I apologize for the delay in getting an update posted but it has been hectic around here.  I thought with the season winding down that it would slow down, HA was I wrong. 

I’m going to go backwards with the update and start with congratulating all the SDC teams who competed in the US nationals this past week in Eloy.  Check out all the results at www.omniskore.com. 

Two weeks ago Dave and I flew N30EA to Sebastian, our new winter home.  We stopped at Skydive the Farm in Atlanta and visited some friends before we headed the rest of the way.  Bad weather caused a delay in arriving but as soon as we did they had a load on a 20 minute call.   I’ve never seen people so happy at the sight of the Otter!!  Thanks to the guys for helping us settle in and I’m looking forward to a great (and warm) winter.  Don’t forget the invasion is Dec. 27 – Jan 4. 

This past weekend we held an AFP graduation Cookout.  SDC has put 37 students though the program and we want to welcome them to the family.  Some students brought in their student videos and had a good laugh.  It’s cool to see the progress of the students throughout the year. 

Before you toss this months Parachutist be sure to take out the voting Ballot.  The USPA BOD elections are coming up and we need to make sure we get some new blood voted in.  I’m personally running for Central regional Director.  I am asking for your vote to help modernize USPA to todays needs.   If you are not sure who else to vote for here is a link of those whom I would like to see on the board: www.skydivechicago.com/Portals/1/news/images/30Oct08/USPA-Vote for Change!.pdf

If you can’t make the invasion or Puerto Rico, I have another Boogie that we are supporting.   The Everglades Boogie in Clewiston Florida.  Dates are Jan. 22-26.  They had an overwhelming crowd last year and we want it to be even bigger.  SDC will have an Otter on site for the event in addition to the great lineup they already have.  Check out there website www.skydiveFL.com for the latest info. 

Fuel prices have fallen and so have our jump prices.  Starting this weekend and for the rest of the season we will offer $20 fun jumps.  Fuel surcharge should be just that and when it goes down so should jumps. 

Some of you may have heard the rumors that we are organizing another freefly record next year.   Well you are right (kind of) we are going to organize three records next year during the same week!  Summerfest’s Triple Threat!  B.J. Worth, T.J. Hine, Roger Ponce, and Max Meijer will help orangize a RW 100 way.  My old teammates Jon DeVore, and Mike Swanson will help me with a Freefly 100 way; and Jeff Nebelkopf will head up a big way wingsuit jump!  Summerefest dates are July 25 – Aug 2.  This is going to be the event of the year!! 

If you have a 100 or 200 jump package be sure to use them up by the end of the season.  In the contract that you signed it states that you must use them by the end of the season or get upcharged to the full price.  I’m working on getting the package prices out for next year.  I need to see what the election does to oil futures.   Last day of the season is December 1st. 

December 1st we will start offering winter storage in the main hanger.  It’s $3 per foot per month for whatever you would like to have stored (boat, RV, car, etc).  The items will need to me picked up mid March. 

Campground residents, some of you have seen the new meters that are getting installed on the slots.  We are trying to reward those who don’t abuse the power. We should have all the meters installed within a week, however the new billing won’t start until next year.  We plan on lowering the rent per month and each person will be billed for the power they consume.   The water will be turned off in the campground soon.  Make sure you winterize your trailer soon.  Once the water is turned off the rent for full hook-up slots will be changed.  December 1st will start the storage rate of $55 per month.  We also turn off the power to all ‘storage’ residents. 

December 6th we will have our annual Christmas Party.  We are working on a menu and will have prices soon. 

Don’t forget this weekend is our annual Halloween Party.  Staring during the day with $20 jumps, a pumpkin tossing contest, and at night with a treasure hunt, costume contest.  Don’t miss out on all the action. 

Boogie Dates:

Dec. 27 – Jan 4  Sebastian Holiday Invasion   

Jan.  22 – 26  Everglades Boogie

Feb. 11-15  Puerto Rico Freefall Festival 

I hope to see everyone at the Halloween party!!

Rook