Jan 2008 minutes

The more astute of you will notice that we have not yet held our January 2008 meeting; therefore, you're probably wondering why there are minutes posted as such. Well, in hopes of generating greater interest for the Jan meeting (ie increased attendance!) here is an expected rundown of what we plan to cover at the breakfast:

1) Membership updates and annual renewal - January begins another year for your local chapter membership. Some stats from last year: 104 names listed on my roster/database, Pat and I have diligently tracked everyone and we only show 43 having paid dues to the rest of the membership. Now, I know we're not that bad at accounting, so there appears to be something amiss here. Get the word out and let's fix it in Jan, or by Feb at the latest please. Remember we voted last fall to renew the bylaws and make the membership $15 this year beginnig in Jan. Also, it's time for to renew our National Chapter membership and as such, we're required to update any new members since last year's submission. So if you're interested in becoming a 108 member, please feel free to attend the 19 Jan meeting at CEW and join! We'd be honored to meet you!

2) Plan for 2008 - What are you interested in accomplishing as a Chapter? What things would you be willing to assist on or bring to the monthly meetings? Let's knock off some of the dust/rust/cobwebs and think outside the container! Gregg and I surely aren't the only good idea fairies out there! We've attempted to generate some interest in the EFA program and have had limited success. They will need more people to assist this year as the program began last Nov in full force, can you help? Bring your ideas and we'll mull them over and generate a plan to deviate from as we gather throughout the year. I for one would like to visit some people who are building and see where they live and what their project looks like, either as a formal or informal gathering.

3) Please continue to save your styrofoam egg cartons and those thin plastic drycleaning laundry bags. EFA is using them to make airfoils from (the cartons) and for egg drop competition parachutes (the bags). We'll collect them at the Jan meeting or you can drop them off with someone who plans to attend ahead of time. I'll figure out a way to get them to Rick Soria so they're not just gathering dust in my garage as they are now.

4) Have you heard about the proposed changes to the 51% rule? Taken any action on the User Fee or Fuel Tax issues? Would you like to? Let's organize and/or at least discuss opinions and let our voices be known at the national and congressional levels. Those who sit quietly and watch as changes occur have no reason to voice an opinion after the fact if they are unhappy with the outcome! (sort of sounds like preparation for the Nov 08 election, doesn't it!? hint hint)

We had a fun turnout at the Dec Christmas party, if anyone has pictures to send me, I'll at least distribute them via the mail list but would like to post some on the website as it's been a while since the photos were updated.

See you there! Gus