A moderate crowd turned out for Saturdays launch in  typical 10-15 mph wind, but otherwise a beautiful warm January day in Houston.  There was at least one certification attempt that started with an absolutely shocking ignition of a H 238 that seemed to be five feet off the pad as the launcher hit the button, but ended in a lost nise cone.  Another large rocket crashed hard near the RCers, I'm sure they all really jumped when that hit about 30 feet away in a full nose dive. Several other F  G powered rockets, and lots of glider testing for the Hearts and Darts contest next month, some worked, some didn't, but that's what testing is for. And speaking of testing, I launched an unpainted Estes Saturn V modified with one D21 and 3 out of 4 C6 motors lighting for an excellent flight, althought the simulated lunar module parachute got tangled with the three apollo capsule 'chutes.
    The usual club meeting following the launch was held at Fuddruckers restaurant because the regular site was booked up for January. As club president Tom Lanier said, the kids came out best as the Toy picker machine was really giving in and many kids got plush toys on the first try. Oh, yes, the food was great compared to the brown bags at our usual meetings and the membership tended to break up into separate groups to discuss various rocketry issues. Frank Mooney showed his excellent digital pictures of the days launch, hope to post some of those soon.
    An official meeting was finally called, and treasurer Ron Ammons reported that the club finances are strong, but that the number of membership renewals is way down lately, while new memberships are up.  Vice President Warren Benson reported that the Russian Festival in Nassau Bay has extended their invitation for the club to participate again this year. The Festival is on April 8th and 9th from 11 AM to 6 PM. As festival entertainment, we will probably be launching only very small rockets or those that can be lost to the lake, depending on the winds.
    April 1st is the date for "Wacky Wockets", a very informal contest where rockets will be judged for their creativity as well as their stability. A surprise award will be given to the winner!
     Tom also reported that David Bacque agreed to help a group of Clear Lake boy scouts with a rocketry project, but is looking for more help with regard to that. Contact a club officer if you can help the boy scouts in early February.
     The Clubs donation to helpguide the BATF to do the right thing regarding proposed rules effecting high power rocketry was acknowledged by the NAR. The club is also preparing to get involved in the upcoming web discussion sponsored by the FAA regarding model rocketry rules. More info can be found at   http://ast.faa.gov/publicforum/.
    Finally, there was lots of talk concerning the upcoming Hearts and Darts contest. A record size crowd of at least 55 competitors is expected, so there is a big need for volunteers to help out with registration and timing. Also the parking situation will be critical, so conserve as much space as possible. Everyone is asked to park on the asphalt, while tents, etc. are allowed on the grass.  With the high number of scale entries, a banquet room will be set up at the Holiday Inn across from NASA for display from  8:00 PM - 11:00 PM on Saturday.
    There was an Estes Naboo fighter given away as a door prize. All further club meetings will be at the regular meeting place on the third Saturday of every month.