New England Section Events

So 2 of us played a little hookey on Friday October 2nd, waking up to a foggy morning over the Berkshire Hills. This would be our last chance to fly the treasure hunt route together before the deadline. After a delicious scrambled eggs breakfast from Glenna�s chickens (one of them seemed to be thinking about hitching a ride to see if she could find any friends in Chickville along the way�), we were ready to move along.

So we finished our sleuthing as complete charts replaced breakfast on the kitchen table. Some of the clues and our initial guesses had us in stitches � the right sized hunting boot for Paul Bunyan � there was a Lake MooseLookMeGunTick (any of the Maine gals ever been there?) that sounded Mainley, looked like a boot, had the hunting connection, and it was super sized- could have been Paul�s, but alas it was out of Range-ly�.or was it the more obvious model in front of L.L. Bean?

Find a little strip of heaven leaving IZG � we couldn�t find any grass strips by railroad tracks with heavenly names- then vavooom - we�d look for other strips when airborne. By golly, perhaps the clue was not a grass strip but rather a drag strip or shopping strip that made you feel you were in heaven ---and which we were looking forward to sampling firsthand at section! After all, we were going to be in the thick of the fashionable handbag region of Naples and gondolas! We would just have to go see for ourselves!

Weather was improving so off to the airport around 10 am. After our pre-flight, the fog magically parted for an entry portal into the hunt. Surprisingly, the weather was not clear to 12,000 as most of our weather briefing had indicated (hello New England!), but shortly after GBR we had to make a decision to climb over a mostly overcast layer of wonderful curvy stratusy clouds to pick up a faster tailwind to get to treasure hunt territory as we had a lot of ground to cover just to get started� it seemed to be a good call when we got up to 7500� and groundspeed read 138 knots for our northeast bound Archer. We needed to get back by 2pm as there was a little concern about weather moving in later. But we did ponder a little about the forecast with all the clouds. We also said �to hell with a Plymouth, we need a Cirrus to expedite!

However, suddenly spotting one of Nature�s special treasures made us want to dawdle�spotting a �sun dog� made it a very special leg up to the hunt! We wondered if we would get bonus points for that and wanted to dawdle just gazing at the beautiful rainbow colors! Approaching CON and MHT, ATC was very obliging to help with converging traffic as a few cumulus and other poofy clouds loomed ahead over the deck. So not wanting to miss a clue, we spotted a hole and headed down to Robin Hood�s country. We told ATC we were on an aerial photography mission for a few sites, as we didn�t want them to wonder about our seemingly aimless tracks as we were hunting for treasure. Besides, a new controller didn�t have a clue where Robin Hood�s convertible bed was located- we had to give him a bearing to Murphy Sherwood Airport.

Westward Ho! Plenty of outdoor venue possibilities in this northern New England Treasure Hunt territory � skiing and skating and boating and seaplaning and swimming and hiking�.almost endless choices. But, who wants to deal with toll booths to get there when you�re going 138 knots, and don�t need to slow down - it beats E-Z Pass anytime! But we didn�t really feel like swimming at the SPB, as we had to move on today to find the other treasures from the sky. But now, which George are we talking about as the hunt territory spans from the coastlines to the inland mountains. But was it a head fake? We had thought about pretty Kennebunkport, but since we�re not party people, we really hoped it was George Washington and the Presidentials - the clues seemed to point us that direction (although the clouds took a little from their mighty grandeur).

We had efficiently covered most of the hunt territory within our limited time available and were going to need some fuel. When we starting seeing some scuddy clouds, we knew it was time to head back south, and we did, but not after enjoying some of natures most beautiful red, orange and yellow jewels blanketing the countryside and shimmering in the afternoon Maine sunlight along with the many sparkling lakes. It was truly a Treasure Hunt to remember.

Thank you Katahadin Wings!

Members were greeted at the Green Granite Inn on Friday afternoon with homemade donuts and surprise goody bags thoughtfully filled by co-chairs Brenda Thibodeau and Mary Build.

The evening activities began with a mystery ride to the secluded but beautiful and charming Snowvillage Inn. After social hour and dinner, the group was treated to a very informative and entertaining presentation by Portland ATCT Support Staff Specialist Cheryl Readio who offered �An Evening with ATC.� This counted for Wings safety program credit for the group of active pilots.

The next morning's business meeting was conducted efficiently, with business including discussion of the sections involvement in the 2012 conference and a review of each chapter's activities.

The weekend concluded with the highlight of including the NE Section 99s at the Treasure Hunt in the Sky Awards Barbecue. The barbecue was held at Eastern Slopes Regional Airport in Fryeburg, Maine. With the help of the Friends of the Airport a hangar was converted into a warm and charming fall-themed barbecue setting. After a hearty hamburger and hot dog lunch, the awarding began. Eastern NE chapter 99s Linda Moody and Margo Cheel won the second place prize, a seaplane lesson generously donated by KW Mary Build to be given at Brandy Pond SPB in Naples, Maine.

Katahdin Wings Host 2004 New England Section Poker Run

A high pressure system worked very hard to dominate the New England area weather, and won out on June 5th, providing a "full-house" flying day for the participants of the 2004 N.E. Section Poker Run. After several days of soggy weather, area pilots launched at the opportunity to participate in an event organized to bring pilots out for a fun day of flying.

Pilots, co-pilots and passengers, as well as numerous non-pilot supporters bought 266 hands and tried their luck at winning the top prizes offered by the NE Section 99s. Prizes included a David Clark Headset, a $99 cash prize or a $99 Pilot Shop certificate, several avgas certificates, oil changes, a transponder check, spark plugs, as well as a wide variety of certificates for different flying opportunities such as soaring, seaplane scenic flights and flight reviews. An assortment of aviation-themed books, T-shirts, jewelry, airplane equipment, nostalgic and modern posters, "mystery bags" and many other miscellaneous useful and fanciful items were also offered. Approximately 80 lucky winners came away with a prize or two, or three. The N.E. Section was fortunate to receive so many generous donations from area airports and pilots which allowed them to offer such outstanding prizes.

Members of Katahdin Wings, Eastern New England and Connecticut chapters converged on Fitchburg to pull together and provide an organized and well-executed event

Over 24 aircraft participated, landing at the four other scheduled stops: Laconia, NH; Concord, NH; Keene, NH; and Orange, MA, carrying approximately 40 pilots and passengers to the Fitchburg terminus. Bullock's Charter Service provided a roomy and comfortable location at the terminus, where The 99s and the Poker Run participants could congregate to enjoy a make-your-own-sandwich lunch and camaraderie, while awaiting the final poker hands to arrive and be tallied.

The Katahdin Wings chapter was in rotation to host this event , but it was a successful combination of Katahdin Wings, Eastern New England and Connecticut chapter members who converged on Fitchburg to pull together and provide an organized and well-executed event. Lunch was simple and satisfying and prizes were swiftly awarded.

The "Prize Patrol" eagerly awaits to begin awarding the prizes.

Each member stepped up to perform their assigned roll in the production and many of them tailored their duties to accommodate shifting responsibilities as the event progressed. As soon as the last prize was awarded, a speedy breakdown and clean up began and in no time at all Bullock's facility was restored to it's original state as a welcoming charter service lounge.

Plans for the N.E. Section Poker Run began back in the Spring of 2003 for a Fall 2003 Run, but had to be postponed due to the rained out weekend in September. Yet, judging by the successful completion of the re-scheduled event, it was worth the wait!

Spring Section Meeting 2004
Hosted by the Katahdin Wings

Gray skies and damp weather may have prevailed, but the spirits of the New England Section 99s were soaring. Their Spring Section meeting was a resounding success. In efforts headed by Chapter Chair Jeannie Kannegeiser, the Katahdin Wings treated themselves and their guests to the casual elegance of the Harraseekett Inn, located in the heart of Freeport, Maine.

The weekend meeting, held April 2nd and 3rd, 2004, began on Friday afternoon with a cozy fireside tea provided by the Inn. It was a wonderful ice-breaker, where the Katahdin Wings members could comfortably greet their New England Section guests, where new members got to meet and get to know the veterans, while enjoying the delightful spread.

The 34 attendees had time between tea and dinner to shop the outlets and anchor store, L.L. Bean, that Freeport is famous for. Some opted to take a dip at the Inn's indoor pool. Revived and refreshed from shopping and swimming, the group met up for dinner at another of Freeport's historic locations, the Jameson Tavern. It was great opportunity to talk flying, sharing each other's experiences and adventures. It was a lively discussion that lasted until well after the meal. The banter was broken occasionally by the presenting of gifts.To recognize the effort that Jeannie expended in organizing this event, Katahdin Wings member Jenny Jorgensen gave Jeannie a coveted pair of Lady Bug Clogs. Mary Build treated guest speaker Linda Coffi to a jug of Maine Maple Syrup, and a clever pair of airplane socks. The evening ended with very entertaining stories by Linda, who shared the adventure of her first "real" cross-country, flying from upstate New York to California, most of it solo. She colorfully remined us how much fun it is to fly, and how wonderful the people you meet along the way are.

Saturday morning brought more gray skies, but spirits certainly were not dampened. A hot and hearty breakfast buffet at the Inn energized everyone for a morning business meeting with an equally hearty agenda.

In keeping with the spirit of the location, the time between breakfast and the start of the 8:45 meeting was spent shopping. Katahdin Wings offered aviation-related merchandise that included airplane key chains, stationery, note cards, erasable highlighters, and raffle tickets for an adorable airplane mobile.
Chapter and Section history was also shared through scrapbooks and a photo display board. As the meeting began, attendees were treated to a placesetting that included fun airplane trinkets and an educational CD "Making Your Own Rules."

The business meeting was presided over by Gov. Pat Theberge, who was quite successful at keeping the meeting moving along briskly while covering topics concerning the 99s and the N.E. Section. Topics included: building an endowment fund that will allow the International Organization to run from the dividends and interest of the goal amount; PR promoting the 99s Professional Network; scholarship opportunities; and the formation of new Internet based chapters.

Reports from each of the four active Chapters were given, after minutes from the previous section meeting and a treasurer's report were read. Committees gave brief reports of their activities, and issues were discussed.

A special guest, 99s International Secretary Donna Moore, introduced an exciting new avenue for community involvement with "Fly for the Cure." In efforts to raise breast cancer awareness, Donna and a dedicated committee are spearheading this project which will include gathering pledges for flying as many hours as possible in the months of September and October. This effort will be country-wide and they hope to make it well-known through the use of media promotions.

Other activities in various stages of planning were discussed, such as the early summer Poker Run, airmarking in Mansfield, MA, and a Treasure Hunt in the Sky. The recipient of the Shirley Mann Scholarship, Kimberly Brennan, a student at Daniel Webster College was presented with her scholarship certificate and she was in attendance to graciously and enthusiastically accept it. The N.E. Section Award of Merit was then presented to Katahdin Wings member Mary Build for her outstanding efforts in promoting aviation and her inspirational interaction with everyone she meets

Gov. Pat was presented with a jug of Maine Maple Syrup in recognition of her very active involvement with 99s activities.

Installation of the new N.E. Section officers concluded the ended-on-time meeting, and everyone was free to take in final shopping opportunities or enjoy scenic walks either along the rocky Maine coast or to an antique salt-water farm nearby. Of course many chose to fuel up first at the satisfying Lunch Buffet offered by the Inn.

Even though the weather didn't allow anyone to fly - the gathering of so many contagiously enthusiastic women pilots charged everyone up for another great summer of flying to come. We all departed feeling excited, ready to soar and to have fun. The general consensus of the attendees was that the accommodations and activities were charming, comfortable and satisfying. Friends old and new said their farewells with exciting plans to meet up again at the Fall Section Meeting to be held in Connecticut, hosted by the CT Chapter, or perhaps at the Poker Run in Fitchburg, MA in June, or at the International Conference in Atlantic City in July. The N.E. Section has proven to be a vibrant and active group of women pilots, eager to share aviation and spread the word. Who thought a meeting could be so much fun!