EAA Chapter 1218

December 12, 2009   Annual Christmas Dinner and Meeting /60 members and guests present

The meeting was called to order by President Tom White.  A big thank you was given to the cooks and to Phyllis White for the decorations.

A motion to approve the minutes as published was made by Benny Butler, second by Bob Bohemier and approved by members present.

The Treasurer’s report was given by Vice President Berlin Batesel in the absence of Jim Vokac.  A motion to approve as reported was made by Bob Brantley, second by George Wilkie and approved by members present.   (The hangar construction expense reported actually included the new kitchen range.)  Annual dues are now being collected; $10 individual, $15 family.  President White reminded members to be able to vote, they must be a member of national.  That is the rule set by EAA Headquarters.   President White also reported the CD is now due.  The interest rates are very low at this time so at the present the funds are in the chapter small business checking account drawing more interest.  Treasurer Vokac will track CD rates and transfer some into short term and the rest into twelve months or longer.

The next meeting will be January 9th 2010.  Secretary White suggested eating at noon with the meeting to follow; motion to that affect was made by Benny Butler, second by Jim Tausworthe and approved by members present.  The theme will be soup, chili and homemade breads/cornbread and desserts.

February 18th, 6 PM will be an MPA safety meeting to be held in the EAA hangar.  This will be a FAA endorsed safety meeting and will qualify pilots for their Wings program.  Clint Allen stated the meal will be provided.  

The Chapter received good publicity from the Boy Scout Aviation Merit Badge Day including an article in the Summersville Beacon and West Plains Daily Quill.  A thank you letter was received from the Pope family with the Special Needs Boy Scouts Troop 2, Springfield, MO.  Jim and Millie Tausworthe also received a nice thank you letter  from two of the Fort Leonard Boy Scouts that attended the Aviation Badge Day.  Jim and Millie provided them with autographed copies of Jim’s aviation novels.  One young man from Fort Leonard expressed his desire to become a Marine pilot.  President White arranged for chapter member Chuck Hiett (the first Marine Blue Angel) to come by and give him some advice on how to achieve his goal.  Eighteen Boy Scouts plus leaders and family members attended the day long event.  All expressed their appreciation for the terrific breakfast and hospitality shown by the chapter.

President White reported on the Cessna 150 that was to be donated to the chapter.  Sandy Smith’s other-in-law Micky Pinkston had a friend wanting to donate her airplane to a charitable organization.  She suggested the chapter.   On November 11th, President White, Vice President Berlin Batesel and Secretary White arranged to meet Jean Wilson at Johnson County Executive Airport, Olathe, Kansas to inspect the plane.  Unfortunately, the plane had received damage from being towed from the rear years ago and birds had taken up residency inside.  The interior had so much corrosion and damage, it was not salvageable. 

President White has been in touch with Mike Pascoe regarding Gene’s EAA Biplane project.  The family would like to give it to the chapter with the stipulation it be completed and flown.  Arrangements will be made to move it from Pascoe’s open hangar in Dora to the chapter hangar for storage.   A volunteer work sign up sheet was passed around for those willing to put in some time on the project.  The question was asked if it was flyable now.  It is covered, the fuel, plumbing and electrical system is not on yet.  The wings are just pinned on and it is not rigged.   It needs to be cleaned up.  When Tom and Berlin went to inspect it a few weeks ago, some critter had been building a nest in it.  After seeing the condition of the 150, we don’t want to see Pascoe’s plane get in the same condition.   Plans to move it will be finalized in the next few days.

Secretary White presented a check for $250 from member Robert Harshman covering his $10 dues and the remainder as a donation to the chapter.  Robert has been unable to attend meetings for some time due to his work schedule.  We really appreciate his donation and support.   Ray Fine delivered a $10 check for a cookbook sold at the West Plains Airport.  Secretary White announced there are only a few cookbooks left.  They sold immediately.

President White presented the 2009 Chapter Service Awards from EAA to: Tom White, President; Berlin Batesel, Vice President; Phyllis White, Secretary; Jim Vokac, Treasurer; Clint Allen, Technical Counselor.  Absent was Brent Humphreys, Web Editor and Newsletter Editor.  Henny Christensen was then called to the podium. She was presented with a "media award certificate" for being in the right place with camera in hand to capture chapter aviation activities and for creating outstanding celebration of life videos. She has copied the vhs tapes to DVD. The "core"  Pietenpol builders (Berlin Batesel, Jerry Pfister, Rory Lozano, Ben Andre, George Wilkie, Bill Ghan and Bob Brantley)were presented with aviator scarves as a small token of appreciation for their work on the Pietenpol project.  N388RC (the Piet's N-number) was embroidered on a corner.  The scarves were made by Phyllis White and embroidered by Kay White.  Absent were Jared Casebeer and Jack Richardson.  Photos were taken to submit to the newsletter and web page.

A big thank you was extended to all the members donating canned goods to M.U.N.C.H.   They have over 440 families in need this Christmas.

A motion to adjourn was made by Bob Bohemier, second by Kate Bohemier and approved by members.