Throw in an extra glamour shot of billboard:

My 2 cents regarding the discussion topic of bringing back the cash box and why I think that’s not a good idea:

The primary reason presented to me when we redid the website was to get a handle on HG storage ownership and our membership roster (who’s current and who’s not). If it’s all electronic like it is now, the record of all that is always up to date and real-time. Going back to partially electronic and partially paper/cash puts an end to that. Especially since I see that there’s also discussion of bringing on site monitor or security volunteers (no argument here on that) – their job would be impossible as they’d have no reliable way to verify someone if they paid in cash and the directory not updated.

We have consistently over 300 general members, plus quite a few temporaries, and 99% of those have zero issues signing up or renewing with no instruction, coaching, or additional help. Less than half a dozen per year ask for assistance or make an oopsie while paying (bad card number, mistyped, brain fart, whatever) and those are quickly resolved. As far as speed goes, I’ve renewed the last couple of years literally in less time than it takes to wash my hands – takes only as long as it takes to type my card number and expiration date (if you use a password manager, you’d be done in even less time since it would take a click or maybe 2). We’ve all learned how to fly aircraft, so buying something online should be a snap in comparison.

The cash box would also mean the treasurer is back to making bank runs to deposit cash – if Jeff enjoys that then more power to him (I don’t love going to the bank, but maybe that’s weird).

Since we have a waiver that has to be acknowledged before signing up, even if that’s submitted with the cash payment – is that really going to be stored in a file cabinet somewhere? Seems impractical. If it’s electronic, that stuff is backed up and no one has to wonder where it is.

Unrelated to the cash box – a suggestion to put the word out or maybe a sign or something to keep the (super nice) turf packing area clear for people to pack up their gear. It seems that it’s become a nice place to park chairs on to watch people land, which I get (good view of the LZ from there), but that also limits its usefulness for its intended purpose. Just moving the chairs just off the edge of the turf is enough and would still offer great views.

Thanks for the meeting updates.

Are you selling because you’re ordering out for Pizza?  :)

This one was taken at Crestline launch yesterday afternoon:

Also, as we were driving out of AJX yesterday morning to head up to Crestline (around 8:30), we drove right by a good size rattler out on the main dirt road – almost ran over it.

To those asking about ballots: a ballot to vote on the XC Ranch relationship has not gone out yet. I believe we’re now in a “discussion” period for 3 weeks (according to the email blast that went out). Since the email blast went out April 10, that suggests that the ballot would be sent out by the board May 1.

Others have brought up points about the content of the ballot (what is actually being voted on, number of options and what those are, etc.), so if changes are to be made, now seems like the right time to discuss them. I don’t know what the process is for determining what makes it onto the ballot that will be sent out, so don’t ask me.

I also reached out to the ActiveLook folks to see if they have in the works offering just the “device” part of the glasses (the thingy without the glasses attached). This would be nice to allow developers and other DIYers to integrate this into helmets and goggles. For me, I strongly prefer flying with goggles (keeps the wind and bugs out of my eyes and offer good field of vision), so this would be a must for me.

Will post the response here if/when I get one.