The Hoosick Grange met on Wednesday, October 8, with Master David Cornell. Marion Hynick was in charge of the Lecturer’s program. She introduced her stepson, Glen Hynick. Glen was in the International Guard that flew to Antarctica. Glen was an aircraft mechanic. He worked on the planes that came into Antarctica. Most of the people at Antarctica are scientists from NASA and the National Science Foundation. They are working on Global Warming and other projects. About 10 mechanics work 12 hour shifts all the time. Antarctica has the coldest wind and is the coldest place on earth. The buildings are new at the South Pole Station, where it gets to be 30 degrees below. They heat their buildings with jet fuel.
Glen showed us pictures of Emperor penguins. They are about four feet tall. He also showed us icebergs 200 feet high at the water line. The iceberg was as big as the state of Rhode Island. They saw many seals and whales. Only large ski-equipped airplanes fly into Antarctica. It’s very hard to keep roads open. The big C-130 air bus lands on sea ice 10 to 12 feet thick. They have an escape hatch built in all vehicles.
Glen had a picture of himself at the ceremonial pole at the South Pole, and he’s pointing North. He said it’s very flat there. He also showed a picture of the geographic South Pole. Glen retired last year from the Guard. Marion thanked him for a very interesting program. The Lecturer thanked them also.
Our next meeting is on Wednesday, October 22. It’s a Halloween Party. The refreshment committee is David Schmidt. Also, please bring canned goods for the food closet.
The program is in charge of the Lecturer.