Well, our deep freeze of weather finally hit us in December bringing -20°C to -30°C temperatures along with it. How quickly we forget the nice warm days we had right up to November, and we start to long for the next available day we can get up for a flight; even if it’s just a short one. This was the first time in the last eight years I haven’t recorded a flight in December. Oh well, we’re still luckier than some who have to literally put their planes away for the winter months.

This past year went by fast as usual but was a very enjoyable flying season for me. With the acquisition of a new plane, the learning curve was once again present in my flying. With the advice and help from many of the club members it was a very enjoyable year topped off by our flight down to Oshkosh in July. I am looking forward to another great year of flying!

The COPA convention is coming up this July and will be hosted by the surrounding COPA flights with each one taking on different responsibilities to make the convention a success. I would like to thank Garrett Komm and Mac Harrison for looking after our clubs’ part in this endeavor. They will be keeping us updated as the convention moves closer.

I would like to thank Ted Beck for his contribution as Vice President over the last two years. Ted never hesitated to help out whenever possible and continues to contribute to making our club a success.

I would also like thank Stu Simpson for stepping up and taking over the Vice President position and to Ed D’Antoni for remaining as Secretary for another term. I look forward to serving as your President along with the other members of the executive to keep our club moving forward in 2009.

Memberships are now due so please pay your dues as soon as possible. The cost for membership has gone up $5.00 to $30.00 per year.

Our annual raffle is coming up soon and you must be a current member to purchase tickets. Details of the prizes and draw date will be forth coming. I look forward to seeing you all at the next meeting on January 8th, 2009.