Kite
Flyer
April/May 2002 Issue Route
66 Kite Club (R66KC)
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Kite Club Phoenix, AZ
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Web Site Click Here!
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Table Of Contents
Please note that there are several Hot Links usually in blue and underlined for
your convenience. To access these simply click on them and they will take you there.
(It is recommended that all articles be read.)
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Hot Buttons |
Descriptions
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Quick Thoughts From
The Editor National Kite Month Is Here! |
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Letter From The Director And/Or AKA News Notes From The Prez Note From The Region 12 Director |
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This Months Flying
Schedule 04/13-14/02 – Saturday & Sunday – Anthem Kite Fest 04/27/02 – Saturday – Third Annual Plateau Park Event 05/11/02 – Saturday – Sister Club Fly
In San Diego 05/25/02 – Saturday – Riverview Park |
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What Happened On
Last Months Flys 03/16/02 – Saturday
– Indian School Park Fly Report |
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Long Term Dates And
Plans |
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Other Items Of
Interest Fast Food Fliers Competition
Idea Al Habib Is Now Married! New Granddaughter For Gadget
Man And Clan New Gone With The Wind Owner
Info 10 great places to really go fly a kite Bermuda Kites Kites Make For An Especially
Good Friday |
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Flying Tips From The Fly’n Hawaiian Snap Stalls |
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Fun Kite Stuff
– Comics – Kite Eating Tree & IRS |
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Cover My Ass Legal
Ease |
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Please Help
Yourselves |
Click
Here For The
Web Site Links
(Just Click On Them And Go!)
Editor’s Notes
"And
once you have tasted flight
you
will walk the Earth with your eyes
skyward,
for
there you have been and there you long to return...."
--
Leonardo DiVinci
Hey Kiters,
AKA’s National
Kite Month is finally here and don’t you all love the great winds that AKA
ordered just for us! Granted most of the country has some pretty good winds, but
for Arizona, it truly is a God send.
Well you need
to really look the schedule over for the next couple of months, and mark your calendars well, because this is
the best time of the season to fly and that is why AKA has selected this to be
National Kite Month! (NKM). Almost all of the events listed are NKM events and
you will most assuredly want to make every event you can. Kiters of all kinds
will be coming out of the wood works to attend these events, so it will be the
best time of all to watch some experts and get some tips and tricks on how to
overcome your next stunt or hurdle. If nothing else, it is a time to see some
really splendid kites and get some ideas on what kite you may require next in
your kite bag.
But this is
just local info I am talking about. So if you are planning to travel and want
to find out what else is going on in the great country of ours, please take a
look out on the AKA website and follow the NKM Calendar link to locate all the
special events going on. ( http://www.aka.kite.org )
I want to make a special note for all of you regular Arizona Fliers, that our Annual Sister Club Fly in San Diego is coming in May, and NOW is the time to make those weekend reservations to join the fun. Because I tell you, you haven’t had a really great kiting experience until you leave the choppy winds of Arizona, and experience the constant and smooth winds of the coast. So get your reservations in now to make the three day (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), event in San Diego. And for those of us that cannot get enough of their great winds, plan on staying the week, as several of us always do.
So keep your
spirits up and we will be looking forward to seeing you on the fields very
soon. Happy NKM and....
Keep’em Fly’n
Gadget Man Manson
AKA News Or
Directors Editorial
From The AKA President
NATIONAL KITE MONTH:
I'd like to enlist your help with a little practical joke I want to play on
National Kite Month Coordinator Phil Broder.
You may remember that Kite Month went from 175 registered events in 2000
to 375 in 2001. Phil wants to break the 400 mark this year. But with your help,
I'd like to see us get closer to 500!
The process is really simple. First, just plan to fly kites at some point
in April. Invite a few friends together, air out your bag, and schedule some
fun. That part is easy. And even if you live up north where the weather may
still be iffy, you can plan a school visit, an indoor fly, a workshop, or just
put a few kites on display at a local business.
The second part is just as easy. Log onto the NKM web page
<http://www.nationalkitemonth.org/> and click on the link in the lower
left corner to register your event. It takes about two minutes and costs
nothing. And if you add the address for a local newspaper or radio station,
Kite Month Headquarters will send out official press releases for you.
Also, if you know of an event in your area, check to make sure it is
registered. That includes club gatherings, kite surf brunches, and flier
get-togethers. If something isn't registered, call the organizer and see if you
can get it included. We want every fun fly and school program in the general
calendar.
The next Kiting Magazine will detail all the cool prizes that
individuals, stores, clubs and regions qualify for during our five week promotion.
As a special incentive, EVERY REGISTERED EVENT WILL RECEIVE A SPECIAL KITE
MONTH POSTER!! Let's swamp Phil in events!!!
***
FREE AKA AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIPS: Earlier this year, we started sending monthly
emails to a list of non-members we call AKA Affiliates. They get news, a
calendar, tips and information about organized kiting. And the best part is
that the program is free!
We currently have about 1000 registered affiliates. But we want about five
times that number. Can you help spread the word??
We're looking for schools, clubs, store customers, and folks interested
in kites that haven't yet made the decision to join the Association. Remind
them that all they need to do is go to the web page, and in the Table of
Contents under "Membership", click on "Become an
E-Affiliate".
***
RAFFLE NEWS: This raffle thing can be fun! Earlier in February, during
the farewell party at Kites On Ice, we drew the winner of the Toki Edo Kite.
The party was at a popular Madison Hof Brau so to assure everything was above
reproach, I had Patsy, the Bavarian waitress pull the winning ticket. I then
had her phone Jason Robbins in Pennsylvania to tell him he had won. We caught
him in the middle of a SuperBowl Party but I don't think he minded a bit!
Our next drawing will be at the Fort Worden Kite Retreat. We'll be giving
away an $1800 Airform package including
a 200 square foot Jordan Airform, a pair of 120 foot tails, six windsocks, and
all the line and gear. I've seen the kite and it is *spectacular*. Rod and
Cindy Thrall have donated this great prize and you can buy tickets online until
February 24.
***
COBRA KITE BUGGY PACKAGE: We asked Cobra Kites for a buggy package for
the next raffle and they responded in spectacular fashion. The package includes
a Flexifoil 2002 Buggy, a Blade MkII 6.4 quad/dual line foil, a Skytiger Std
40, flying lines, the Power Trip Video, a comic helmet cover and a tee shirt.
Here's your chance to join the traction faction for just a $5 investment. Go to
<http://aka.kite.org/> and click on the link to the Great Kite raffle.
You can also get tickets for the "Big Kite Package" from GKPI
and the "Rok battle in a Bag" from Premier.
***
AKA PUBLICATIONS ONLINE: We've been working to update all of our AKA
publications so you can download them free from the web page. We've got
everything from the Event Organizer's Manual and Kites in the Classroom to
Safety Guidelines for Buggies and Kite Surfing. And of course, we have rules
for kitemaking, sport kites, indoor ballet, and fighters and roks.
Just go to <http://www.aka.kite.org/pubs.html>. You can also access
the Table of Contents and link to "Publications". And don't forget to
download the latest version of the Membership Directory. We update it with new
information monthly. Just find the Virtual Clubhouse in the Table of Contents.
You can also link there directly at
<http://www.aka.kite.org/data/members> (Your "username" is your
AKA membership number and your password is your email address).
***
WORLD SPORT KITE CHAMPIONSHIPS: Yes, we're going to Berck, France where
AKA, AJSKA and STACK are hosting competition for the best sport kite teams in
the world. The festival runs April 6 -
14. If you are interested in joining us, try this link for discounted hotels
and travel information.
<http://www.lodgingfrance.com/cities/berck_sur_mer_frm.htm>
***
There are some great kitemaking retreats scheduled for the next few weeks
in the Northwest, Midwest, and Northeast. If you are looking for some new
designs or just some good time spent with friends, check out Fort Worden, MAKR,
or MKS wich is taking place as we speak.
That's all for now! Have fun out there!
David Gomberg
*** David Gomberg, President ***
American Kitefliers
Association
<http://www.aka.kite.org>
From The Region 12 Director
Hello Flyers of Region 12.
Your Spring issue of Kiting is in the mail. Our new editor is doing a fine job keeping up with deadlines and
such. There is a lot of Kiting
happening over the next few months.
More so than ever before. This email
is a "Jump Start" to my Regional Report.
If you're in Hawaii
this Saturday and reading this, get over to Kapiolani Park at the foot of
Diamond Head for the 35th Oahu Kite Festival.
More info from Robert Loera, 808-385-5753. Sadly, we had little notice on this one. I'll try to get more info earlier next year
so we can all go.
Saturday the 9th, We're heading to the Town of Yucca Valley (North of Big
Bear) for "Family Kite Day".
7600 Sage Ave. is Yucca Valley High School. Your AKA President David Gomberg, The Seal Beach Kite Club and
other Flyers will be the "Having a Day". Join us if you can.
Sunday the 10th is the 28th Annual "Festival of the Kite" in
Redondo. I feel a little like Jerry
Dunphy..."From the Desert to the Sea"...Sorry, I had to. Also on the 10th, We've been asked to join
the local chapter of the "Indian Guides" for a day of flying and kite
making at Berylwood Park in Simi Valley.
I told them I would put the word out.
I am very moved when groups outside our orgaization call and ask us for
help. 3 other
groups have already asked me about sharing time together in April, I'll
keep you posted.
The 17th is also a "Double Whammy". The Tucson "Spring Kite Fiesta" is on with the help of
the local medical center. The Santa
Barbara Kite Festival will be the same day at a new venue, SB City College, 721
Cliff Road. This is basically EAST of
Shoreline Park. If your heading up from
the Pier, it's on the left BEFORE Shoreline Park...Look for the kites!!!
Again, this is just a teaser before you get your copy of Kiting. You will see more details in the
magazine. If you need info on any of
what I've typed before you get the mag, LET ME KNOW. I'll get you to the right people. I will be out of town on BIZ Monday thru Wednesday
afternoon. Shoot me an email, drop me a
line or a dime, I'll get back to you Wednesday evening.
Keep flying and try to enjoy your week.
Best Wishes & Winds,
Glen E. Rothstein
Region 12 Director, American Kitefliers Association - Come Fly With
Us! www.aka.kite.org
Vice President, Southern California Sport Kite League - www.scskl.com
Kite Flying hits new heights on the West Coast!...Check it out below:
http://community.webtv.net/OpusFader/VenturaCountyKite
Upcoming Flying Events
Note: All flying events will be from 12:00
noon through 4 or 5 p.m. unless otherwise posted.
National Kite Month Events
Third Annual Anthem Kite Fest
04/13-14/2001 Saturday & Sunday – Club Supported Anthem Fun Fly -
This too is a club-supported NKM
event. Take I-17 North about five miles from the Carefree Highway, north of
Phoenix. Exit at the Anthem Way exit, then turn right and drive into the
community. As you come to the park fountains, take another right (before the
fountains) and proceed to the second parking lot on the left. The event is from
10am to 4pm, and will be a long day so bring your shade, water, and chairs. You
will need to arrive early to get good parking because this will be a big event.
This event is the third annual Anthem Days event so there will be lots of
vendors, and events all over the place. The Fun Fly sponsors, the Tucson group,
have requested that we bring our short line sets due to the limited space
available. In this way, we should be able to get more people on the field at
the same time. This will be the biggest event of the season, so come and join
the fun.
The "Anthem Days Arts &
Crafts Festival"
at Del Webb's Anthem Communities presents:
-2002-
-3rd Annual Anthem Days Kite Festival-
For the 3rd year in a row, the Arizona Free Flyers
are coordinating this fun-filled 2-day kite flying event
at the wonderful Anthem Community in North
Phoenix. Along with "Arts and Crafts," there will be plenty of
family activities to see and do, so bring the
whole family..... and your KITES!
________________________
The new and growing community of Anthem is
already establishing traditions for residents and visitors, all
of them geared toward families spending quality
time together. This third annual Anthem Days has
something for all ages and interests, including a
craft fair, 5/K race, kite flying and puppet shows. The craft
fair features more than 100 exhibitors hawking
wares that range from home and garden items to clothing,
jewelry and gourmet foods. Look skyward to catch the
stunt kite show, then come back down to earth for
the yo-yo exhibitions. Puppet shows, remote
control boat demonstrations, a 5K race/walk, a business fair
and live musical entertainment throughout the
weekend round out the attractions.
-When-
April 13-14, 2002
10am-4pm each day
(This is a TWO DAY Event!)
-Where-
Del Webb's Anthem Communities
-Directions from Phoenix-
Take I-17 North to the "Anthem Way"
exit.
Go East to the "Welcome Center"
Go South to the "Community Park"
Park in lower parking lot
Click here for Community map
Kite flying arena is located on lower soccer
field)
-Lodging-
Anthem Comfort Suites
42415 N. 41st Dr.,
Anthem, AZ. 85086
623-465-7979
Moderately priced rooms offered
(This hotel is right at Anthem)
-Featured Kite Events-
ROK Battles
Stunt Kite demos
Power Kite demos
Fighter Kite demos
Candy Drops for the kids
Single-line Kites showcase
Special Guest kite demonstrations
"Free Field" sessions for local flyers
to enjoy
Kite Vending Booth to buy and sell kites and
spinners
along with a "Lesson Session" to let
new flyers try out their kites
-Special notes-
On-field safety is a prime concern, so the flying
area will be taped off and secured. Each flyer should make
an example by promoting safe flying habits. No bottles,
remote control cars/airplanes or Kevlar line sets
allowed on flying field. Please be sure to secure
any pop-up canopies or sunshades with stakes, in case of
sudden wind gusts. Short line sets are also
recommended and allow more flyers on-field at one time. A pilots
meeting will take place at 10am each morning in
front of the PA tent. Fly safe!
04/27/2001 Saturday – Club Sponsored Third Annual Plateau Park Fun Fly: (See
web site Kite Field
Recommendations for maps.) As per usual the fly times are from 12 noon to
about 5pm in the afternoon. Let’s try to do dinner and drinks after.
This Is The Route 66 Kite Club’s Big
(NKM) Event
This should be a great
time with a BBQ and a Beer Permit to go along with the kiting. So please bring
your own beer, burgers, buns, relishes, hot dogs, etc. and lets all have a
great day flying and Feasting! Happy Spring and Happy NKM!!!
Plateau Park (Northeast) This park is located approximately 100 Yards north
of Union Hills on 16th Street. Take I-17 north to Union Hills, and
go east to 16th Street (not Avenue). Then go north on 16th
Street to Wescott and turn east. Parking can be found about 100 yards east of
16th Street on Wescott. We fly at the northern most ball field.
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Rating: |
Fantastic |
Restrooms: |
Yes |
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Kiters That Can Fly: |
30 |
Drinking Fountains: |
Yes |
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Non-Kiter Visibility: |
Great |
Park Benches: |
No |
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Distance To Amenities: |
2 Miles |
Shade Available: |
Limited |
BIG Third Annual
Sister Club Fly In San Diego
05/11/2001 - Saturday
Come and tryout some
really great winds with loads of fun for the whole family. Sea World, Old Down,
Seaport Village, Mission Bay, Mission beach, the ocean, shopping, an actual Kite
Shop, and a myriad of other things for the family to do.
Most of us will be making the six (6) hour drive Friday morning to the
“Beach Cottages” and then returning on Sunday afternoon. Saturday we will be
joining the San Diego Kite Club (SDKC), (http://www.sdkc.net), at their Mission
Bay Park for a Sister club fly which will include a pot luck hosted by them
(bring chips, salsa, soda, etc. to chip {ha ha} in). This event will also
include their annual honoring of those that have passed event.
Once you think that you have had too much fun, the Route 66 Kite Club
will host a night fly on the beach Saturday evening. This will be kicked off by
a large flaming barbecue, starting at 6:00pm with some snacks being provided. This
will be a, bring your own beer, burgers, polish dogs, steaks or whatever type
event and again the Route 66 Kite Club would like to remind you to drink
responsibly.
Others that may possibly be in attendance will be the AKA Region 12 Director
Glen Rothstein as well as the Southern California Stunt Kite Association. So
come and make this the grandest Sister Club Event EVER!
We would like to have everyone stay at the same hotel if possible for
easier logistics. The “Beach Cottages” hotel is on Mission Boulevard (858)
483-7440 and right on the beach for everyone’s enjoyment with lots of shops and
restaurants within easy walking distance. The rooms run from $75-$85/night for
hotel style rooms and up to $160/night for a cottage. Jane and the Gadget Man have a one-bedroom cottage that we all
can congregate for the barbecue that is right on the beach. This makes for a
great starting point for the night fly as well. So our recommendation is the
cheaper hotel style rooms. Everyone should get their reservations in early
because this is a popular place. And we hope to see you all there!
Note: The San Diego Kite Club, (our hosts) have asked for
a head count, so please contact Gadget Man Manson at thomas.m.manson@boeing.com as
soon as is possible to let him know you are coming. This will be passed along
to the San Diego Kite Club. Thanks.
05/25/02 – Saturday – Riverview Park: (See web site Kite Field Recommendations
for maps.) As per usual the fly times are from 12 noon to about 5pm in the
afternoon. Let’s try to do
dinner and drinks after.
Don’t forget to say HI to the
ArFF group that usually flys there.
Riverview Park (Southeast) This Park is located approximately one quarter
of a mile south of Highway 202 on Dobson Road. Take the 202 to the Dobson Road
turnoff and head south. The park is on the west side of the road.
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Rating: |
Good |
Restrooms: |
South Side |
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Kiters That Can Fly: |
30 |
Drinking Fountains: |
South Side |
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Non-Kiter Visibility: |
Medium |
Park Benches: |
No |
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Distance To Amenities: |
3 Miles |
Shade Available: |
Lots |