Dear Timeless Wings and Wheels Family,

It is with a heavy heart that I write you this letter! I, being the person that I am, wanted to make sure that I had a true understanding of all the facts, before I wrote to communicate any information to you. I wanted you to have the latest information.

Due to the dissolution of my marriage to Gary, the long-term relationship that Timeless Wings and Wheels shared with American Aero Services has been broken. Because of my partnership in American Aero Services, with the inception of the museum, the blending of the museum and the company was an amazing fit. In relinquishing my half of the business, I hoped to secure Timeless Wings and Wheels’ position at American Aero Services. In my naïve thinking, I was not prepared when it soon became apparent that this would not be an option. With the avalanche effect this started, Jennifer felt that she needed to make a decision that was best for her. She officially turned in her resignation as a board member on November 9, 2011, as did Candy Coyle, who was serving as Membership Coordinator.

At an emergency Old Soldier’s meeting on November 11th (Veteran’s Day), we discussed our future plans and mapped out the direction in which we are headed. I am pleased to announce that we, like the Phoenix, will rise from the ashes! Old Soldier’s Meetings will continue and for the time being will meet at my house, 1061 Bay Drive, New Smyrna, from 10 until 12, the 3rd Saturday of every month. This, of course is temporary until we secure a new location. In the meantime, instead of just snacks, sometimes we will be having a full breakfast, cooked in my kitchen. Old Soldier’s Breakfast, which is held at different restaurants, in the area, will continue to meet the 1st Tuesday of every month. On December 6th, we met at Rossi’s Diner in South Daytona at 9:00 a.m. We are working with several different options to secure a new home for Timeless Wings and Wheels. When the perfect fit is located, I will let you know and I would appreciate any input anyone has.

The remaining board members, Shannon Craig and I, have appointed Claudia Putney, who has been an invaluable member of Timeless Wings and Wheels and one of our Archive Specialist, to fill the vacant board member position for the remainder of this year. I have been in contact with our accountant, the state and my attorney with the purpose of adding seven new board members. The board member elects are: Edward Safford, Sam Mastrogiacomo, Joan Mastrogiacomo, Jack Northrup, Priscilla Northrup, Lexi DeCristafano and Romo. A Board Meeting on December 15, 2011, will take place and the new board members and executive positions will be voted on.

Memberships will stand, as is, and no membership dues will be collected until some type of living arrangement is made for the actual museum and our entities and a new vision is officially mapped out. Our items are in several storage facilities and will remain there until a new building is found. The Board will be sending an update newsletter page monthly to let you know the progress of the building search. I am very hopeful, that we will have a meeting place by February and a permanent home by spring. It is my hope, that we step back to our inception, and put our focus back on our veteran’s and the history we want to pass down. I have wanted to implement the education piece for years and hope to be able to pursue that in a much more aggressive manner. The website will be updated after the Board Meeting and Lexi DeCristafano will be taking over most web issues. Bob Norville has been doing our website for years, and will continue to help Lexi when needed.

I realize this is a shock to most of you and I am hoping that you will have faith in the museum to do the right thing. We have a strong Board that will help in all the decision-making processes. I have always felt that I am only an overseer of the museum, the museum is YOU!

I wish only the best for American Aero Services, Jennifer and Candy! We had a wonderful relationship for years and it is unfortunate that a break had to come, but, when a window is closed, many times, a new door is opened. I feel that the museum will have many doors that will open and we will survive the stronger for the hurdles.

With my sincere regret, but faith,

Carole Norville
Director of Timeless Wings and Wheels