Our January meeting will be on Wednesday, January 18, 2006, at the ClubHouse

Alan and Linda Daniels will be bringing refreshments
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- President’s Message:
From the feedback I received, the December potluck was a success. Thanks to everyone for attending. It looks like holding the event at our house was a success. That might become a "tradition" as the summer potluck at Alan and Linda's house has become.

One of the items that came from the meeting we had at the potluck was the need for more information in the newsletter. I asked if a regular President's message would be desirable and the answer was a resounding yes. This is the first of what I hope to be a regular monthly President's message.

Another item of interest at the meeting was a desire to get back to the basics of having fun flying. The consensus seemed to be that the Air Faire had become bigger than the EAA Chapter was comfortable in sponsoring. That doesn’t prevent any of us as individuals from assisting another organization that wants to take on the Air Faire.

We had planned on a few fly-outs last year, but I believe the only one that got scheduled was a run to Jackpot. That one didn’t work out because of the weather. We did have an impromptu fly-out to Baker City for their Air Fair. That one wasn’t specifically planned as a group event, but it worked out nicely I believe. I think more of those this year would be great fun.

I think everyone agrees with the notion of having fun. We just need to decide on how we want to accomplish that goal. Your feedback is sincerely desired and appreciated. Maybe if we put more fun events into the Chapter we could draw back some of those members that have drifted away for various reasons.

Speaking of fun events, we have the February banquet plans finalized. We looked into the Elks for a possible venue change, but that didn’t work out so well. What was finally scheduled was a walk-through banquet at the Sizzler. I know we’ve had the banquet there before, but the walk-through banquet works a little different. With this method, we have the banquet room reserved, but everyone orders and pays for the food off of the regular menu. This way everyone gets what they want, the food should be better, and the price will almost certainly be less.

The date for the banquet will be February 18 th starting at 6:00 PM with hangar flying. You can eat when you like, but plan on finishing up by about 7:15 or 7:30 at the latest. I will then present the Chapter awards and introduce the guest speaker, Mr. Christian Zimmerman. After Mr. Zimmerman’s presentation, we will have our traditional raffle. Remember, we already have one fantastic raffle prize, the leather jacket from EAA Headquarters. We’ve been selling tickets for the raffle for the past couple of meetings and will also have them at the January meeting as well as the night of the banquet.

I hope to see everyone at the January meeting and the Banquet. Have a great New Year!

Ken Simmons
President

Minutes of last meeting
Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 837 , 11-16-05

The meeting was opened at 7:40 pm on November 16, 2005, by President Ken Simmons. The minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted. The financial report was read and delayed for later.

Old Business
Air Faire picture was presented by Dorin Daniels.
Cheryl Cruson said she has been trying to contact Christian Zimmerman to be a speaker at the annual banquet on February 11 or 18th . Roger Smith said he knew him and would contact him.
Tickets are still available for the jacket until the banquet.
Calendars are in and available for 2006.

New Business
Linda Daniels would check into making arrangements for the Annual Banquet at the Elks Lodge this year. She would try for February 11 or 18th.
December meeting will be a potluck on December 11, 2005, at 1:00 pm.
Plates and silverware and drinks will be provided.
Ken Simmons reported that the Idaho Aviation Christmas Party will be at the Holiday Inn at Boise on December 6 th.
Cheryl Cruson reported that the finances for the Annual Air Faire were Income: $16,413.14 and Expenses: $11,684.14 for a difference of $4,729.00.
A vote was made to help Merle Maine with fuel expense for $1,000.00. This passed 6 to 4.
Pete Morgan said perhaps a more fair atmosphere would be possible next year.
A discussion ensued as to the participation that our chapter should take next year. Perhaps EAA 837 should redefine our mission. Have fun flying or make money for a meeting place.
Nominations for officer were presented by Ken Simmons, and Chris Droege was nominated for Vice-President. Pete seconded the nomination.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 for refreshments and an EAA video on Sport Pilots.
Submitted by Dale E. Cruson

EAA Board Meetings - 3rd Wednesday of each month @ Ontario Airport Clubhouse @ 6:30 p.m.

EAA Meetings - 3rd Wednesday of each month @ Ontario Airport Clubhouse @ 7:30 p.m. Dues $25/yr.