Young Eagles Rally

Young Eagles were flown by Nels Anderson, Mike Doyle, Jim Ellis, Norman Landry and Jeff Simon. Tom McGee flew in but his plane was not ready this time to give rides. Tom has flown in almost all the rallies. We are greatful to his and the other Young Eagle pilots' continue support of the program.

Thank you to the pilots and ground crew who were there to give their time and support to the event in so many ways. Charlies Smith and Peter Benoit kept the activities flowing very smoothly. Introducing Young Eagles to their pilots, taking Polaroid shots, answering a million questions, etc. Of course, we do not want to forget the labor that goes into setting up the canopy, tables, chairs, etc. and the taking down and putting away of the same.

A tasty cookout--a Chapter 196 fund raiser--was managed beautifully by Joan and Stirling Taylor. Their grandson and his mother were with them and although too little to fly with the Young Eagles we were glad to see him watching the planes. Thank you to the Taylor family.

Two pictures I wish I'd taken: airport manager Don McPherson with handset talking with incoming planes and Nancy McPherson from Nancy's Air Field Cafe bringing warmed zucchini bread from Young Eagle family Baldassarro.

One picture I did take was that of a slim young man watching intently as pilot Jeff Simon showed him the engine of his plane. Jeff knew the young man built models with small engines and was interested in learning to fly airplanes. Here to me was the past, present and future. I thought of slim, young Charles Lindbergh, his aviation accomplishments, past in good hands, present and future in good hands too.

Chapter 196 president Jon Engvall gave several interesting airport tours to the Young Eagles and their families. We appreciate all he and the other officers have done for Chapter 196 and look forward to an active Young Eagles in 2001.