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March 13, 2009
The chapter meeting was called to order by President Tom White with 43 members and guests
present.
Announcements: Self introductions were made by members and guests. The members were thanked for the great Irish themed potluck lunch. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Onalee and Ben Andre; she has been released from the hospital and is on hospice at home. President White noted that daylight savings time was upon us. Upcoming Fly-In announcements were made. President White thanked Vice President Berlin Batesel for filling in at the February meeting even though he did let things go to the dog at the end. (Last month when a motion was called for adjournment, Cleco barked right on cue.) A motion to approve the minutes as published was made by Bill Ghan, second by Henny Christensen and approved by members present. President White reminded members that per EAA national, to be a voting member, you must be a member of national. Treasurer Jim Vokac gave the financial report. A motion to approve as reported was made by Bob Brantley, second by John DeRoos and approved by members. Henny Christensen announced that Arnie Zimmerman was being inducted into the Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame this May. Maybe go as a group flyout. Mike Vaughn announced the first spring MPA Poker Run will be held April 17th. It is suggested the airports have prizes to donate. Leave from your home airport, fly to airports of your choice and turn in your cards at Mountain View. A meal will be provided at the Vaughn’s hangar following the poker run. There will be prizes for best and worst hand and more. Airport Manager Jim Vokac thanked Tom and Mike White for cleaning up brush along the west side of the airport . President White said there would be more cleaning along the creek when weather permitted. Mike White was also able to put in place the welcome sign at the airport entrance. Jim said he appreciated all the volunteer labor. Secretary Phyllis White passed around the birthday/anniversary list for review and updates to be posted to the website calendar. The chapter members expressed their appreciation with a round of applause for the great job Brent Humphreys is doing with the chapter website. Pietenpol Update: Our original intention was to take the completed project to Oshkosh last year. Since it was not complete by then, inquiries were made about bringing the work in progress to Oshkosh. Secretary White made several inquiries with EAA, transferred to several people and to no avail. The article submitted by Secretary White to the Brodhead Pietenpol Association’s January newsletter mentioned our rejection by Oshkosh. The article caught the eye of Charlie Becker, Director EAA Member Programs. He wrote that he was sorry that our request to display the project was turned down last year. He said “I can’t change what happened last year but I will help you this year if you want to display it at AirVenture-Oshkosh. As I said, we can think up some creative way to sell it during convention to bring your chapter top dollar (if that is what you decide). Just let me know. Either way I think it would be great if it made it up here. Please let the other builders know that the project looks great and I’m looking forward to seeing it here in Oshkosh.” President White said we are getting to the point now to find a buyer. If you are interested or know of anyone local interested in it, contact Berlin Batesel. Bob Brantley asked if it would be sold before Oshkosh or perhaps take it up there to sell. The Executive Board will meet to determine asking price and discuss sales options. President White said it would be great if it were to remain in the area. Thank you to Marge Allen for donating the case of oil she won at the October MPA poker run. It will be used in the Pietenpol. Brent Humphreys asked if a member of the executive board would submit an article each month for the newsletter. A spring project tour should be considered for May or June. There should be 3 or 4 to visit. Clint Allen said if he knows someone is coming by to see his project, then he gets in and gets some things done. A possible AirEvac tour will be scheduled soon if there is enough interest. Over ten members showed interest at this time. It will probably be on a Monday or Thursday afternoon. President White said Howell and Texas County have the lowest membership numbers. He considers it to be a bargain at $55 per year for membership versus several thousand for transport to Springfield in an emergency. The next meeting will be April 10th. A suggested burger/brats cookout at 4 PM was agreed upon. Meeting will follow. With daylight savings time, members will be able to fly home afterwards. We had a good turnout for our “movie day” in February. Everyone in attendance appreciated Jerry bringing a larger television to view “Amelia”. After the Pietenpol is sold, we will pursue purchasing a larger set for the meeting room. The purchase was approved a couple of years ago but was put on hold for the Pietenpol. Now the prices are much lower. We will try to schedule another aviation themed movie soon. President White mentioned there is a new format on the FAA Wings site (www.faasafety.gov). Check it out. A discussion on pending jet fuel legislation changes brought President White to quote Will Rogers “Write your congressman even if they can’t read”. Darryl Hanson mentioned the upcoming Art/Craft Show in Willow Springs, June 5 & 6. He suggested the chapter have a booth to generate awareness. Booth ideas and the possibility of a Young Eagle Day were discussed. Jim Tausworthe offered to sell and autograph books. Jim Lane said a couple of congressmen have introduced legislation to overturn the through the fence regulations. Sam Graves, Missouri is believed to be one involved. He is very much pro general aviation and could use support. Jim Vokac jokingly reminded us that we don’t even have a fence. A motion to adjourn was made by Benny Butler, second by Phyllis White and approved by members present.
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Meeting Minutes 
