View of Whiteplains Plantation

View of Whiteplains Plantation
Over Head View

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Sunday, December 27, 2009

SCBC - Twin Lakes (S17)



A few pictures from today's trip to Twin Lakes for the SCBC. Fun was had by all, especially for Posie who won the cash drawing. Way to go Posie!



Still Photos by: Steve Sanderson

Video/Slide Show by: Don Cook


Friday, December 18, 2009

How Lucky - Another Flat Tire




Our second flat in three years - same tire. Wow! Special thanks to Ken Plesser, Clem Spencer, Jim Causey (who supplied the dolly), Peg Peterson who manned the portable radio in case anyone was in the pattern and Peggy Como for taking these pictures. Of course John Gardner and Bill Como who created the situation.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Boy Who Wanted Wings

The director of the battered women's shelter wondered what became of him...

By Patricia Gaddis-Clark, Asheville, North Carolina
November, 2009

Fundraising was an important part of my job as director of a battered women’s shelter.

This afternoon’s gathering was a chance for me to inspire people to donate the resources our shelter desperately needed. Could I come through once again for the women and children who needed us?

The seats were filled when I entered the room. Everyone was there to hear what I had to say.

All morning I’d sweated over my speech. From the moment I sat down at my desk, all I could think about was the good we couldn’t do. Women came to us for protection, but their problems often followed them into the shelter.

Their needs could be overwhelming, or beyond our scope—physical and emotional healing, a new home where they’d be safe, a way to support themselves.

And the children! Too many to count. How many had I met over the years who were hurting from the violence they saw in their home?

Their faces came to mind as I began a first draft of my speech. I remembered the children in a support group I’d run years ago around Christmastime.

“There are lots of different jobs adults have in the world,” I’d told the kids sitting in a circle on the floor. “What would you like to be when you grow up?” I’d hoped the question would start them thinking about happy futures.

“I want to be a police officer,” an eight-year-old boy said. “Then I could arrest Daddy for hurting Mommy.”

Next came a five-year-old girl. “I want to be a nurse.”

“That’s a good job,” I said. “Nurses help sick people.”

“If I was a nurse,” she said, “I would heal Mommy whenever Daddy hurt her. Then I would help all the other mommies when they are hurt by mean daddies.”

I wondered if these kids would ever have lives not dominated by the abuse they’d suffered. “How about you, Tommy?”

Tommy was 12 and hadn’t been with us long. His face was still bruised from the last explosion of violence at his house. He’d tried to keep his father from beating his mother. His father turned on him instead. “What would you like to be when you grow up?” I asked.

Tommy paused. “I’d like to be an airline pilot. Then I could have wings and fly anywhere I wanted to go..”

“You can do anything you want to do if you try hard enough,” I assured him. “Every one of you can.”

All these years later, I wondered what had become of that little boy—or any of the children who’d passed through our doors.

Tommy always wanted wings, I thought, trying to focus on my speech. Lord, I pray he got them.

In the weeks he stayed with us at the shelter Tommy drew dozens of pictures, and almost all of them were of airplanes, butterflies and birds. When we decorated our Christmas tree it was Tommy who put the angel at the top. “Now she can watch over us,” he said.

Ever since that day, Tommy drew angels along with his birds and butterflies. Angels with big, powerful wings. I hoped those angels got him through his growing up years. But was that enough to inspire an audience to donate to our shelter? On a bad day, hope was barely enough to inspire me.

My secretary poked her head in my office door. “There’s a man at reception asking to see you,” she said. “He seems very friendly.”

"Okay,” I said. “But get ready to dial 911 if I give you the signal.”

Precautions like that were standard in my line of work. Abusers sometimes showed up to threaten us. Although our shelter was meant to be a haven, the women and children here never truly felt safe as long as their abuser was out there somewhere.

None of this line of thinking was helping me come up with a speech for the fundraiser!

Too often a situation simply seemed beyond hope. For example, Tommy and his mother hadn’t even been able to stay in the same state with his father. We scraped together enough money to buy them tickets to California, where an aunt lived. I drove them to the airport on a snowy night in January.

Despite the danger he was in, Tommy was excited about the trip. “I’ve never been on an airplane!” he said as we checked in the thrift store suitcase we’d found him. “I can’t wait!”

I hugged him tightly. “Now you’ll see what it’s really like to fly.”

Tommy pulled back and looked me dead in the eye. “Someday I’m going to be a pilot,” he said. “And don’t you forget it.”

Twelve years later, I hadn’t. I never saw Tommy and his mother again. I’d never know if Tommy got his wings. I just had to trust angels were watching over him when I couldn’t.

I supposed that’s what I’d say at the fundraiser.. We had to do all we could to help, and trust God and his angels to do the rest.

A man in military dress came to the door. He smiled, as if waiting for me to recognize him. I looked at this smart young man, a proud member of the U.S. Navy. His uniform was perfectly pressed and fit him to a T.

And what was that above the breast pocket of his jacket? Wings? I looked again at the young man’s face. I knew him. Could it be? After all these years?

“Tommy!” I cried.

“You remembered!” Tommy swept me up into a bear hug. “I came to show you my wings!”

Over a long lunch Tommy told me how he and his mother had remained in hiding in California, where Tommy was a straight-A student.

“I had to be,” he said. “A scholarship was my only chance for college. If I’d applied for a student loan my father might have found us.”

After graduating Tommy received a commission with the Navy. He immediately applied for flight training as a naval aviator. “My father died,” he said. “So Mom and I are really free. I promised myself I’d come see you again and thank you for your encouragement.”

We stayed so long talking I was almost late for the fundraiser. But I arrived just in time, feeling more inspired by our work at the shelter than ever. And best of all, my speech had written itself.

All eyes turned toward me as I stepped up to the podium. “Let me tell you about a boy I knew,” I said. “His name was Tommy, and he wanted to fly.…”

Flight Deck & Whiteplains

Mr. Ted Stambolitis, owner of the Flight Deck, has relocated our Whiteplains announcements board in his restaurant, and now it is in a much better place for everyone to see it.

We have put up some photos from Whiteplains and here is what it looks like:

Our thanks to Ted and we hope you will have a chance to stop by and take a look at it.

The first run of 25 of our 2010 calendars sold out very quickly and they have been received and delivered to everyone who ordered them. We are taking names for a second print run, and if we can get 25 more orders, we can run them for the same $22 as the first printing. If we have less than 25 orders, the calendars will be $24 each.

If you would like to order a 2010 calendar, please send a note to Michael Branning, mbranning@mac.com

Photo and report by: Steve Sanderson

Friday, December 04, 2009

Young Eagles


Whiteplains is hosting a Jr. ROTC Young Eagles Flight on December 12th, at 10 am. If you would like to help, either as a pilot or ground crew, please contact Don Cook. At this time we are expecting around 8-10 cadets. The only requirement for pilots other then normal pilot requirements is that you belong to the National EAA. You do not have to belong to a local EAA.


Upon completion of a flight, the Young Eagle will receive a logbook for recording this and subsequent aviation experiences. In addition, they will also receive an access code to the Sporty’s Online Complete Pilot Training Course. Both the logbook and the entire flight training course will be free of charge to Young Eagles.


This is a great way to help a young person an opportunity to experience the joy of flying. With your help, we can make it all happen.

Thanks,

Don Cook
duckey123@hotmail.com or 808-1993

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Whiteplains Calendar for 2010

The 2010 Calendars are ready! Thanks for all the help I’ve received from Don Cook, Steve Sanderson, and Phil Rainwater.

I’ve placed an initial order of 25 calendars, which should arrive by December 7. The price will be $22 each for the first 25 calendars, which will just cover the direct costs. I’ll order more based on the orders I receive, but they will be $24...unless I get a big enough response to order another batch of 25.

Contact Steve Sanderson (aardvark@illinois.edu) to reserve your calendars. Orders must be received no later than December 9. Please make checks payable to Michael Branning or send me funds via Paypal to mbranning@mac.com.

Regards,

Michael Branning

A note from Steve: I have seen a sample of the 2010 calendar, and Michael has done his usual outstanding job with the photography, and we thank him for his talents and dedication. The calendar would make an ideal gift, so order yours today! I will be helping Michael with the distribution of the calendars, and will pick up your check when I make the delivery.

A few photos from the calendar:


Whiteplains Calendar December 2009




Happy Birthday to the following Members:

December 13 - Barbara Burchfield
December 16 - Vern Scott
December 31 - Nancy Van Wormer

SCBC Dates:

December 13 - Rudy Branham (6J7)
December 27 - Twin Lakes (S17) Leave from the Cook's House @ 7:45am


Other Dates to remeber:

December 25 - Christmas - Merry Christmas Everyone!










Sunday, November 29, 2009

Send a Free "Thank You Card"

If you go to this web site,www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can'tpick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.

How AMAZING it would be if wecould get everyone we know to send one!!! It isFREE and it only takes a second. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these?

Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there needto know we are behind them. This takes just 10 seconds andit's a wonderful way to say thank you. Please take the time... and please take the time topass it on for others to do. We can never say enough thank you's.

Thanks for taking time to supportour troops!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Pilot Control Lighting - Update

Whiteplains pilots,
The VASI and pilot-controlled lighting system is back to being operational. We have replaced the receiver module with a design that is more advanced and which should be less succeptible to false alarms (lightning, etc.).
Some important changes have been made, so please read this e-mail carefully.
The system is now activated with three clicks within five seconds. This should help those who previously had some difficulty establishing a click rhythm with five.
However, the system will not make a decision until the five seconds have expired, so... if you squeeze off three clicks in a hurry, it may be three or four seconds before the lights go on. Don't get impatient and click again immediately. The system will continue to look for (and count) clicks until the five seconds are elapsed.
Between now and the end of the year, I have temporarily wired the system to accept either three or five clicks. This is gives us time to get the word out, update our web site, etc. After December 31, I will remove the five-click code and offer it to our friends at Gilbert International (with whom we share 122.9) for their lighting system. There should be no mutual interference between us and them.
To summarize the operational logic:
Runway lights come on at low intensity at dusk and remain that way until midnight.
Three clicks on 122.9 mHz does the following:
Between dawn and dusk: activates the VASI at full brilliance
Between dusk and midnight: raises runway lights from low to high intensity and activates the VASI at reduced brilliance
Between midnight and dawn: turns on runway lights at high intensity and activates the VASI at reduced brilliance.
In the event of a total system failure, there are emergency switches located outside of the control box, on the left-hand side. The switch labelled Runway Lights turns the lights on at high intensity. The one labelled VASI turns on the VASI at full brilliance. If you ever have a need to use these switches, be sure to turn them off when you are done.
Please call or e-mail me if you have any questions.
Ken
P.S. If you are in an airplane partnership with a pilot who does not own property at Whiteplains, be sure to forward this e-mail to them.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Missing Cat


A little nine year old girl lost her cat. Below is the information that they sent. If you see it, please call the number below.
Thanks - Don Cook .
.
.
Missing cat. She was a small, light orange brownish with black spots and stripes cat with a gimpy leg. A strange deep meow and acts friendly. She is an Egyptian leopard inter bred with a domestic. She has been missing for more than 2 weeks. If anyone finds her or her remains please let us know as there are 2 big bob cats in the neighborhood and they might have gotten her as she might have gone right up to them.



Jerry and Raven Bean
601 Country Creek Lane ie the pond right below WhitePlains
phone 803 359 4917 or cell phone 253 307 9064.

Whiteplains Newest Arrival





Ken and Annette Nash proudly announce the arrival of our newest Whiteplains neighbor.

Say hello to Jonathan Wesley Nash.

Born Wednesday Nov 11 at 13:37. 6lbs. 9oz.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Corvair College Link


As you know, Corvair College #16 was held right here at Whiteplains last week. Below is a link to flycorvair web site that has a lot of good information and pictures from this and past events.


http://www.flycorvair.com/hangar.html

Saturday, November 07, 2009

Sights & Sounds Around Whiteplains 2

Today was the offical starting day for the Covair College. Video clip of some of todays action.



Video and Pictures by: Don Cook

Friday, November 06, 2009

Sights & Sounds around Whiteplains

A short video of "Sights & Sounds" around Whiteplains for Friday, 11-05-2009.



Tomorrow starts the Corvair College. Some shots before the official start on Saturday.
Pictures and Video by: Don Cook

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

VASI & Runway Lighting

Whiteplains pilots,

Over the past several weeks, the pilot-controlled lighting has been erratic and unpredictable. Multiple problems in the receiver have been identified and some fixes have been applied.

This is to advise everyone that the pilot control of both high-intensity runway lighting and the VASI is completely inoperative until further notice.

It will take about 7 to 10 days to obtain parts and to effect the necessary repairs.

If you plan to fly at night and need the VASI or the high-intensity runway lights, the override switch on the left side of the control cabinet still functions as designed. Simply call someone on your cell phone and have them turn the switch on. Be sure to return the override to the 'off' position after landing.

Everyone will be advised by e-mail when the system is back to functioning normally.

Ken

Monday, November 02, 2009

Corvair Engine College





Hello Neighbors,

Once again Val and I are hosting another Corvair Engine gathering at our shop hangar, November 6,7,8. We thank everyone for their help and support. On Saturday evening , November 7th, We are hosting a dinner at 6 p.m. at our home hangar at 361 Whiteplains Place, and would like to have you attend as our guests.

The Corvair authority, William Wynne, will be on hand and will conduct the College. We anticipate half a dozen Corvair powered airplanes to fly in, as well as 30 to 40 people who will be there to work on Corvair engines, or learn about them. We will be parking the Corvair powered aircraft on the ramps from Jim Wheat's hangar to ours. There will be primitive camping down the hill near Ed Farr's hangar. We will park cars in the grass on the right on the east end of the airpark, as you drive in the first entrance.
We hope for good weather, and to have a good time, so we hope you can join us!!

Thanks again, Val and Ed Fisher

Editors note:

I will be assisting Ed and Val with meal arrangements, so please let Ed know by return e-mail by no later than Thursday evening, November 5th, if you plan to join us the dinner.

raceairdesigns@hotmail.com

There is no cost to Whiteplains residents, but Ed needs to have an guest count for the meal order.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Happy Halloween!


Whiteplains Calendar November 2009





Happy Birthday to the following members:

Birthday Clipart
November 02 - Jack Fastnaught
November 03 - Donna Robbins
November 09 - Don Cook
November 18 - Wesley Haltwanger
November 19 - Peggy Como
November 20 - Ed Fisher
November 21 - Debra Cunniff
November 22 - Joe Greener
November 29 - Lori Ford
November 30 - Dick Hitt


SCBC Date:

November 01 - Orangeburg (OGB)
November 15 - East Cooper (LRO)
November 29 - Winnsboro (FDW)


Other Dates:

November 01 - Daylight Savings Time - Set Clocks Back on Sunday night
November 03 - Election Day
November 11 - Veterans Day - Vets Eat free at Applebee's



November 26 - Thanksgivind Day

Friday, October 30, 2009

Ro New Cessna 182

Check out the video to see the newest plane at Whiteplains Plantation.



Posted by: Don Cook

Thursday, October 08, 2009

2nd Annual Whiteplains Fish Fry

2nd Annual Whiteplains Fish Fry – Reminder

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Jeff’s old friends will be back in town and we are planning the 2nd Annual Whiteplains Fish Fry. The event will be October 17, 2009 from 6 to 9 pm in Jim Wheat’s hangar.

In order to have the correct amount of food, we need to know how many of our friends and neighbors will participate. Hot dogs will be available for anyone not wanting fish.

Please reply to Jeff Cargile, jeffc@mailbox.sc.edu or call 358-1138, if you plan to attend.

We look forward to seeing everyone on October 17, 2009. This is going to be fun.

BYOB

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Whiteplains Calendar October 2009


Happy Birthday to the following members:

free myspace graphics :: myspace images :: myspace pictures free myspace layouts
Hot Myspace Comments /

October 2 - Michael Cone
October 3 - Michael Black

October 3 - Jim Wheat
October 15 - Jamie Black
October 16 - Michelle Cone
October 18 - Kelly Branning
October 20 - Kay Meyer
October 20 - Alan Sisler
October 24 - Peg Peterson
October 28 - Valerie Acevedo
October 30 - Ray Ackerman

SCBC Dates:

October 4 - Camden (CDN)
October 18 - Barnwell (BNL)

Other Dates:

October 12 - Columbus Day
October 17 - Whiteplains 2nd Annual Fish Fry 6-9 Jim Wheats Hanger
October 31 - Halloween Halloween Myspace Animated Gifs




Sunday, October 04, 2009

Whiteplains 2nd Annual Fish Fry

2nd Annual Whiteplains Fish Fry
Saturday, October 17, 2009

Jeff’s old friends will be back in town and we are planning the 2nd Annual Whiteplains Fish Fry. The event will be October 17, 2009 from 6 to 9 pm in Jim Wheat’s hangar.

In order to have the correct amount of food, we need to know how many of our friends and neighbors will participate. Hot dogs will be available for anyone not wanting fish.

Please reply to Jeff Cargile, jeffc@mailbox.sc.edu or call 358-1138, if you plan to attend.

We look forward to seeing everyone on October 17, 2009. This is going to be fun.

BYOB

Monday, September 21, 2009

Note from: Phil Rainwater





Phil Rainwater wanted us to see what he's been up to this past weekend in Wisconsin. He managed to get some Cessna 172 time in on floats.
Way to go Phil, nothing like landing on water!
Nice pictures, thanks for sharing them.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Weekend Cruising - September 12, 2009




Tops down and ready to head out!
A few of us got together this past weekend to have a nice drive with the tops down (sorry Ken & Peg) to Prosperity for lunch at Yoders. It was a gorgeous day and the place we ate at had much to select from at a fair price. Main item & two sides plus drink for $6.95.