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

Welcome to Volume 21 (April 4, 2010)

CITY HALL DOINGS: A full session of city council approved the motion which was passed on March 3 to gather "Expressions of Interest" concerning the Mosquito and Hurricane. What our overseas buyer seems not to have noticed is that all such 'Expressions' must be for "the local retention" of the airplanes. These 'Expressions' will go before the committee of council in early December with a recommendation and hopefully a decision.

In the meantime, we will work to create additional support, funding, restoration plans, membership and public awareness for our plan to see the Mosquito retained and restored locally.

Also approved by the committee of council was a plan to see the Mosquito moved from its current warehouse location. Though not stated outright, it seems its current home may have been sold. Council approved expenditures of $65,000 to move the airplane and $55,000 a year for storage. Imagine how much restoration we could accomplish with $110,000...

THE CALGARY HERALD Published an editorial on March 15 supporting the sale of the Mosquito. Sadly it was riddled with factual errors and misinformation, while ignoring some very relevant parts of the issue. Thanks to those of you who wrote in to make your thoughts known. The paper did publish an edited version of my rebuttal as an article on March 19 helping to set the story straight. The Herald then published a further rebuttal by Peter Vacher on March 25 -again filled with misinformation and error. Despite the factual errors in this piece, the Herald would not accept a further response to even correct the mistakes in the piece. Makes ya wonder... You can let them know how you feel by sending a note to letters@theherald.canwest.com

Our thanks to Global TV took an interest in the story and got us some air time.

APRIL MEETING DATE is the 14th at 7 pm at the Phoenix Foundation, #1, 2821 - 3 Ave. N.E. We'll be talking about our plans for the summer, our charitable status, restoration plan and fundraising as we will soon have status as a Chartible organization, as granted by the Canada Revenue Agency. If interested in staffing the booth, have ideas or experience at fundraising, or you can help out in any way, drop by for a chat.

A SPECIAL THANKS to board members Jack, Robyn, Peter, VJ, Scott, Bob, stephane, David and Barry who have all stepped up to the plate this past month to handle the ever increasing work load that comes with all of the energy and attention on our efforts this past month. Take a bow gang!

NORMAN AVERY'S BOOK about Spartan Air Services is now available through Mosquito Society member Larry Milberry's CANAV books at www.canavbooks.com Having had some trouble with the lulu.com site, I would suggest supporting CANAV if you are looking for a copy of this book.

Thank you and stay tuned for some significant public announcements over the next couple of months.

Richard de Boer
President, CMS
403-235-1350