NORG's Invite to Official Return to Gallows Hill Park for 2022!

NORG’s Invite to Official Return to Gallows Hill Park for 2022!

   On March 21st NORG received it’s Park Permit from the City of Salem’s (Salem, MA) Park & Rec for use of the Gallows Hill Park.  The following week, on March 29th, NORG also received it’s Fire Permit from City of Salem’s Fire Marshal.  We are now set for 3 NORG Events for 2022 as follows:
1) May 21st (sunset ~ 8:04 PM) from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Sunday 22nd rain date from 8:00 to 9:30 PM

2) Sept. 10th (sunset ~ 7:02 PM) from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Sunday 11th rain date from 7:00 to 8:30 PM

3) Oct. 15th (sunset ~ 6:01 PM) from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Sunday 16th rain date from 6:00 to 7:30 PM

INVITATION:  NORG officially invites CMASS Members (and others) to participate in our 2022 Launch Schedule on the three dates & times mentioned above!  Also, later this year, a Special Joint Launch at CMASS’ Amesbury, MA Field on Nov. 12th at Sunset (~4:23 PM).

CHANGES: We have now graduated to paying an hourly rate post-renovations of the Gallows Hill Park due to the competition for baseball fields.  Fortunately, we are paying Salem Resident rates and are only charged for the daylight portion of our events (this is why the Sunday rain dates are nighttime only otherwise we would have to pay to reserve the regular daytime portion).  If a rain date is called for, please contact NORG to let us know how many attendees with Nite Flite Rockets wish to attend on Sunday as field conditions may cause cancellations.

FEE’s/LAUNCH LIST: In order to defray the cost and sustain the future viability of NORG it is now necessary to charge a minimal Field Participation Fee of $1 for the day/evening event.  Please consider buying an annual membership.  Also, it is required that participants sign and provide contact info for the Launch List so that we know who is in attendance and can return lost rockets and abide by the COVID precautions found on the CMASS website for contact tracing should the need arise.  This information will remain for NORG use only and serve to note who has paid for the day’s event.

FEE’s/MEMBERSHIP LIST:  Again, in order to defray cost and sustain the future viability of NORG we are now requiring members both new and old to pay a membership fee when signing up at an event for the first time.  Past years we waived the fee.  NAR Members pay $5 for Full NORG Membership while non-NAR pay $3 for Associate NORG Membership.  This is the lowest nominal fee we can offer!

SPECIAL NOTE: Look for coming posting on “THINGS TO KNOW/BRING – UPCOMING NORG EVENTS”.  Also, look for posting with pictures on some special “Witch Themed Rockets” to inaugurate the 1st NORG Event in MAY!  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Joseph N. Majahad, Representative
Nite Owl Rocketry Gild (#799)
PO Box 855, Salem, MA  01970

THINGS TO KNOW/BRING – UPCOMING 2022 NORG EVENTS

DATES/TIMES: May 21 (6:30-9:30 PM), September 10 (5:30-8:30 PM), & October 15 (4:30-7:30 PM). Rain dates are night launch only (last 90 min. above times) of Sundays after the postponed Saturday event day.

ABOUT THE FIELD: Over the past several years the field has undergone renovations. There are new pathways, fencing, an expanded parking lot, and stormwater drainage ditches. It is still a small venue (D Engines or smaller) in the historic Gallows Hill Park of Salem, MA and is located right off Mansell Parkway near Highland Avenue (Rte. 107) and Boston Street (MAP may be found in Past NORG Website BLOG Post). Look for the water tower as the dominant landmark. There is free parking (Now 40+ lined car spaces in lot) adjacent to the field. However, until we establish a routine size of participants try to carpool when you can and don’t count on all those spaces being available. This is especially true in October! Be kind to the neighborhood!

ROCKETRY ETIQUETTE: This is all considered “Class 1” rocketry (NO FAA waiver needed). Bring your love of rocketry and a bird whose characteristics are well known to you (~400 feet max altitude), your listening skills (best rocketry etiquette), and your own launch pad and controller (British rules -- you may be sharing them). On Sunday rain dates NORG will provide pads and controllers and simpler set-up regime based on numbers participating (please contact NORG in advance) in the night launch! This is a more intimate or smaller setting (perhaps 30 people – perhaps ½ including spectators) and you will be allowed to conduct your own countdown to launch (a great opportunity for kids). There will be no P.A. system but there will be an orientation on safety and range etiquette during set-up (volunteers appreciated!) so come early! Know your bird’s vital stats (or bring an index card) for safety check. This is especially important if you are participating in night flight activities. Your model must have some sort of electronic illumination source for “nite flite”. Bring a small flashlight (for working on model) and a LED safety light (or glow stick) to be visible on the field for safety. Minors 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Those under 13 must have adult supervision to launch their models. Have fun!

MISC.: This field is not known for mosquitoes (however the drainage ditches are known to have standing water after recent rain events) but bug spray is always prudent to have at dusk. An extra can of repellent will be kept at the safety check station for those who forget. There are NO PUBLIC RESTROOMS at the park. You must prevail yourself upon local merchants/stores – a purchase is usually required and especially in October!

FEES: *** IMPORTANT *** - Upon review of the City of Salem’s Park & Recreation Policies no fees or collection of monies can occur without their express permission on their fields or facilities. THEREFORE, NO FIELD PARTICIPATION FEE FOR 2022. Next year we will ask for the privilege. However, you can still sign up for membership with the promise to pay later. $5 Full NORG Membership for NAR members and $3 Associate NORG Membership for non-NAR members. Make a check or money order payable c/o Joseph N. Majahad, Representative, Nite Owl Rocketry Gild, PO Box 855, Salem, MA 01970.

SPECIAL NOTE: Look for coming posting with pictures on some special “Witch Themed Rockets” to inaugurate the 1st NORG Event in MAY!

Witch Themed rockets! Link to pictures at NORG website below:
niteowlrocketrygild.wordpress.com/2022/0...den-flight-may-21st/

Reminder -- 10 days to 1st NORG Event May 21st!
The 1st NORG Event of 2022 is 10 days away on May 21st at The Gallows Hill Park (Saturday 6:30 to 9:30 PM; Sunset ~ 8 PM). A "Weather Decision" will be made on May 18th. Should it be canceled then the Sunday date (May 22nd) is a Night Launch Only (8 to 9:30 PM)! Please contact if you plan to attend for "Rain Date" so we may plan best set-up to accommodate. Enjoy!

NORG May 21, 2022 Weather Decision & Special Notes

WEATHER: Channels 4, 5, 7, & NBC 10 daytime temps in Low to Mid 90’s with Channel 4 calling for “Record Heat” at 94! Overall Hazy, Hot, & Humid. The decision is we are a go for Saturday May 21st (6:30 – 9:30 PM) at the Gallows Hill Park in Salem, MA.

SPECIAL NOTES: An unexpected “renovation” to the baseball field is the addition of a Heavy Mesh Fence in the outfield dividing the park in half. We must work around it and we will be setting up on the baseball side of fence. The entrance to the field is from behind home plate. Therefore, we will station some volunteers on the opposite side of the fence to aid in rocket recovery. Plan accordingly.

HEAT CONCERNS: Hydrate sensibly throughout the day before the event. Since the event occurs at dinnertime, I suggest a light meal or snack beforehand. Remember there are no public restrooms at the park.

SIGN-IN: Please sign the Launch List should you need to be contacted for lost rockets and should COVID contact tracing be necessary. Also, I’ll have the NORG Sign-Up sheet for anyone who wishes to join NORG. Enjoy!

Had a good time. Next time I'll bring a higher powered launch controller so my cluster will straighten up and fly right!