|
By Dale Whitford
Christian Sholder, Eleanore Hong and Kelly D’Amico show off their Lacey M-10 model airplanes.
Imagine being given a few sticks and sheets of light-weight balsa wood, some glue and tissue paper; building and covering a balsa wood framework; assembling the parts and then experiencing the thrill of watching the plane you have made with your own hands soar in circles in the air and finally descend to a smooth landing on the gym floor. That is exactly what more than 500 girls and boys have done during the last nine years at the Model Airplane Building and flying program at Christ United Methodist Church.
Here is a chance to have fun after school as well as gain new experiences and skills building and flying rubber-band-powered model airplanes inside Christ Methodist Church’s Activities Center. More than 500 students in the South Dayton area have enjoyed the program, which has been offered during the past nine years. Since this program has served students from seven local municipalities and 15 different schools, students have the opportunity to make new friends while they build their airplanes. The team of 16 instructors provides close supervision at the average ratio of one instructor for every two or three students. No student experience is required. Classes for Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced, Competition, and Experienced are provided to match each student’s abilities. This course is offered as a public service to any student in the community in grades 4 to 12.
 The course meets every Tuesday for 15 weeks beginning Aug. 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. and ending on Dec. 4. Students may arrive as early as 3:30 p.m.
A highlight of the program is the Air Show that is held at the end of the program. Here, students display and fly all planes they have built for an audience of parents, other family members and friends.
A class fee of $35 is charged to defray the cost of materials and supplies. Class size is limited to 30 students. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. This class usually fills up within 30 days, so prompt response is advised. Please complete and send the attached application blank along with a check made out to Dale Whitford and either mail or hand-carry your registration to the address below. Neither E-mail nor telephone registrations can be accepted.
This is a unique opportunity for many students who have had limited experience in making things with their hands or developing manual dexterity. Students have fun while learning how to read mechanical drawings, construct structures by cutting and gluing parts together and learning how to make an airplane fly in the gym.
The program has received accolades and expressions of deep appreciation from many parents and teachers. One parent recently said that the program was one of the best things her son had experienced. Several former students have enrolled in aeronautical engineering college programs citing their experience in the course as a motivator.
Also we have had several members of the same family enroll and remain in the course as they became of age. Typical of these is the family of Oakwood residents, Chung and Margaret Hong. Their sons Sean and Isaac have graduated from the course and their daughter, Eleanore, a sixth-grader in Harman School, is planning on enrolling for her fourth year. All three have been excellent students and have built very good airplanes.
Please contact Dale Whitford at 299-3744 if you have any questions. We look forward to the opportunity to teach your child this year.
Dale Whitford is an aeronautical engineer and one of the country’s leading experts on the Wright Brothers and their odyssey of being the first in achieving successful powered flight. He is the author of The Keys to the Success of the Wright Brothers: Unlocking the Gateway of Flight. Whitford is also a founding member of the University of Dayton Research Institute.
On two Monday evenings during the spring Wright Library will present special preschool storytimes. Children ages 3 to 5 will have fun listening to stories and making simple crafts led by children’s librarian, Mrs. Rose. No registration is required.
Monday, May 14: Celebrate Transportation Week. Come listen to stories about trains, boats, automobiles, bicycles, and walking. Make your own vehicle. Contact the Children’s Room at 294-7171, or for more information visit the Wright Library website.
Wright Library will be on the ballot on May 8, 2007 for a five-year replacement of the existing .94 mill levy which expires at the end this year. This levy currently provides $227,000 per year, which is almost 13 percent of the library’s current annual budget of $1,752,000. The replacement of the .94 mill levy will provide funds of $291,000 per year, a replacement of the $227,000, plus an increase for inflation. Without this replacement, the Library will lose a significant portion of its funding.
How will the money be used?
The money will be used to maintain current services. It will be used for operating expenses such as books, utilities, salaries, and property maintenance. A survey conducted in May of 2006 among Oakwood residents showed a high level of Library use and a high level of satisfaction with Wright Library’s services.
The replacement levy is needed to keep the Library in a stable financial position to continue providing the services Library patrons value.
How much will the levy cost property owners?
A homeowner with property appraised at $200,000 currently pays approximately $46 per year. The replacement levy will cost this property owner $59 annually, or $13 per year above the current cost.
How is this levy request different from the November 2005 ballot issue?
This request is for a continuation of a levy that has been in place since 1997.
The money will be used to continue existing services. The 2005 request was for new millage to restore hours that were cut because of the decline in state support for public libraries, to increase spending on books and other materials for patrons, and to increase funds available for future property maintenance.
How is Wright Memorial Public Library funded?
Like most public libraries in Ohio, Wright Library is funded primarily through a portion of the state personal income tax. In 2007 Wright Library will receive 83 percent of its revenue from state funding, 12.9 percent from the existing .94 mill levy, 3 percent from fines, and 1.1 percent from other sources such as copiers, used book sales, and interest. Total revenue for 2007 is anticipated to be $1,752,000.
Is it unusual for public libraries in Ohio to have tax levies?
No. More than 25 percent of Ohio libraries are supported by their communities with local tax levies. Wright Library receives less levy support than neighboring libraries. Washington-Centerville Library receives 55 percent of its revenue from local levy support and the Dayton Metro Library gets 30 percent of its revenue from a levy. Wright Library’s local levy produces just 12.9 percent of its annual revenue.
Who can borrow materials from Wright Library?
To receive the state funds that make up more than 80 percent of the library’s budget, Wright Library must offer its services to all residents of Montgomery County. In turn, Oakwood residents may use the services of other county libraries such as Dayton Metro and Washington-Centerville, but do not pay their library taxes.
Where can I get more information on library funding?
For information about Ohio libraries, library funding, and general information about election procedures, call or visit Wright Library’s reference desk.
For specific information about Wright Library’s budget and this replacement levy, contact the Library’s Clerk-Treasurer Debra Schenk or Director Ann Snively at 294-8572.
This class will provide age appropriate education and skills for the beginner riders. The children will be instructed on safety issues, equipment and basic handling skills. All participants must be able to ride a bike before the session begins. The last class will Friday, May 4.
For more information about these camps please stop by the Oakwood Community Center 105 Patterson Rd., or call 298-0775.
Kiddie Kamp (ages 3-5)
Summer in Shafor (ages 6-9)
Camp Hodge Podge (ages 8-12)
Tiny Tap (ages 3-5) with Colette Miller, June 18-22.
Tap Camp (ages 6-8) with Colette Miller, June 18-22.
Tennis Lessons with the staff of KTC/Quail Run, starting June 18th.
Ballet with Miss Camille (ages 4-6, grade 1-3, and grades 4-7).
Beginning Riding (ages 5-10) Monday, April 30, Wednesday, May 2, or Friday, May 4.
Jazz Dance Camp (K-3, 4-6, & Jr High/High School) with Trisha Burke-Williams, June 25-29.
Mythic Shorts “New” (grades 6-10) with Jean Howart Berry, June 25-July 27.
Youth Summer Theatre Camp with Teresa Connair (ages 8-13) June 25-29 & July 9-20.
Camp Daylight (ages 6-9) “New All Day Camp” July 9-13.
OCC Soccer Camp “New” (ages 10-14) with Doug Lehman, July 16-20.
Ballet with Miss Camille (ages 4-6, grade 1-3, and grades 4-7).
Pee Wee Cheerleading (grades 1-3) with Colette Miller, July 30-August 3.
Intermediate Tumbling (grades 1-3) with Colette Miller, July 30-August 3.
Cheerleading Camp (grade 4-6) with Colette Miller, July 23-27.
Intermediate Tumbling (grade 4-6) with Colette Miller, July 23-27.
Tennis Camp Deuce “New” incorporation with Hollinger Tennis Club, (ages 4-6 July 9-13, age 7-11 July 16-20, ages 12-14 July 23-27).
Ralleyball “New” incorporation with KTC/Quail Run & Hollinger Tennis Club, (ages 5-7, 8-10, & 13-17),
August 13-17.
Art Camp (ages 8-12) with Jane Brennan, August 13-17.
Sports Camp (ages 7-10) August 13-17
The Oakwood Community Center is currently taking registrations. For more information about these camps please stop by the Oakwood Community Center 105 Patterson Rd., or call 298-0775.
 A listing of visual arts, music,
theatre, and other events
in Dayton and beyond.
|
