Oldtown Valley Flyers to hold grand opening, part 2
If you missed the grand opening of the Oldtown Valley Flyers’ new airfield in Wilkshire Hills, the radio-controlled aircraft club will hold another free public event in September.
If you missed the grand opening of the Oldtown Valley Flyers’ new airfield in Wilkshire Hills, you needn’t worry. The radio-controlled aircraft club will hold another free public event on Sept. 4 from 1-5 p.m. at 10141 Wilkshire Boulevard, Bolivar.
The original grand opening was scheduled for July 11-12. That Saturday was picture-perfect weather for flying. Sunday was a different story. It didn’t just rain; it poured with most of the area receiving around a half-inch of rain or more, according to Joe Ebner at TUSCWeather.
Club President Robert Draman said more than 50 people attended the July 11 event including a number of families.
At the upcoming open house, guests age 6 and over can use members’ planes to learn basic flight maneuvers. There also will be giveaways and an “air show” with members demonstrating synchronized formation maneuvers.
The new airstrip
The Oldtown Valley Flyers started in Gnadenhutten, then moved to Oldtown Valley Road in New Philadelphia, and then to their most recent location in 2002 on Hardy Ridge Road in Dundee.
The club moved to Bolivar after losing their Dundee field in December 2020.
“I’m glad about where we are. People who walk the trail there will stop by and watch. I think we’re somewhat of an asset to the community there,” said Gary Zion, a member for five years.
Lucas Dummermuth also likes the location. “The exposure we get there is nice. There are also people who drive by frequently on I-77 who could easily drop by for 15 or 20 minutes any time.”
The proof is in the proverbial pudding. According to Draman, the club has added 11 new members since moving to the Bolivar location.
Why they do it
“It’s a great club,” said Merl Miller, a member for the past six years. “The members are super friendly, and they are always willing to help new people.”
Miller and his 12-year-old son joined when the club was located in Dundee. “When we moved in, planes were flying over the house, and my son said, ‘We gotta go see them.’ The next thing you know, we were into it.”
Zion likes the camaraderie and finds the hobby exciting. “It’s exhilarating and fun. It makes you feel alive and gives you a nice, little rush,” Zion said.
Dummermuth, an engineer at Allied Machine, joined when co-worker and club member Dave Chenzoff invited him to try it. “I like the challenge of learning new things and that it’s a hands-on hobby,” Dummermuth said. “I also feel like the club is very accepting of people from any type of lifestyle or life stage.”
Hoping to attract young people
“At the July open house, we had at least three or four young pilots who showed excellent skills,” Draman said.
Of the four, two became members, and two took home significant prizes.
Dummermuth and Zion both believe flying RC aircraft would be a natural transition for a young person used to using joysticks and other video-game controls. “A lot of those same skills translate well to RC flying,” Dummermuth said.
Zion said flying draws on abilities common to video games including hand-eye coordination.
“We want to get younger kids involved, get them outside,” he said. He noticed a young man who came to the first open house with his grandfather. “There he was with his grandpa, out sharing something outdoors, having fun. I think it’s great.”
No boarding pass
required
This event is free. So if you can’t make it to the Cleveland Air Show, get yourself to the grand opening, part two, of the Oldtown Valley Flyers’ new location.
Club memberships cover the entire family for $50 a year and $35 for those over 50 years of age. Membership is free for those under 18. Membership information and applications will be available at the grand opening or by sending a text to 234-804-6764.