Our Annual Christmas Dinner was back this year after too-long a break. By all accounts, everyone had a very pleasant evening enjoying each other’s company as well as the plentiful buffet.

As per our tradition, a few ‘special’ presentations were made. Jon was recognized for spectacularly adding the verb ‘to Harper’ to the English language (similar meaning as ‘re-kit’, but done with greater style, and more destruction). Hal MacDonald was also singled out for always being available and prolific with his camera (his new one might slow him down a bit, though).  The children received gifts from one of Santa’s real (but lesser known) elves, and our youngest pilot, Christopher, was presented with a framed photo of him, his grand-mother (who happens to be our Governor-General) and the jet he flew when Her Excellency visited our field in September. Stetson member Pierre Voyer also kindly made  3D-printed toys for all the kids and a memento for Daniel.

We had many draws for door prizes, including several gift cards graciously provided by Great Hobbies and Orleans Hobbies. The ladies were not forgotten, and the Stetsons offered Sephora gift cards and chocolate boxes to the lucky ones.

For those who weren’t able to attend the dinner, you should know that we used the occasion to properly honour and show our appreciation to our recently retired president, Daniel Marcotte. Daniel served the Stetson Flyers selflessly for 13 years as president, plus three on the executive before that. Anyone who has been a Stetson member for a while will know of Daniel’s total dedication and tireless efforts towards the success and quality of the club. Daniel was presented with tokens of our appreciation in the form of a nice three-season jacket embroidered with the club logo and his name, a suitably inscribed insulated travel mug and a plaque recognizing his exceptional service.  These gifts and his dinner were happily covered by contributions from the members in attendance and from the executive.  Thank you, Daniel on behalf of all of us, and we look forward to seeing you at the field, with your planes!

Thank you to Santa’s elf Gary Robertson, photographer Dave Percy, toy maker Pierre Voyer, and all of you who helped make the dinner a happy and pleasurable event by your participation.

Merry Christmas, and see you at the field on New Year’s Day maybe?

Pierre Coulombe
President