From the home office of the president
Our June 20, 2020 AGM was done via ZOOM for the first time ever. Although I missed seeing everyone in person, it was great to at least see the faces of everyone who was able to sign in, as well as to hear from those who had to call in via telephone.
Several items were discussed and agreed upon during the meeting. I am thrilled to report that we now have a new chapter in our Society. We had full agreement to welcome the CAAA (Canadian Aviation Artists Association) as our first virtual chapter. I know this new relationship will be mutually beneficial to both organizations, and I hope this will be the beginning for other Canadian aviation minded groups to make the move to join with us and ensure we all are able to grow and prosper.
I was also happy to announce the winners of the 2018 Journal Awards for our Volume 56 Journals. Clark Seaborn won the C. Don Long Best Article Award for his Wooden Wings Over the Wilderness multi-part articles. Bill Upton won the Mac MacIntyre Research Award for his Canadair CL-84 – A Canadian Design Odyssey multi-part articles. What a pleasure it was to call Clark and Bill and let them know of their success.
We also agreed to increase the Douglas MacRitchie Award presented to the top graduating student in the highly regarded Aircraft Maintenance Technician’s Course of Centennial College, from $500 to $1,000. The scholarships have been presented at the college for over 15 years, and this is the first time the amount has been increased. We are working on ensuring the continued longevity of the award with efforts to obtain the necessary donations to the scholarship account.
Following the Board of Directors meeting, also held via ZOOM, on June 13, 2020, the four Chapter President Directors were selected from the Chapter Presidents in attendance. I am happy to announce that Jerry Vernon, Vancouver Chapter President; Kyle Huth, Ottawa Chapter President; Jim Bell, Winnipeg Chapter President; and myself, Regina Chapter President; were all acclaimed for another year. The Directors acclaimed at the AGM were, Dr. Rachel Lea Heide, Gord McNulty, John Chalmers, Dr. Richard Mayne, Mathias Joost, Bert Furlong, and Bill Zuk. Following the AGM, the board members elected the five executive members: myself as National President, Gord McNulty as National Vice-President, Dr. Rachel Lea Heide as National Treasurer, Jim Bell as National Secretary, and John Chalmers as National Membership Secretary. Congratulations to all the 2020-2021 National Board of Directors.
None of your national or chapter officers receive any remuneration for their time and dedication to the CAHS. We are still in a challenging financial situation because many of our members have yet to renew their national memberships. Please take the time to ensure your membership is current. If not, please send in your renewal as soon as possible. Please also consider a donation to the CAHS to assist us through this difficult period. Any amount over $10 is issued a receipt for income tax purposes and is much appreciated.
We continue work to bring the Journals back on schedule as well as make enhancements to our new website.
Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement for your society.
Blue skies,
Gary Williams
National President
CAHS