There was a time long ago when airplanes had propellers and passengers were cared for by a "stewardess" who wore the wings of United Airlines. When these young women (no men on board then) got married, they had to give up both flying and their wings. So their wings were "clipped".

In 1941, former stewardess, Jackie Jos Ceasar, formed a club in Chicago to maintain her airline friendships and to help others less fortunate. In 1978, membership was extended to all online flight attendants. Today Clipped Wings® is a national organization composed of 32 chapters across the country and open to all former, retired, and current United and Capital Airlines flight attendants.

Pictures from the Special Olympics 2010 USA National Games:
www.flickr.com/photos/35882004@N02/sets/72157624729847708/detail/

Slide Show of the Special Olympics 2010 USA National Games:
www.flickr.com/photos/35882004@N02/sets/72157624729847708/show/

This year's Clipped Wings® National Convention is a Grand Ole Convention in Nashville, Tennessee September 22 – 25. You'll be warmly welcomed in true southern hospitality by members of the ATL chapter at the Denim & Diamonds welcome party. The following morning, CHI & ORD will kick of the convention appropriately with a Boots 'n Biscuits opening breakfast. Not to be outdone, MALs will take us Boot Scootin' at the Wildhorse Saloon (offsite) to sample real Barbecue done Tennessee style, do a little line dancing, and/or simply stroll though the honky-tonk area, checking out the “joints”, perhaps catching sight of a local like Willy Nelson strumming his guitar. The grand finale will begin with OMA's cocktail party “Hits from the Past”, followed by a delicious and entertaining “Night Falls on Nashville” to wrap the week up in a spectacular fashion.

Clipped Wings Registration: The Official Registration Form needs to be completed and returned to Gail Shannon Walker (MAL) along with your check payable to Clipped Wings®. Send this in before July 22^nd, and you'll save $20 on the registration fee.

Sheraton Music City Hotel Reservation: The rate of $129, single or double, is guaranteed until August 20^th. After that date, reservations will be accepted on a space and rate available basis. Additional persons in a room are $10 each. Rollaways are available for King rooms only, per fire code. In addition to wonderful accommodations, the hotel offers free self-parking and complimentary airport transportation. You can make hotel reservations by either going on-line or phoning the hotel at 800-325-3535.

A personalized Web site for the Clipped Wings convention has been created. Guests can access the site to book, modify or cancel reservations until September 27, 2010. www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/wings2010.

Much more information about events, schedules, things to do in Nashville will be available in future issues of the Quarterly. Meanwhile, if you need information, please don't hesitate to contact either Gail Walker (MAL) or Mary K. Doherty Dana (OCC). You can also email convention2010@aol.com.