President’s March 2007 Message: I'd like to start off this column by thanking my predecessor, Norm Jukes, for his dedicated service to the society over the past three years. He guided the chapter through the tough decision to separate from the American Aviation Historical Society, and helped steer our society to new heights as we picked up steam under the Society for Aviation History banner. Norm and Vallarie have decided to travel a lot more in 2007, so Norm will not have as much time to devote to society business. We are fortunate to retain Norm's services on the board of directors. From everyone, Norm, we thank you. Long-time director-at-large Ian Abbott changed jobs from his aviation career back into the bio-medical field. Unfortunately for us, this reduced his flexibility and he decided to bow-out of his board position. Ian was a tremendous help to the society and worked on a number of projects behind the scenes. Thank you, Ian. We greatly appreciate your service. Fortunately, the society's bylaws, which are viewable at BYLAWS, allow the board to appoint a successor to fill the vacant position. The board is proud to announce that long-time member Alice Hendricks has accepted nomination to the board. She has served as coordinator for the society's election committee for the past six years. Welcome Alice! Our February meeting was simply incredible. The society's thanks to the volunteers at the Moffett Field Museum, especially Bill Stubkjaer and Bernie McDonough, our speaker Chris Grech, and our special guests Dave, Janice, and Kristen Canepa. A big thanks to the staff of Emergency BBQ, who did a fantastic job with our buffet! Check them out on the web at: www.emergencybbq.com. Typically, we get around 60 people to our February meeting, so the museum's library looked like it could handle our group with ease. Your Society for Aviation History program director figured 75 tops. Well, then the number reached 85…then 95…then 105…then 115…and finally stopped at 123. It was tight, and everyone got to see the program, however, there were a few people crowded outside of the door. Although most of the dozen or so outside the room reported they saw the presentation, we do apologize to you for being unable to accommodate you inside the room. We do appreciate your understanding. We'll have to have a chat with our program director… And speaking of programs, we've lined up a number of excellent presentations for the balance of 2007. In April, we'll have David Ruiz of Pacific Aerial Surveys present the photographic talents of Clyde Sunderland and his aerial photos of the Bay Area in the 1930s that will be coupled with a book signing by our members William T. Larkins and Ron Ruether. The pair has just released San Francisco Bay Area Aviation in the Arcadia Publishing Images of Aviation series (128-pages, softbound, $19.95 - copies will be available at the meeting). Both authors will be on hand to sign copies of this new work. Our June speaker is in the process of being booked, while our new member Jack "JR" Roberts will speak in October on the historic flight of Clyde Pangborn - the first to fly non-stop across the Pacific Ocean in Miss Veedol in October 1931. In December, Tom Morgenfeld will discuss his test flying days. Morgenfeld was the first to fly the new F-22 Raptor as well as the forth-coming Joint Strike Fighter. As always, please bring a guest to our meetings as we're working to convert guests into members. The value the society delivers for only $20 can't be beat. Don't forget that we are still awarding a free one-year membership to any member who recruits five new members. Two of your fellow members have recently achieved this goal! When a friend signs up, make sure they ink your name on the "referred by" line. It does make a difference. And speaking of value for your dollar, the board of directors, a number of your fellow members, and newsletter editor Betty Veronico are planning a special surprise for June of this year. I've been sworn to secrecy, so in June, watch your mailbox! I wish you the best for 2007, and look forward to seeing you at our next meeting. - Nick Veronico Past President Messages are linked below:
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