Models flying into sunset

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Sunday, August 2, 1998

BY ROBERT SANCHEZ
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Michael Bluestein rev up his model airplane with his son, Jeremy, left. (Michael Snyder photo) | ZOOM |

When Michael Bluestein stepped onto the former St. Francis Seminary grounds this weekend, he expected a tear in his eye and a lump in his throat.

He knew it might be his last visit.

Mr. Bluestein and more than 100 model airplane fliers will see a tradition end with this weekend's final "Flying Circus" of The Greater Cincinnati Radio Control Club.

The club's only fund-raiser, it has been as much a part of Springfield Township as the 74-year-old seminary.

But the club must clear out of the 400-foot runway by Aug. 15. The 11-acre tract it has rented each year for 34 years is under new ownership. Franciscan Health System purchased it as part of 100 acres and plans to construct a 600-unit senior citizens' community. "We knew this was coming," said Mark Feist, a club board member. "It happened so quickly, though. We were told that we'd have to move immediately, and it was a surprise to all of us."

If you go

What: Greater Cincinnati Radio Control Club's "Flying Circus." Where: Former St. Francis Seminary, 10290 Mill Road. When: 1-5 p.m. today. Cost: Adults $2, children 6 and younger free.

The Rev. Ric Schneider, the Catholic priest who allowed the club to begin flying on the property, said the field has been a labor of love. As a child, Father Schneider enjoyed creating models. When the club approached him about using seminary land, he gladly obliged.

And he did more.

His plane seems as big as he is as Alex Feist, 8, carries it from Father Ric field. (Michael Snyder photo) | ZOOM |

He asked the Army Corps of Engineers if they wanted to help put down blacktop. So, in the spring of 1964, bulldozers pulled in and created the runway. Appropriately, it's named Father Ric Field. Now, the 66-year-old priest, at a new church in Bloomington, Ill., says he still considers himself part of the Cincinnati club. "They'll find another place; I know they will," Father Schneider said. "I have so many memories there. I couldn't tell you how many times I cut the grass, or how many logs I chopped. But I can say that it was worth every minute."

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Local Headlines For Sunday, August 2, 1998

Accused dealer lives in upscale suburb
Artist living in quiet fame
Council coalition in limbo
Drug-crime cycle targeted
Fort Washington Way closings, detours in place
GOP draws Strickland, Baesler on abortion
Heat is on at Fancy Farm
High-tech coupons no bargain
It's an awesome life for the brothers Hanson
K. of C. honor unborn
Lawmaker wants schools to start later
Models flying into sunset
Naming rights not always just about money
Numbers fair well in Clermont
Political picnic begins bitterly
Readers remember Roy Rogers
Shave, haircut and a bit of two-stepping
Tax relief may harm schools
Tent City draws 1,000
Time short for independent gas stations
Town honors King's dream
TRISTATE DIGEST
Warren narcotics network unravels