Sunday, September 28, 2008

September 28, 2008 Minutes

Attendance was limited for the September meeting, likely due, in part, to members taking advantage of what could be the last summer-like Sunday for many months. Several planes were present on the ramp including Dave McGougan's Ridge Runner, sporting a new cowling, Paul Smith's Decathalon, Fred Immen's Cherokee 140 waiting out the ramp construction, and Willie's not-quite-wingless wonder, if you count the vertical stabilizor as a wing. David grilled pork steaks, of which yours truly helped himself to two.

Meeting began at 2:00 pm with the Pledge, secretary Dave Deweese presiding and taking notes. President Karsten Kessler had a business obligation and was due at an out-of-town destination at 7:00 a.m., though he sent a report Saturday from the ARC reporting fine weather for mowing. Vice President Steve Morse was at Rough River Start Park attending the Annual Canard Gathering.

No guests or new members were on hand to be recognized during the official meeting, but we got to honor a new pilot: Bill Doherty, who just soloed. Prior to the meeting we had a rather important visitor, none other than Bob Spooner, first president of the original Chapter 32. With Bud Cole on hand we had two original members.

Steve Morse's fiberglass workshop is coming up October 11. Please note that all are welcome, members and non-members alike, though 9/28 was the deadline for signing up to build a part. Further details are in the newsletter.

Demoliton has taken place on the ramp at KSET, starting around two weeks prior to the September meeting. If the estimated construction time of six weeks holds true completion should take place in late October.

We discussed the need for volunteers to maintain the ARC. Jobs include exterior painting and scheduled mowing. Gale Derosier suggested designating one weekend a month for such projects.

The Christmas Party will be here before we know it and volunteers are needed for this as well. The speaker has been arranged and Lori will take care of food. People are needed for decorating and Karsten suggested sending out invitations to the membership.

Dave McGougan addressed the group regarding our 50th anniversary event, to coincide with the October 26 meeting. There was brief debate on the actual year the chapter was established: Gale thought it might have been as early as 1955 or '56, in which case EAA32 is a hair over 50. Dave invited Bob Spooner to attend, perhaps he'll recall the precise date. We'd like to have a static display of chapter projects, so if you have plane, completed or not, plan to bring it in. In addition to airplane projects please dig out any old photos you may have. We are planning to order food for the event and spouses, family, significant others, and friends are welcome. Please contact Dave McGougan with suggestions or questions.

On the topic of photographs we briefly discussed pictures taken at chapter events. Because we exist in an increasingly litigious society it is safest to limit pictures to aircraft and adults: keep in mind that photographs published on our website may be copied and show up elsewhere. While on this subject a reminder that all materials included in and donated to our library should be G-Rated.

Gary Kasten gave the Treasurer's report, detailing our checking and savings balances. Gary will also take over administration of the front door combination lock. If you have a particular six-digit code you'd like to use please contact Gary, otherwise you'll receive a randomly generated combination. The current code will stay in place until Gary is able to instruct the membership in use of the new lock. Bill Jagust has found the east door unlocked on several occasions so Gary will have the locks configured to automatically lock as soon as the door closes. Since it's only a short stroll back around to the front to let yourself back in this is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Leo Lang plans a trip to Sam's for supplies and asked for requests if anybody knew of additional needs.

Bud Cole still has a large back-lit drafting table, a blueprint copier/printer, and some rolls of fiberglass available to anyone who wants to go and pick them up. He advises that the first two items are heavy: moving will require a pickup truck and at least two strong backs.

Paul Smith announced that he is selling his fifth share in the Decathalon. If anyone's interested they should contact him at 636-225-4361.

Meeting adjourned and we got to work bringing the library down from the mezzanine. Books, magazines, pictures, bookshelves, etcetera are now back downstairs. Thanks to all who helped, especially those who muscled heavy items down the ladder.

Dave McGougan is nearly ready to fly the Ridge Runner, and just prior to the end of the meeting he invited an open inspection of his plane and asked for any suggestions. After the library move several took up the challenge.

Secretary, Dave Deweese