Number 50 The newsletter of the South Jersey Flyers Volume #3 - 2004

him; he had two grandchildren, Christopher and Empty Place in the Sky ––– Ed Sarah. Spencer By Betty Hirschmann Each of us who knew Ed will have our own memories of him, and will deal with his passing in our own manner and time. If

you get the chance, fly a kite and release it into the wind so On April 9, 2004, five days short of his 73 rd birthday, Ed that Ed can enjoy the experience too. Spencer passed away in his sleep. His son Scott and I were at a

Good Friday Kite Fly in Lewes, DE, waiting for Ed to arrive. For those of you who wish to get in touch with Nancy, she is at When we got home that night (about the Manorcare Nursing Home Room #153, 1412 Marlton Pike 10:00 pm) there was a message on our – Rte 70, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034. answering machine asking that Scott call his sister Ellen. When Scott called, he ======learned of the death of his father.

Ed touched many people, in many ways. What I remember is that he could be Creative Design found out on the flying field with a smile by Dave Ciotti on his face and a chuckle in his heart. It seemed that he had no problems, at least What you are reading is the second draft of this narrative. This that’s the face he tried to show most of article was originally written at the 2004 the time, but life was not always what it MIKE in Ocean City, Maryland, at the appeared to be. In spite of this he was insistence of Mike and Cel Dallmer. The willing to help fellow kite fliers, and especially novice kite Kite Loft had a 10 foot Number 2 Pencil fliers to enjoy the world of kiting. Kite on sale and there was room in my kite bag. So one small signature later I At the memorial service for Ed, which was held at the had a nice Joel K Scholz signature kite Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial from Go Fly a Kite added to my Cemetery in Arneytown, New Jersey, the family passed out a collection. What I didn’t realize was that remembrance message for those he left behind. I had just purchased a magical kite.

I would like to share with you some of the message: When I put it in the sky, the 25 foot black tail attached to this kite started writing this article. Ed touched so many people’s lives with his love of The words flowed from the kite, life, sense of humor, romantic nature, caregiver, Santa being formed momentarily in the Claus, kite flying devotee, Boy Scout Leader, sky by the long black tail. This custodian, pickle man, tire man, insurance man, and story unfolded as if being written bread man. by a seasoned journalist. The symmetry, the preciseness, the rd He was a corporal in the Army, 83 3 ORD CO readability was incredible. Supply Depot serving in Korea from October 1952 – Unfortunately nobody was writing September 1954. the story down, so what you have to read is my flawed recollection His loving wife of 52 years Nancy, as well as his son of the poetry I saw on the beach Scott, and two daughters Tracy and Ellen survive above Ocean City. Continued on page 2

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Creative Design, continued In February 2004 Dr. Pat Hutchinson asked me to give a lecture to In Memory: her Creative Design classes at The College of New Jersey on Kite George Edward Spencer making. I told Pat that I had never built a kite myself but I would be glad to show her students what were available for sale and what Born April 14, 1931 they looked like both up close and in the sky. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

So I broke out my 8mm tapes of the Belmar and Wildwood and Memorialized April 14, 2004 Ocean City and Newport and Mercer 7A and Smithsonian flying Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial fields, and produced a 20 minute video of the tethered aviation that Cemetery impressed me most. About 20 gigabytes of hard disk space and 10 Arneytown, New Jersey hours later I had something that would explain to college kids what about kite flying is so addictive. Nancy Spencer loving wife of Ed for 52 years would like thank everyone for coming today, On March 1 and March 3 I filled Armstrong Hall Room 133 with along with their children, single and dual line kites and presented my outdoor passion to her Tracey Peak, Scott E. two Creative Design classes. On display was a 12 foot delta, the Spencer and Ellen Schneider. Tulsa Points Prototype, an Eagle of Paradox, an Aerodrome Stripes, a Their grandchildren, Wren, a Hot Chili Pepper and several other small kites. Then the fun began, as each class was divided up into 5 groups each to investigate Christopher and Sarah Peak kite design. Each group did research on either Eddy, Rokkaku, Delta, and their son-in-laws, Ed Box, or designs and the groups from each class made Peak and John Schneider. presentations to their classmates. Ed touched so many people’s Then the classes were divided into groups of two and the kite designs lives with his love of life, began. Each pair had to come up with a Company name, logo and sense of humor, romantic slogan and pick out a kite design and produce a prototype. Each nature, caregiver, Santa Claus, prototype had to come with packaging, a price estimate and be Kite flying devotee, Boy and assembled on the field and flown for 30 seconds. The theme of all the Girl Scout leader, custodian, kites is the Sesquicentennial of The College of New Jersey which is pickle man, tire man, coming up this September. insurance man, and bread man,

On Monday April 19 the first session of Pat’s class flew their kites on He was a Corporal in the Army, 83 3rd ORD CO Supply Depot the lawn in front of Green Hall on the campus. The field is small and serving in Korea from October, 1952 - September, 1954. obstructed on three sides by buildings but that didn’t matter because there was no wind whatsoever! Thankfully the kite makers were all in their teens or early 20’s and capable of making their own wind. What He held his dear boyhood friend Raymond Belko and his wife a glorious site to see 10 brand new one of a kind kites in the sky and Kate in the highest regard through the 55 years that they were 10 students running like mad trying to keep them up for 30 seconds. I "double dating.” The good memories of fun times will continue tried to explain to the class how much easier it was to pull the string to be told in great stories. and stand still and they tried to explain to me how much more fun it was to run around in circles in front of Green Hall. Ed also held a special place in his heart for our Cousin Sharen, Katie, Ray, Tim, Brian, Ann, John, Stephen, Mary and Michael Several more test flights and many bridle adjustments later I am Belkos. happy to report that all the kites look wonderful in the sky. Several of the kites will have mass production capabilities investigated. So the Irish Blessing next time you are searching for your next must have purchase, and May the road rise up to meet you, you see a kite from The College of New Jersey give it a good look. May the wind always be at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The final chapter of this epic took place in Belmar last Saturday. The And the rain fall soft upon your fields. Hutchinson’s hosted a cookout on the beach for all the students. Not many showed up because of their pending Final Exams but the ones Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. that did were treated to glorious winds and a very impressive array of kites above the Jersey shore. Look for some TCNJ kites the next time In your own private time of reflection we would like you to fly a you are in a kite store. kite and let it be released into the wind to meet Ed.

I have compiled a CD containing the video I presented to the classes, Scott E. Spencer a short video of my presentation to the class a short video of the kites 1st Vice President, South Jersey Kite Flyers in the sky and the student's PowerPoint presentations. If you are interested email [email protected] . Editors Note: Though at times Ed was a pain in the _ _ _, he will be sorely missed! ======

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Presidential Report By Ron Jakubowicz Hi everyone!

National Kite Month just ended and Region 2 came in first for holding the most events. What a great job Region 2 did for Todd Little. I also hear that SJKF was second in holding the most events. Let’s pat ourselves on the back, and think about doing better next year. Just a few more events and we would have been number one. Liberty High Spirits of 14B is number one for posting the most events. Way to go LHSO14B!

Although I did not get to go to what may have been Core Creek’s last year, I heard that we had a good turnout to support the event. The winds were also blowing nice there this year. We can only hope that the powers that be will let this event continue.

SJKF also was a supporter of The Belmar Kite fest. This year was a very good year with a nice turnout. I heard back so many good things about it. I hope we can continue with this event too.

Our club raffle of a “ Kite Festival In a Bag ” is going on. We are selling tickets remarkably well. Anyone who may want one, should get them early. I am hopeful we will sell all 500 tickets before our anniversary bash in October. Tickets are $5.00, with one lucky winner taking everything, an estimated value of the items is over $2,000.00. You can contact any Board member to buy tickets, or Scott Spencer if you want to help us sell tickets. You can also order tickets by sending a check for the number of tickets requested. Please make the check payable to SJKF and send it to: South Jersey Kite Flyers, PO Box 32 Collingswood, NJ 08108-9998. I would also like to thank all of our donors, most of whom have been very gracious to us over the years.

We are still having a membership drive. Remember, while you are flying, anyone who asks you about flying, or kites is a potential member. It’s up to each one of you to help the club and bring in new members.

Did anyone forget, this is the Tenth Anniversary year of SJKF! I am still looking for ideas of what we can do as a club to celebrate this event. So let me know what your ideas are.

Monthly fly’s are here again. The club monthly fly is to be at Goose Island. When all the details are finalized I will E Mail everyone. We will also be flying after our business meetings. Hope to see a lot of you at these flys. No, let me rephrase that, we need you to come out and fly to make these fly’s a good club event.

I am hosting Bi Monthly Fly’s in Belmar during the summer, for anyone who is interested. Belmar is one of my home flying fields. These flys are to be on the second and fourth Sundays of the month, weather permitting. They will be starting between 3:30 and 4:00pm. This is the time that the badge checkers usually let us on the beach without charging us, and the life guards allow us to fly kites. If you have any questions you can call me. The location will either be the northern end of Belmar before the fishing pier, or the southern end by DJ’s.

Longwood Gardens has asked us to do a kite fly and kids kite building workshop in September. The dates are either September 25-26,or September 18-19. I have a preference of September 18-19. So far I have gotten a half dozen people to commit to going to Longwood, and am in need of a lot more volunteers who are willing to commit to going. Longwood is an extremely nice place for a day trip. Longwood, was part of the Dupont estate and the gardens and fountains are supposed to be spectacular. Information on the gardens and the fountains can be found at www.longwoodgardens.org . The more people we get to volunteer the more time as individuals we should get to walk, and enjoy the grounds. So please get back to me ASAP as they are looking for a commitment should also mention admission is free for flyers.

It’s that time of year and Memorial Day is upon us which means Wildwood International Kite Festival is here again. I want to thank all of you in advance who help us host the SJKF Bar B Q by volunteering and or donating. If you have not signed up yet, you can still contact Scott Spencer to volunteer, or Felicia Mosery to donate food

Summer is upon us, let me not be the one to tell you Go Fly A Kite!

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SJKF Meeting Numbers By Betty Hirschmann

Well, it’s time for me to get on my soapbox again. In the year 2002, we averaged 19 members at a meeting, in 2003 there were 15 per meeting, and for three meetings in 2004 we averaged 10 members; DO YOU SEE A PATTERN HERE?

This club belongs to all of it’s members and I know that it’s not possible for a lot of you to make it to the meetings, but if you want this club to survive past it’s 10 th anniversary in October you better get involved.

Our new President, Ron Jakubowicz, has sent out many emails asking for your input, and he has received very few responses. Ron is trying very hard to make this 10 th Anniversary year a special one for all.

Please, make an effort to come out and support the club that has given so much to you before it’s gone.

======OLAN TURNER DAY AT CORE CREEK put up kites. The day ended with a Barbeque in the By Russ Mozier pavilion. All in all a good day with lots of room to fly kites and for a change no sand to shake out of our shoes. For the first time I can Editors Note: after the fly at the BBQ there was a remember meeting of all those involved to discuss the future of the there was wind event, it was decided that if it was to continue, the clubs at Core Creek (SJKF) would have to take over all the logistics of this year. The running it. From what I understand now, John Rose has weather graciously volunteered to be the new contact person for forecast was Core Creek. Will it happen again, stay tuned and be for occasional ready to lend your support!! showers but they were Editors Note 2: During one of his buggy demonstrations wrong. It was Mike Jr. got lifted out of his buggy when a gust of wind overcast most of the day but no rain, the sun even came along and has had an x-ray (negative) and MRI peeked out a few times late in the afternoon. The day (waiting for results) of his left ankle. began with breakfast on the field courtesy of SJKF. There were three clubs represented this year; South Jersey Kite Flyers, Keystone Kiters and Wings Over Editor’s Column Washington. SJKF saw about seventeen members on the field. By Mike Dallmer Andy Selzer Count your blessings, not much to say and Harry other than the picture next to this is Owens flew SJKF’s new banner honoring those in ballet demos, our ranks that have passed away. Mike Dallmer On a happier note, did some CONGRATULATIONS to Scott buggy Spencer for scoring the highest at the demos, Andy Kite Makers Competition at MIKE and I ran the and winning a paid registration to the running of the 2004 AKA Convention in Seaside, bols and Oregon. everyone else

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Weymouth Kite Festival Greetings from the Northern Edge of By Todd Little South Jersey By Ralph Reed This spring I had the opportunity to attend a kite festival in England I want to register a complaint. Is in the beach resort town of this where I should go? No, I'm not Weymouth. While I had a lot of going there, stop it. I want to complain trouble with the actual travel about the Sullivan County Community (which I won’t go into, as it was a College Kite Day in Loch Sheldrake NY. bummer) the festival was great. It Here is my list of complaints: happens over a bank holiday – Saturday, Sunday and Monday. 1) It's too short, it should be a couple of days long. This was Saturday is a free fly day and the kite demos are run on Sunday the best one day festival I have been to in a long time. and Monday. The MC’s are perched on top of a double-decker 2) The grass was damp in the morning. Someone (Jeremy) bus and keep up a patter for the whole festival. should have gone out early in the day with a couple of towels to dry each individual blade of grass. Good thing we remembered to bring spare sneakers. Saturday the winds 3) It's way too far away. Is there any chance they can drag that were light and this beautiful field and decent winds over here to the coast? was just to my 4) There were WAY too many NYKE banners being flown. It's liking. I flew all of their event so I suppose it was OK, but I had to put up all of my my ultralight kites banners, SJKF, KONE and our personal ones just so we could make for inland find our way back to our tent. Jim was kind enough to lend me a NYKE banner so I wouldn't feel left out. flying while 5) There was way too much food under the kite tents. Actually, listening to the that was a good thing. Gail had my wallet and so I couldn't announcers tell me stop at the Firemen's BBQ booth to get lunch, so I mooched that the wind was my lunch from my friends. Wasabi peas and trail mix, YUM. too light to fly. I even managed to get up a flat kite or two, so 6) Too many happy children. Seems like every kid got a free the wind was not all that light – probably up to 6 MPH. kite from the college, then they went to the Seaside Kite tent Saturday night there was a reception with the deputy mayor and bought a couple of more. It drives me crazy that these little plastic kites will fly and my multi-million dollars worth of and a fireworks display. kites just sit there on the ground like a pile of scrap fabric. I suppose if I was 200 lbs lighter and 40 years younger I could Sunday dawned wet and rainy, so the Kiters shopped till noon run and the kite would fly ------. The winds became nice when the sun returned and the wind came back to levels and steady after lunch, so no running, needed from this baby acceptable to all. I flew some of my higher wind kites this day boy. and got to meet flyers from England and Spain while sitting on 7) Did I mention that it wasn't long enough? Maybe they the beach. should have this fun fly a couple of times a year, maybe? 8) The newspapers that interviewed us didn't come out early enough for us to see if we made one of the two newspapers Along with kite that was there covering the kite fly. flying I had time 9) The banquet was awful. Too much food, too much food, too to enjoy some much food, Way too many desserts. I'm supposed to be losing sight seeing. There weight, so I can look good in the SJKF thong (see it at is a fortress in the CAFEPRESS.COM). This won't happen if all the good stuff is put in front of me and the cost is only 15 bucks. Not fair. town, which had a 10) The auction, I'm a poor starving college student (no really, lot of exhibits I am, 'cept for maybe the starving part) All the cool toys were telling about up for auction, and they went for cheap money. I wanted to WWII and also about the area from the 1600’s through today. buy everything but Gail still had my wallet. I got a cool The town was quaint and had a lot of shopping and just the carabineer. Someone remind my family that the during the bag right amount of pubs. I also took a day to see London. auction you have to put ALL the tickets into the bags. It doesn't Fortunately, while at the kite event, I was introduced to Doug help if you buy $10 worth of tickets and only put 4 tickets in the bags. I was wondering why I had 16 tickets in hand when it Jones who lives in the London suburbs. He took a day off was 10 for 10. Oops. work to show me the city, which was great as I surely would 11) It rained on the way home. Who decided this was a good have been lost! thing? It wasn't, we don't have to do that part again.

I encourage you all to try to attend an event overseas if at all All in all a very good kite festival. One last complaint, I possible. Travel is always broadening and making new kite wish I had listened to my friends and gone to this event from DAY ONE. Someday I'll learn. friends is easy and fun! See ya Soon

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Back to April 27, the operation took 8 ½ hours, the first 4 just to get Cel Update, 5-15-04 through all the scar tissue and adhesions that had formed over the A few things have happened since the last newsletter, we got to go previous 20 months but once he was where he needed to be he to kiting event was able to reroute her bile duct (no more line draining to a bag together as a outside her body), remove her Gaul Bladder with 2 large Gaul family and Cel Stones, removed a Meceles Diverticulari (totally unexpected and a had a major foot long) and while he was there he removed her Appendix (saved operation. another doctor and Cel another 6 hour operation if it ever went Cel, Mike Jr, bad). After the operation Cel spent a few extra days in Intensive Mom and I got to Care on a Ventilator but was able to come off it with no real trouble go to and then came home on Thursday, May 17. MIKE/MASC The really good news is that even though Cel is still in pain, her where we pain is different and they think it is all from her operation as none actually as the old pain has manifested itself, only time though will really participated and tell. She did loose a lot of her strength and will again need PT and got to fly kites OT at home along with IV Antibiotics, she got an infection that and see a lot of attached itself to the right valve of her heart, though if it is treated old friends. We properly, which it is, will have no lasting effects. left Thursday and the normal ride that took 4 hours wound up So that is where we are at now, she is doing better, but still has a taking about 6 hours, we made a few stops and went shopping but way to go. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers, good the breaks were needed for Cel to get out and stretch and get a winds, and remember, sometimes, miracles do happen!!! little rest from the bouncing of the van, speaking of the van, you had to see how we traveled, there were four of us and in our full Wings & Water Festival and East Coast Kite Fighting sized conversion van that is all we could fit with the kites and other Championship supplies we needed (Mike Jr. had to climb over the drivers seat to get into where he was sitting). Cel spent most of the time in the room, we had an ocean front in the Tidelands Caribbean, but we Here’s a new festival and an old festival all in one. For 22 years, moved the couch so that Cel could look out the sliding doors and the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor, NJ, has hosted the Wings see all that was happening, Mike JR and I set up camp right under ‘n Water Festival, one of America’s largest wildlife arts festivals. the window. We did all carry two-way radios and were in constant Hundreds of painters, sculptors, photographers, and crafters touch with Cel and Mom in the room. Cel did make it to the attend, along with several thousand spectators. There are kid’s opening night festivities at activities, retriever demonstrations, a Battle of the Bisques Shenanigan’s and she between top chefs, and live animals. So why not add kite art to was really touched by all the outpouring of the fun? friendship and support from everyone who spoke Bring your most beautiful kites to Stone Harbor’s wide beach on to her. She was a little September 18-19 to help create an art gallery in the air. There’s worried about how people plenty of parking, a trolley will be stopping at the beach (as well would look at her but as all the other festival venues), and the shops and restaurants those fears were dispelled (Springer’s Ice Cream!!!! Lighten Up Kites!!!) are only one real quickly with block away. Festival hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, and everyone’s reaction, we have so many good 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday. Check www.wetlandsinstitute.org for friends!!!! Mike and I flew the complete festival schedule. a lot of kites and did a lot of socializing, something that we all needed after almost 20 months of Cel’s illness. As usual the Kite But it’s not just art kites we want! Are you the best kite fighter on Loft and Sky Festivals (Roger and Company) put on a fantastic the Atlantic Seaboard? We’ll have full-scale aerial warfare with event. individual and team Rokkaku battles, and both line-touch and skills competitions for fighter kites. SJKF will be issuing Now the scary part, on Tuesday, April 27 (2 days after coming challenges to other clubs, so we can settle (for this year, at least) home from MIKE/MASC), Cel underwent an 8 ½ hour operation to the question of Rok supremacy. Lines will be cut, prizes will be correct things that needed to be fixed. Let’s go back a little, in January we went to see the doctor whose care she under at the given, and bragging rights will be claimed. As a bonus, we’re University of Penn and who did one operation on her to see of he trying to organize a Rok battle between local police and fire could operate to repair her bile duct and remove what was left of departments, life guard teams, and civic organizations. Expert her Gaul Bladder, he said he wouldn’t touch her unless her flyers (in other words, YOU) will be teamed up with the rookies. condition was life threatening. A little while later a Doctor walked We’ll find out if any kiteflying skill has rubbed off on the into Cel’s GP and GI Doc’s Office and introduced himself as DR. Wildwood Police Department over the years, or if the “no fun Parikh, an oncological surgeon specializing in the GI Track. Both allowed” Avalon Lifeguards can shut them down. of Cel’s doctors then talked to each other and decided to see if Dr Parikh would take Cel’s case on, they did and he said yes and what a Godsend he turned out to be, he said he thought he could So mark your calendars, make your reservations at the shore, and help her and he is just as nice as all her other doctors and would get ready for a weekend of sand-between-your-toes fun. For more do the operation at Jeanes hospital, as relief for everyone involved, info, contact Phil Broder at [email protected] . she’d be under the care of the some doctors and nurses that knew her case.

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The 2004 Smithsonian Kite Festival By Betty Hirschmann continued my It’s Sunday night and Scott search, I ran into and I have just returned Al Sparling (AKA from the 38 th Annual Treasurer), Todd Smithsonian Kite Festival. Little (AKA We started out about noon Region 2 on Friday, and believe it or Director), and not we didn’t hit any traffic Dave Hansen jams on the dreaded 295 / (AKA Region 3 95 corridors. The weather Director), for a was outstanding so we went to the motel to check in, and while I thought then headed for the local high school athletic field so Scott that I was at an could do some testing on the kite that he had made. AKA Convention.

He managed to squeeze into a spot on the field between As promised, at noon the event got underway. Thankfully, the girls lacrosse game, two baseball fields where practice the rain had just about stopped, the wind was picking up (a was being held, and the basketball court that had about six little), and the contestants were more than ready to go. In to ten teens tossing the ball around; no matter where he spite of the weather, there was a good turnout and I got to goes, he and his kite manage to end up in the center of see some beautiful kites. attention. SJKF was well represented at the event. Scott was there st We spent a few hours at with his beautiful, and may I add 1 Place award winning, st the field while he worked Della Porta. Andy took a couple of 1 Place awards for his out the kinks in the bridling “Star Farker 2” , and the Club’s, Kite Festival In st and the length of the tail to A Bag, Kite Arch (entered by Vi Brown) also took a 1 place be used. As always I enjoy award for Joint Effort. Vi earned a ribbon in the Highest watching him fly his kites, Score, Older category. the Gods were good to SJKF this and wonder at the skill day. with which he maneuvers them. You might think that After the event we attended the party, which is hosted by a single line kite can’t the Smithsonian Associates. They always have an really be maneuvered, but the skill it takes to keep a kite in interesting array of cocktail party snacks and deserts, and the air (or lack of air) is wonderful to watch; it brings a the drinks of your choice flow easily. This gathering is way feeling of peace over me which I get from no other activity. for the Associates to thank the kitefliers for coming out and putting on a great display for the public. By the end of the When we awoke on Saturday morning, it was questionable evening, as to whether the event would be held or not. It was raining everyone is pretty hard when we left for the field, and when we got there ready to drag we were told by Phil Broder (SJKF member and AKA 2 nd their tired VP) that the event was going to be held but was backed up bodies back to two hours. their respective sleeping Okay, what do we do now? Well for me it was an easy quarters. answer; catch up will all the people that I haven’t seen for many months. I went over to see Jon Burkhardt, a friend for Well, I got a good nights sleep in spite of my aching body, many years and head judge today, and discovered that his yep! I finished the event as I usually do I fell again. wife Karen was not there this year as she was at home Sometimes I’m almost afraid to go on these trips; no pun sick. I had volunteered to help out during the competitions, intended. In any case, we got up and decided to head back so after some chitchat Jon went over my duties for the day. into the city and visit the Museum of Art. Then onto the Sculpture Gardens, and we finished by going to see the Now that the work issues were attended to, and I still had at Awakening a sculpture of a man that has portions of his least an hour before the event started, I went off to do a body (head, a hand, an arm, a bent leg and a foot) coming little more visiting. My search didn’t take long, I turned up out of the ground. around and there was Susie Gomberg (wife of the AKA President David Gomberg). Susie and David had come all Well, we spent another great weekend in DC, but the way from Oregon to join the festivities on this side of the home is where the heart is and I was looking forward to country; it was really good to see them again. As I getting back home and resting my poor old aching body.

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Exclusive Coverage of the Belmar Kite Festival from Four Different Perspectives Scott, Betty and Russ wake up at four in the morning to make May 1 ststst & 2 ndndnd at Belmar it up here so early? Scott had the SJKF Mother Kite in the air in no time. Slowly more people showed up. The weather was By Ron Jakubowicz great, although chilly. Inland, just a couple of blocks over, I

My goodness, with all of your support Belmar really turned had heard it was in the 70's. On the beach, with the sun out it out well. This year I have to say was the most satisfying for me felt like the 60's or less when it was overcast. The wind was since Jack Rogers stopped coming a few years back. Bill and blowing steady from the south all day long which meant it was Jay at the Kite Loft may have been what got me involved in a great day for flying on the beach. I only got one or two kites kiting, but Jack was the key person in getting me involved with up, but there were a good number of kites decorating the sky SJKF, He really knew how to put on a show. all day long! Most of the kites were single line kites but there were some stunt kite people out with their kites, enjoying the Tony Esposito of Fly Away Kites had been the person behind open beach too. Belmar for many years. Since just before his retirement the Sunday, Dennis Smith volunteered to do sound for stunt kite kite festival started a decline to where last year Vinnie Faria demos. I, as well as Glen, and some others had posted a couple and I may have been the only participants. Not much of a of message in the Liberty High Spirits of 14B forum. I was at festival, but we wanted to try to keep it alive for all the hard the beach even earlier, and of course, so was the rain. By 9:30 work Tony had put into it. we were soaked, the rain was coming down steady with no end Belmar, as any type of an event, was not even going to happen in sight. Dan D. was there, looking at the rain filled sky with this year. I had no interest in attempting the event again. Then Vinnie and family, Tim and Family, Glen and myself. We I got a message from Kurtis Jones that he had been contacted decided to pack it up. Tim and Louise, then invited us for by the Belmar Chamber of Commerce about doing an event breakfast. As we were leaving the dinner, we are surprised to there, and did this interest me? Well, over the next few weeks I see the rain had stopped and the sky was clearing up. We all was in contact with the Chamber’s lead person for this event headed back to the boardwalk again. The rain had stopped but Dan Donafrio. Once again, like in the past, I was given the now there was this fog on the beach. Ok, so we’ll put a couple dates that the event would have to take place. This year I was a of kites up. Rain, fog, and no people, wait there is someone little more comfortable with them, even though knowing this pulling up, Dennis S. with his sound equipment. As he started being the last weekend of National Kite Month, there would be to set up, more and more people started to show up. Saturday a lot of events in the area. Not to mention the same date as had been mostly single line kites, but today was the day for Core Creek which SJKF has stood behind in the past. sport kites. It was a great day for me if not for the flyers. We I had real support for the event, The Chamber of Commerce, had a couple of teams and people show up for the demo’s and I was going to make this event work. I contacted Glen including Ron Graziano, all the way from Connecticut (hope I Pedro and asked for his help. Could we get Buggy and maybe got your name right). The boardwalk may not have been Kite Surfing demos? Let’s not forget the packed but there were a number of spectators, even if most most important people, the people who fly were sitting in the comfort of their cars. Sport Kites, with Stunt Kite Demo’s to The people finally got the opportunity to music. Anytime during the year I could not see what they wanted, some large kites fly in Belmar without people approaching and then kites moving to music. I wish I me and asking “what happened to the could explain Sunday better, only I lack festival and the people who fly kites to the words for how well everything music. The people on the boardwalk really looked. missed them and wanted them back. I believe they are the real reason Belmar All in all, Belmar had a very nice kiting wanted kiting back. People really missed weekend. I would like to extend my the stunt kite competitions and demos. gratitude and thanks to everyone who attended, SJKF for helping support the Event day , the weather had mixed reports from rain to being event as well as a special thanks to Liberty High Spirits of nice, I have seen this before in the area. Rain called for and 14B . If I didn’t mention your name, and you thought I should threatening all day, and the beach were flying on stays dry. I have I apologize, there were just so many people. was there on Saturday around 8:00am a little late for me. The The correspondence I received from the Chamber of kite vendor I brought in (Tim & Louise are SJKF members Commerce was that they enjoyed the event and would like to too), the Kid in U kite store was there and setting up. There do it again next year as well as an event in the fall even if it is were people already on the beach flying or setting up. I knew smaller and a one day event. Everyone I had talked to also right from there it was going to be a great day. Before I could enjoyed the event and thought Belmar was a good place for fully unpack my car and set up, more people arrived. Why did one if held on the right date. Now all I have to do is work on dates.

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Belmar Kite Festival Angel” banner, which has the names of members who By Betty Hirschmann have passed away.

Scott and I set out for Belmar a He explained to me that he had been a friend of Bernice little after 8:00 am, and arrived and Olan Turner for over 30 years, and seeing their about 9:30 am. When we got close names on the banner just touched him deeply. He to 5 th and the beach, we could see became quite emotional, and then thanked me for what kites in the air. We found Ron we had done with the banner. He said, “I can’t wait to Jakubowicz, Russ Mozier, and get back to my family, and tell them what I’ve seen this Vinny Faria and family with day”. He turned and got back in his car and started to some of their big kites up and flying in a very strong pull out of the parking space, he pulled back in and sat wind. The Alessi family was also there setting up their there crying. tent for the “The Kid-N-U Kite Shop”, ready to sell kites to some very eager kids. And The next day Scott and I were scheduled to down the field from our position, go to Core Creek, the event that was started the Ciotti’s were busy doing by Bernice and Olan 25 years ago. their thing. Somehow, this encounter with a man I don’t know, and never got the name of, I quickly learned that one of the reinforces to me just what a wonderful great things at Belmar is that you world this world of kiting is. If he hadn’t can park right up against the seen the kites flying and stopped, I never boardwalk. We parked and took would have had the opportunity to share a our gear out of the car, placed it special moment with a friend of a friend. on the boardwalk and walked the few steps over the boards to the beach, what a pleasure that was. Within a relatively Belmar short time, you arrive and are set up. By Tim Alessi

Setting up, I was surprised at how chilly it was. After This letter is a reflection on the Belmar fun fly. I am the this “Dah” moment it sunk in that we were at the beach, owner of THE KID- and that the temperature is always a little cooler there N-U-KITESHOP. than it is inland; also, the breeze was really cranking. The SJKF graciously For me, when the sun came out it was almost acceptable, asked me to join them in their kite fly but when the clouds arrived – ouch! and sell kites at the event. This event Andy Selzer, Vi Brown and Felicia Mosery appeared, was a great boost to and set about getting themselves situated in our my business encampment. If I’d had a medal, I’d have given it to Felicia for being there. She had wrist surgery a week But that is not why I ago, and was still in a lot of pain, but being the trooper am writing this letter. that she is she spent the day trying to help out as much Amidst all the confusion that can occur at an event such as this, I noticed some things that cannot go as she could; thanks for your service to SJKF. unmentioned. While at the fly, a small crowd of elderly people gathered on the outside of a health food store. As far as I’m concerned, the day was successful for The location gave them a good view of the single line as many reasons. I got to spend time with my friends, and well as the talented stunt kite flyers. I was fortunate the sky was filled with kites all day all kinds sizes and enough to be able to hear some of their conversations, colors. And if that wasn’t enough, late in the day a and talk with a few of the people that were there. Every gentleman came up to me and asked if I was a kiteflier? person whom I talked to had a story, that’s right, everyone. All those people shared their past childhood I responded that I was, and he explained that he was memories with me. It seems that somehow the image of riding by, saw the kites and decided to stop. He parked a kite flying in the air opens a door to memories that are right in front of out latest club banner, the “Fallen present in all people. Young, old, and everywhere in

Page 10 WindWriters # 50 between exhibited, ooohs of amazement, claps of joy, Kitebuilder.com On-line Della Porta and most important smiles, some poignant, some workshop jubilant, and others just plain happy. I also had the pleasure of seeing a young couple with their 2year old By Larry Zaleski little girl. The young man placed his little girl in his lap A five-session, on-line workshop was hosted and then flew a stunt kite with her. To tell the truth I in January and February in the couldn't tell who was having more fun. The little girl was kitebuilder.com forums, led by Arnold more vocal, as she sat in his lap, out came every Stellema, a.k.a. kitenerd. There were 86 conceivable squeal and sound of delight that anyone registered members from around the US, could imagine. Canada, the UK, and Germany. They represented all levels of kite making It is these experience -- some were making their first images and kites, some were using sewing machines for sounds that the first time, others were master kite builders. Registrants provoked me were allowed to post comments and photos. into writing this letter. (Believe The Della Porta is a rectangular flat kite, basically 3 units wide me I don't write by 4 units high, with a looped or ‘Y’ tail, bridled from the top letters ask my corners and the center. Arnold used a quilting technique for wife.) This the assembly, using patterns that required only straight-line simple thing we sewing. His introductory plan was a pinwheel; but he also did as kite presented a series of patterns from a quilting book, thereby enthusiasts, affording the option of using a different design, which many tapped into a hidden part of peoples life. I believe that did, including me. somehow the image of the kite in the air allows us to see things as a child again. Perhaps it is the simple act of looking up at something, forces us to experience it in the way we did when we were a child. Perhaps it is the commonality of seeing the same image from virtually the same vantage point that brings us back to an earlier part of our life that was more carefree. No matter why or how it does it, I feel the experience of a kite fly allows many people of all races and ages to feel like a kid again. But then again I am just a kite enthusiast struggling with a The sessions were templates and cutting, sail assembly, business that is inextricably linked to the KID IN YOU. reinforcements and edging, spars and bridle, and fuzzy tail and Wishing all cool breezes bag. As each lesson was posted, the participants took over Tim Alessi with comments and questions, along the lines of, "What if...?", The Kid-N-U-Kiteshop "I've done it this way....", "Try this....", and "Can I do it this Editor’s note: Tim can be reached at 732-914-1475 way?" This prompted responses from other members, who Ron, provided why’s, where fore’s, and some enjoyable silliness thrown in. I think it was a great weekend, even with the rain delay on Sunday. I agree with you about nurturing this Spring Progress photos were posted, showing the diversity of designs Kite festival into something bigger and better. I will bring created during the workshops. And members really enjoyed this up with the board on Thursday. We are defiantly this long-distance affair. I know I did. interested in doing something this Fall, even if it is only one day. Keep me posted about the Fall. We still have Thanks to Steve Ferrel for allowing the workshop to take money left over from the spring and if we don't use it I place, and to Arnold for his leadership. need to give it back to the town. I will be in touch. Thank you and your club for making this event a success. You can visit the forums at http://www.kitebuilder.com/forums, but you must register as a Sincerely, member to get to the real stuff where the workshop is located. There are discussions on many kite topics, photo albums, and Dr. Dan Donofrio, D.C. loads of good information. CHIROPRACTIC Editors Note: That is the end of our coverage of the By the way, if after visiting the forums you still haven't Belmar Kite Festival, sounds real enjoyable!!!! guessed, I'm ‘Snoopy’.

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2. NASA recently sent a number of Holsteins into orbit for Lag B Omar Fly experimental purposes. They called it the herd shot round the world. By Ron Jakubowicz 3. Two boll weevils grew up in S Carolina. One took off to Hollywood Just my luck Lag B Omar (a and became a rich star. The other stayed in Carolina and never amounted to much--and naturally became known as the lesser of two Jewish Holiday) fell on Mother's weevils. day this year. Fortunately for me my parents had a prior 4. 2 Eskimos in a kayak were chilly, so they started a fire, which sank engagement to go to. For the past the craft, proving the old adage you can't have your kayak and heat it four or five years I have been too. doing this fly and kids building workshop for a Jewish 5. A 3-legged dog walks into an old west saloon, slides up to the organization called Chabad. They bar and announces "I'm looking for the man who shot my paw." have various groups around the state as well as the country. This 6. Did you hear about the Buddhist who went to the dentist, and year, the group in Union contacted me first, so they were the refused to take Novocain?! He wanted to transcend dental medication. ones I went to. 7. A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel, and met in The event was held up in Summit at Briant Park. I arrived at the lobby where they were discussing their recent victories in chess 1:30 just as I was supposed to. I looked at this nice park along tournaments. The hotel manager came out of the office after an hour, a road. OK, their was a small but picturesque lake that took up and part of the park with trees all around. Off to one side there was asked them to disperse. He couldn't stand chess nuts boasting in an on open field that was big enough to fly small kites but it was open swampy. Looking at the trees and their leaves, it really did not foyer. make a difference as none of the leaves were moving. No 8. A women has twins, gives them up for adoption. One goes to an wind, so no field was OK, at least for the moment. Egyptian family and is named "Ahmal" The other is sent to a Spanish family I parked and went up to see the organizer, the local Rabbi for and is named "Juan". Years later, Juan sends his birth mother a picture Chabad, Avrohm. He was a pleasant individual who after of himself. Upon receiving the picture, she tells her husband she explaining the situation to him had my attitude, well see what wishes happens and what we can do. They had purchased kids kite she kits from a store and had everything needed for a kids kite also had a picture of Ahmal. He replies, "They're twins for Pete sake!! building workshop. Their were just over a dozen kids and I set If you've seen Juan, you've see Ahmal!!" to work with them on building their delta kites. Their were volunteers to assist me as well as parents. 9. A group of friars opened a florist shop to help with their belfry payments. This was the easiest kid’s workshop I had ever done! As each Everyone liked to buy flowers from the Men of God, so their business child (or adult) finished their kite, we sent them off to test fly flourished. A rival florist became upset that his business was them. Of course since there was no wind that meant running suffering with the kite as it lifted higher and higher until they got tired or because people felt compelled to buy from the Friars, so he asked the ran out of room. As I stood their watching them I couldn't help Friars to cut back hours or close down. The Friars refused. but smile seeing me as a little kid doing that very same run The florist went to them and begged that they shut down. Again they and remembering how happy I was. Avrohm, as well as all the refused. So the florist then hired Hugh McTaggert, the biggest people were extremely nice to me and tried everything to make meanest me feel comfortable with the group. Their was food, as well as thug in town. He went to the Friars' shop, beat them up, destroyed their some nice people to mingle with. What a nice way to relax and flowers, trashed their shop, and said that if they didn't close, he'd be spend part of an afternoon. As I said good-bye to everyone back. Well, totally terrified, the Friars closed up shop and hid in Avrohm asked me to let him give me something for my time their and effort or to at least reimburse me for gas. Of course I rooms. This proved that Hugh, and only Hugh, can prevent florist couldn't take anything from him. Not just because I was doing friars. this as part of my involvement in SJKF, but more importantly I use to be associated with Chabad when I was in College. This 10. Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot his whole life, is just my way of giving back a little for all the good work they which created an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate do. very little, which made him frail, and with his odd diet, he suffered from Puns for Intellectuals very From Charlie Bojarski bad breath. This made him ...what? (This is so bad it's good...)--a super-callused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis.

11. And finally, ...there was ! a man who sent 10 puns to some friends 1. Two vultures boarded a plane, each in carrying two dead raccoons. hopes at least one of the puns would make them laugh. The stewardess stops them and says "sorry Unfortunately no pun in ten did!! sir, only one carrion per passenger."

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CALENDAR OF COMING EVENT

June 2004 July 2004 August 2004 September 2004 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30

29 30 31 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

5/28/04 5/31/04 ECSKC and WWIKF, Wildwood, NJ Contact 9/15/04 (Wednesday) WindWriters submission deadline for Sky Festivals 215-736-3715 [email protected] articles

6/4/04 – 6/6/04 BASKC, 2004 Boston Area 9/18/04 – 9/19/04 East Coast Kite Fighting Championships Championships (Boston, MA) Contact: Greg and Fun Fly. Being run by the Wetlands Institute in Stone Lamoureux 781-925-3277 [email protected] Harbor New Jersey in conjunction with their annual Wings 'n Water Festival. The main focus will be on two days of 6/10/04 – 6/12/04 22nd Annual Rogallo Kite Festival on Rokkaku battles and fighter wars. There will also be fun the dunes at Jockey Ridge State Park in Kitty Hawk NC. flying, sport kites, etc. Some dormitory space is available is considered the father of , to house out of town flyers. Contact Phil Broder he patented the flexible wing in 1948. He lives on the [email protected] for more information. Outer Banks in North Carolina. For more information contact Kitty Hawk Kites 1-252-441-4127 9/19/04 (Sunday) SJKF Meeting, 1 pm, Gloucester County Library, Mullica Hill, NJ. 6/18/04 – 6/20/04 ODSKC, 2004 Old Dominion Sport Kite Championships 9/23/04 – 9/26/04 Sunfest, Ocean City, MD, (Richmond, VA) Contact: Terry Murray 804-737-7172 contact: the Kite Loft 410-289-7855 or [email protected] [email protected]

6/19/04 (Saturday) SJKF Meeting, 1 pm, Gloucester County Library, Mullica Hill, NJ. 9/26/04 (Sunday) MBNA America 400, Dover International Speedway 7/4/04 (Saturday) Annual Fourth of July kite day in Ocean City, New Jersey. More information to come. 10/3/04 (Saturday) SJKF ANNUAL ANNIVERSARY BASH. Plan ahead to be there!!!!! 7/9/04 – 7/12/04 NACKC: 2004 North American Cup Kite Championships (Newport, RI) Contact: High Flyers Flight 10/11/04 – 10/16/04 The 2004 AKA Company 401-846-3262 [email protected] National Convention will be held in Seaside, OR. For more information go to 7/15/04 (Thursday) WindWriters submission deadline for www.aka.kite.org articles 11/12/04 – 11/14/04 GISKC: 2004 Georgia International Sport 8/7/04 – 8/8/04 NJSKC: 2004 New Jersey Stunt Kite Kite Championships (Tybee Island, GA) Tom & Sue Mason Championships 912-898-9142 (Jersey City, NJ) Kurtis Jones 201-489-7186 or [email protected] 11/15/04 (Monday) WindWriters submission deadline for articles 8/14/04 (Saturday) SJKF Meeting, 1 pm, Gloucester County Library, Mullica Hill, NJ. 11/21/04 (Sunday) SJKF Meeting, 1 pm, Gloucester County Library, Mullica Hill, NJ. 8/21/04 - 8/22/04 NYSKC: 2004 New York Sport Kite Championships (Rockaway, NY) Contact Sky Festivals 215- Editors Note: Though these dates are accurate at time of printing it is best to 736-1850 or [email protected] check with the contact to make sure the proper dates are listed.

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SJKF MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Help us get to know you! Fill in the form below, then complete the mini survey on the right. (In Grid 1, X where appropriate. In Grid 2 N=Novice, I=Intermediate, E=Experienced, M=Master or R=Retired). Return this application along with your check (payable to SJKF) for $15/year (single) or $20/year (family), and you’re in! Welcome to the club!

Name:______For Fun Fly Make

Address:______Single Line Dual Line City: ______ST:______ZIP:______Quad Line Phone(H):______(W)______Fighters E-Mail Address:______Buggies Membership Type: Individual ($15)______Family ($20)______Compete Precision Ballet (For family memberships, list additional names below. Circle name if under 10 years old) Individual N I E M R N I E M R ______Pairs N I E M R N I E M R

Favorite Kite(s):______Team N I E M R N I E M R Quad Line N I E M R N I E M R Signature:______Date:______

South Jersey Kite Flyers PO Box 32 Collingswood, NJ 08108-9998 e-mail: [email protected] ======May the wind welcome you with softness; may the sun bless Scott E. Spencer you with his warm hands; May you fly so high and so well, 1st Vice President, South Jersey Kite Flyers God joins you in laughter. And may He set you gently Back again into the loving arms of Mother Earth." - From an old

Irish pilot's prayer ======

Busy Kitefliers, where are they and who are they?

WindWriters is the newsletter of the South Jersey Kite Flyers and is published bimonthly by the SJKF

President Ron Jakubowicz [email protected] 732-919-3676 1st Vice President Scott Spencer [email protected] (856) 854-5520 2nd Vice President Andy Selzer [email protected] (856) 740-1167 Secretary Betty Hirschmann [email protected] (856) 854-5520 Treasurer Pat Mozier [email protected] 856-881-8765 Directors at Large Jim Davis [email protected] 610 544 5738 Mike Dallmer, Sr. [email protected] 215-722-4092 Web Master Russ Mozier [email protected] 856-881-8765 Publishers Lee and Ethel Kraft [email protected] 215-673-4476 Merchandise Russ and Pat Mozier [email protected] 856-881-8765 Special Guest Editor Mike Dallmer, Sr. [email protected] 215-722-4092 www.geocities.com/colosseum/sideline/8309

P.O. Box 32 Collingswood, NJ 08108-9998

Inside This Issue Empty paces in the Sky – Ed Spencer...... 1 Creative Design...... 1 In Memory of Ed Spencer...... 3 Presidential Report...... 3 Meetings ...... 4 Olan Turner Day at Core Creek...... 4 Greetings from the Northern Edge of South Jersey...... 5 Weymouth Kite Festival...... 5 Cel Update...... 6 Wings and Water Festival...... 6 Smithsonian 2004 ...... 7 Belmar ...... 8 -10 On-line Della Porta...... 10 Lag B Omar Fly...... 11 Puns...... 11 Calendar of Events ...... 12 Sleeping Beauties...... 13