Greeting, NESA folks!

The annual meeting was this past Sunday, January 21, at the Crown Point Pub in Springfield. Almost 50 club members and guests attended, enjoying a social hour, buffet dinner, and member meeting. The meeting minutes will be posted to the club website after they are approved at the next board meeting.

Jim gave the President’s report, noting that the club welcomed seven new members in 2023, and thanked the twelve club members that either towed, instructed, or both. Jerry Smith presented the Treasurer’s report on a very successful year. A brief slideshow on the 2023 year in review was followed by the annual awards presentation. Winners were:

Uplift Award: Ava Saemann (presented by last year’s winner, Jim Malecha)

Cross-Country Award: Pieter Schwarzenbach (presented by Bob Morehardt)

First Solo Award: Ava Saemann

President’s Award: Jerry Smith

The club members present constituted a quorum, and voted in favor of the ballot of club officers and directors:

President: Jim Malecha

Vice President: Larry Perry

Secretary: Andy Kozak

Treasurer: Jerry Smith

Directors: Bill Batesole and Dave Carton (Steve Hurd and John Watkins begin their second year of a two-year term)

The attendees voted on monthly member meetings. They will be on the last Saturday of each month, April thru October. The meetings will be at 10 am, except for May and August, which will be a 4 pm picnic, provided volunteers organize those two events. Keep an eye on this space and your email for details as those dates approach.

Fundraising was discussed. T-shirts are available in yellow, orange or gray (sizes S thru XL) and polo shirts may be available, if there is adequate interest. Club members, watch your email for details.

The other club officers and I are looking forward to the upcoming season.

Thanks, and hope to see you out there!

JiM