Remembering Jim Noel

Howdy everyone,

Actually, we have good news and more good news–we’re a 501 group, we’ve done things, we have things to do, and we’re ready to do more.

Friday 25 June marked the first round of meeting of the DJNF as an offical 501 c 3 organization. The education committee met Friday morning and the Board meeting was held in the afternoon.

Having attended both meetings, I left hearing most members wanting to now begin doing things and not just planning.

I’m beginning to sort several major activities that the ed comm discussed on Friday. I’m hoping we can post most our communications in our web site, including decision making on several key projects upcoming with the Air Fair program.

Thanks to everyone who has done a fantistic job in getting the DJNF to where it is today.  Thanks, Brian

On February 22, 2008, the steering committee moved forward in efforts to formally apply for non-profit status. Several key tasks completed at this meeting were (1) Elect Board members, (2) identify potential committee chairs, and (3) finalize by-laws.

I am please to announce the Board of Directors for the Dr. James Noel Foundation (DJNF):

Chair: John Happ
Vice-chair: Brian Heckman
Secretary: Michelle Simms
Treasurer: John Walter
Family Representative: Pattie Noel Felderhoff

Communication to and between Board members may be emailed to the listserv address of board@djnf.org

Attendees:

* Brian Heckman

* Michelle Simms

* Patti Noel

* Dianne Barron

* John Happ

* John Walter

*

Email listserv for Steering Committee:

* steer@noelfound.org

*

Name of Foundation:

* Dr. James S. Noel Foundation

*

Mission Statement:

* To honor Dr. Jim Noel by developing programs that stimulate young people�s interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through aviation.

�

Goals (in progress):

������ Develop educational experiences and curriculum based on the Air Fair program

������ Foster connection between young people and the aviation community

������ Provide conduit for college students to (1) gain experience in K-12 environment, and (2) serve as mentors to young people.

�

Address (share with the Aggie Flying Club):

������ 1680 George Bush drive #???, College station, Texas 77845

�

Board Members (9 to start):

������ TBD

I downloaded the following documents from the Texas Secretary of State site as well as the IRS. In the next few days I’ll be sending out emails hopefully documenting our next steps…

Texas Certificate of Formation Nonprofit Corporation Form 202

Application for Recognition of Exemption IRS Form 1023 (instructions)

Applying for an EIN (instructions)

Applying for Tax-Exempt Status brochure

Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization publication

This is just a short sample of something we may want to consider in our charter. Feel free to amend, update, improve or criticize!

Goals of Noel Foundation

1. To introduce aviation and aeronautical science to young people for the encouragement of further studies in the sciences and mathematics.

Deliverable/Project:

Air Fair initiative to rural K-12 school districts

2. To advance the understanding of the physical sciences and mathematics through curricula incorporating principles of aviation and aeronautical science.

Deliverable/Project:

Curriculum development and delivery via multimedia, esp. over the internet

3. To promote the mentoring of young people by aviators and educators with an aim toward expanding career objectives.

Deliverable/Project:

Connection to industry and/or higher education mentoring

4. To maintain and expand interest and encourage the understanding and solution of aviation-related challenges by the general public with assistance from aviators, educators and mentors.

Deliverable/Project:

E.g. Resolving airport siting conflicts, questions about noise and atmospheric pollution, land usage adjacent to airports and mitigation of the costs of aviation-related activities.

Howdy all,

John Happ has agreed to serve on the steering committee and with the initial Board of Directors for the Foundation. A tentative first meeting of the steering committee is Monday 26 Feb. No venue yet, but will update.

John’s suggestions as to what is needed immediately: 1) steering committee formed and initial meeting; 2) article in Texas Aggie highlighting Dr. Noel’s legacy and provide a communications link so people can share stories and provide input to the Foundation; 3) communications–an email address that is succinct and easy to remember.

I’m testing WordPress that John Walter found as a possible email/discussion group/blog communications tool.