Big Sky RC Meeting Minutes
Apr 08, 2026
President Dan Woods brought the meeting to order at 7:02 PM at the Paris Gibson Gym with 9 members in attendance.
Secretary Don Gilles read March’s meeting minutes and they were accepted as read.
Treasurer Darrell Anderson read the Treasurer’s report and it was accepted as read.
Old business:
Don Gilles opened with an update on Field and Table Mnx. Don and John finished replacing the three tables slated for this year. Each table has a new slab of 3/4″ ground contact pressure treated plywood. The tables were topped with a new piece of turf grass and then a new set of uprights. The cost for this repair was just under $400.
At this moment a stranger showed up to the meeting, murmurs ran wild quickly confirming it was the legendary Jason Naranjo. Everyone present warmly welcomed him back with the exception of our Vice-President, name sometimes spoken here, who incessantly questioned him about his identity, seemingly unconvinced that Jason was who he said he was and rudely interrogating Jason on how to spell his name. The rest of us moved on…
Don then attempted to continue with what might have been construed as new business and was shutdown by the club president who then started his own conversation about the lawn mowers. This club President, name routinely spoken here, asked if the new mower had been delivered. Jerry Knight, obviously shaken with the treatment of our beloved club secretary, answered with an update that the mower is ready for delivery and he’ll take the old Ward’s mower with him to put up for sale.
New business:
Don Gilles glared at someone, identity masked for his protection, and opened with an update on the wind sock – not really business as such but an update for members. Don and John will put up the wind sock this Friday, 10 April, after we have our routine club lunch at Arby’s. Lunch is from noon to 1pm or so, then we’ll head out to the field. Weather is forecast to be nice & sunny, winds around 10mph and temps in the mid 60s. Everyone is invited out for chit chat and if you’re so inclined to bring an airplane and do some flying.
Jason Naranjo gave everyone an update on track status and the plan for May’s Spring Thaw season opener. Jason is hoping to get a skid steer or tractor out to the field and start setting up a new layout for this year. He’ll send out a message when he needs some assistance. Questions were asked about the condition of the stands and Dan Woods replied that he might look at putting down a new layer of stain in certain areas. The shade tarp is still in pretty good condition and survived the winter wind storms.
Darrell Anderson let us know it appears we could use a little more gravel around the new outhouse. Last year we paid $246 for 5 yards of 3/4″ road mix from Great Falls Sand & Gravel. This is about a half load on their normal trucks. Jason said he’s going to speak to someone about getting a discount on gravel and dirt for the club so until we hear from Jason we’ll wait to put in an order for more gravel.
** Items of special interest **
RCSignup is open for Spring Thaw registration – please use it!!
Also of note…it was a cold spring day, March 2025. Club members discussed work parties and the lack of involvement / assistance / just coming on out for chit chat. Many of our members aren’t physically able to assist but that doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy your company! It was suggested that the club supply snacks for these work parties and everyone agreed that it was an acceptable expense for those willing to volunteer their time, tools, fuel and good banter. So when you see we bought donuts & drinks please keep that in mind. That new outhouse didn’t just build itself nor were the rebuilt flying tables supplied by aliens (ok, I’ve had my reservations about John…but he seems harmless).
**
Thanks to all attendees, the meeting was adjourned at 7:34 pm.
Donald Gilles
BSRC Secretary
AMA Club 400
FYI:
Club meetings are the first Tuesday night of the month at the Pitstop, 7pm.
Club lunch is every Friday, noon at Arby’s.
Wednesday night is our designated “get-together” night for club flying.
Upcoming Events:
Paris Gibson Gym Indoor Flying: Wednesday nights from 6pm -9pm
– May 16-17 – Spring Thaw R/C Off Road Racing, Great Falls, MT
— Memorial Day Weekend is May 23-25
– June Wednesday Night League Racing ( 27 May to 01 July, 6 Nights )
– June 6 – Club Fly, Great Falls, MT
– June 20 – Float-Fly, Wadsworth Park, Great Falls
— Fathers Day is Jun 21
– July 11 – Open House, Great Falls, MT (Full RC Complex will be open to the public)
– July 25 – Summer Heat R/C Off Road Racing, Great Falls, MT (one day event)
– August 8, Float-Fly, Missouri River, Great Falls, MT, across from Elks Riverside Park
– August 22, Club Fly, Great Falls, MT, BSRC Field
– August 29, Steve Woodhouse Invitational Flying Event, Woodhouse Farm
– September 12-13, Fall Fury R/C Off Road Racing, Great Falls, MT, BSRC Track
– September 19, Club Fly, Great Falls, MT, BSRC Field
– October 3, Leo Sommerfeld Memorial Fly-In, location TBD