EAA Chapter 1218

Following potluck breakfast, President White called the meeting to order with 45 members and guests present.  The cooks were thanked for bringing in such good food.

A motion to approve the minutes as published in the newsletter was made by Bob Brantley, second by Mike Vaughn and approved by members present.

Treasurer Jim Vokac gave the financial report.  Expenses on the Pietenpol total $3883.23 beginning with $250 for the plans.  The $10,000 CD will mature on June 26^th.  The Executive Committee will meet following the meeting to determine how much needs to be transferred to checking for the Pietenpol. A motion to approve was made by John Smith, second by Benny Butler and approved by members present.  President explained one of the paid outs was for a new dehumidifier for $224.  With it pulling the humidity from the meeting room, it isn’t necessary to run the ac. 

You can now cross the bridge.  The floor and steps have been installed as has the electricity for the lights.

A thank you card from Eli Green was read.  He is the high school freshman we donated funds to so that he may attend the Drury Leadership Conference this summer. 

Bill Ghan gave an update on the Pietenpol project.  It is coming along but not many workers.  Bill says come work or donate cash.  They needed more material for wing spar and a few parts.  Berlin Batesel left at 4:30 AM drove to Illinois and was back by noon with the parts.  He was given a big round of applause.  President White said the committee was doing a fine job.  Clint Allen said as the project gets closer to completion, there are more and more little jobs that everyone can do.  Clint said those who said they wanted to help out; now is the time to go to Bill and say I’ll be here.  Clint said he was going to bring his needle to rib stitch.

Saturday, July 4^th will be the Willow Springs parade.  They are wanting 140 clowns because Willow Springs is 140 years old this year.  Clown makeup is available and Jane Bailey has about 100 costumes available.  She is also working on costuming for historical figures for the parade.  She would like a couple of chapter members to portray the Wright Brothers.  President White said 140 years ago, Orville was only 2 years old.  The float is being reworked and using model airplanes more to scale.  After the parade, members and families are invited back to the hangar for a cookout.  Members are asked to bring picnic side dishes.  Home made ice cream was also discussed.  Ron White will fire the anvil which is part of an old time celebration.  President White asked for a show of hands of those in favor; all were for it.  Phyllis White is planning to have the raffle mailbox on display for the parade to generate ticket sales.  Interest in the Willow Springs Air Force flyover was discussed with more discussion after breakfast next Saturday.  Following today’s meeting members are asked to stay and assemble balsa airplanes to be tossed to kids during the parade.

The next meeting will be July 11^th.  President White asked members if a “picnic” style meeting with fried chicken would be acceptable.  We will order it from Jay Dub’s and members contribute to the cost.  Members are to bring side dishes.  A motion to set the time at 4PM with the red, white and blue all American theme was made by Henny Christensen, second by Clint Allen and approved by members present.

President White mentioned the John Zook memorial service attended by some members.  There were a lot of Zook stories and President White related some that were told that evening.  He loved the Ozarks.  He was always entertaining as chapter secretary.  Henny Christensen provided the family with a DVD of his EAA days that was shown during the service.  As always, it was wonderful. She made extra copies for any member wanting one.  Earlier in the day, Mike Vaughn carried out Zook’s final wish to have his ashes spread over the area he loved so much.

Henny reported on the progress rebuilding the roofs at the Mountain Grove Airport damaged by the storm May 8^th.  They are still using tarps to protect some areas.  The airplanes had crushed spinners but those have been repaired.  For about two weeks, the planes were trapped in the hangar because of beams that had fallen but they are free now.  Lloyd and Henny have been working on repairs and are waiting on the crew to rebuild. 

Mike Vaughn reported more on the “use tax” that he talked about at the last meeting.  Penalties have been removed but the Director of Revenue says the tax and interest have to be paid.   MPA at the state level and AOPA are now involved.  Discussion followed with some members or their friends having received the use tax letters.   Mike suggests contacting your congressman.  Clint Allen suggests giving Sharon maybe $25 each to have a lawyer fight collectively.

A short safety program  was presented by Clint Allen.  Clint said don’t do anything illegal.  Follow the FAR’s and your pilot handbook. He reminded everyone don’t do anything they say your airplane won’t do.  When carrying passengers, make a pleasant flight and make them happy when they get out.  Make them want to get back in. 

MPA Chapter President Jerry Pfister announced the MPA Air Evac tour on June 30^th at their Completion Center, Bratton Avenue, West Plains, 1 – 4 PM.  He invited all EAA members to join the tour.  Secretary White will send a note to all chapter members not present. 

Jim Vokac reminded all of Oz Fall Fest, October 3^rd.  Booth space 8’ x 16’ for $35; additional $15 for electricity.  Secretary White suggested using the simulator but thought the added electrical fee was excessive.  Brent Humphreys mentioned he has a quiet generator that would work in that situation.  Jim also mentioned the Lion’s Club golf tournament coming up on June 27 & 28.  There is $35,000 in prizes.

President White announced a new member Richard Green, Houston.  He flew down last Saturday in his Baron.  He was given the tour and persuaded to join the chapter.  He is a national member.

President welcomed Cheryl Butler’s dad, Bob & Kate Bohemier’s granddaughter,  Jerry Squires with Jim Tausworthe, and Ken Underwood with John DeRoos as guests.

Treasurer Vokac reminded everyone of the raffle tickets for the biplane mailbox.

President White asked about member projects.  David and Lisa Johnson have a web site to view progress on their Sonex and Brent Humphreys is running out of room in his garage for his RV project.  President White mentioned the availability of hangar space at Willow Springs Airport.  Clint Allen’s hangar will be available July 1.  Ron White and John Smith are building a Stearman in Ron’s hangar.

Secretary White noted the hosta bed as a work in progress.  Sharon White, Tessa Fremgen and Phyllis planted several and more are needed.  It won’t be long before the area is all filled in and complete.

A motion to adjourn by Bob Brantley, second by Benny Butler was approved by members present.