 8 to 6. The projects were a traditional Vietnamese Kite of bamboo and tissue by Lam Hoac. Sewing machine repair by Joe Tricarico, two large pieces of line laundry by Bob and Charmayne Umbowers, the Janus kite by Harold Ames and Bill Bigge, a Horned Allison Sled Kite by Alice Hayden, the Brookman Barn Door Kite by Arnold Simon and mini table banners by yours truly. There was a very nice banquet Saturday evening followed by the Maryland Kite Society auction. We worked on our projects again all day (from 8am to 10pm) Sunday and Monday and packed up Tuesday morning. The hotel provided a full complimentary breakfast every morning and we were on our own for lunch and dinner Sunday and Monday, most of us ate in the hotel because of the snow. Their food was really good. It hard to explain just how much fun it was being snowbound with about forty-five kite builders in a really great hotel for three full days with nothing to do but build kites and socialize

Cel update, 3/13/03, 195 days in the hospital!!195 days in the hospital!!195 days in the hospital!!195 days in the hospital!!

And personal notes.And personal notes.And personal notes.And personal notes.

Cel was transferred to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) on 1-8-03 after Jeanes felt as if they could do no more and that she needed another series of operations, which haven't happened yet. Since I last wrote Cel is improving though there has been a few setbacks. The worse was on 2/28/03, the Anniversary of 6 months in the hospital. Cel felt as if she couldn't breath, her pulse skyrocketed to 160 - 170 and her blood pressure dropped to where they had to give her medicine and fluids to maintain it at a safe level. Cel was put back on the Respirator after being off it for 8 straight days, for a time she needed 100% oxygen to maintain her blood oxygen level. Cel had to be heavily sedated to make her comfortable. They thought she might have thrown a blood clot to her lungs, but a CT Scan was done to check it out and turned out to be inconclusive. Another idea, something to do with here belly and that dreaded Sepses (?) had hit again. My and Cel's thought was that she hadn't really had a peaceful sleep for 5 straight days, was over tired and had a panic attack. Before this happened her sleep was very restless, her arms legs and mouth were going constantly. Since this event her sleep is very restful

and peaceful. Cel has not gotten of the Respirator yet, they are being real cautious this time, today's goal is 16 hours without it. Of course because she is still on the Respirator, Cel still cannot talk but her writing skills are back to the point where I can understand it. Whenever I need to hear her voice I call home and listen to the answering machine and hear her say "we're out chasing the wind", man we wish. Her arm and leg strength is also slowly improving though she does have a condition called "dropped foot". This is when her feet, when she is laying down, are parallel to the floor and when she stands, with the help of a Physical Therapist, bending her feet 90 degrees makes the back of her legs hurt really bad. This condition will go away with work. Her spirits are still amazing good, though she misses being really held (I miss that too) and she misses the Grandchildren a whole lot. Marc was sick recently and in the hospital for 6 days and she wanted nothing more than to be with him and support Gina and Ken. He was diagnosed with something called "Kawasaki Syndrome", a swelling of the Arterial System, if not caught early enough it could cause heart damage but they think it was caught in time, we'll really know more in April when he has another ECO Cardiogram. On 2/12/03 they decided to put a Chest Tube in Cel to take care of a pocket of fluid that was forming around her left lung. Of course nothing ever goes without a hitch. Around midnight the day they put it in, it came disconnected from suction letting air into her chest cavity collapsing a lung. It took a week to get over that incident. Cel really wants to eat and drink, hasn't done that since October, she has a real craving for Watermelon and Iced Tea. Anyone who wants to visit may but it advisable to call me first since her room is always changing and normally I can tell a day in advance if she's going to be up for visitors. Visiting hours are 11 am till 8 pm. Me, how am I doing, as well as can be expected living through this nightmare. There are so many ups and downs that some days I don't know which way I'm going. I'm trying to work half days, 6 am till 10 am, but some of the days I just cannot do it. Then I spend from 11 am till 8 pm with Cel, I think my being there really helps her mentally.


I hope all of you understand why I gave up the AKA Regional Director's job I really appreciate all the support that you've shown me in this endeavor but there wasn't enough time to do everything that needed to be done. Todd Little will do a great job. Please show him the support you've shown me. I will try to continue to support the AKA to the best of my ability as Club Liaison and Co-chair of the AKA Annual Auction with one of our favorite far away members and supporters, Rob Cembalist. Mike Jr., Mom, Gina, Ken, Marc, Eric, and Nicky (he was 2 weeks old when this started and is now over 7 months old) really miss her and are all doing their part to make it during this difficult time and are each dealing with it in their own way. The move to HUP has really been difficult on them as the hospital is at least a half hour from home, Jeanes 5 minutes, and with work it is difficult to get there and to far to drive for Mom. Speaking of Mom, she has been a trooper throughout this entire ordeal, making sure I'm eating and taking care of myself, most nights I come to a platter of home cooked food, a lot better than hospital food. The Grandchildren really miss their Mom Mom as they've only seen her once, Christmas Day, since she's been sick. Sometimes it doesn't pay to have a close family, as it is tough when one gets sick but without that close family I don't know where I'd be without these guys, I really miss those family dinners. I really appreciate all the love and support everyone has shown us through this nightmare but please don't stop, once Cel is out of the hospital it will take a year to a year and a half for her to get back to normal, at least now we can talk about that.. That's all for now, we hope too see you on the flying field sometime soon ..... Mike

Some things to make you go hmmm….Some things to make you go hmmm….Some things to make you go hmmm….Some things to make you go hmmm…. Why is there a light in the fridge and not in the freezer? What do they call male ballerinas? If a man is talking in the forest, and no woman is there to hear him, is he still wrong? Who was the first person who thought that the white thing that came from a hen's butt looked edible? If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a song about him?


My New Travel Case By Ron JakubowicBy Ron JakubowicBy Ron JakubowicBy Ron Jakubowiczzzz

Until the middle of January I never gave much thought to traveling with my kites. I would just pack them in their kite bags and throw them in the car everything else would go into a duffel bag and into the car more or less. For the first time I was going to Fly with my kites on an airline. Well I don’t have a hard case ski tube, or Golf bag, and I really did not want to buy one (one more thing to store that I don’t have room for). I was also told by the Airlines if the case is too long or bulky there is an excess charge (For this airline 100.00 per bag). Not to mention the way baggage handlers are known to treat luggage I new it had to be indestructible. I decided to use a six inch diameter piece of schedule 20 PVC pipe (20 is lighter than 40 yet still rigid enough to protect the spares). The tube cost me about five dollars, which I thought was a bargain. I cut it to 60 inches so that the longest spar I was taking would fit. I was taking a number of kites on this trip and not all of them fit in the tube packed in their individual kite bags. So for a couple of kites I taped the spares together put them in the tube and the fabric in my accessory bag. The tube was packed tight with kites and spars with little chance of them moving around or breaking. The ends were taped with a piece of cardboard so that airport security would have no trouble opening either end and I fitted the tub into one of my travel kite bags. Let me just say I was right about airline employees and security people. As I checked in the airline people had to see in the tube, as well as the security people before and after they x-rayed it. The airlines are just not use to people traveling with their kites so it seems. I am happy to say all the kites I took on this trip survived with no damage. And my hard case served its purpose well, but still went to the garbage. I have since discovered other items that would work well as travel cases depending on the need like; cardboard tubes; Fishing pole cases; tripod cases (like those used by surveyors or photographers) or good old fashioned PVC pipe.

Cafepress hosts SJKF Store

Have you checked it out lately, all kinds of new and interesting things have been added, make sure you read the captions, some has some imagination!!!! http://www.cafeshops.com/cp/store.aspx?s=sjkf

Here’s a list of some of the items with more added daily: Fleece Vest and

Jacket, Sweatshirt, Baseball Jersey, Boxer Shorts, Classic Thong (who would have thought), Camisole, Panty, a Baby Bib (telling you what to do

when you feed the baby crushed peas), Toddler Button-Up Hoodie, Ski Cap, Lunch box, Mugs, Bumper Sticker, License Plate Frame, Greeting Card, Tote Bag, Messenger Bag, Briefcase, Tile Box (a unique one of a kind gift), Mouse pad, Wall Clock, Flying Disc and Apron. All these items are reasonably price and any profit goes to SJKF. Why not be the first to own the SJKF Briefcase? Good Winds… Mike Dallmer, store manager

Our Vacation

By Ron and FelBy Ron and FelBy Ron and FelBy Ron and Felicia Jakubowiczicia Jakubowiczicia Jakubowiczicia Jakubowicz

This was our second visit to Provideciale one of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Normally, for a trip like this we would have packed all my SCUBA equipment since I am an avid Diver. On this trip though we only packed the bare essentials so we could bring our other play toys along, our KITES. We had never traveled with so many kites before on mass transportation. That is another story...hopefully somewhere else in here. All I will say now about that is, any aggravation we may have had was well worth it in the end. (Continued on Page 9)


(From Page 8) This island is relatively small, about 22 miles by 2-4 miles. The beaches where they exist are relatively narrow, but the water is shallow and usually waveless. Which meant for me that when a kite came down, it would just hit the water and stay there. Most times when this occurred we could just wade out and relaunch. This was preferable over a crash landing in the “scrub brush”, the natural vegetation of the island which is adjacent to the beach. We could usually find a breeze no matter what time of day or night, and yes, we usually had at least one kite in the air when we were around our resort. Felicia and I flew many of the kites we own, usually three to five at a time. Between the various kites and the laundry we were putting up we quickly became an attraction. Neither of us realized just how much until the third day into the trip. The first day I got the impression the resort staff thought we were crazy. The second day we were getting messages left at the room “We love your kites”, “Great Kites” or “beautiful night show”. Before I get to the third day, I have to say that our resort is part of the “Princess Grace Beach” a pristine 12 mile long crescent shaped beach with various resorts and condos. With that said, by the third day we realized we were popular up and down the beach. To the point we were asked to help a couple untangle the lines on their Prism stunt kite (only a three to four mile walk down the beach). But this was well worth it since they are now friends, who live not to far from where I grew up in Ohio. Although, we were a very popular attraction for the tourists, the Islanders loves us more, especially because Felicia and I were always willing to talk to them about the kites. We also found a “Gone with the wind” catalog that made the rounds between the staff and their friends. We were told although we never actually saw them, that at least two schools had made field trips to see our kites in the air. Had we stayed an extra week the hotel staff had arranged for us to put on a display for one of the schools. Hopefully we will be able to do that next year when we go back. Many islanders also proudly informed us that the island has a yearly kite competition with prizes and trophies. The day we left we were actually given a copy of the article that was in the local “Turks and Caucus Weekly News” under the National section. The kite-flying event is scheduled for Monday April 21 at the Children Park in the Bight, and is the 11th annual one.

There will be Prizes and trophies for the Largest; smallest; most artistic and best overall. The Tourist boards as well as the local Businesses sponsor the event. This is really a contest for kids making kites, but we have been given a standing invitation to join them anytime with our kites and friend

Editor's Column By Charlie BojarskiBy Charlie BojarskiBy Charlie BojarskiBy Charlie Bojarski

I'm not going to preach this month about needing articles for the newsletter. I think the article by Mike Dallmer speaks volumes. Cut off dates to remember 5/10, 7/15, 9/15, 11/15. I intend to keep to these dates. Articles received after the cutoff will be used for the following issue. In this issue the Calendar of Events lists everything from April thru December. Please fill in your calendars at home with the dates. At the March meeting, it was decided that if members are unable to attend the meetings and have something they wish to be brought before the members, that individual should contact one of the Directors-at-Large, either Mike Dallmer or Jim Davis, by phone, email or regular mail. Contact information for both Mike and Jim is listed on page 3 of every issue of the newsletter. There are quite a few worthwhile kiting events listed in the Calendar of Events. Please try to attend at least one of them and lend your support to the event organizer. This month is also National Kite Month. We should all try to fly our kites during this time. Why not visit on of the events listed on the NKM site and add your own blend of color to the sky?

SometSometSometSomething else to go hmmm abouthing else to go hmmm abouthing else to go hmmm abouthing else to go hmmm about Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him on a car ride, he sticks his head out the window. Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs! Can a hearse caring a corpse drive in the carpool lane?


FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2

FIGURE 3

FIGURE 4

Cross Lashing - A Better Way Some Rokkakus come with a string sewn to the sail. This is used to tighten the intersection between the center stick (vertical) blue in photos and the spreader stick (horizontal) yellow in photos.

Even though this is a convenient way to secure the two sticks together it can cause a problem. You can never get it tight enough and there is a lot of pressure on the sewn attachment point in the case of hard landings. At that time the string rips out of the skin leaving a hole in the sail. I liked the string idea to secure the spars but hated the consequences. I reverted to what I learned in the Boy Scouts. Square lashing was the solution. Reinforce the area that the spars will cross. Not shown. Stitch a string or shoelace to the skin. When tying the two sticks together use the square lashing concept. This will secure the spars together, and minimize the pressure on the skin. See figures 1-4. In short the process goes like this. String is attached in a diagonal position (fig. 1). Pass the string over the top stick (fig. 2) and under the bottom stick (fig. 3). Finish the process off by tying the string like you would your shoelaces (fig 4). Shoelaces work well since they are soft and tie easily. If you use a string make it long enough that you can go over and under twice.

Scott E. SpencerScott E. SpencerScott E. SpencerScott E. Spencer

Some more…Some more…Some more…Some more… Why do toasters have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp that no decent human being would eat? If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix the hole in the boat? If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests?


Flying Sam’s Kite Scott E. SpencerScott E. SpencerScott E. SpencerScott E. Spencer

It’s March 5th, and a perfect day to finally take my NO-Sew Della Porta Sam Huston kite for a Crash-Test fly. After 17 days from our record setting 20+ inches of snowfall, and many days of subfreezing temperatures, the weather breaks. It’s noon, the temp is 50 degrees, the sky has some fluffy cumulus clouds, but blue skis prevale. There are lots of people out and about. Jackets and gloves left inside. Not quite short pants weather but I bet someone coming out of a mall will be wearing his or her new springtime wardrobe. The place that I have to pile the snow is also the shadiest place on the lot, so I expect to see the white stuff for another mounth. A north-facing house proves to me that the snow always melts faster on the other side of the street. Off I go to the local High School, best flying field within walking distance. Not the perfect place (Goose S**T, tall building), but there’s always a spot to catch a ground wind and work my test kite up into the stronger winds. Strong for today means light, just what I need for a maiden flight for this piece. The snow has melted down to an inch with bald spots that are muddy. For natural reasons the recycled goose droppings leave nice little bald spots in the snow easier to avoid them now. I assemble the kite, attach the fru-fru tail, attach the flying line and launch my jewel to the sky. After a slight bridle adjustment the kite soars to the heavens. With all the line out and some deliberation I pull the kite in. Dumping the line on the wet snow to adjust the bridle one more time. Have to find the maximum point for light winds. After some more work the kites back up on 400’ of line and flying at it’s best. I love this place since it’s on the flight path to PHL International Airport. On this day the jets fly over at an altitude of 1,500’-2,000', dashing in and out of the low clouds; can’t always see’m coming. Love seeing the beauty of my primitive flying machine with the masters of the air just above it. Wished I lived near Cape Canaveral. Reminds me of being at the Smithsonian Kite Festival and looking at

Paul Garber, who saw one of the Wright brothers fly one of their early airplanes, on the announcers stand and gazing at him and seeing a 747 take off in the back ground from National airport. The past witness of early flight and present technology all in one sighting. But these days I still wonder, when I see an airplane in flight, “What is its target”. Does this mean the terrorists won. Oh well just me babbling. Flight is such a wonderful thing. The graphic on my kite is two seagulls with a sun in one corner. Greek tales of Dadalous and his son is the revised theme. And at 400’ the gull closest to the sun looks like it’s in the sun. Time to add some dripping wax to the graphics. So the kite is flying perfectly, the planes buzz by overhead, and then from the adjacent wooded area an owl leaves its perch and flies in direct line to my flying line. After a gentle bank and a couple flaps the kite line is negotiated and avoided. Seagulls could learn a lot from this wise old owl. Have you ever flown a kite at the shore and had a stupid seagull bang into your flying line? The owl was large and magnificent. At first I thought it was a rapture (hawk, falcon or even an eagle), I love those birds. Could watch their flight all day. But due to the flapping and colors I couldn’t recognize it as rapture, it had to be the wise old friend from Winnie the Poo. Yes Tinkerbell did visit whilst I rit this article. Just another great flyer in the angels of space. Back to reality. Or is it? In spite of the depressing personal things I had to attend to in the morning I managed to turn the day around just by flying a kite. What’s even more exciting I get to share it with some good friends and fellow kite flyers. You.

Last of the hmmm's, I promiseLast of the hmmm's, I promiseLast of the hmmm's, I promiseLast of the hmmm's, I promise If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from? Why is it that when someone tells you that there are over a billion stars in the universe, you believe them, but if they tell you there is wet paint somewhere, you have to touch is to make sure?

Documents

Recipe for a well-fed soul. Ralph ReedRalph Reed · Pennel made a Red, White and Blue beauty. Sam Zeiler used a Prismatic fabric that will sparkle when the kite tumbles. I was impressed