Rhinebeck Museum trouble

29 January 2004, 03:40 PM

just as i thought every buddy can type away on here but no one has the balls to go on opening day and try and get some answers.Lack of support want keep coles dream alive. This thread is dead in the water.I will be there to volunteer and support the museum on opening day like i have been for many years not sitting here wasting my time typing when the only way to help is get involved. Have fun staring at your monitor everyone il be watchin Coles dream on opening day.

rc-notyme · 29 January 2004, 06:06 PM

Matty

Please read the e-mails a little more carefully.

rc-notyme · 29 January 2004, 06:08 PM

Sorry, I meant forum postings...

29 January 2004, 06:24 PM

mattyb:

By your postings it is obvious that you have a great passion for the Aerodrome and believe the best chance for it’s future success is to keep the Aerodrome more or less the way Cole intended it to be. I think that we all want the same thing. From your last posting it seems that you have forgotten the other postings though. Those of us "just starring at our monitors" have been making postings since November 2003 describing the actions that the present Board and Administration have taken for all to see. There have been postings inviting members of the Board to tell their side – so far it appears they have declined the opportunity. There have been several postings describing how the Board has been completely and totally unresponsive to any Museum member requests for information or an indication of the direction they would like to take the Aerodrome to next. The official spokespersons for the Aerodrome have said in various newspaper articles that the recent changes are "for homeland security" or they had to take the actions because of financial reasons – only to contradict their own statements in the next article. In response to why so many people close to the Aerodrome are concerned, the response has been "it is a few irresponsible people spreading rumors and innuendo.” To date, there have been about 234 postings and over 20,180 occasions to view the subject – only a few.

I can understand the challange and practical difficulties of trying to catch up and read all 234 postings at once. Fortunately, you only have to read the postings on this page to obtain the understand that it would be very unlikely that the Board would take any action from having a hundred or so people to show up on opening day or model weekend. The more likely outcome would be to actually show support for the way they are doing things. This would take the form of financial support through gate receipts, or in volunteer support that would help them accomplish their plan (what ever that is).

Of course, if you want to keep up your tradition of being there for opening day, then I applaud you for standing up for your right to have an opinion and becoming the first on this forum to support their position and actions.

Curtiss Jenny · 29 January 2004, 06:43 PM

mattyb

It is too heart sickening for me to go back to ORA as long as the present management is in control. This forum has supported a letter writing campaign to alert the NY State authorities to what has happened to good men like Ken Cassens, Scott Mackenzie and Chris Rogine. It is for them that I show my support.

If by June the state has not intervened, then I would consider alternatives such as a peaceful protest outside the Aerodrome with the news media present. I will not put another penny in to the organization, including the gate until the (mis)management has been replaced by people with integrity.

In the meantime, re-read what StolenCub has posted this page. Everyone's letters ARE important, and will make a difference! Please write to save Cole's legacy!

curtisswright · 30 January 2004, 06:39 AM

Curtiss Jenny,

Super, Super idea. We should do something if the state has not taken action by June. I too have stopped with my financial support, and offering of time. I stopped getting called for help after Tom P was ushered out. I would be very uncomfortable if the "show of support" did not involve notifying local authorities to insure that no law or local ordinace was being violated. Again, Great idea.

This whole situation is really sad.

30 January 2004, 07:18 AM

Doea anyone have news about Chris Rogine?

30 January 2004, 07:32 AM

I have heard from a number of people now who have had replies from the state of NY to their letters regarding the Aerodrome. The state is looking into this, largely thanks to this forum, and I know for a fact that it is having other far-reaching effects.

WWIModelGuy · 30 January 2004, 11:26 AM

mattyb,
I sense and share your frustration . I'm used to operating in the corporate world where when a problem is identified, a definitive action plan is developed and implemented to address it with the proper mix of resources in a timely manner. The non-profit world is obviously somewhat different.

However, I think you are way off base with your derogatory comments about this forum and its contributors. Keeping us all informed and launching the writing campaign are very important contributions, especially for those of us who are geograhically removed. Let's stick together on this. The aerodrome is much too important.

greenknight · 30 January 2004, 11:41 AM

The on-line version of the February "Atlantic Flyer" continues coverage with an article "Free Fall at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome". The article leads off with a description of Mr. Rogine's unfortunate situation. Dick King weighs in with his concerns, and the actions he has taken are described. Well worth reading.

Thanks to the Atlantic Flyer for getting the word out to the aviation community of the Eastern US and beyond.

http://www.aflyer.com/features/Untitled8.html

Has anyone gotten a reply from Mr. Palmquist's office or the NY Senators yet? I, like others, have gotten a letter from the State Museum of New York in response to my letter to Governor Pataki, but nothing yet from the other 3 offices.