Presented In Honor of Chuck Blackwell (1958-2005)

Chris Blackwell presented the 2005 Blackwell Award to Bob Rule.

Here is the nomination for Bob:

I WOULD LIKE TO NOMINATE  BOB RULE   For what it's worth I want to nominate Bob Rule for the award.  Bob was a close friend of Chuck’s, and shares many of his traits.  Bob can usually be found at New Mark’s field, and he is very friendly with visitors.  I admire the way Bob volunteered to be a leader of our club, and the spirit he exhibits.   Bob participates and serves his club well with his standard response, “Sure, I’ll give it a try!”  Bob is an inspiration to many of us.

Signed and nominated by: Scott Weimer

 

Congratulations Bob! 
You are truly in inspiration to many!!!

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Our other nominees included:

Dave E, nominated by Allan G.

My family have known Dave for around 9 years- or about as long as we have been flying. Dave has consistently been an ambassador and representative of the KCKC for even longer. He has amazing sewing talent, and shares his love of our sport/hobby with everyone he meets, just like Chuck did.

He is one of the first people to seek out and engage spectators with the finer elements of kiting, always talking to interested folks and especially kids. He has always led demonstrations for all sorts of groups, each one focusing on aspects of kiting. He has taught many sewing classes to beginning and advanced sewers.

Dave has a great deal of wisdom and experience from his teaching career that he uses all the time to promote kiting in the KC area. He has seen the KCKC tide fall and rise, and has always participated regularly and consistently, providing honest contribution and input even when that input may be difficult to hear.

Dave is quite talented in kite construction, with an ability to make kites from all sorts of materials. His award winning designs always light up the sky and draw praise from everyone below.

Dave most definitely embodies and carries out the kiting spirit that Chuck possessed, and very much deserves the award this year.


Dave E, nominated by Sean B.

David E for me was the first person that helped me understand about the kite club and the great many memories that I would share during my time flying kites with so many great people. His passion for the sport is something that I look up to and hope learn so much more from him. Over 3 years ago David came to my home for a basement eddy kite class where I had family, and friends attend. Still to this day I am reminded by many who attended of how cool it was and that they never thought that they would ever make a kite.

I met Dave in 1995 at JCCC when a friend of mine had bought a large green traction kite and I was pulled all over the place in amazement. Dave could have never known at the time but him being so nice to me forever fueled my kiting interest and I will always love him for it. Dave has always exemplified great heart for his kiting interest and helped so many of us along the way. Chuck is proud to be looking down on continued passion from Dave and so am I.

 

Scott W, nominated by Laurie G.

Scott is always able to come and help me fly my Beetle. He worked really hard to help me learn how to fly my Beetle. I think Scott is the best kite flier in the Club (next to my Daddy!). Scott was very patient when I was learning to fly. He stood in the grass and picked up the kite every time it crashed. And also, one kite fly in Topeka, when I went up to him to see him (it was the first time I saw him) and he taught me how to do the “kite cart wheel thingy”.

 

Sean B, nominated by Ryan L

I NOMINATE SEAN B because of his dedication to improving the club by trying new venues and his constant optimism. The job he has taken is a thankless necessary role in the club with the only reward the brief satisfaction of seeing everyone having fun. This is a rare selflessness that is shown by Sean and is trait I wish to see more in the club. Please thank Sean and those like him that give up their time to make the KCKC the best it can be.

Steve B, nominated by Linda L

I would like to nominate Steve B for the Blackwell Award. I think that Steve attends more events than any other member, and he is always available to teach and talk to new fliers. There have been a few times that Steve was the sole KCKC representative at flys, and he handled such occasions with grace and acceptance. He always has a willing attitude, and enjoys helping new pilots. Watching Steve fly is a joy. His love of the sport is revealed in his flying; his spirit of sharing with his quiet instructions to new fliers. Steve shares many traits with Chuck. Like Chuck, Steve is not an accomplished spokesman, but overcomes this with his mission to share his passion for kites. Even his humbleness reminds me of Chuck. Although one of the better flyers that the Kansas City Kite Club has, you will never hear Steve boast of his ability. Instead, you will hear him say that all it takes is practice.

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The Kansas City Kite Club will accept nominations for the 2nd Blackwell Award beginning in November 2006.  The Blackwell will be presented to a Kansas City Area Kiter who best demonstrates the outstanding traits that Chuck Blackwell exemplified.  Chuck was usually one of the first kiters one would meet on the field, always with a positive comment, or an offer of help.  He would often go out of his way to help others enjoy, or understand kiting more.  He loved kiting, and always strived to share that passion.

Nominations must be in writing, signed, and presented to a KCKC Board Member, or presented through the KCKC website a week (seven days) before the Holiday Party.  One nomination per member, please.  Nominees will be announced at the Holiday Party.  All 2006 KCKC Members in good standing will be allowed to cast ballots for one nominee.  Members must be present at the Holiday Party to vote.  No absentee votes will be allowed.  In case of a tie, the highest-ranking Executive Member present will cast the tiebreaking vote.