Past Captain’s Corner Entry
Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2010
I had not intended to be writing this for the January Flyer, having relinquished my position to the able incoming Flight Captain Larry Peterson. However, several considerations, including a very short deadline issued by our printers, caused me to volunteer for one more go at authorship. It will also give me an opportunity to spout off once more before going mute.
The Christmas Bash, after several hick-ups, was a success. Total attendance was about 220 with 116 Daedalians, Spouses and Friends getting together to celebrate the season. The food was good, the speaking was minimal, the music (by Tall Cotton) was great and the fellowship was outstanding. Thank you all for coming.
As you know, we have a new staff reporting for duty in January. They will be officially installed at the 20 January meeting. There are still opportunities for you to volunteer to assist in running your organization. We are looking for a Vice Flight Captain and an Assistant Treasurer. Dive in - the water is fine and it is actually an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
I would like to wrap up my tour as Flight Captain with a few comments about the future of Seagull Flight 61. In 2011 we will celebrate our 32nd year as a Flight. We currently are the largest Flight on the Northwest Florida coast, but we are shrinking rapidly. Our membership roll currently holds about 250 names, down from over 360 just 10 years ago. As time marches on, the numbers will continue to decline unless we can find some way to recruit new members. Be an active recruiter, especially among the recent retirees.
The financial status of Seagull Flight 61 is sound, if slowly eroding. I estimate we can continue our current level of expenditure, both operations and scholarship/CFIP, for the next ten years before we face real trouble. The fund raising for ops relies on the Flight dues while the scholarship/CFIP cash comes from donations by members and our monthly enhancement program. The golf tournament proved unworkable for several reasons. First, a great number of the Flight golfers have to give it up because of age and health. Second, there are so many charity golf tournaments in the local area that the local businessmen had to say no to some of them. We can hardly compete with school fund raisers, local charity organizations, etc. Any solutions you might have to offer will be welcome.
Thanks to the staff and members for all the support given me over the past few years, from the outstanding work at the 2008 National Convention through the year 2010. I have enjoyed it all, even the periodic posterior pains.
Volabamus, Volamus
Charlie Heifner
Flight Captain