EAA Chapter 1218

Following Mexican food prepared by John and Joyce Smith and Ron White with members providing side dishes and desserts, the January 2009 meeting was called to order on the 10^th.  President White recognized special guests including Sandy Smith, Ed and Linda Roberts, Wayne Dake, Ashlyn Whittington and Joseph Yeagher.

A motion to approve the minutes as published was made by Bob Brantley, seconded by Jack Richardson and approved by membership present.

Treasurer Jim Vokac presented the financial report and a motion to approve was made by Don Nevels, seconded by Ron Weldon and accepted by membership present.  Secretary White asked to be reimbursed for holiday decorations purchased at 75% off totaling $18.26.  Motion to reimburse was made by John Smith, seconded by Bill Ghan and approved by membership present.

Secretary White read a thank you from M.U.N.C.H. for the canned goods donation from the Christmas meeting.  A Christmas card from Tina Evertsen was also read.  She has relocated to Mesa, Arizona and is planning to go back into nursing.

President White reminded the members of the May grand opening of the Branson Airport with the all star air show.   MPA members attending the annual state meeting will be VIP guests for the air show.

As mentioned last month, President White has asked members to be in charge of various duties with the chapter.  Bill Ghan, shop tools, John Smith, building maintenance, Berlin Batesel, mower maintenance and Phyllis White hospitality.  These members will be responsible for overseeing the areas and are not expected to do all the work alone.  They will be asking other members for assistance throughout the year. 

Secretary White updated the members on the bylaws addition approved at the annual meeting in October.  Headquarters has approved the amendment wording, but after reviewing our bylaws, they require Article IV, the membership section to be as it appears in the latest handbook guidelines.  They have also asked us to include a statement that states “the board of directors shall be responsible for the method by which any

proxy votes are issued, accepted or counted prior to their use”.  The required wording changes will be voted on at the next meeting.

President White noted the absence of Gene and Jeanie Pascoe.  As mentioned in the newsletter, Gene will be having open heart surgery later this month.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

On January 10, 2004, the Wright Flyer flew 290 feet, piloted by Don Nevels.    President White teased Don about how long it takes him to tell the story of the flight versus the actual flight time of 9.67 seconds.

Since the next meeting will be on Valentine’s Day, it was suggested an earlier meeting time so the members will be able to take their sweeties out to dinner.  We will have a noon meal (theme to be announced later), meeting to follow with a program by Bill Ghan.  Bob Brantley said it will be their anniversary and they need to celebrate somehow.

Special guest Sandy Smith thanked the members for attending the November services for her husband, Jerry Smith.  She said there were over 600 in attendance overall.  She presented checks to the chapter that were donated as memorials to Jerry from the service.   She read a wonderful letter from Tim Hand telling his experiences with Jerry over the years.  She also read a poem by Jerry’s mom, Micky Pinkston.

Ron White announced the donation of a TIG welder for the chapter.  The welder has been donated in memory of Jerry Smith by special friends Berlin Batesel, Lloyd Darter, Ben Hurtt, John Smith and Ron White.  Clint and Marge Allen have made a memorial donation toward a plasma cutter to go with the welder.  More donations are needed.

Following the business meeting, Clint and Marge Allen presented an excellent program on the importance of proper weight and balance.  Clint reminded us of the requirement to have a current weight and balance in the aircraft.  If maintenance changed the weight 2 pounds or more, the weight and balance must be updated.  Using a model airplane, Clint demonstrated the physical actions and reactions of correct center of gravity.  Even non-pilots learned from the presentation.

A motion to adjourn was made by Tom Bentele, seconded by Jim Vokac and approved by membership.