Thursday, December 07, 2006

Saturday December 9th, 2006 - Chapter 211/704 Christmas Party

Saturday December 9th, 2006 Chapter 211/704 Christmas Party

Chapter 704 will be joining Chapter 211 of Grand Haven for a Christmas party to be held in John Gill's hangar at the Sparta Airport.

  • The Christmas party will be a potluck with everyone attending being asked to bring a dish to pass.
  • Bring a $5.00 Gift to exchange
  • Coffee and beverages will be provided.
  • The party will start around 6:00 pm and dinner starts at 6:30 pm
  • Dress is strickly casual and we hope to have a snow free area next to John's hangar to park in.

A Message From Our Chapter President, John Gill (December '06)

Hello members, spouses and friends,

It's party time again, and we will be celebrating Christmas with 211 in my hanger on Saturday, December 9 at 6:pm.

Please bring a dish to pass and a $5.00 wrapped gift to exchange.

The runway is now open so let's enjoy our winter flying. Winter flying can be safe as well as challenging and fun.

The 2006 officers have enjoyed serving you and are looking forward to next year and new leadership. We can make the chapter more successful by supporting them with ideas and help at meetings and events.

Our next meeting will be Monday, December 11 at 7:pm. Larry Bower will be showing and explaining his Innovative products and ideas for manufacturing better airplane parts.

Please plan on attending this educational and informative meeting.

I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a great New Year.

Your Pres.
John Gill

November (2006) Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2006

President Gill called the meeting to order at 7pm and asked the new Airport Manager, Dick Roberts to speak to the group.

Dick started by letting us know that his position is that of a business manager, and that he would be working at the airport 30 hours per week. He is counting on a lot of the daily business at the airport to be “self serve” due to the time constraints of the hours he’ll be working. Dick stated that he is currently a Sergeant for the Kentwood Police Department and that his hours at the airport would vary depending on his schedule. But that he would post his schedule for the pilots, along with a phone number to contact him for emergencies.

Dick’s background is that he has been a pilot for about 6 years and he enjoys family and flying a lot. Also, he trained to be a pilot at Riverview airport and flies/rents a C172. He stated that he does not foresee any big changes to the way things operate at the airport, with the exception that the billing will be “electronic”. He has “contact information” forms available for pilots to fill out to be used in case of an emergency.

He stated that long range plans include possibly removing some trees to the south and looking into what may be needed for snow removal/equipment with new runway. Also, possibly adding some fencing for security to reduce “turfing”, and that we’re looking for more growth by way of more pilots/hangars.

President Gill asked Dick to join the EAA chapter, as former Manger Vic Johnston mentioned that the EAA Chapter has been the greatest support to the airport over the years.
President Gill noted that we had visitor Jeff Kalis joining us.

The minutes from the previous meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter. The Treasurer’s report was unavailable.

President Gill suggested that we donate to the boy scouts, matching the Lions Club donation.
John asked Vic about the runway, and it was noted that there were still a few factors keeping the runway from being opened. Some obstructions still needed to be removed and that the lighting hadn’t been installed.

New business included the need for new officers for 2007. Vic Johnston was elected president, while Paul Spetoskey remained vice president. The secretary/treasurer position was set aside for Jay Dean pending his approval (as he was absent). The duties of newsletter/website will be once again held by P.J. Bevelacqua and Dan Bauman will continue as the tech counselor. Kathy Hakeem was absent but it was assumed that she would continue as the young eagles coordinator.

John Gill noted that the EAA Chapter 211 would be having a Christmas party in Johns hanger and wanted to also include our chapter as well. The party will be held on Saturday December 9th at 6pm (same as last year).

Dan Bauman stated that his project was complete, but he was still waiting on the paperwork from the FAA to make it “airworthy”.

Paul Kovalak spoke of his intent to build a RV-7 project, along with a friend who would be building one at the same time.

The meeting was adjourned and the members watched an Aircraft Spruce DVD that President Gill brought.

Respectfully Submitted,

P.J. Bevelacqua, Newsletter & Website
(Substitute Secretary)

Pics of Vic's Retirement Party



A Letter From Vic Johnston

Dear members of the EAA and SPA, and other friends,

I have delayed in writing this message because I simply don't know where to begin to thank all of you for your touching send off with all the kind words that were said. I know it took lot of people a lot of effort to produce such method to "celebrate my leaving"..., as Kathy would say. I am rich with all the good friends I have gotten to know over the past twelve years, and I sincerely hope we can all stay in contact often enough to maintain the bonds I feel toward you all.

Thinking back to the early first five or six years I recall all of you "ole timers" who remember what the airport was back then, and the rallying support you tendered to help bring it up to the standard it now displays. How can one mention "ole timer" without a vision of faces such as Doc Dean, Wendell Beuschel, John Spangenberg, Wayne Fredline, and of course, Ron....what's his name...you know, the guy with Lou Gerhing's disease...? Many of you have pitched in since then, in an abundance of ways, from patching up hangars, to donating money or furniture/appliances to promote the airport. In essence, you really made me look good!

If I went on and on to mention all the blessings and deeds for which I am grateful, I am sure it would end up taxing our treasury in postage. However, I can most certainly say that the memory of those faces, deeds, kind words, and wonderful video will not fade.


Googles of Thanx,

Vic