August, an unusual month.
Sep04
Like so many events, good or bad, they have come to pass this month.
We had planned a fly-out to Pisceo, NY, but Irene was on its’ way, cancelling our plans for a fun and exciting NY weekend. The excitement focused on Irene, the Hurricane, instead.
We purchased new ropes, secured our airplanes, replacing old worn tie downs as we checked the aircraft on the ramp. Rain had caused some ceiling leaks at the Flying W Airport. The pilots shop at flight operations, had fallen wet ceiling tile pieces on its’ carpeted floor.
Irene, the Hurricane, has, since settled down, creating its destruction and chaos along its’ way. Causing floods from its’ torrential rains, tearing trees from their roots, creating power outages from some of those fallen trees, and a few tornados have been reported. A few people have been killed and a few hearts have been broken. From the internet, a photo along one of the beach towns showed a large blue fish embedded into a building. A funny site, but adamantly sad. The business owner must now get their seaside building repaired.
On Thursday, Blues Eyes participated in the MDA’s Burlington Lock Up, and yes, she and her spouse Frank, end up behind bars. They had a warrant for Blues Eyes for having a Big Heart, and to serve time in Muscular Dystrophies appreciate jail site, located at the Robbins Nest Restaurant.
In the early part of the week, it was an Earthquake on Tuesday. Members of Blue Eyes’ local community came rushing out of their houses, asking, did you feel that? Blues Eyes, outside, cutting bushes, did not, but later heard and viewed many reports reporting on the earthquake centered in Mineral, Virginia. Several after aftershocks were reported in the Virginia area, within 24 hours.
On August 20, we had our Annual Lobster Fest. Blues Eyes and her spouse spend several days prior to the event, getting organized. Approximately 60 people were scheduled to attend our Lobster Fest, Another 10 or so showed up for the Lobster Fest without registering for our event. We always plan for more, since we always know that certain people will arrive without ever informing us. They just show up. We had lobster, hamburger and hotdogs, salads, beer and much more.
During our Lobster Fest, we celebrated Julius’s new job in Texas. Julius stayed another day, just to join us and say a final goodbye to all his flying club friends. A large Texas style cake was presented to Julius and shared with our group. Then a few group photos were taken for memories. We will miss Julius and his family, who have been part of our club for many years. Julius is now a life time member with us, and is always welcomed at Freeflight.
Unfortunately, over this weekend, an accident occurred, killing one of our local pilots from the South Jersey Regional Airport. We send out our sincere sympathy to his family. He will be missed by his friends and the aviation community. We have heard many rumors, but from the rumors, we ask all pilots to get a good briefing and check for current Notams in their flight path.
On August 17, many Freeflight members attended the Atlantic City Airshow, Thunder Over the Boardwalk. Some drove, and several people took the train. Those that could, met up for Breakfast and for Dinner. Everyone had a great time, and here are links to some of the photographs taken by Ed.
On August 2, Jason Flood, a taleted young adult, was injured in an aircraft banner towing accident. Updates on Jason’s conditions and benefit events can be found on Caring Bridge – Connecting Family and Friends When Health Matters Most
Two very local benefit events are scheduled to benefit Jason.
On Sept 10th, a Breakfast and Chinese Auction will be held at Allen’s Airstrip 3NJ9, in Southampton, NJ, from 8 AM to Noon. If you have something to donate to the Auction, please contact Allen’s Airstrip on their link.
On October 1st, the Flying W Airport will hold a Beef and Beer benefit for Jason, $20.00 per person, starting at 7 PM in the large white tent. Tickets are available from Mindy at Flight Operations. Jason worked at the South Jersey Regional Airp0rt, VAY, and is part of this airport’s local community.
Out of the good and the bad, changes will come. The fun times, bring new memories, new friends, new experiences. The sad times, also brings new friends, new memories, and new experiences. May faith and hope get you though the difficult times. May peace, faith, hope, and charity prevail for all, and we all do our share to help each other.
