Time goes by so quickly. I am half way through my time as President. I find myself at this point understanding and appreciating how our group is really a team and definitely not a organization lead by one. The first half of this letter is to thank the friendly, knowledgeable, proactive officers, board members, and general members of 1541.

Everything we have done over the last year and are actively doing at this time has truly been enhanced with the ideas, input and actions of all. Just to name a few that make everything possible are Secretary/Treasurer Jim Hughes (the glue that holds everything together) for sending out announcements, record keeping and much more, board member Dug Smith for providing a first class web site (and he is a darn good cook too), and Scott Thompson for a monthly news letter that we are all very proud of. Lastly, I wish to thank the Gold members that made the impossible become possible by enabling us to have a Home club hangar. Our membership has very nearly doubled in the last year as a result and the energy and enthusiasm can be felt. Our current membership is 109 and growing. Thanks to all.

Looking ahead to our goals for 2017, there will be another Air Fest with a second day of activity to include a STOL competition. I would compare this event to a airplane rodeo of short takeoffs and extremely short landings that look more like a controlled crash than a landing. This will be very exciting and what’s more, the STOL competition will be organized by our Vice President Tony Kasabasich!

Additionally for 2017, we are now in our second month of research to develop a youth and community outreach program. Board member Bruce Robinson is spearheading this effort. This program is now beginning to take form; however, details will not be in place for another month or two. What is exciting about this effort is how the program will reach out to the community and youth in a unique way that will enhance and restart our Young Eagles and a new Eagles program. If this sounds like something you might want to help with, contact Bruce Robinson and you will be included in the planning and development of the effort. 2017 will be a very exciting year. I want to thank you all for participating in 1541 and
making it the great organization that it is.

Ron Wright
President
Chapter 1541