Hello Roller Friends,
I received very positive responses from the members in Region 5 in regards to the letter that I sent out in January.  There doesn't seem to be any conflicts with the preliminary dates of October 16^th through the 26^th for our NBRC National Regional Fly.  Therefore I will continue to work on scheduling our Regional Fly in that time frame.  I believe that it makes sense to work from north to south since the weather will begin to cool sooner in the Missouri and Kansas.  I believe that we can fly the same route as our World Cup Region beginning in Missouri, then to Kansas, on to Oklahoma, and ending in Arkansas.  The next step will be to get a judge for the Region.  I have not asked anyone to judge the region yet pending approval of the preliminary dates.  Naturally we want the best judge possible and within reason.  The number of entries that we receive will play a major part in the amount of expenses we will be able to afford on transportation of a judge to and from the region.  I would be glad to consider any recommendations that you may have for our judge if you confirm that the person is willing to do the job, just let me know.
We will need to begin collecting entry fee's and finalizing plans in the near future.  I will be glad to have some help coordinating and scheduling flyers in your local areas if any of you would like to join in the fun with me.  We need help promoting the Fly to your friends and helping organize the judges schedule in your area.  Let me know if you would like to volunteer for your local area.  Time Flys as they say so get to talking with your friends and let me know what works best for the flyers in your area.
You probably noticed the results of the votes taken for the National Fly.  The majority of voters voted in favor of any 15 kits being a Region over the larger pre-defined Regions.  Even though this rule will be in effect this year (unless overridden by the Executive Committee) I hope that we will fly together as one Region.  Unity and Fellowship is the goal that we should all working towards.  Strength is in numbers and we can all better support the hobby unified.  The best part of the hobby for me is when I get to participate in an event with and against my neighbors that I normally don't get to participate with.  The Fellowships and visitations are always rememberable occasions. 

I am looking forward to helping support the NBRC and Roller Hobby in this Region.  I hope that I will get the opportunity to talk with and work with many of the members and flyers in the Region.  I am anxious to hear what we can do to get the most out of this Fly, and fulfill the needs of the flyers in your area.  Give me a call and lets hear your ideas.

Your Arkansas Roller Friend,

Steve Clayton