August 2005 

I open this Newsletter on a sad note. I’m sure by now you have all heard of the tragic death of one of our own. I didn’t know Tom Ratlif well. For that I am deeply sorry for not spending more time with him at meetings etc. We all get complacent about our mortality and treat friends and family with an attitude that there is always time in the future. I see why soldiers in combat get so close; they can feel the need to know them well even for a fleeting moment. When I read Tom’s obituary I couldn’t help wishing I had known him better. He was an accomplished man with so much knowledge and experience to share. We will MISS him.

Our August meeting/picnic will be held at Vince Jordan’s Hangar on August 20^th instead of the 14^th. Vince wanted to do the cookout but had family commitments for the original date.  Plan on drifting in around noon to 1PM and bring some of your favorite goodies to share.

Agenda for the meeting will include plans and suggestions for Gordon Campbell’s  fly-in Oct 15-16. He is hoping to institute a two-day event with  activities, similar to the past Crisfield festivities. He would like to develop his affair into an annual  “Aircraft Happening”.

Not to be overshadowed is Ray Sawyer’s picnic scheduled for Sat Sept 10^th.Ray always’ puts on a good old down home, tire kick’in, hangar fly’in afternoon.

The July picnic held at MFV brought out a nice crowd that enjoyed the hospitality of the air-conditioned terminal.  Vic and Jim reported club patches would be available at The Embroidery Shop, Exmore. Cost would be $15.00 per patch plus shirt. You can provide shirt or order from them. Initial setup fee ($85.00) was voted to be absorbed by the club treasury.

We had a guest EAA member from California who had flown into the airport. He thanked us for the gracious invitation to our meeting. EAA groups welcome and encourage visitors to meetings throughout the world.

We also have some new member prospects. Thanks to all of your enthusiasm and support, we are growing. Let me know if you meet an interested person. I will include them in a newsletter.

That’s “It” for this month. Be sure to check out the Rumors page (overleaf) if you Dare!

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                                                                (RUMORS)

Lots of members are ready to impart their experience’s at “AIRVENTURE 2005”

There has been a certain Flying boat buzzing my sailboat at Hacks Neck

Vic is busy working on his floats.

We can actually hear Dave now that he has his new radio; His grass is also finally growing

My “Pied Piper” article has some pilots interested in the Shreveport Fly-In Labor Day

Gordon and Chris have more paint on their faces than on the new Airfield office

Check out the new 50ft. Designator #’s at Wierwood

Vince reports the repair parts are in for his plane.

The new security gates are working at MFV?

Paul is diligently working on his pilots lounge, air-conditioning and all.

The Embroidery Shop has informed us of a move. I am including their add which appeared in the Eastern Shore News,

SEE YA ALL  CRISFIELD, Sat August 20th

NEWSLETTERS