EAA Chapter 1218

Valentine’s Day 2009 found 37 members and guests enjoying potluck lunch and chocolate desserts prior to President White calling the February meeting to order.  Member introductions followed and new members David and Lisa Johnson were welcomed to the chapter.  David is building a kit plane and will be looking to chapter members for their expertise.  A round of applause was given to Brent Humphries for taking over the newsletter and doing such a good job.

Motion to approve the minutes as published in the newsletter was made by Jack Richardson, seconded by Jim Vokac and approved by membership present.

A motion to approve Treasurer Jim Vokac’s report was made by Bob Brantley, seconded by John DeRoos and approved by membership present.

Announcements included health condition reports on Gene Pascoe and John Zook.  Both are having heart problems and Gene will be having surgery soon.  Pascoes were without power for several days during the ice storm and have numerous trees down.  Perhaps in the spring, chapter members will be able to assist in cleanup.   Let’s keep those absent in our thoughts. 

West Plains Daily Quill published an article on Brian Powers and his L29.  He will begin flight training Monday, February 16^th and will be using the aerobatic box over Willow Springs.  He said to expect some noise between Willow Springs and West Plains.

Jim Protiva, Peace Valley Poultry Farm, lost his brother in an airplane crash about three weeks ago.  The turkey Clint donated to the Thanksgiving meal was given to him by the Protivas.  The chapter sent a sympathy card.

President White has the information on the Jerry Smith Memorial Aviation Scholarship if anyone knows of an applicant or wants to donate to the fund.  Scholarship decisions will be made by Sandy Smith, Ed and Linda Roberts and Scott Smith.  Mike Vaughn asked if it was limited to pilots only.  The letter states anyone with an interest and passion for aviation.  Mike Vaughn mentioned Linn Tech has a good A & P program.

Brenda Anderson, Chapter Administrator, Oshkosh noted our bylaws have to be revised to be in compliance with national.  “The section on membership must be written as stated in the chapter bylaw guidelines.  Also a statement needs to be included that states the board of directors shall be responsible for the method any proxy votes are issued, accepted or counted prior to their use.”  A motion to make the changes was made by Henny Christensen, seconded by Mike Vaughn and approved by membership present.  After officers sign the document, it will be mailed to Oshkosh for approval.

It has been brought to President White’s attention that we have all those nice tools and they are not being used.  A couple of members have donated money to buy pedal plane plans to build something out there instead of nothing.   Bill Ghan has several plans for pedal planes.  Perhaps we could build one for a raffle.  There are plans available for biplane mailboxes, bird houses and bird feeders.  This would be something to keep us busy using tools and possibly make the chapter some money.  Bob Bohemier asked if it would be possible to have an instruction program on some of the tools.  When the weather warms, Bill Ghan will conduct training on the tools.

Sun n’ Fun is April 21-26^th.   MPA State Convention is May 7-9^th, Branson.  See the MPA state newsletter for details.   

Bob Brantley suggested we do a chapter project tour.  It could be conducted similar to a progressive dinner. 

Jim Vokac announced Willow Springs will be having Oz Fest, the first Saturday in October to replace the old fall festival.  They are asking if we would consider participating in some way; a fly over, flying monkeys, an information booth, etc.

Kent Clotfelter announced he has information on a glider workshop in Ohio.  Also, July 29^th marks the 40^th anniversary of the first moon walk in case we want to mark that somehow.  The opportunity to observe manned shuttle flights is expected to be suspended for approximately ten years after the launches this year.

Congratulations to chapter members Al Grant and Linda Turner on their wedding, February 1^st.  They are in Florida honeymooning.

The March meeting will be March 14^th, eat at 4 PM, meeting to follow with Clint Allen presenting the program.  The potluck theme will be Irish food.

Due to scheduling conflict with the MPA state convention/air-show in May, a motion was made by Benny Butler, seconded by Mike Vaughn and approved by members present to move the meeting to the first Saturday, May 2^nd with breakfast at 9AM with the meeting to follow.

A big thank you was given to Marge Allen for making the fabric heart table favors for Valentine’s Day.  She said members could take them home if they would like.

Following Bill Ghan’s program on assembling the Aerovee engine, a motion to adjourn was made by Benny Butler, second by Mike White and approved by membership present.