June Meeting, Gilbert International Airpark (SC45), 6/26/22, 12pm-4pm

    
Left Photo: Our hosts, Ron Angerman & Angela Collins, Right Photo: New members, Dave Wurtz, Missy Clark, & Brian Clark from Georgia
Click on each photo to see more photos from Steve Preston (left) and Jim Matthews (right).

      We had another great meeting today. Although it was hot, Ron had thoughtfully air conditioned his hangar, so it was much more pleasant inside than outside. Thank you, Ron! After a slow start early during the week before on our luncheon. the volunteered items came "pouring in" towards the end of the week, and we ended up with another wonderful smorgasbord of food. One member commented that we had enough food for "two meetings". A sincere thanks to all of you who brought food and those who contributed donations. That's the only way our luncheons can continue.

     We can't do much about the hot weather, but we can laugh a bit about it. Consequently, President, Randy Berry, began our meeting with some "hot weather" humor before starting the meeting in earnest. He then reported that we just purchased 24 more chapter caps, but they've gone up in price to $15 for members and $20 for non-members. He also has plenty of pilot/airport guides and navigation maps thanks to the SC Aeronautics Commission. We approved the brief minutes taken at our May 15th meeting. Then, we had a treasurer's report indicating that our financial situation is healthy. Randy also reported that our chapter now has two new  private pilots. Justin Hibpshman and Scott Stout.  Both reached that lofty goal recently. Congratulations Justin and Scott! We also gained three new members this month: Dave Wurst from Grovetown, Georgia and Brian & Missy Clark, from Augusta, Georgia. Eddie Brennan celebrated his 65th birthday today with a cake provided by wife, Kimberly Brennan.

     Next, Safety Advisor, Don Schmotzer, gave a brief presentation/safety tip titled "Beware of Lawsuits for Maintenance Issues". As most of you know, Justin received a $10.000 Ray Scholarship from EAA administered through our chapter. So, Jeanette Hibpshman then showed us a short video that she and Justin made during his training. Jeanette is Justin's mother and also was his CFI. Justin was away at a university in Florida at which he plans to become an engineer, so on the video, Justin sincerely thanked our chapter, EAA and the Ray Foundation for allowing him the opportunity to earn his PPL. Randy made a few other announcements and then the meeting was adjourned.

     For photos from Steve Preston and Jim Matthews, click the photos above.

May Meeting, Buckeye Farms, 5/15/22, 12pm-4pm

    
Click on each image above to view photos from our meeting at Dave & Tammy Gardner's Buckeye Farms.
Left Image: Rob Bridgers' photos;  Right Image: Jim Matthew's photos & videos

      We had an absolutely wonderful time at Dave and Tammy Gardner's quiet, peaceful, and picturesque Buckeye Farms on Sunday, May 15th, 2022. We counted 59 people and 9 planes (two were Dave's) in attendance. In addition to those flying in, a number of folks drove into the event. The lunch consisted of hamburgers, hotdogs, and other scrumptious foods, desserts, and beverages provided by members. Essentially, we had a full meal, and nobody went away hungry. Thanks to Dave and Tammy for hosting our meeting today. Also, thanks to Ron Angerman for making 4 separate trips from his home at Gilbert Airpark to Buckeye Farms to deliver tables and chairs, to all of our great food providers, and for your donations, which go directly to support the food costs. It was mostly a social event, but we held a brief business meeting near the end. Finally, thank all of you who attended. Everyone seemed to genuinely enjoy socializing and watching the planes as they arrived and departed. Many still remained socializing after the meeting ended. Those of you who missed it, missed one of our best meetings yet. To view photos from Rob Bridgers and Jim Matthews, click on each image above.

April Meeting, Gilbert International Airpark, 4/24/22, 12pm-4pm

Gary Ward climbs out with smoke in his beautiful MXII aerobatic aircraft
Click this photo to see more photos.

      Members and guests began arriving early in order to see the arrival of our special guest today, aerobatic airshow pilot, Mr. Gary Ward, from Lincolnton, Georgia. Around 1:00pm, we enjoyed a lunch featuring many delicious entrees, desserts, and beverages. We had a spectacular lunch, almost like Easter all over again. Thanks to all who brought food and those who made donations. Let's keep it up in the future!

     We had one of our best meetings and crowds today that we've ever had. We were privileged to have airshow performer and pilot extraordinaire, Gary Ward, come speak to us. He told us about his background in aviation and his progress in doing aerobatics over the years in the USA, South America, and Alaska. He showed us a video of his perfomance in Panama in 2015, which was amazing. He performed at Sun-N-Fun 2022 and put on one of the best aerobatic performances at that event. Gary brought his beautiful green and blue MXII plane. Although he could not perform aerobatics in the local area at this venue, he did do a fly-by and a high performance takeoff, both with smoke on. For further details about the meeting, chapter members may access our meeting minutes for 4/24/22 in the MEMBERS ONLY area.

     We thank Gary so much for visiting with us today and invited him to come back and visit with us any time. To view photos from the event from Steve Preston, click on the photo above.