Newsletters and Minutes

In this section you'll find all of the latest Chapter 54 news, newsletters past and  present, an archive of the E-Beacon, the occasional emailed newsletter, minutes from the chapter's Board of Directors meetings, the agenda for the next meeting, and the monthly chapter video from Oshkosh.

 

The Latest Issues

The Beacon is Chapter 54's quarterly newsletter packed with information on meeting programs, building projects, and chapter programs such as the Young Eagles. It is the primary source for information for chapter members. In late 2023, the chapter launched a monthly e-Beacon, which emailed highlights of website stories and chapter activity. First Quarter 2024  Marlon Gunderson pays tribute to Leif Erickson; the new leadership; who are we and where are we going? Chapter House updates. Hybrid meetings now offered. A review of previous meetings. Lake Elmo Airport noise plan.  E-Beacon Mar. 17: March meeting hears from Sonex president; chapter returns to fundraising Mar. 4: Two chapter members killed in Afton plane crash; chapter survey underway Feb. 20: Marlon's Fireside chat; Cinema 54 debuts; Sonex boss at next meeting Feb. 7: Feb Board of Directors meeting; The Future of New Richmond Airport; Feb. Chapter video; Aging pilots Jan. 17: Newsletter online archive completed; Noise complaints highlight January meeting;  How to volunteer for Young Eagles Jan. 3: January Board of Directors meeting; First newsletter of year published; chapter house renovations completed; airplane wall of fame. The E-Beacon archive can be found here.

The Amsden-Frank Newsletter Archive

All available newsletters from Chapter 54 have been digitized and are available in the archive. More than 55 years of newsletters have been converted to pdf format thanks to the foresight of chapter members Rosemary Frank and Al Amsden. Frank wrote many of the newsletters and kept meticulous minutes (many of which are attached to the digitized newsletters) as the longtime chapter secretary  through the '80s and '90s. Al Amsden saved almost every one of the newsletters, donating his collection to the chapter. The archive, which is available via the drop-down menu under "Newsletters" is organized by decade and each month's primary content is noted on the page.

The newsletter has had several names over its lifespan from EAA Chapter 54 News to Speed's News to The Beacon. Much of the content is valuable today, particularly excellent tech counselor articles and engine maintenance articles from chapter legends such as Bill Schanks and Jim Montague. There are also fascinating reports on journeys members have taken in their aircraft to such destinations as Alaska, Florida, and Yellowstone.

Archives:
2020-Present editions
2010-2019 editions
2000-2009 editions
1990-1999 editions
1980-1989 editions
1970-1979 editions
1968-1969 editions

 

Board of Directors Minutes
The Chapter 54 Board of Directors meets on the first Monday of each month, usually via Google Meet. Chapter members in good standing are invited to attend. Please contact the chapter president for more information on doing so. The meeting agenda is posted here on the website well in advance of the meeting. The latest agenda and the minutes archive can be found here.