2023 Spring Section Meeting
St. Augustine, FL | Florida First Coast Chapter | April 28 – 29, 2023
View the 2023 Spring Section Meeting Minutes
Written by Ivy Adam, Nashville Chapter Member
Celebrate “Aviation Firsts” in the nation’s first city, St. Augustine!
At my first Section Meeting, I was excited to meet with my fellow Ninety-Nines from across the Southeast. Through administrative and social activities, I became more connected with our regional, national, and even international membership.
The Board and Business Meetings demonstrated leadership on a much larger level than to which I was accustomed. In my chapter, I noted the dedication of our officers and the enthusiasm of our members. Establishing our relatively new Nashville Chapter has required participation from everyone. I saw this same zeal from everyone attending the Section Meeting. The outgoing and incoming Board officers are passionate about advancing the goals of our organization. Every chapter is actively contributing to its development. The support and collaboration between our officers and chapters are inspiring
The camaraderie was enhanced by our multitude of social gatherings. The Hospitality Room, Taco Bar, and Farewell Social were forums for fellowship over food. The optional tours of the city connected us with the rich heritage of the First Coast. In addition to the scheduled tours, a group of new friends and I registered for a Ghost Tour, experiencing the haunted history of America’s first city.
My favorite social activity, the Schooner Freedom Sail was my first trip on a sailing ship. As we departed the dock, I was interested to see the captain talk to the tender. Similar to coordinating with air traffic control, the ship has to announce its location and intentions. As we passed under the moveable bridge, the tender waved to our cohort. Sailing near the Castillo de San Marcos, we heard the cannon firing demonstration. Throughout the excursion, native wildlife traveled by us. The roseate spoonbill flew overhead. Bottlenose dolphins surfaced only a few hundred feet from our hull. Later, the St. Augustine Lighthouse came into view. Rich in history and culture, the cruise was a highlight of the weekend.
The Spring 2023 Section Meeting was a great experience. I learned so much about our organization and our industry. I encourage everyone to attend at least one Section Meeting during their membership in the Ninety-Nines. It provides a unique perspective on the leadership, participation, and camaraderie involved to make the Southeast such an amazing Section.
I returned home with one question on my mind: What “Aviation First” will you pioneer?
