NEWS & NOTES
August Meeting Minutes
Meeting Minutes for August 6, 2024
Board Present: Dan McInerney, Dave Blocher, Laura Hayden, Jackin Jain, Jackson Skelly
Board Absent: None
Note: The Executive Board and General meetings were held via Zoom.
Meeting was called to order by Dan McInerney at 7:00 pm.
1) Treasurer's report: current bank balance is $4,111 with 32 members this year.
2) Dan McInerney discussed the following items:
a) We had several key discussions on regarding recent events which included:
⇒ The resignation of Mike Klimczak from the Board of Directors at O’Hare Airport Watch.
⇒ The Board of Directors met discuss his resignation and eventually sent out an email to the membership to explain the boards side of the letter. The board felt we needed transparency to our membership in in what happened. Our goal as a photography club is to include any person or group so we can expand our community. Several members of our group said that was not a good idea to send out that letter.
⇒ We discussed the purpose of airport watch membership and had a debate on the exclusivity of spotting locations for members.
⇒ Had a discussion on the importance of wearing vests for identification and its advertisement for our photography club.
⇒ Carol Braun’s eventually departure from the Bensenville Police Department as our liaison. Discussion on how we will handle future of new members and renewals will be discussed with her when she gets a firm date for retirement.
⇒ The board has two vacancies open and will need to have a special election to fill these positions.
⇒ A new order of vests came in and Dave Blocher will send out the vests that members already paid for.
3) Dan McInerney gave Mike Klimczak a chance to explain his position on what he said to the AVL guys. Mike reported that he did say to the AVL guys that they were “banned” in communication with them. However, he pointed out that he used a “poor choice of words during the discussion AVL. In addition to this discussion, he said he resigned from the Board to protect O’Hare Airport Watch. As a result of this incident, Mike said he will be pursing legal action against the AVL guys and has clips from their videos.
4) Upcoming Events in aviation:
⇒ Chicago Air and Water Show August 10th and 11th 2024
⇒ Gary Airshow August 17th and 18th 2024
⇒ Next O’Hare Airport Watch members meeting is on Tuesday October 1, 2024 at 7:00pm CT
5) Meeting was closed at 7:52 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Dave Blocher
Airport Watch June Meeting Minutes
Meeting Minutes for June 18, 2024
Board Present: Dan McInerney, Dave Blocher, Laura Hayden, Jackin Jain
Board Absent: Mike Klimczak, Jackson Skelly
Note: The Executive Board and General meetings were held via Zoom.
Meeting was called to order by Dan McInerney at 7:00 pm.
1) Treasurer's report: current bank balance is $3,734.00. Our May barbeque cost around $300.
2) Dan McInerney discussed the following items:
• Recently had airport security have a discussion about planespotting near GateGormet. This lot is called the Terminal Network Provider affectionately known as a lot for Uber drivers. If any airport security or police department states you can’t take pictures there, please let them know that we can take pictures and show them your badge. If they ask you to leave, please comply with the authority. If you can, get the name of the person, vehicle number and description of the car and send the information to a board member.
• If you see any FOD (Foreign Object Debris) on a runway or taxiway, please report it as soon as possible to number on the back of your badge. This is dangerous and can cause serious damage to plane or people.
• A western terminal will be built in the future. This could impact in the future the access to the North Hill. Please enjoy plane spotting at this site while you can. No date has been set for when this terminal will be built.
3) A member brought up that our map to the North Hill needs to be updated on how to get there. Dan explained that it is very bumpy ride over there and is a steep hill to climb with a car. He also mentioned he will contact Jackson Skelly to add directions to the website, so more people can make their way up the hill to take spectacular pictures and videos up there.
4) Carol Nevin and Albert Lau really enjoyed the Midway Disaster Drill they attended on June 1. Thank you to both of you for representing O’Hare Airport Watch well at this event. The O’Hare disaster drill should be coming up in 2025.
5) Upcoming Events in aviation:
• Quad Cities Airshow on June 22nd and 23rd 2024. F-22 and F-18 Growler are the headliners.
• Palwaukee Airport will be conducting a Disaster Drill on June 24th
• EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 will be held on July 22nd through July 28th.
6) Meeting was closed at 7:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Dave Blocher
Airport Watch April Meeting Minutes
Meeting Minutes for April 2, 2024
Board Present: Dan McInerney, Jackson Skelly, Dave Blocher, Laura Hayden, Jackin Jain. Board Absent: Mike Klimczak, Kelly Roller
Note: The Executive Board and General meetings were held via Zoom.
Meeting was called to order by Dan McInerney at 7:00 pm.
1) Treasurer's report: current bank balance is $3,600.00.
2) Laura Hayden discussed our first newsletter going out.
• Very happy with the content and a lot of people read the first version. Laura presented our open and click rates which were excellent. In addition, our bounce rate for return emails was extremely low.
• Very happy with the number of people that signed up for our discord channel.
• Laura wants to put into our newsletter a section from the more experienced photographers on photography tips. If you are interested in contributing to this section, please contact Laura Hayden at laura@atypicaladventurestravel.com
3) Jackson Skelly mentioned that he is working on updating the member application and renewal process, so that everything can be done electronically. Members will be able to join, pay and order vests online. The hope is this will be up and running by the end of April 2024.
4) Dan McInerney mentioned several things about upcoming events.
• Midway Trained Disaster Drill. No date has been set.
• In the next month or two, we need members go to cargo operators at O’Hare and ask if we can get a tour of their facility and possibly an airplane. Most likely will be during the week, so we can connect with the station manager at the cargo companies.
• Will set up a special meeting with Mike McCabe who is an air traffic controller at O’Hare. He will give a presentation on what he does as a controller. Will have question and answer session afterwards. Mike also mentioned that he has a friend that is a 787 pilot and will try and get her to one of our future meetings.
5) Our special guest Mike McCabe, a controller at O’Hare discussed his job and the different parts of O’Hare where he works. Mike was very informative and provided a runway map to help with understanding of takeoff and landings. In addition, Mike shoots video content for ORD_NATCA. If you have images or videos and you want him to post to their socials, please send vertical shots of planes with the main or outer towers in the image. If you want to tag ORD_ NACTA and want them to repost your image, put ordairportwatch in the tag, so they know it's from our membership. If you can, include the flight number and date.
6) Meeting was closed at 7:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Dave Blocher
OAW Newsletter now accepting submissions!
Calling all writers! OAW will begin issuing a bi-monthly newsletter in March, and we are looking for content. It could be anything from a short article to the story behind your favorite photo.
We are also looking for information on events of interest to our members that we can include in our newsletter (events happening in April or May 2024). Do you know of any? If so, we would really appreciate it if you could click the link below to fill out the form giving us the details we need. Events don't necessarily have to be local to Chicago; anything within driving distance or even virtual events will be considered, as long as they're aviation-related.
Submission form: https://forms.gle/dWQi4tB2J3j3ixa7A
Questions? Please reply here, or send us a message so we can help you.
Thank you, and we look forward to learning about the events you share with us!
Airport Watch February Meeting Minutes
Meeting Minutes for February 6, 2024
Board Present: Dan McInerney Kelly Roller, Jackson Skelly, Dave Blocher, Laura Hayden, Jackin Jain. Board Absent: Mike Klimczak
Note: The Executive Board and General meetings were held via Zoom.
Meeting was called to order by Dan McInerney at 7:00 pm.
1) Treasurer's report: current bank balance is $3,400.00. A motion to accept the treasures report was done by Dan McInerney and 2nd by Jackson Skelly. Motion passed.
2) Laura Hayden discussed using Constant Contact so we can provide information in the form of a newsletter. This can be sent to current and perspective members about upcoming events, merchandise sales and tours. A motion to buy this software was given by Laura Hayden and 2nd by Dave Blocher. Motion passed.
3) Kelly Roller is speaking with a contact at the Rockford Airport to do “Youth Tour” sometime in June or July 2024. This most likely will be a mid-week tour. More to come.
4) Kelly Roller mentioned that we are looking to have a spring or summer picnic for the membership. Looking at dates of June 8th, 15th or 22nd.
5) Dan McInerney is looking to have other aviation professionals speak at our meetings.
6) Other members discussed the WhatsApp and setting up a Discord Channel which would be great. The board will discuss these in future meetings.
7) Airshow Dates for 2024 that could interest members:
· June 1st and 2nd Terre Haute Air Show, Terre Haute, IN with Blue Angels
· June 1st and 2nd Bolingbrook Cavalcade of Planes, Bolingbrook, IL
· June 8th and 9th St Louis Air Show, Chesterfield, MO with Blue Angels
· August 10th and 11th Chicago Air and Water Show, Chicago, IL with Blue Angels
8) Meeting was closed at 7:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Dave Blocher
Amended by Jackson Skelly, February 19th, 2024 (corrected Air and Water Show dates)
Airport Watch December Meeting Minutes
ORD Airport Watch Meeting Minutes ñ December 5, 2023
Board Present: Bill Gaston, Dan McInerney, Kelly Roller, Jackson Skelly
Board Absent: Dan Marinellie
Note: The Executive Board and General meetings were held via Zoom.
Meeting was called to order by Dan McInerney at 7:00 pm.
Agenda:
1) Treasurer's report ñ current bank balance is $3,857.18.
2) General election discussion. Bill Gaston has sent out a call for nominees for the Board. All 7 seats are open. All Board positions will be at-large, with officer decisions mad by the new Board after the election.
3) Bill Gaston has sent out invitations for 2 RFD tours on 12/19 and 12/20.
4) Laura Hayden discussed EAA wanting to write an article about Airport Watch. She will be collecting information about the hobby from members in the near future.
5) Meeting was closed at 7:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Bill Gaston
Airport Watch October Meeting Minutes
ORD Airport Watch Meeting Minutes ñ October 3, 2023
Board Present: Bill Gaston, Dan McInerney,Dan Marinellie, Kelly Roller, Jackson Skelly
Board Absent: Judy Schuch (resigned)
Note: The Executive Board and General meetings were held via Zoom.
Meeting was called to order by Dan McInerney at 7:00 pm.
Agenda:
1) General discussion on 10/14 ORD tour and possible December RFD tour.
2) General discussion on 10/21 picnic.
3) Board member Judy Schuch has resigned.
4) Discussion on posible membership change, having badges expire by month instead of annually.
5) Treasurer's report ñ current bank balance is $4549.08 Dan McInerney moved to approve, Bill Gaston second, motion approved.
6) The group is seeking nominees for open Board seats.
7) General discussion on spotting sites. The Hill is still open.
8) Meeting was closed at 7:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Bill Gaston
Airport Watch August Meeting Minutes
Minutes from the August 1, 2023 ORD Watch meeting
President Dan McInerney, VP Dan Marinellie, Treasurer Kelly Roller and Board Member Judi Schuch were present. Jackson Skelly was in flight and Bill Gaston was traveling. Both could not attend. Dan McInerney confirmed quorum. All ORD Watch Members are to review these minutes for important announcements and upcoming events.
As decided earlier in the year, ORD Watch meetings are on the first Tuesday of each even month: February, April, June, August, October, December. The board meets via Zoom at 6:30 pm and the ORD Watch general meeting is at 7:00 pm via Zoom. Our next meeting is on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. Zoom links for executive session and the general meeting have already been set up by Dan Marinellie.
Here is the general meeting information for the next meeting:
Topic: October 2023 ORD Airport Watch Meeting
Time: Oct 3, 2023 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74531650927?pwd=bklZqB2OWz1P6qvppui3hByp4aLW3X.1
Meeting ID: 745 3165 0927
Passcode: ORDWatch
TREASURER'S REPORT (by Kelly Roller)
Our current balance is $4,376.25. The Square Space issue has been resolved and this balance is rectified. Dan I moved to approved the report and Dan M seconded the report.
At our meeting on August 1, 2023, the Board agreed to the following exciting UPCOMING EVENTS:
(1) A Fall ORD Watch cookout on the hill at ORD on Saturday, October 14th from Noon-2:00 pm. SAVE THE DATE!
All current board members are expected to be present at ORD at 11:00 am to help set up. We will offer ORD Watch members grilled burgers and hot dogs, chips, salads, soft drinks, water and of course, cookies! This event is part of the membership benefits, so all members are invited to attend. Each member may bring one (1) guest. Please bring badges and vests with you to the picnic. We will have a sign in board at the event.
(2) At the Fall ORD Watch cookout on the hill at ORD on Saturday, October 14th from Noon-2:00 pm, there will be a First Annual PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST for all ORD Watch members. Come show off your stuff, win a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd prize and be featured on our website and in our social media outlets. Bring one 5x7 color or black and white print out of your favorite spotting photo taken at one of our local ORD Watch airports. ON BACK: list date taken, location, and type of aircraft. Name must be covered, but detectible. Do not miss this opportunity to published! Contact Board Member Judi Schuch TODAY at: judith.schuch.js@gmail.com to register (for free) for this fun PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST.
(3) A Fall ORD Tour on Saturday, October 21, 2023 from approximately 10:30 am - 3:00 pm. Dan McInerney will confirm this date with Carmen and then confirm with the ORD Board. Please SAVE THIS DATE as well.
DISCUSSIONS:
Oshkosh Air Show:
There was discussion about the Oshkosh Air Show this year and a member noted the date next year for this growing airshow is July 22, 2024-July 28, 2024. One novel place to stay during the show is the UW-Oshkosh dorms. Air conditioned dorms are $140/night and non-AC rooms are $75. Sign up begins OCTOBER 4th at 8:00 am CST so make note of this date if this interests you. Thank you to Member John M who highlighted this option and stated that accommodations there were quite suitable and easily accessible to the air show at Wisconsin & 20th Avenue. Buses and trams are on site to help move people.
Calling All Board Members:
We are in need of 2-3 people interested in joining the ORD Watch Board. Dan McInerney announced that he intends to step down from the role of President at the end of his term, but would like to remain on the board. In addition, Kelly Roller announced that she intends to step down as Treasurer and may decide to remain on the board.
See you at our upcoming events and our next meeting in October.
Thank you.
Airport Watch May Meeting
Members,
A reminder that our May meeting is Tuesday May 2 at 7pm. The meeting will only be live streamed via Zoom. The live stream can be accessed using the information below. Hope to see you there!
Topic: May 2023 ORD Airport Watch Meeting
Time: May 2, 2023 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79643449612?pwd=pe1ZsPhfxL33B8bPKHw2qOyFcYWY3h.1
Meeting ID: 796 4344 9612
Passcode: ORDWatch
Bill Gaston
Secretary, ORD Airport Watch
Airport Watch December Meeting
Members,
A reminder that our December meeting is Wednesday December 14 at 7pm. The meeting will only be live streamed via Zoom. The live stream can be accessed using the information below. Hope to see you there!
Topic: December 2022 ORD Airport Watch Meeting
Time: December 14, 2022 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/71676272240?pwd=vXAIOWfEbK2CyHd3Wz64dtYabwTs20.1
Meeting ID: 716 7627 2240
Passcode: LaBH12
Airport Watch September Meeting
Members,
A reminder that our September meeting is Tuesday September 6 at 7pm. The meeting will only be live streamed via Zoom. The live stream can be accessed using the information below. Hope to see you there!
Topic: September 2022 ORD Airport Watch Meeting
Time: September 6, 2022 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/84651290218...
Meeting ID: 846 5129 0218
Passcode: jV7KBe
Airport Watch June Meeting
Members,
There will not be a June meeting tomorrow (June 7).
We will schedule a mid-June meeting or the regular July meeting on 7/5.
Bill Gaston
Secretary, ORD Airport Watch
Airport Watch February 2022 Meeting Minutes
ORD Airport Watch Meeting Minutes – February 1, 2022
Board Present: Bill Gaston, Dan McInerney, Dan Marinellie, Chuck Belanger, Kelly Roller, Mark Stange, Eva Kozlowski
Board Absent: None
Law Enforcement present: Officer Jose Rios, CPD Community Officer
Note: The Executive Board and General meetings were held in person and via Zoom.
Meeting was called to order by Chuck belanger at 7:01 pm.
Agenda:
1) Treasurer's report – current bank balance is $3,831.35 with $402 yet to deposit. Motion to approve by Dan McInerney, second by Bill Gaston, motion approved.
2) Approve November 2021 minutes – Motion to approve by Chuck Belanger, second by Mark Stange, motion approved.
3) Spotting Site Reports:
CABO is leaving the Hill, nothing further to report.
4) General discussion on the RFD tours, many thanks to David Charles Lindberg.
5) Officer Jose Rios is the CAPS Officer for ORD. He introduced himself and spoke about working with our group. We posed some specific spotting site questions that he will look into.
6) There was a discussion about purchasing some pop-up tests and coolers for upcoming BBQ events. Proposed expense would be $700-$1000. Tabled for now.
7) The Airliner show is coming in June. There was discussion about Airport Watch having a table and selling hats/shirts/posters.
8) General discussion about upcoming Board elections.
6) The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 1, 2022. The meeting will be in-person at Bensenville as well as a Zoom session.
7) Motion to adjourn by Dan McInerney at 7:28 pm, second by Chuck Belanger, motion approved.
Respectfully submitted by Bill GastonORD Airport Watch Elections
Nominations are open for Board members of ORD Airport Watch.
Positions are President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer and 4 open Board seats.
To run for a position, you must be a current member and nominated by a current member.
Send your request and nominating member to bill_gaston@sbcglobal.net.
Nominations will remain open until December 17, 2021.
Thanks,
Bill Gaston
Secretary/Treasurer
ORD Airport Watch
Airport Watch September 2021 Meeting Minutes
ORD Airport Watch Meeting Minutes – September 7, 2021
Board Present: Bill Gaston, Dan McInerney, Dan Marinellie, Chuck Belanger, Kelly Roller, Mark Stange
Board Absent: Eva Kozlowski
Law Enforcement present:
Note: The Executive Board and General meetings were held in person and via Zoom.
Meeting was called to order by Dan McInerney at 7:01 pm.
Agenda:
1) Treasurer's report – current bank balance is $3,956.05 with $600.00 deposit pending. Motion to approve by Dan Marinellie, second by Mark Stange, motion approved.
2) Approve July minutes – Motion to approve by Dan McInerney, second by Dan Marinellie,motion approved.
3) Spotting Site Reports:
No major changes to any sites.
4) New items – Waukegan Air Show on 9/11, B-25 Berlin Express will be at RFD in 2 weeks, 9/18 Freeport Air Show, Broadhead, WI fly-in 9/11.
5) September 19 is the new date for the Airport Watch BBQ. Location will be the Hill, time will be 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
6) The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 5, 2021. The August meeting will be in-person at Bensenville as well as a Zoom session. Details will be posted.
7) Motion to adjourn by Mark Stange at 7:17 pm, second by Chuck Belanger, motion approved.
Respectfully submitted by Bill GastonOctober Airport Watch Meeting
To All,
The Airport Watch meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 5 has been canceled. The next regular meeting will be held on November 2, both at the Bensenville Police Station and via Zoom. Details and links will be posted before the meeting.
Airport Watch September Meeting Link
Members,
A reminder that our September meeting is tonight at 7pm in the conference room of the Bensenville Police Station.
This meeting will also be live streamed via Zoom. The live stream can be accessed using the information below. Hope to see you there!
Topic: September 2021 ORD Airport Watch Meeting Live Stream
Time: Sep 7, 2021 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77622086554?pwd=Z09pT2NmQkpGT1F1bmxhNmNFZlh5QT09
Meeting ID: 776 2208 6554
Passcode: ORDWatch
Airport Watch July 2021 Meeting Minutes
ORD Airport Watch Meeting Minutes – July 6, 2021
Board Present: Bill Gaston, Dan McInerney, Dan Marinellie, Chuck Belanger, Mark Stange
Board Absent: Kelly Roller, Eva Kozlowski
Law Enforcement present:
Note: The Executive Board and General meetings were held in person and via Zoom.
Meeting was called to order by Dan McInerney at 7:00 pm.
Agenda:
1) Treasurer's report – Kelly Roller via messenger - current bank balance is $3,816.59 with $340.00 deposit pending. Motion to approve by Chuck Belanger, second by Dan Marinellie, motion approved.
2) Spotting Site Reports:
No major changes to any sites.
3) New items – Chicago Air Show is Aug. 21-22, from 12:00 to 1:00. Performance by the Navy Blue Angels each day.
4) Our annual Training Day and Tour has not been scheduled yet. Bill Gaston will4 contact Carmen Valdez for updates.
5) July 11th is the new date for the Airport Watch BBQ. Location will be the Hill, time will be 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.
6) The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 3, 2021. The August meeting will be in-person at Bensenville as well as a Zoom session. Details will be posted.
7) Motion to adjourn by Mark Stange at 7:16 pm, second by Chuck Belanger, motion approved.
Respectfully submitted by Bill Gaston
Airport Watch June 2021 Meeting Minutes
ORD Airport Watch Meeting Minutes – June 1, 2021
Board Present: Bill Gaston, Dan Marinellie, Chuck Belanger, Kelly Roller,
Dan McInerney, Eva Kozlowski
Board Absent:
Law Enforcement present:
Note: The Executive Board and General meetings were held in person and via Zoom.
Meeting was called to order by Chuck Belanger at 7:05 pm.
Agenda:
1) Motion to approve May minutes by Dan Marinellie, second by Kelly Roller, motion approved.
2) Mark Stange expressed interest in the vacant Board position. In executive session, the Board met with Mark and agreed that he would be a good fit. In the general meeting, a motion was proposed by Dan Marinellie and seconded by Bill Gaston to appoint Mark to the vacant General Board seat. The motion was approved. The Board is now at full strength of 7 members.
3) Treasurer's report – Kelly Roller - current bank balance is $3,773.11. Motion to approve by Mark Stange, second by Dan Marinellie, motion approved.
4) Spotting Site Reports:
No major changes to any sites.
Remember to pick up after yourself. Leave a spotting site clear of your trash.
5) Dan Marinellie will create a list of upcoming air events and post to all sites.
6) New items – Milwaukee Air and Water Show has been officially canceled.
The Chicago Air and Water Show is not officially scheduled yet.
The Bolingbrook Cavalcade of Planes is still on for this weekend.
The Lacrosse, WI show is June 12-13 (Blue Angels).
The Romeoville Air Power History Tour is June 14-18 (B-24 and B-29).
7) Our annual Training Day and Tour has not been scheduled yet. Dan McInerney is talking to CDA about timing. Due to FAA restrictions, it may not be until the Fall. Watch for details.
8) June 26th is the date for the Airport Watch BBQ. Location will be the Hill, time will be 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. Menu will likely be hot dogs and burgers. Also we will have drinks. Bill Gaston moved to approve a budget of $500, Dan Marinellie seconded, motion was approved. Bill Gaston will reach out to Bensenville EMA for possible assistance with tables, chairs and pop-up tents.
8) The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 6, 2021. The May meeting will be in-person at Bensenville as well as a Zoom session. Details will be posted.
9) Motion to adjourn by Mark Stange at 7:27 pm, second by Dan McInerney, motion approved.
Respectfully submitted by Bill Gaston