Marin County 99s

On July 17, several lucky Marin 99s were able to enjoy yet again one of Gretchen’s yummy paella dinners. Fun was had by all. In addition to the great dinner, we had good conversation and fine wines, including a few rioja’s to go along with her Spanish theme. Thank you again, Gretchen!! You are the best!

Cindy Pickett’s quote pretty much summed up our group and our energy:

“Wild women are an unexplainable spark of life. They ooze freedom and seek awareness, they belong to nobody but themselves yet give a piece of who they are to everyone they meet. If you have met one, hold on to her, she’ll allow you into her chaos but she’ll also show you her magic.” Nikki Rowe

We had a fun meeting on Saturday May 22 at Sue Royce’s hangar, and it was like the before times with potluck goodies and without masks. Sitting in a circle outside, we introduced ourselves and welcomed guests Ji Yoon, Assistant Manager at Angwin airport, Madison Vogt, student pilot, and new member, Jill Seman. 

We cheered the fact that Marielle could make it despite her hip break less than 5 weeks ago. She flew herself down with Ji and Madison – way to go Marielle!!

It seemed like all good news from everyone, and that there is plenty of flying coming up for people taking refresher instruction to summer fly outs.  We talked about the GFCA efforts to educate the community about the benefits of General Aviation, which has been spearheaded by Barbara O’Grady. See Sue’s email from April 6. Vicki will be bringing the message to some local rotary clubs, and Alyssa will be writing an article about Lighthawk.org, a conservation organization that uses volunteer General Aviation pilots to help with everything from the CA Condor restoration project, to patrolling the SF Bay to help with environmental compliance.  Sue is going to let us all know when we might paint the Petaluma compass rose, and when we might have our next meeting. Everyone agreed that meeting once/month seems like a great idea – and that members attend when they can. Gretchen couldn’t be with us, but she says she’ll be having a paella party at her house in SF in July. Stand by for date.

As ever, everyone was grateful to meet at the coolest hanger at KDVO. We also expressed huge appreciation for Vicki Martinez’s service and commitment to Covid ER work since the pandemic began.

Written by Alyssa Abbey, Board Secretary. Photos by Gary Ferber.

Last Saturday’s Marin 99s meeting was a breathe of fresh air in more ways than one!  It was great to be able to get together, albeit with Sue’s hangar door open and our chairs spread out. It was slightly on the breezy and noisy side, but the sound of activity at our airport is great.  In attendance:  Rita Merker, Alyssa Abbey, Barbara O’Grady, Val Westen, Elaine Enochs, Margy Boyle, her friend Ali, our new member Jill Seman and your fearless leader, Sue.   Barbara and Sue brought up the project Gnoss Field Community Association is working on to promote general aviation and particularly Gnoss Field.  We will be reaching out to interview individuals who have benefited from one of the many volunteer organizations that fly out of Gnoss Field for inclusion in our website material. 

Our next meeting will be May 22 at 10 a.m. – 12 noon +/-.   Depending on where the county is with our restrictions, it might be another open hangar meeting, but pot luck next time.  Marin is right on the edge of going to the yellow tier. 

For now, wishing you happy days and good health.  We are also wishing Marielle a speedy recovery.

Marin 99 Val Westen and her partner, Dan Bedford, flew up to Trinity Center last month. She claims her landing in their 182 was her best ever. Good job, Val! Looks like it was a beautiful day to fly up in the Trinity area for a picnic in the grass.

Marin 99 Marielle Coeytaux was asked by the President of CalDART to coordinate the distribution of vests for DART ground crew volunteers to all the Northern California DART Operators.

Marielle and Bob Edwards made the rounds on Sunday, Feb. 28 (in his slick Cirrus) to drop them off at the various airports.  Their 5 hour itinerary was 2o3-CCR-E16-PAO-HAF-2o3. The weather was a little bumpy but beautiful.  It turned out to be a perfect opportunity for Marielle to meet other DART leaders who were there to greet them as they arrived with the vests.    Marielle says:  “Gosh, I love the aviation community!”  Yes, we agree, Marielle!!  We do, too and thank you for your volunteer work with CalDART!!