With the snow starting to fall for the first time we certainly squeezed out every week possible.
This past week I took the staff out for the holiday staff outing. We started at SDC where we boarded a charter bus bound for Walter Payton’s Round House. We had our own private room complete with a pasta bar!! We had a fantastic year and it would have not been possible without my great staff.
Once dinner was complete we headed to the paramount theater for STOMP. It was a great night out and I look forward to working with everyone in the coming season.
Thanks to Nicole and Allen for inviting us over for Thanksgiving dinner. I am truly thankful that they have taken over the café and continue to provide great food.
Friday we saw temps in the 40’s and a small crowd with a handful of tandems. We got in 5 otter loads before the weather rolled in.
Saturday night SDC sponsored a Thanksgiving turkey dinner. EAT UP put out a great spread that included 3 turkeys and ALL the trimmings. I was surprised to see the amount of people who partied into the night. Many cheers we made to the great season and no doubt it certainly was.
-Last of the Mohicans-
SDC is officially closed for the season. We will re-open again March 14. We will host safety day March 13 in the Sky-Lounge at 6:00 pm. There is no charge for safety day and it’s a great way to get your mind back into the game.
The next few weeks will be busy for us doing maintenance on the aircraft. The planes had a good workout this summer and now it is time to go over them with a fine toothcomb. SDC strives to have safe, fast, and comfortable aircraft for you.
Speaking of aircraft we will be taking delivery of our new Caravan Tuesday! We will have her here for the Christmas party for everyone to check out.
Our North hangar is rented out but I still have limited space in the main hanger for anyone wanting to store an item. Please contact rook@skydivechicago.com for more info.
Don’t forget the Sebastian Invasion is right around the corner (Dec. 27 – Jan 4). Tickets on southwest are $83 each way! Check out www.skydiveseb.com for the latest.
Act fast you only have till Tuesday to get the discount for the Christmas Party. Contact manifest 815 433 0000 today.
The following is a poem titled Twas the Night Before Closing written by local jumper Charles Jennings:
Twas the night before closing, when all through the zone,
Not a jumper was stirring, not a student alone.
The rigs were hung on the rack with great care,
In hopes that the pins would not pop in there.
The packers were all nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of cash danced in their heads.
And I had just settled down for a off-season nap,
When I heard what sounded like a canopy wrap.
Then out in the landing area there arose such a crash,
I thought it was the band continuing their bash.
To the manifest window I flew like a PAC,
Stuck my head out the window and looked out back.
When out on the runway to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a miniature Cessna pulled by eight tiny reindeer.
With hoof-booties on, they looked like a RW group,
But the skid marks in the snow indicated a swoop.
They glanced to the roof above, then down at me quick,
So I knew that the noise on top had to be St. Nick.
More rapid then riggers his helpers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
“Now Otter, Casa, Caravan and Cupid,
Come up here and help me, don’t be stupid!”
So up to the hangar-roof the sky-deer flew,
For an “off-landing” pick up for you know who.
As I listened I heard multiple hooves moving quick,
Untwisting lines and folding parachute fabric.
Then I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
When he “based” off the roof and down to the ground.
He was dressed red-n-white, like a freak in a suit,
He even had “North Pole Boogie” patched on his boot.
A new ribboned-rig he had snug on his back,
With a silver-sleek main hanging out of his pack.
His goggles were all fogged from the altitude drop,
And his ice-caked helmet looked like it was ready to pop.
He greeted me warmly as we stood there and shook,
I said my name’s Matt, but some call me Rook.
He asked about canopy-stacking, surfing, and flocking,
Or if anyone could do “chain gangs” with multiple docking.
He asked if our load organizer could possible foresee,
Of forming an 8-way “donut” or “Double Chinese Tee”?
He was excited about the fest and the chili cook-outs too,
And balloons, copters, and Pitts he would definitely do.
When I told him the temps had caused us to close,
I saw his eyes crinkle as he placed a finger under his nose.
He told me he understood, but thought it soft,
That we give up the sky to watch videos in a loft.
He gave me a thumbs up, then he tightened his straps,
Did he forget to repack? Maybe, perhaps!
He sprang to his Cessna and gave his team a loud whistle,
He shouted, “Let’s hit 15K, so fly like a missile.”
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
“Blue Skies to all, and to all a safe flight”
I’ll keep updating throughout the winter on our travels and boogies so keep checking. Thanks again to all SDC family for a great, safe, and busy season.
Happy Holidays,
Rook and the SDC staff. |