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Aim High Winter 2017

Amanda Fry, Editor

General Manager

Judi Zangs

Events and Volunteer Coordinator Trudy Konopka

Exhibits and Education

Mike Frederiksen

Executive Committee

President David Graf

Vice- President Ken Starzyk

Treasurer Mark Harris

Secretary Sarah Foster

Directors Steve Anderson

Sam Darby Joanne Forys

Gordon Geddes Larry Ohlsen Steve Terry

Blake Thomas

Advisors

Dennis Blunt Jim Morley

Roger Boeke Bill McKenzie

Dick Brick Bill Moses

Joanna Dowling Ed Myers

Cheryl Falardeau Don Perry

Peggy Fry Steve Osseck

Kendra Helvey Orion Samuelson

Frank Herdzina Nick Scheuer

Ken Hicks Ryan Springer

Chuck Jansen Cindy Starzyk

Bob Kemp Steve Thomas

Stephen Langdon Tina Thomas

Paul Wallem

Poplar Grove Aviation Education Association

Celebrating 20 Years

Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum

Poplar Grove Aviation Education Association Newsletter

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Introducing the 2017 Executive Committee

Mission Statement: To Preserve and Communicate Transportation Heritage

Vision Statement: Connect to the Future as a regionally recognized education

center through interpretation and scholarship.

Core Value Statement: We are benefactors who are motivated to inspire, educate,

engage and respect everyone in a creative early airfield environment.

President David Graf Vice President Ken Starzyk

Treasurer Mark Harris Secretary Sarah Foster

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2017 Exhibit News

The formation of the airlines and passenger air travel is one of the most important transportation

developments of the 20th century. The invention of air travel helped connect the world in a way that had never

been done before. This season, we will be introducing a new exhibit focusing on the technologies, innovations

and people that made air transportation possible.

Also new this year will be exhibits featuring the Legendary Curtiss JN-4 Jenny and those who flew her,

Parks Air College, and a 1933 Ford Model BB Dump Truck. We are also excited to announce a new guided

audio tour will be available this season.

The exhibits committee has a few other surprises on the way as well.

We look forward to seeing you in 2017.

Scholarship Opportunities Scholarship applications are now available. Check our website– www.poplargrovewingandwheels.com

Applications are due by March 31st.

Job Opportunity We are looking for a part-time Museum Host. This employee will work on Saturdays and Sundays, March

through September. If you or someone you know is interested please call the museum office.

(815.547.3115)

Take A Peek!

Newsletter Editor and Social Media Consultant

I would like to take a moment to introduce myself to you. My name is Amanda Fry and I

am the museums Newsletter Editor and Social Media Consultant. I am married to Rob

Fry. We have a 7 year old daughter and a 3 year old Rottweiler/Pitbull. I will be working

on the newsletters as well as the Facebook page and website. My main focus has

been to get this Winter newsletter out. Mid February I will begin work on the Facebook

page and website. I am so excited to be involved in all the amazing things that are

going on!

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The 4th annual Murder Mystery Dinner—MASHED! C77—was

a great success, raising over $20,000 for the Museum and its

programs. Sold out for two nights, over 200 people enjoyed an

interactive performance by the Vintage Players. We thank

Sponsors, Volunteers, and especially the Cast for time,

donations, and talent. Save the 2017 dates, October 7-8!

‘

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Despite the season’s first significant snowfall, a record turnout of children, parents, and museum members came to write letters to Santa and enjoy cookies, cider and hot chocolate while they eagerly awaited Santa’s arrival. Santa’s

guests were delighted by the Christmas cheer that the Belvidere North Choraliers shared their talent through performance of singing, dancing, and comedy.

At this event we collected canned goods, winter wear, and money for the Boone County Food Pantry.

Thank you to our sponsors

Wallem Associates Anderson Funeral & Cremation Services

Poplar Grove Airport

IntCon

Jerry Butitta Automotive

Byron Bank

David and Diane Graf

HydeOut Bar and Grill

Poplar Grove State Bank

SwedishAmerican Foundation

Paul and Lori Ollmann

Steve Osseck

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co.

Joanne Forys

Wally and Cheryl Falardeau

Mark Harris

Ken and Sherry Hicks

Morrissey Accountants

We appreciate our sponsors

John and Candy Wolf

Wally and Cheryl Falardeau

Sam Darby

Kendra Carter

Dean Foods

Edwards Apple Orchard

Chris Wallen

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Since being acquired by the Museum about ten years ago, 1941 Aeronca Chief

project has been the centerpiece of our Youth Exploring Aviation (YEA) program

with the stated mission of having the youth participating in the program doing all

the restoration as supervised by experienced adult team members.

After rebuilding the airframe and interior and recovering the plane, it is now ready

for paint! YEA has chosen green and cream for the colors although the actual

paint scheme still needs to be decided.

After many years leading YEA, which is an Explorer Post with the Boy Scouts,

Dennis Blunt is stepping down. Chuck Jansen is taking the lead, while Museum

members Frank Herdzina, Red Bainbridge, and Craig Day continue to provide

their expertise.

The group meets every Thursday at 6:30PM in the Restoration Hanger, and will

also be helping with Curtiss Jenny Project. Stop by and check out the Chief and

meet this fine group. If you are interested in participating or know of young man

or woman 15-21 who would like to be involved, please contact the Museum office

and we will point you in the right direction. Volunteers are needed to plan and

schedule field trips and help further expose the participants to the world of

aviation.

All are welcome to stop in on Thursday nights and check out their progress and

the program.

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Curtiss Jenny Aircraft Build

Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum and its Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the educational opportunity of a lifetime – the building, from scratch, of a Curtiss JN-4 Jenny aircraft. The board has entered into a partnership with EAA Chapter 1414 to construct a full scale flying replica of the Curtiss Jenny – with both the museum and chapter membership committing time and expertise to the project. This group meets every Tuesday from 9:00AM-3:30PM, Thursday from 9:00AM-3:30PM and 6:00PM-9:30PM, Saturday from 9:00AM-2:00PM. Anyone is welcome to stop and take a look or lend a helping hand. Sam Darby, museum board director, will act as the Project Liaison and Don Perry, museum advisor and chapter member, will be the Project Leader. See the website and Facebook page

for updates.

The museum will pay for the Jenny build through a capital campaign, and funds

have already been secured for the beginning of the project.

The fuselage, turtle deck, wing sections, wing panels, stabilizer, and rudder will be built of wood. Thank you to Frank Herdzina for supplying the wood and much of

the metal for this project.

Pictures:

Frank standing by the unit he built and designed for fabricating all of the

reinforcement wires.

The long empty table is where the empennage will be built. The table is

located in the upper room of the EAA portion of the Restoration Hangar.

Don Perry welding the hinges for the ailerons and hinge attachments for the

wings.

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Save the Dates

April 1 Member’s Preview Party 4:00PM-6:30PM

April 2 Museum Opening Day 12:00PM-3:00PM

May 6 Dogs ‘N’ Brats 11:30AM-1:00PM

May 14 EAA Pancake Breakfast 7:00AM-12:30PM

June 3 Dogs ‘N’ Brats 11:30AM-1:00PM

June 11 EAA Pancake Breakfast 7:00AM-12:30PM

June 11 Flag Day Celebration/Scholarship Awards 12:00PM-1:30PM

June (TBA) Kids Summer Camp TBA

July 9 EAA Pancake Breakfast 7:00AM-12:30PM

July 23 Concert– in– the Park 6:30PM –9:00PM

August 5 Dogs ‘N’ Brats 11:30AM-1:00PM

August 13 EAA Pancake Breakfast 7:00AM-12:30PM

August 19 Honors Ceremony and 20th Anniversary Celebration Evening

August 20 20th Anniversary Celebration 9:00AM-3:00PM

August 20 45th Annual Fly in Breakfast 7:00AM-12:00PM

September 7 - 10 Ladies Love Taildraggers TBA

September 9 Dogs ‘N’ Brats 11:30AM-1:00PM

September 10 EAA Pancake Breakfast 7:00AM-12:30PM

October 7 Murder Mystery 5:00PM –9:00PM

October 8 EAA Pancake Breakfast 7:00AM-12:30PM

October 8 Murder Mystery 4:00PM-8:00PM

November 18 Holiday Wine Tasting 6:00PM-9:00PM

December 3 Santa 2:00PM-4:00PM

Monthly Board of Director’s Meeting every 3rd Tuesday of the month @ 6:00PM

The Youth Exploring Aviation (YEA) group meets every Thursday.

The Curtiss Jenny Aircraft Build group meets every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

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Poplar Grove Aviation Education Association

Celebrating our 20th Anniversary

Dear Friends of the Museum, Happy New Year! Here at Poplar Grove Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum we are excited about 2017! A vast and wide-spread army of individuals have personally and collectively worked to see The Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum grow from the vision of the handful of aviation enthusiasts in 1996 to the impressive aviation and transportation history museum that stands at the edge of the Poplar Grove Airport, today. Those individuals, their families, their friends and their colleagues continue, yet today, to shape, hone and drive that dream into something even greater for our children and our grandchildren. Very soon you will be hearing about our 2017 programs, projects and events that will highlight the energy and excitement we have as we celebrate our 20th year and look to the bright future for our campus. We invite you to renew your membership and are especially excited if you are joining us for the first time! Turn in your membership application before April 1st and your name will be put into a drawing for 2 free tickets to our Murder Mystery Dinner this October. Turn your membership application in on April 1st at our Member Preview event and your name will be put into a drawing for 1 free ticket to our Murder Mystery Dinner. Send in your membership application and then watch for our museum year to unfold! We’re going to take flight and launch into the journey of the next 20 years and beyond – interpreting the past and building for the future! Sincerely, David Graf, President Board of Directors

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Poplar Grove Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum 2017 Membership Application

Poplar Grove Aviation Education Association, a 501(c)3 corporation

Membership Levels and Benefits

Bronze - $40 Free Museum admission on non-event days for members –

Includes 2 adults and up to (4) children or grandchildren up to 18 years (same family) Free admission to Member Only events and activities Discount on Guest Speakers Newsletters and Updates via Email

Silver - $80 Same as Bronze plus:

Free admission to Guest Speakers Discount on use of Museum for Family Party.

Gold - $125 Same as Silver plus

(2) tickets to November Wine Tasting Lifetime - $1,000

Same as Gold Level but a one-time Membership Fee Name: Last ___________________ First __________________Spouse__________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________ Cell: ___________________________________ Email: _____________________________________________________________________ Please accept my 2017 membership application for the following level (check one): Bronze: _____ Silver: _____ Gold: _____ Lifetime: _____ Payment by check: _____ Credit Card #: ______________________________________ Exp: _______ Send Payment to: Poplar Grove Aviation Education Association (checks can be made to PGAEA) 5151 Orth Road, Ste. A-1 Poplar Grove IL 61065

Call us: 815-547-3115

E-Mail us: vintagemuseum@gmail.com Visit us: www.poplargrovewingsandwheels.com

Like us on Facebook and share: @poplargrovewingswheels

We love our Volunteers – you make the Museum work AND make it fun for everyone else! Are you willing to help on our Volunteer Team? __________ YES!

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Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum

Poplar Grove Aviation Education Association

5151 Orth Road, Suite A1

Poplar Grove, IL 61065

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Published by the

Poplar Grove Aviation Education Association, Inc.

5151 Orth Road, Suite A1

Poplar Grove, IL 61065

815.547.3115 vintagemuseum@gmail.com

A non-profit, 501 (c) 3 Corporation

Copyright © 2017

Poplar Grove Aviation

Education Association Inc.

All rights reserved

Museum Hours

April – September

Thursday– Saturday

10:00AM to 3:00PM

Sunday

12:00PM to 3:00PM

or

by appointment/chance

Bonus Hours

May—October

2nd Sunday during EAA 1414 Pancake Breakfast

9:00AM to 3:00PM

www.poplargrovewingsandwheels.com

Like us on Facebook and share:

@poplargrovewingswheels

New this Year!

Opening Early April 2