Here’s to the joy of neighbors, shared memories, and the simple pleasures of community life! August and September 2025 were heartwarming and activity-filled months on the mountain.

Our Local EAA Chapter 1459 took to the skies for a delightful fly-out luncheon at Branson Downtown (PLK), where we enjoyed great food and company at the Black Oak Grill—made even more special by the return of our former neighbor Craig Mock.

Back on the ground, we hosted our very first Karaoke sing-along in the community room, proving that while we may not be ready for “The Voice,” we sure know how to have a good time.

The crisp, fall-like weather inspired many of us to hit the HMA roads, culminating in our inaugural “Tour de Park” bike ride.

We also welcomed back our dear friend Catherine Gaulade, visiting for the first time since the passing of her husband Jim. A heartfelt potluck dinner reminded us that sometimes, only in-person hugs will do.

July was an active month at Holley Mountain Airpark, filled with community spirit and aviation excitement! The festivities kicked off with a Fourth of July fireworks show at the old helipad, followed by a delicious cookout hosted by the HMPOA Board a few days later. Several families and friends from the airpark made the journey to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI, where Westfall Aviation, based right here at Holley Mountain, was honored by the Vintage Aircraft Association for its contributions to the iconic “Red Rockette” Beechcraft Staggerwing. Be sure to check the VAA site soon for the upcoming “Vintage in Review” video featuring this story! While in Wisconsin, many HMA members gathered at Marks East Side in Appleton for a memorable German dinner, adding a flavorful touch to the aviation adventure. Holley Mountain Airpark continues to be a place to celebrate our aviation passion together and create wonderful memories.

This past weekend, our airpark community was treated to a stunning display of craftsmanship and passion as neighbors Tom & Sarah Westfall and Ken Blair displayed these beautifully restored vintage vehicles. The gleaming red-and-black 1943 Stinson Reliant (aka V77) and a generously refurbished 1924 Ford Model are each a tribute to the dedication and skill of their restorers.

The V77 served in the Royal Navy as a submarine hunter during the latter parts of WW II.  It didn’t have any armaments, but the observer in the rear would drop magnesium flares onto a suspected target and radio in for a larger aircraft to then bomb it. While Tom & Sarah didn’t refurbish this particular plane, their award-winning family aircraft restoration business is in its 25^th year;  with its national reputation, Westfall Aviation was asked to evaluate the condition of the Stinson.

These restorations are more than just mechanical triumphs—they’re a celebration of history, community spirit, and the joy of preserving the past for future generations. Their efforts inspire us as we take pride in our unique airpark lifestyle and support one another in enjoying our aviation heritage and future. This is another beautiful example of what makes living at Holley Mountain Airpark so special!

We celebrated Cinco De Mayo on Holley Mountain with a Taco Tuesday community gathering. We enjoyed a wonderful pot luck and also had a margarita contest (non-alcoholic options were available). Congrats to the Eitzmanns!

A few days later, we were blessed with a beautiful rainbow!

On May 17th, EAA Chapter 1459 Hosted the Second Annual Scavenger hunt (see attachment for more info and photos). 

Holidays are special at HMA! Our community comes together in a variety of ways.

Trains at Dwights:

Dwight set up 12 trains and even more Christmas trees for our holiday enjoyment. Walking among the winter wonderland was very festive and put us all in the holiday spirit here at Holley Mountain Airpark. They offered hot cider and played Christmas music to top off this magical experience.

Annual Christmas Party at the Community Center:

Annual Progressive Dinner: To ring in 2025 we had appetizers at the Eitzman’s, dinner at the Community Center, and dessert at the Hardison’s.

Appetizers:

Main course:

Desserts:

After 13 consecutive years, HMPOA Board President Mike Foote passed the gavel as President over to now President, Brian Hoffman. The HMPOA community is grateful for the many years of his steady leadership. With the help of his talented fellow board members, Mike has endured and solved many significant issues and brought about valuable additions to to our community.  The following is a sample of some major accomplishments under Mike’s generous leadership:

• Extending HMPOA ownership beyond just the runway. Previously, that land was encumbered and thus could not be transferred. Now the HMPOA has title to all the unencumbered properties, which includes everything around the entrance, flag hill, all roads and taxiways in Phases 1,2 and 3, the apron, and the piece of ground for the windsock;
• In 2016, Mike Foote worked tirelessly in to prepare for the developer’s land auction and two foreclosures. He protected the HMPOA property owners interests  by attending the auction and voicing that these Lots were subject to HMPOA yearly assessment; and he made clear that each Lot was subject to dues, regardless of how many a buyer purchased and that the HMPOA By-Laws and C&R applied to all Lots;
• Liaison with our HMPOA attorney on several legal matters including court appearances as a witness against delinquent property Lot owners;
• Building of Fire Sub-Station #3 (Burnt Ridge) and construction of the HMPOA community room building;
• Installation of the airport beacon on the water tower;
• Major overhaul of the entrance gate;
• Installation of the SayWeather System;
• Airpark runway and taxiways pavement management;
• Coordinating Petit Jean fiber optic internet installation..
• Security cameras at the front and construction gates;
• Addition of  three large postal boxes at the mail center;

Mike continues to be the Airport Manager for the Holley Mountain Airpark (2A2);

Thank you, Mike Foote !! and …Thank you, Diana Foote, for graciously hosting just about every monthly HMPOA Board of Director Meetings at your home, prior to use of the community room!!

One of the greatest assets of Holley Mountain is our property owners. While united by our enthusiasm for aviation, there are also a wide variety of other interests we enjoy together. A great example is our cadre of crafty ladies who get together weekly and for special events. Whether here full-time or only occasionally, we hope you feel welcome to join in all aspects of our lovely community!