For the
first time in a long time the Woodlawn Sailing Club
was involved in the City's official Earth Day Celebration
this past Saturday with a Radio Control/Sunfish
Activity Day. With the full support of the Organizers we had
free reign to do what ever we wanted as long as we supplied
color and boats on the lake. Well with Charlotte &
Paul Kahl, and Terry & daughter Gretchen
Lindeman sailing their Sunfishes to an absolutely
beautiful day with a nice breeze, it was perfect for adding
color to the lake. While on the patio of the Clubhouse, the
Radio Control display was adding to the activities on shore.
Ray Mireles, Larry Ludwig, Armando
Rivera, Carl Seta, and myself had a display of over
26 boats all set up ready to sail. This was quite a sight on
the patio and around the flagpole and a constant flow of
people and kids all came by to view and sometimes touch some
of these expensive boats. So our hands were full on shore
just to keep that kids under control. We also sailed some of
the biggest boats that were on display. Larry brought out
three(3) of the Classic America's Cup J-Class boats
measuring about 100" long and sailed them. These are some of
the most graceful things you have ever seen sail under radio
control. It was a great day to answer anyone's questions of
sailing in general in hopes of gaining new members. Even our
special Lifetime Member Porter Loring
Jr. showed up to relax and laugh on the
patio with the rest of us. We were indeed honored to have
him show up considering that out of the 26 boats that was
set up, 17 of them had belong to him as part of his
collection. Porter wanted to give all of us an opportunity
to own something that we normally wouldn't have a chance to
own. He is truly one reason why our Club is one of the most
popular clubs in R/C sailing in the country. Amongst
the R/C sailors this day we have decided to continue this
tradition of an Earth Day R/C Display Day and title it our
Porter Loring Jr. R/C Day. Past City Councilman Joe
Alderete, Earth Day Organizer, came over at the end of the
day and had mention that he had gotten a lot of positive
feedback with the Sunfish on the lake throughout the day and
would like for us to possible increase the numbers for next
year also. Between the Sunfish, R/C boats, and the Rower's &
Kayaker's the lake was truly a nice sight with that many
boats on the lake. And with the special Parking Passes
handed out for the Sailing Club and given special privilege
of the ramp parking lot, it was relatively easy in/out.
Oh
maybe I should say something about the rest of the Park.
Imagine about 55 venders booths with free trees/plants, arts
& crafts, Dancing and music on the basketball stage, kids
area with all kind of face painting and games and
educational items, CPS, SAWS, Public Works, and all the
vegetarian food you can eat was just a little bit of what
else was at the park that day. This event has gotten bigger
every year for the city and I really want the Club to grow
with it. So plan on next year on coming out and of course
bring your Sunfish. It's a great tune up day for the next
weekends Fiesta Regatta.
Photo's supplied by Larry and Linda Ludwig.
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