180
FEBRUARY TRIP to Denver: I attended
the annual Jefco Auction and here is a recap
of a busy weekend!
The Jefco auction attracts roughly 1,000
area modelers and the Denver-area associate
vice president (AVP) Travis McGinnis made
the first weekend in February a busy and
productive time. Travis picked me up at the
airport Friday and we went to the fairgrounds
to assemble the AMA display booth.
Later we met AMA president Dave
Brown, Executive Director Don Koranda,
and outgoing District IX Vice President (VP)
Russ Miller for dinner. On Saturday, we
opened the AMA booth and spent the day
meeting, greeting, and talking with area
modelers. In the afternoon, Larry Hansen, the
VP of the Arvada Associated Modelers—the
nation’s largest aeromodeling club—took
Dave, Don, and me for a tour of their
outstanding field where we met and talked
with several modelers.
Saturday evening was the highlight of the
weekend as we held a Roast of Russ Miller.
Don spoke and underscored his two goals for
AMA: grow membership and provide
exceptional customer service. Dave shared
his thoughts of AMA then AVP Michael
Harrington was the hit of the evening with a
presentation that made us laugh so hard it
brought tears to our eyes!
It was a great time with many laughs and
fond memories. Dave Brown concluded the
evening on a serious note by awarding Russ
the President’s Award. Please note that this
was only the third time such an award has
been presented and it is reflective of Russ’
dedication to District IX and AMA for the
past nine years.
The AMA contingent at the Jefco Auction
included (L to R) Travis McGinnis, Michael
Harrington, Dave Brown, Mark Smith, Don
Koranda, and Russ Miller.
There was a huge crowd at the auction.
The Jefco auctioneers did a great job.
This Arvada flying family (L to R) include
Traci and Chuck Hawthorne with son Chris
Tillman.
On a personal note, I want you to know
that Russ has been outstanding in helping me
assume this responsibility and has made the
transition seamless.
Russ, good luck to you and thank you so
much for your dedication to District IX!
Since we had everyone’s attention and the
AMA executives in place, it seemed fitting
that we recognize our District IX webmaster,
Jim Shaw, for his hard work. Jim was
presented with a shirt signifying his position
and date that our district Web site went
online. Jim wore his new shirt proudly at the
auction the next day.
Last but not least, we recognized the hard
work of Travis McGinnis, Russ’ predecessor.
Dave Brown told us that he first met Travis
who was a judge at the Nats back in the
1960s! I called Dave to ask him about what I
could give Travis for all of his hard work in
putting together our visit. After an hour
discussion in which Dave told several stories
about Travis, it was agreed that Dave would
present Travis with the only the fourth
President’s Award.
Outgoing District VP Russ Miller received
the President’s Award.
Mike Harrington did an outstanding job
roasting Russ Miller.
I hosted a breakfast meeting Sunday for
several area club presidents and other
stakeholders, which afforded me the
opportunity to learn how AMA and I can be
of assistance in 2005. In other words, how
can I make their job easier?
This was a great meeting and the details
are posted on the district Web site. You do
check the site often, don’t you? After all,
it’s your Web site! If you haven’t taken a
peek lately, jump on the net at
www.amadistrict-ix.org
After breakfast, the Jefco president Jerry
Hawkins took me to the club’s field to see its
great flying site. Then we returned to the
auction where the action was hot and heavy.
I climbed on the airplane late Sunday
afternoon just in time to see the first quarter
of the Super Bowl.
I had a great time and want to thank all for
their warm hospitality. You people in Denver
are great! I hope to travel to each state in
District IX to participate in something similar
and especially to meet you in person.
Until next month, have fun and keep in
touch!
Associate Vice Presidents
Max Hansen, 1909 Wisconsin SW, Huron SD
57350
H. Michael Harrington, 6112 Ashton Ct.,
Ft. Collins CO 80525
Fred Hildebrand, 4015 Somerset Circle, Casper
WY 82609-3161
Nathan Lancaster, 3597 S. Kendall Street, Denver
CO 80235
Troy Lapp, 3419 Heartwood Drive SE, Mandan ND
58554
Travis McGinnis, 8027 W. 81st Circle, Arvada CO
80005
Don Moden, 410 Hart St., Salina KS 67401
Jerry Tuttle, 15578 S Navaho Ct., Olathe KS
66062; E-mail: [email protected]; Tel.: (913)
254-0967
Frequency Coordinator
Steve Mangles, c/o Radio Service Center, 918 S.
Sheridan, Denver CO 80226
Webmaster
Jim Shaw, 7945 Newman St., Arvada CO 80005;
Tel.: (303) 421-1738; E-mail: webamad9@
comcast.net
Colorado/Kansas/
Nebraska/North Dakota/
South Dakota/Wyoming
Mark T. Smith
Vice President
14632 W. 50th St.
Shawnee KS 66216
Tel.: (913) 568-4347
E-mail:
[email protected]
District IX Web site:
www.amadistrict-ix.org
District IX Report
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/04
Page Numbers: 180