For the most part, flying Young Eagles or working ground crew at the rallies is reward enough. The smiles of the kids and the gratitude of their parents is all the thanks we could ask for. But every now and then it's nice to be recognized by someone outside the Young Eagle Program. And it's especially nice if that someone is the city that hosts the airport we call home. So we're very proud to announce that EAA Chapter 27 is the recipient of the city of Meriden Spirit of Meriden award. The award is the highest awarded by Meriden and is given to a person or group who "exemplifies community spirit worthy of recognition." The award states that the EAA and our Chapter is "dedicated to the community and our young people" and "has been providing an opportunity for young people, 18 and under, to spread their wings and fly." It also states that "the members of the EAA have also donated numerous man hours to improvement projects at the Meriden-Markham Airport." Mayor Michael Rohde presented the award to Chapter President Jim Simmons and Young Eagle Coordinator Fran Uliano during the city council meeting on January 20, 2009. The award proclaims that January 21, 2009 was "Experiment Aircraft Association Day" in the City of Meriden. Congratulations to all the members of the Chapter for their part in carrying out the EAA spirit, and thanks to Airport Commissioner Frank Lewandowski for nominating the Chapter for this prestigious award.