By all accounts CAA’s very first Open House was a success. We had outstanding weather (although it got a little toasty in the hangar), the turnout was good and everyone seemed to enjoy the programs. A fair number of attendees expressed surprise at what operations occur at the airport, and many admitted to previous ignorance. I heard several people say, "I’ve never been here before; I had no idea what went on here." There were lots of good questions regarding the Master Plan and we obtained more than 30 new signatures on the petition supporting the runway extension. I’d say our goal of educating the public about the value of community aviation was met!

Three Aviation Advisory Board members attended (50% of the current members): Kennedy Smith, Lenny Frishman and Roland Smith.

We also had a few political candidates come out to visit: Joe Meek, Winn Webb, Ken Heimann, Dennis Damato and Geoff Greene.

Of course I worked hard to plan the Open House, but I could never have done it alone. I’d like to extend a HUGE thank you to the following volunteers (listed in no particular order) who helped in a variety of ways to ensure that the event ran smoothly:
Doug Bogart
Terry Hambel
Ron McGrew
Sandra McGrew
Terry Russ
Bill Ulrich
Barb Stetzko
Lenny Frishman
Colin Arnold
Gudi Davis
Bill Serianni
Lyn Serianni

Special thank yous are also in order for the following folks:
Jack Ohle – 2007 Crystal River Airport Economic Impact Study presentation
Terry Hambel – Interactive program on "Why Helicopters Fly"
Roy Reid – Pearl Harbor interview DVD
Joe Marchetti & Ed Voelker, and several cadets - Civil Air Patrol booth
Sgt. Donald Lestinsky, CCSO aviation division – Sheriff’s helicopter display
Capt. Tom Davis – Glider demo
Bill Stephenson - Tow plane pilot
Quincy Wylupek, Citrus County Engineering Project Manager – Master Plan display and aerial photo of the airport

And, of course, thank you to Tom and Gudi Davis for moving several airplanes for the static display, allowing us to take over their space for an entire day, extending the use of their audiovisual equipment and providing the necessary technical assistance to run the equipment.

If I have forgotten anyone, please accept my deepest gratitude and sincerest apologies. Thank you again to everyone who contributed in any way to the planning and/or execution of the Open House.

Meredith

PS – Should we do it again next year???