March 4th, 2009 Meeting

The meeting started with our normally great hamburger/hotdog/ Chili Bar-B-Q at 6:00. Ben Hallert, our new President, did himself proud again!! It was delicious! One of our guests was past member Gary Ludeke who, along with Paul Bueler became our newest renewing members. Welcome back Guys!!

Meeting called to order at 7:08 PM by President Ben Hallert. V.P. Bill Dewey and Sec./Tres. Randy Stout were also present. The 18 members and guests in attendance then introduced themselves. During introductions, Walt Weischedel again mentioned that his 90% complete (with 90% to go) RV-4 is for sale and will be on eBay this weekend. Call him at 747-4808 if you have an interest.

Our nice airport manager, Shelly Humble, then asked for the floor to speak about the upcoming Creswell Centennial Celebration. She is selling buttons as a fund raiser for $2. She also went into detail about the federal stimulus money grants and AIP (Airport Improvement Program) grants that she has applied for with the Creswell Airport. She also talked about the time capsule that they are making for this celebration. Sounds like fun. More details as they arrive.

It was noted with sadness the passing at age 88 of one of our founding members, Glen Commons. Glen was a signer of our chapter charter in 1957 (along with Dick Van Grunsven) and flew until just this last year in his Whitman Cougar (Tailwind). His wake will be this Friday at the Westside Baptist Church at noon. Goodbye old friend!! Tailwinds to you!!

Gary Ludeke, the aforementioned newest past member, volunteered for a field trip to Dale Young’s workshop at 725 26th Place in Springfield after the February breakfast (on the 21st). He is helping Dale build a RV-9. It was a very nice tour and gave everyone working on their bird a bit of a boost.

V.P. Bill Dewey and Rusty Bartel have replaced one of the 2 windows in the clubhouse (the only ones not replaced this summer) Bill also brought up for discussion the potential to cover the patio area. Suggestions to cover the 45×16 area are now being finalized with an acrylic type of cover on a framework. Brent Burgess will go to the County and ask about the necessary permits (if needed). No final decision was made at this meeting on final design or costs.

We have changed the breakfast from the 2nd Saturday to the 3rd. Saturday so that we would not conflict with the Independence group, and that they might find that Creswell is a great place to fly out to for breakfast. The next breakfast is on the 21st. Apologies were accepted by the group for the lack of Chapter 272 Independence people due to weather problems. Don’t push it guys!! We want you to come when it’s fun!

Secretary Stout noted that dues are due again. Please see him at the meeting or mail your $25 to EAA Chapter 31, 86277 Panorama Rd., Springfield, OR  97478

President Ben then asked everyone to check out the new and improved web site. The hope is that eventually everyone will have a access code to add content (that means pictures and words to you old timers) when possible. Thanks again to Ben for the hard work that this project required!!

Also, the YE flying event has been tentatively set for September 5th. He also held a brief discussion about the availability of non-ethanol 100LL and alternatives. All very informative. Check our the web site for more.

Doug Kindred then suggested we try to get Mike Daniels (a U-2 pilot?) for a program this year. He will check it out and ask him.

There being no new business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:47 and a brief workshop by Rusty Bartell was held on fiberglass panel repair. Rusty showed everyone the technique and tools required to fix your Cessna type panels, and the results speak for themselves. Thanks Rusty!!

Next time program:

April- Bob Severns- Engine overhaul procedures.

Respectfully submitted,

Randall Stout
Secretary/ Treasurer

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