The Society’s 55th Year in Review

^{In the past 12 months, The Lighter-Than-Air Society (LTAS) continued to generate favorable publicity and extend awareness of our organization.  More than 15,000 visited the Lock 3 Akron History Exhibit where the Society’s display of airship artifacts holds a prominent position among those of the region’s foremost historical organizations.}

^{We did have a setback this summer when a water pipe burst in the Lock 3 Akron History Exhibit.  Thanks to the quick response of Board member Dave Wertz and his committee, LTAS volunteers and the city of Akron, water damage was held to a minimum.  Plans are now underway to reopen all the exhibits which now are under the management of Tom Riley, the retired manager of Goodyear airship operations, who also serves on the LTAS Board.}

^{The LTAS has filed the necessary paperwork with the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. to be considered for affiliation status, which would allow both organizations to collaborate in the sharing of artifacts and documents.  The application process is extensive and the requirements are difficult to meet.} 

^{In celebrating of the LTAS 55th anniversary and recognizing the 80th anniversary of Goodyear’s involvement in the design and creation of character parade balloons made famous by the annual Macy’ s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, the LTAS featured a month of nostalgia with Macy’s longtime balloon designer Manfred “Manny” Bass and Bill Smith from Special Balloonworks.}

^{As featured speakers at the LTAS annual banquet, sponsored by Veyance (formerly Goodyear Engineered Products) the two men highlighted an obscure yet nostalgic segment of Akron’s Lighter-Than-Air history.}

^{In addition, there were free events at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, downtown, which included the 60th-Anniversary showing of the 1947 holiday classic "Miracle on 34th Street”  the 2005 documentary "Inside Macy’s Parade," along with guests Manny Bass and Bill Smith, and we recognized Goodyear retirees involved with the balloons.  The program was moderated by Akron Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff Dave Lieberth.}

^{For the first time ever, LTAS provided helium-filled character balloons for Akron’s Welcome Santa Parade.  The balloons were sponsored by Veyance, Downtown Akron Partnership, Praxair and FirstEnergy.} 

^{At the Main Library, the LTAS is displaying photographs of character parade balloons, Lighter-Than-Air books and artifacts, and the history of lighter than air for the public to discover and enjoy.  The display will remain through January 2008.} 

^{The Society has several other projects in the works that we will be announcing during the coming year, including continuous upgrades to our website.} 

^{The Society continues to build partnerships within the community and beyond that will enhance our reputation and capabilities as a center for learning on lighter-than-air. The donation of significant artifact collections enhances this reputation.}

^{We appreciate the time, effort and money that have been donated by all of you who believe in our goal of furthering knowledge of all facets of buoyant flight, by means of this great organization, The Lighter-Than-Air Society and its Akron Airship Historical Center .}

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ^{Dave Osterland}