Mosquito Bytes
The official eNewsletter of the CALGARY MOSQUITO SOCIETY
Retain, Restore, Honour and Educate

Welcome to Volume 1 (October 21, 2008)

Thanks to those who attended the inaugural meeting of the new society last Wednesday the 15th. We will advise of next meeting and a more central location soon.

A TITLE SEARCH is under way for the name, Calgary Mosquito Society and as soon as I have the signatures of 5 supporters, we can file the papers for the incorporation of our organization. As soon as that is approved we can get a bank account and apply for charitable status. etc.

MEMBERSHIP: In just a couple of weeks we have grown to over 50 members. Membership form attached. Please sign up, twist and arm or two and sign up friends, family, interested parties, Mossie lovers and rich people.

CAPA Membership and Attendance: The Calgary Mosquito Society is a member of the national organization of aviation museums, The Canadian Aeronautical Preservation Association. The future and status of the Calgary Mosquito was a topic of interest and concern for many at the annual conference held in Edmonton this past weekend.

CITY HALL MEETING: At the June meeting of the city council committee meeting responsible for the airplane, direction was given to city staff to examine all options for the Mosquito and Hurricane and to report back at the Nov. 5 meeting with recommendations. This process was suspended pending the outcome of the Sept 30 Special General Meeting at the Aerospace Museum. Staff may be making recommendations or they may be asking for more time. We should find out on or about Oct. 31. This meeting is open to all, so PLEASE, if you can, show up and speak up. I have advised city staff of our presence and purpose. More voices at this meeting could be crucial! I will update all as I gain information.

SUPPORT ALREADY: People and organizations are already offering all manner of support. Two individuals have already pledged $1000 each. One individual and one organization have offered restoration facilities. An aviation supply company has offered to donate materials and a national airline has offered to do component overhaul at their Calgary facility. A gentleman in Bend, Oregon has offered a full set of RR Merlin tools. Karl Kjarsgaard and Halifax 57 Rescue have offered to fly to Calgary, at no expense to us, two Mosquito restoration experts to consult on the rebuild process. As well, I have been in touch with the Windsor Mossie restoration group, Glynn Powell in NZ and Jerry Yagen, owner of the world's next flying Mosquito KA114.

HOW CAN I HELP? Buy a membership, sell a membership, buy one for a friend/family member/co-worker/enemy/neighbour, etc. WE NEED NUMBERS! Talk to people about it. Ask me to come speak to your group. WE NEED AWARENESS! Keep your eyes and ears open for funding opportunities, change between the couch cushions, etc. WE'RE GONNA NEED THE BUCKS!

Shoot back with questions, ideas or whatever. Thank you for your interest and support.

Richard de Boer
Prez (pro tem), CMS
403-235-1350