Seniors soar over Boundary County Skies in a World War II Era Biplane
--Photo by SARAH JENKINS The Restorium resident, LaVeda Linnemeyer is getting ready for her flight.
-- Photo by SARAH JENKINS Ageless Aviation ready for the first flight in Boundary County.
-- Photo by SARAH JENKINS Members of the Dreams Foundation along with the Restorium staff and residents.
-- Photo by SARAH JENKINS LaVeda Linnemeyer is all smiles as she is prepped for flight. See Seniors soar over Boundary County skies in a World War II Era Biplane, A-2.
-- Photo by SARAH JENKINS Restorium residents enjoy the sunshine as they wait for their flights.
-- Photo by SARAH JENKINS Thumbs up and ready to go!
BONNERS FERRY -- Thursday morning, residents of the Boundary County Community Restorium took to the skies in a World War II-era biplane.
Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation is a non-profit organization that dedicates time to honoring seniors. The mission of the Foundation is “give back to those who have given.” The organization was started by the Fisher family, according to their website.
Flights are funded through corporations and private donations. The foundation is made up of volunteers who schedule and provide the Dream Flights all over the country. The biplane for this week’s flight took three different tours in Boundary County. During the winter, the biplane is kept in Arizona, according to Lynne Sommars.
After the biplane completed it’s mission in World War II, it became a crop duster in 1946. According to the Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation, the Fisher family’s passion for biplanes began when Foundation President Darryl Fisher’s grandfather purchased one in 1946 for $1,200.00. The love of flying spread through the generations. Eventually, Fisher’s grandfather sold the airplane, but several years later the family located it and repurchased the biplane.
The Boundary County Restorium members that experienced the Dream Flights are: Navy veteran Don Dozier, 90, DaVeeda Linnemayer, 95, Arlene Norwood, 85, Alma Pitman, 85, and Carol Pomeroy, 87. Captain Mike Sommars and wife, Lynne, were the representatives from Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation.
“We get such joy doing this,” stated Lynne Sommars.
Northern Air provided fuel and oil for the flight. They also provided a hanger for the biplane. After the festivities, everyone had ice cream, courtesy of Northern Air.
This fall, Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation will share the skies with their 2,000th guest. The past four years, they have given 1,000 Dream Flights in 31 states.
sjenkins@bonnersferryherald.com