The March meeting will be held at Cattlemens Restaurant, 2000 Taylor Road, Roseville.

The optional dinner starts at 18:00, with a short business meeting at about 18:45. At 19:00 or so, we’ll hear a presentation from James
Bonner from the Beale Campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

James will be presenting on the subject of Creating Lift: Developing America’s Aviation and Aerospace Workforce. He will share an education and training model that has been implemented in Northern California’s Yuba/Sutter region. The integrated approach presented combines our local education, manufacturing, aviation, and political resources to create career opportunities that will positively impact our world for generations to come.

In addition to the normal member meeting, the leadership of the chapter is requesting a vote from the members on a proposal for some hangar improvements for our chapter hangar at the Lincoln Airport. The chapter board of directors has reviewed a proposal developed, at my request, by one of our board members, Rubin Wallin. Rubin has done similar improvements in his own hangar and is quite familiar with the scope of this project.

The proposal, if adopted, would allow the chapter to purchase and install modular shelving and storage units for the back wall of the hangar. This installation would allow a much better use of the hangar space, organize the various items we have in the hangar, and provide a more attractive environment for our various events. It would incorporate our growing chapter library of books and videos, the refrigerators (currently on the side wall of the hangar), provide off-the ground storage for tables and chairs and other chapter equipment, and generally allow for a reorganization of the hangar. The modular units would be installed as part of a single design effort so everything would match and work together.

Our proposal uses some of the funds originally raised for the purchase of the hangar. Since a decision was made last year not to buy the hangar, the board feels that some of the funds should be used to make the hangar we are now renting into a better chapter home. The board anticipates this hangar will be our home for many years into the future. The storage units are modular, so they could be moved at a later date to another location if needed. The request is to spend up to $5,000 of existing chapter funds on this hangar improvement. We think the cost of the modular units will come in substantially below this amount but want to have a maximum amount approved prior to starting the project. The cost estimate is for materials only; all labor will be provided on a volunteer basis by chapter members.

The board reviewed the tentative plans and have voted to recommend we proceed forward with the proposal. Our chapter bylaws require that the chapter membership also approve this proposal before spending the funds, and this vote will be conducted at the Wednesday member meeting.

We have some additional plans that will seal the base of the hangar from water leaks and also paint the hangar floor. We will work in conjunction with the hangar owner to coordinate these items. Other improvements in our audio-visual setup may be undertaken in the future but that will be considered at a later time.

Please bring any questions or comments forward at the member meeting.

For those ordering dinner, we will order off a special menu with included non-alcoholic beverage and pay $21.65 including tax and gratuity. Guests are encouraged and welcomed.