President's Message

    Finally, the last newsletter for 1998.  I am grateful for being able to say we still have three sailplanes. We replaced the 1-34 with another 1-34 in January. Fetched the 2-33 from a field in August; and towed the Grob to California for repairs in August as well.  I am happy our membership is intact and healthy, and I am pleased with the new members who joined this year and their patience with the initiation process.   And to top off everything, Jay and his wife had twins. I am also pleased with the duty officer performance.  Twenty-one out of twenty-three Saturdays were covered. A tip of the hat to Fred Wright for his attention to this program.

    The annual membership meeting was held November 18th, at the Pancho Villa restaurant in Holliday.  We had a typical turnout of 18 members, plus significant others.

    New board members were elected at the annual meeting. Elected for 1999 are: Parke Byron, President; Matt Zimmer, Vice President in the first truly contested election race in many years; David Lane, Secretary; and Karl Wernick, Treasurer.  The new maintenance officer and safety officers will be approved at the January board meeting.   I'd like to thank outgoing board members Heidi Alley for more years as the club treasurer than I can count, Chris Steinman who served as maintenance officer this last year and club secretary for the two previous years, and Bill Hill who is rumored to have served as vice-president this last year (just kidding Bill).  Bill did an excellent job at the fall BBQ and earned his pay for the year. Now, if he can only get his sailplane back for next season, we might even see him up at Heber!

    Based on the questionnaires sent out in November, three awards were presented at the annual meeting based entirely on the whims of the club President (me).  First, I gave myself the award for the longest flight of 5.5 hours and presented myself a box of quart size zip-lock baggies.  Next, Jack Corneveaux was awarded for the longest distance flight, 206 miles, and given a certificate for a new sectional.  Now, I understand someone needs to explain to Jack what a sectional is.  Finally, for overall soaring activity and attitude, Stan Misiewicz was awarded a certificate redeemable for a free 3000' tow during the 1999 season.  We plan to have this activity next year, and I promise we will get the questionnaires out earlier, so track your flights and activities for next year carefully.

    Work is progressing nicely on the 2-33 refinishing.  At this point in time it has almost become a full restoration. Prof. John Mildon and Lee Steorts have done a considerable amount of the work.  The fiberglass nose bowl has been removed, and the fuselage has been stripped down to the bare frame.  The frame was washed at a local car wash and then sandblasted this past week. Damaged frame members from rust and bending are evident and some welding is needed.  We will need some additional help when it is time to strip the paint from the wings.  Please give me a holler if you would like to participate.  Walt Konecny and Doug Spencer have been working on the 1-34.  I am eagerly awaiting the spring and the results of the equipment upgrades.

    Again, as another reminder, SSA dues will be posted on your January dues notice.   Your participation in SSA saves the club a lot of money on insurance.

    Enjoy the holidays, read up on your soaring and flight related books, and dream about flying next year!

    Parke Byron