The Bulletin -- July 14, 2010 (#1048)

CLUB MEMERS PAUL SANDS (L) AND KIT BOOTH (R) SPEAK WITH DOT CHAPLIN FROM COLGAN AIR.

Program: Colgan Air

Program: Dot Chaplin, Director of Human Resources and Head of Labor Relations, Colgan Air. With three flights moving in and out of Plattsburgh International Airport every day, it is no surprise that Colgan Air expects to surpass their goal of 13,000 passenger in its first year. If this rate keeps up, Colgan Air Representative, Dot Chaplin, said the airline could surpass $25,000 this year. She was pleased to let club members know some of the benefits of flying with Colgan.

One of the best features is that when you go through security in Plattsburgh, you are able to remain in secured areas throughout the remainder of your trip, including trav- eling through connecting flights.

Chaplin said travelers can book tickets online through U.S. Airways and take advantage of Colgan’s summer spe- cial: $52 for a one-way ticket. Colgan Air works hard to keep fares low, though prices for connecting flights are controlled by the other airlines.

In 2009, the fatal crash of Colgan Air’s Flight 3407 became the airline’s first tragedy. Chaplin said the crash still haunts the company’s employees every day.

“When accidents such as this occur, it leads to even more diligence on behalf of the staff and pilots as well as reformed safety policies and procedures,” said Chaplin. She said Colgan continues to put safety above all else.

Several members asked if Colgan Air plans to increase the locations to which it flies. Specifically, there is interest in a flight to New York City. Chaplin told club members she would look into a future Plattsburgh/Newark flight. In the meantime, passengers continue to enjoy the flights available to several other destinations including Orlando, Fl., and Boston.

Visiting Rotarians: Patty Bentley (Sunrise Club) Guests: Ashlea Keene (Bob Parks), Dot Chaplin and Dan
Pelletier (Paul Sands), Jackie Claude (Joanne Knowlton)

PRESIDENT COLIN READ (R) WELCOMES CAROL BLAKESLEE- COLLIN AS AN OFFICIAL BLUE BADGE MEMBER AS STAN RANSOM LOOKS ON. JOANNE KNOWLTON (NOT SEEN) WAS ALSO PRESENTED WITH HER BLUE BADGE.

Announcements:

• Next Board Meeting: Monday, July 19, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The meeting will include a mini strategic planning session and will be held at the usual place: CCC Din-ing Hall (PARC).
• Battle of Plattsburgh Festivities: The Roducky Derby
  and the Bed Race will be held Saturday, Sept. 11. Be sure to take this opportunity to volunteer.
• New Member Orientation: Friday, Aug 6 at West Bay Financial, Margaret Street Plaza (8-9 a.m).
• President Colin thanked Marsha Cook for her many years of dedicated service on the Membership Com-
  mittee.
  

Colin’s Cash:

• An announcement was made for the Aug.21-22 soft- ball tournament which will benefit the Fitzpatrick Cancer Center.
• Stephens Mundy will pay $1 for every Rotarian who shows up at the NCCAC’s “Jumpin’ in July” festivi- ties held every Thursday in July 5-7 p.m. Stephens also thanked everyone who participated in the Mayor’s Cup feastivities.
• Sara Rowden answered a fellow club member’s ques- tion: “How come Colin is leading the meetings in- stead of Bonnie...?”
• Paul Sands told any- one who plans on attending “Jumpin’ in July” to bring an umbrella.
• Bill Rowe congratu- lated club members who sailed in the Mayor’s Cup race. Don Moore is new to the sport. With the help of his son and one other sailor, they took first in their class.
• Marty Mannix an- nounced that his granddaughter is currently ninth in the first round of the NYS Women’s PGA Open.
• Bonnie Black literally thanked God that the trees, which fell near her house, caused no injuries.
• John McGaulley lost his nephew recently, and his wifeis in the hospital. She is, however, feeling better.

  JAY KERLEY RECEIVES AN AWARD FROM PRESIDENT COLIN READ FOR BECOMING A ROTARY FOUNDATION BENEFACTOR.

• Marsha Cook is pleased that her son at over 40 yrs. old is finally an adult.
• Jay Kerley announced “the Y’s” upcoming golf tournament on Friday, Aug 13. See Jay for more details.
• Rod Giltz thanked our Colgan Air guests. Once when Rod’s family ate dinner, they saw their daughter’s flight fly by. They were able to set dinner aside and make it to the airport. Thanks for speedy and convenient service!
  

Auction Items: “The Reverend” Kevin Killeen auctioned off a pair of locally hand-made toys. Valued at over $50, they went to Stephens Mundy for $40. Courtesy of Colgan Air, two pairs of airline tickets from Boston to Plattsburgh were sold for $120 to Paul Sands and Colin Read. Finally, two model airplanes went to Bill Rowe and Brian Hammond for $20 each.

50/50: The pot is worth $500, The queen of hearts is the card to pick and there are 50 cards left. Peter Grosskopf picked the nine of hearts. No winner yet!

Make-ups: E-Club: A. Kretser (6/23, 6/30), T. Searing (6/23, 6/30); Montreal: S. Kende (6/21, 7/1); A. Kretser (Cadillac, MI club)
Another Candle Burning For: Ellie Murray (7/21)