Minutes of November 14, 2008

Twenty men including three guests – Greg Cresswell, Bob Anderson and Tom Bradfield gathered for a meal prepared by John Parker and Roger Schnarr. The president called the meeting to order at 8:10 PM. The membership and guests were welcomed and the supper committee was thanked for their culinary efforts and expertise. The secretary read the objects of the club but did not read the minutes of the October meeting as they were circulated via email. Don Barber suggested that the minutes should be circulated to the membership sooner. A one day notice in advance of the meeting doesn’t allow for enough time to read, digest and respond to the minutes. Jay suggested the minutes be amended to clarify that Patrick thanked the presenter, as current wording indicated Patrick was thanked for presenting. A motion to accept the minutes with noted corrections was moved by Don Barber and seconded by Dave Starkey and carried.

Treasure’ Report
Treasurer Jay Brown, reported an opening balance of $1312.24 and showed in his report that there was a food cost loss of $46 for the October 3rd Meeting. When other adjustments from dues (payment from 4 men), dish washing expenses and interest are calculated, a working balance of $1348.45 remains in the account. A motion to accept the treasurer’s report as given was moved by Mike Hasen, seconded by Jeremy Irwin and carried.

New / Other Business
Item #1: The President thanked the secretary for the circulation of the October Minutes via email and made a suggestion to include both Ivan Scott and Jong Ui to the electronic mailing list.
Item #2: The President thanked the Christmas Turkey Supper committee of Lee Horigan, Jay Brown, Bill Powell and Mike Hasen in advance for volunteering to do this important use.
Item #3: Erik Parker mentioned that there is a supper committee slot open in January and invited the membership to step up and seize the opportunity.
Item #4: A Remembrance Day two minutes of silence was observed in memory of the sacrifices made and freedom won by our soldiers who served. Patrick Horigan read the names of the Olivet New Church soldiers who served in the Great War. Jeremy Irwin was also recognized for his military service.
Item #5: The President honored the memory of Jack McDonald who recently passed into the spiritual world. Jack was a valued member of Sons, long recognized for his quick wit and for his many contributions to the Olivet Society. Jack will be missed for his unique ability to challenge the sons to see issues in the light of his unique perspective.
Item #6 Richard Parker gave a Remembrance Day testimony of his experience with Anzac Day in Millburn Australia. Anzac Day holds special significance for Australians and New Zealanders, as April 25 was the day during Word War I, when thousands of soldiers gave up their lives in defense of all our freedom. These soldiers are remembered on this day for their ultimate sacrifice.
Item #7: John Parker suggested that the minutes should be read in keeping with tradition as some members do not have email and hence did not receive a copy of the minutes.

Upon confirmation, there was no other business, or business arising from the meeting, Patrick Horigan then introduced the guest speaker of the evening, Rev. Jim Cooper who gave a crafted multi-media presentation entitled: Flying



The Main Event.
Rev. Cooper explained that his love for flying came naturally due to the influence of the time and place where he grew up. Bryn Athyn played a large part in the development of modern aviation. Harold Pitcairn was a pioneer in the development of some aeronautics firsts. He held many patents for his engineering work and also developed the Auto Gyro (a hybrid airplane and early helicopter). Additionally, close to Bryn Athyn was the Budd plant which manufactured cargo planes that flew over the houses constantly.

It was only natural that with the sky a buzz with airplanes, Rev. Cooper turned his eyes upwards and sought to fly. Rev. Cooper started out by building and flying R/C Model planes. Rev Cooper brought in samples of a Glider, Wizzard and Fat Lady which he still flies today. According to Rev. Cooper these R/C planes helped to launch the flying career of many Bryn Athyn youths. Some even became airline pilots. Rev. Cooper sought to get his own pilot’s license after flying with Harold Pitcairn in a Grumman American Tiger. Rev Cooper is now a licensed pilot with a license designation Single Engine Land. Rev. Cooper showed videos of take off and landings which illustrated skill and technique of flying and also emphasizes the communication necessary and pilot jargon that must be observed when flying in and out of airports. He also explained that most planes can act as gliders and one of the training exercises is to stop the engine and have the plane fly and even land without power. Rev. Cooper paused to point out a huge no fly zone over the Washington area which stretches a radius of 45 miles and was imposed after 911. All air traffic must be mindful and keep clear of this area or be ready to deal with F15 fighters and the wrath of the US Air Force.

Using pictures and a short video, Rev Cooper illustrated the size, speed, flexibility and performance of general aviation vehicle. These vehicles have a starting price of twenty thousand and up and were typically gliders or small two and four seater crafts. Given the preference, Rev. Cooper indicated he would choose a craft that could deliver 150 horses and be capable of speeds in excess of 150 M.P.H.

Rev. Cooper shared the joy he had flying for the first time with his three year old son Craig. Craig Cooper started logging fight time when he was just three years old and hasn’t stopped since that first day. Today Craig flies an F15 Fighter jet for the US Air Force and has logged 101 combat missions after three tours of duty to the Middle East. Flying comes naturally to young Craig. Even on that very first flight, Craig showed Rev. Cooper some of the things he could do at the controls. After Graduating from the University of Maryland in June 1998 Craig was selected for the Pilot/WSO Training Program. Rev. Cooper felt proud the day Craig graduated, but was even more excited about sitting in the cockpit of Craig’s F15 Fighter. At that time Craig’s name was not on the Fighter but Craig knew one day he would have his very own fighter. Today, Craig is ranked Major Assistant Squadron Commander with his name inscribed on his own F15 fighter jet.


Conclusion –It started with model planes and the desire to fly which has led to the love of flying. Craig inherited this love along with the heritage of a long military tradition from his mother’s side and merged two loves to create a unique use. This use is that of serving one‘s country, protecting all that is dear to the land, its people and its church. For these things, no father could be more proud!

Rev. Jim Cooper answered many questions and participated in varied discussions following his presentation. Patrick Horigan Thanked Rev. Jim Cooper for his presentation followed by a round of applause by the membership. The meeting drew to a conclusion at 10:05 PM.


Respectfully submitted
John Reid.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grumman_American_AA-5