October 2004 167
I WANT to remind you that this year is an
important AMA election year. I often have
conversations with members regarding
certain issues. My first question is whether
the member has taken the time to vote in the
past. The answer has been “what does one
vote matter?” Well believe me, it does.
Regardless of who is successful, the
member has made his or her voice heard. I
remind you to let your voice be heard by
voting when you get your ballot, and please
make sure you return the ballot to the right
place. Do not return it with your membership
renewal.
The past few months I have really busy
trying to fit in as many events as possible
when the weather permits. We have not had a
spectacular spring in my area and the summer
hasn’t been all that great either.
This is being written in July and this is not
a July typical of past years.
I was fortunate to attend the first
International Miniature Aircraft Club
(IMAC) event hosted by the Jackson R/C
Modelers Club of Jackson, Michigan. I
arrived at the site and was thoroughly
impressed by what I saw.
The field is located on a capped county
landfill. It has a very slight uphill grade from
east to west, which did not seem to bother
any of the pilots. The day was bright and
sunny with little wind. The landing area was
comparable to a golf club fairway.
From all the comments I received from
the IMAC group and the club members, they
plan to hold another event next year. Great
job, Jackson Modelers!
Set up time!
The ready line shows the variety of
airplanes present at the event.
(L to R) Fred Mazur, District VII IMAA
director; Pete Dillon, one of the original
founders of the Jackson Modelers; and Bill
Oberdieck, AMA District VII vice president.
I was also able to attend the annual AMA
Homecoming at the Muncie, Indiana,
International Flying Site. This event is held
every year for the purpose of inviting the
AMA membership to see the site, discuss
issues, visit the museum, fly their airplanes,
and generally have a good time. It is a venue
for a general membership meeting, which is
required by our bylaws.
One of the features is the barbecue that
has always been delicious. This event is a
perfect time for the membership to gather
together for just plain fun and camaraderie. I
would strongly suggest that if at all possible
you make plans to visit the AMA
Homecoming event in 2005.
AMA president Dave Brown addressing
members’ questions.
The special occasion is Jay Mealy’s
birthday! (L to R) Wayne Yeager, Ron
Morgan, Joe Visley, Jay Mealy, and Ginger
and Dave Mathewson.
Homecoming flightline.
Two of the aircraft that were flown.
Again, I’d like to remind you that if you want
your voice to be heard in the matters of our
organization, you must vote. Read the
statements and gather as much information as
possible to help your decision, but vote.
Until next time, have fun, fly safely, and
get a child introduced into this wonderful
hobby. C.A.V.U.
Associate Vice Presidents
Guy Barber, 9879 SE Torch Lake Dr., Alden, MI
49612 Tel.: (231) 331-4807
Larry Brannan, 2181 Cascade Lakes Cir., Grand
Rapids MI 49546; (616) 956-6012; E-mail:
[email protected]
Ed Bucki, PO Box 324, S. Rockwood MI 48179;
(734) 379-4054; E-mail: [email protected].
Bud Gorman, Box 33, Knife River MN 55609;
E-mail: [email protected]
Thomas D. Lazar, 435 Hubbell St., Marshall WI
53559-9409; E-mail: [email protected]
Jon McVay, 5 Hillcrest Heights Ln., Mount Vernon
IA 52314-9611; (319) 895-6527; E-mail:
[email protected]
Tom Pierce, 6862 Frith Rd., St. Clair MI 48079
(810) 367-6450; E-mail:
[email protected]
Mark E. Robotti, 26540 Olympic Trail, North
Lindstrom MN 55045
Tom Ryan, Box 1111, Milwaukee WI 53201; (414)
881-0070; E-mail: [email protected]
Frequency Coordinators
(West): Al Schwartz, 2787 Fernwood, Roseville
MN 55113; (651) 633-2286
(East): Pete Waters, 7420 Seven Mile Rd.
Northville MI 48167; (248) 486-4800
District VII Report
Iowa / Michigan /
Minnesota / Wisconsin
Bill Oberdieck
Vice President
Box 1076
Southgate MI 48195
Tel.: (734) 283-4813
Fax: (734) 283-0650
E-mail: [email protected]
District VII Web page: www.amadistrictvii.org
04oct.qxd 7/26/04 9:17 am Page 167
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/10
Page Numbers: 167