November 2006

Hello, Members!
It looks like the Dedication Ceremony for Chapter 1218's new hangar took place just in time. We haven't had much good weather since then, but October 7 was absolutely beautiful. Everyone had a great time. It was well planned by the committee, our guests felt very welcome, and word has spread in the entire surrounding area that "a flying group in Willow Springs had a big airshow." The cake said, "A new beginning," but it is really only the beginning of a new chapter in the life story of a very active chapter, EAA Chapter 1218. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the visionaries in the Chapter who knew we could do it, gave of themselves and their resources, and who guided the project to completion. We are also grateful for sponsors who are not Chapter members, but who saw something good in what we are doing, and gave to the project. Now we need to show them that we can give something back to the community by promoting aviation and involving as many new people in aviation as possible.

The Dedication Ceremony
The day started quietly with a cool, sunny morning. Members began to gather early by car and by airplane to get things set up. Just seeing the airplanes arrive and start lining up for static display was exciting. Added to the "real" airplanes were the RC models, which when lined up, also looked like real airplanes. Clint Allen spent a little last minute time in the air practicing his routine.

The hangar in the morning sun.	Members gather, airplanes arrive.	Greetings and last-minute planning.
The flight line grows...	...and includes the RC models.	Bob Brantley is linesman.
Photographs by Henny Christensen

Then the dancers from the West Plains Square Dance Club arrived and started providing entertainment. The music and callers sounded festive in the crisp air. Ray Fine is the member who is the contact with the square dance club and the RC modelers club through his membership in both of those groups. We're always glad to see them participate with us in activities.

Bill’s grandchildren visit the T-34.	The square dance club does it...	...and the rest try it.
Photographs by Henny Christensen

As cars arrived, they were directed to parking by a crew consisting of Tom Bentele, Ben Andre and Fred Kalhoefer. They had the use of a Kawasaki Mule provided by Central Cycle. Airplanes were directed to parking off the runway by Bob Brantley. Members and guests registered their presence at the sign in table, attended by Marge Allen and Kathy Bohemier. Jim and Millie Tausworthe had a table of Jim's books available for sale next to the sign in table.

Bill Ghan took his two grandsons out to the flight line and Bill Jonmeyer let them sit in the T-34 trainer for a few minutes. They were all smiles.

The sign up table & books for sale.	Clint Allen is greeted by "fans."	Car parking aided by a Mule.
Don Nevels & the Skybolt.	Clint Allen & Matilda the Citabria.	Bill Jonmeyer & the T-34.
Photographs by Henny Christensen

In a little while, airplanes were taking flight. First the RC models put on demonstrations. It is amazing how "real" some of them look when the only background is the air. Next, the aerobatics displays were put on by Jerry Smith in the Decathlon, Don Nevels in his Skybolt, Clint Allen in Matilda the Citabria, and Bill Jonmeyer in the T-34 owned by Harry Cooper of Springfield. This is a lot of talent from our immediate area. It was great fun to watch.

A low pass by the T-34.	The crowd loves it.	Presenting the colors.
Photographs by Henny Christensen & Phyllis White

After all this, it was suddenly time to call everybody over to the hangar and start the meeting. A very short business meeting was quickly finished. The highlight was the presentation of the work of the nominating committee. The slate of candidates for office in 2007 is Tom White for President, Berlin Batesel for Vice President, Phyllis White for Secretary, Jim Vokac for Treasurer, John Smith for Board Member-at-Large. They will be voted on at the election of officers during the November meeting.

Certificates for sponsors by Ron.	Wendell Bailey speaks.	Henny & Ron cut the ribbon.
Photographs by Henny Christensen & Bill Ghan

Right after the business meeting, the program of Dedication began, highlights of which included the invocation by Tom White, presentation of colors by Boy Scouts from Willow Springs, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Ray Fine, ribbon cutting by Henny Christensen and Ron White, presentation of keys by Ron White and John Smith, speeches by Henny and by Wendell Bailey, and music led by Janet Brantley and Kara Ghan. Tom and Phyllis White unveiled the plaque listing sponsors, and the sponsors were then awarded certificates recognizing their contribution to building the hangar. The ceremony came to a close, and everyone moved to the meeting room for a catered lunch and good fellowship. When it was all over, the cleanup crews went into action and everyone discussed how they thought it went and enjoyed a sense of happy relief—and did a little reminiscing. They knew there is still work to be done, but for all intents and purposes, the hangar is a dream accomplished.

The serving line starts.	Everyone enjoys the food.	The quiet time at the end.
Photographs by Henny Christensen

More Hangar Work
Since the dedication, the interior of the walls in the main part of the hangar have been finished with plywood. The next job is to construct workbenches. That should go quickly. And then we are essentially finished.

November Meeting
This month's meeting is being held a week ahead of our usual schedule because of the start of deer season on the second Saturday of the month. It will start at 9:00 a.m. in the Chapter hangar. Breakfast will also be in the Chapter hangar, "catered" there from Ron's hangar, and we will eat at 8:00 a.m., before the meeting. After the business meeting, which will include the election of officers, there will be a demonstration of a new, rather revolutionary, method of welding (it has a name, but your editor doesn't know how to say it or spell it!) by Al Grant. Al, one of our newest members, was an executive in an aerospace industry before his retirement. Members can add another new skill to their repertoire for getting a project airplane built.

Member News
John Zook sent word that he has sold "Song Bird," his pretty Taylorcraft. He said he will give up flying, but not his EAA membership. John has been busy taking care of Jean, which is why we don't get to see much of him lately. It's a long way from Theodosia to Willow Springs by car. We hope Jean continues to stay well.

Margaret Ghan is once again having to take treatments as cancer has spread to her bones. We all pray for Margaret and Bill at this difficult time.

Wayne Spence is also busy making sure Sybyl gets to her dialysis treatments several times a week.

That's about it for this month. Plan on being at the meeting bright and early—fly in or drive in. The forecast says it'll be sunny on Saturday, although a bit nippy in the morning. See you all there…till then, tailwinds!

We Celebrate

November Meeting Announcement