Birds Nest "Working Mini-Rally" (long)

[John Stiles]

This may be one of the few times that I have looked to
returning to work for rest. Our "Working Mini-Rally" turned out
great. Thanks to the many volunteers we not only accomplished our
goal but had a great time doing so. The clubhouse was a bit worse
off than we had thought but by later in the week it had been
pressure washed, roof cleaned, a fresh coat of paint and beautiful
trim work. In addition the doors were removed and repainted and the
light fixtures were taken down and refurbished by Stan Kimmey.
Along with the clubhouse all of the charcoal grills were stripped
down using an angle grinder with wire brush and repainted by John
Stiles Sr. (my dad). The crew consisted of Mac and Jan Carver(and
their dog Sunny), John Stiles Sr., Stan Kimmey, Mevi Doud, Dick and
Patty Warren, Harney Davy, Bill Rowe and of course my wife Gladys
and I. In addition I would like to recognise that this would not
have been possible without the help of Linda Gurley (Bluebird) who
was super in handling requests and coordinating between us and
Bluebird. Along with Linda from Bluebird was Johnny Dunaway who
whould drop whatevery he was doing to provide us with whatever was
needed.
Our reward was not only the final product and how it turned out
but also the comments from the folks who came to the nest and saw
the clubhouse after we finished and from the very positive and
appreciative comments from Bluebird staff who came over to see what
was going on. Not all was work as we enjoyed "Bubba Burgers" (its a
Southern thing), 42 of them to be exact, the first afternoon. While
I am on the subject of the first afternoon's meal, special thanks
goes to Tom Meservey and his wife for their generous donation toward
the food. Following afternoons were more burgers, an afternoon of
chilli and munchies provided by Jan Carver and a group trip out. Of
course if any of you know Dick Warren and Stan Kimmey, daily
entertainment was provided by their constant ribbing each other.
Many times I was glad that it was directed at each other and not
me. :^) They can poke fun with the best.
Finally to sum it up we had a great time. It was alot of hard
work but I think that everyone really enjoyed it. We have seen most
of the group previously at different 'bird outings but never really
got to know each of them. After spending a week together on this
event however we have proudly gained some new friends.
If anyone is interested I have placed a folder in the photo's
section.


John Stiles
1980 33FC
"My Navion"