EAA Chapter 430Nineteen Players and $540 for Scholarships at Our 2025 Poker Run
This year’s Chapter Poker Run was a bit different than the previous four (yes, we’ve had five poker runs now!). In addition to our own Chapter 430, entry forms were sent to nearby EAA chapters with an invitation to participate. Qualifying to enter the event required that participants must visit 5 of 15 airports listed on the entry form during the months of August and September. And 19 did! Following our business meeting on September 27, chairs and tables were rearranged and players took their seats. Two games followed.
Those from EAA Chapter 430 were: Aidan Lara, Emily Westcott, Richard Howell, Rob Stephans, John Ward, Harry Cook, Ernie Hansen, Jeanne Hansen, Sid Vandiver, Ray Ballantyne, Lisa Ballantyne, John Meyers, Barry Halsted, Dave Miller, Joan Miller, and Kevin Tracy. Nate Miller from Tacoma Narrows appeared at the last moment, and Pat Barrett from Bremerton qualified but was unable to attend due to an unplanned appointment. Jasmine Stamper stood in for him.
The games worked like this: Entrants paid a $20 entry fee and Tracy Halsted, the game’s dealer appeared, suitably dressed with her dealer’s visor, dealt 5 cards to each from a six-deck shoe. Those who had been a part of the chapter’s September flyout to Chehalis received an additional (bonus) card as well to be used in the first game. Bonus card recipients returned a card of their choosing and the game continued. All players examined their 5 cards and decided which, if any, they wanted to exchange in an effort to improve their hand. The dealer accommodated their desires at the cost of $5 per card, after which the players poker hands were revealed. The holders of the two highest ranking poker scores were identified and their prizes were awarded! A second game followed, without bonus cards and again the holders of the two highest ranking poker scores won prizes!
Game 1 First Place: Ray Ballantyne won the 7 Cedars Stay and Play overnight, dinner and golf round for two.
Second Place: Kevin Tracy won a $100 gift card from Dupuis’ restaurant in Port Angeles.
Game 2 First Place: Kevin Tracy won a $100 gift card from Tedesco’s restaurant in Sequim.
Second Place: Barry Halsted won $25 gift cards from Auto Zone and The Co-Op in Sequim.
Although collecting passport stamps from only 5 qualifying airports were required, some participants visited more. After all, the annual Poker Run is an incentive to get out and fly our aircraft. A special prize was awarded to Emily Westcott and Aidan Lara who flew Emily’s Cessna 172 to all 15 airports listed on the entry form!
The poker hands were fun for the audience as well as for the players, and the money ($540) collected provided a generous addition to the chapter’s scholarship fund. With the games over, the September chapter meeting closed and a Burger Bash followed, served by Dave Miller.
From the October 2025 newsletter
Written by Barry Halsted.
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