Author: Jim Wallen
Edition: Model Aviation - 2013/04
Page Numbers: 146

District IX — Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming

Contact

Community involvement

Community involvement is a necessary asset for clubs to keep in their arsenal to protect their clubs and flying sites. Some people in South Dakota have undertaken an effort that puts them in a positive light in their local community.

The Beresford Area Radio Flyers of Alcester, South Dakota, received a $100 Recognition and Reward grant from the AMA. The club hosted a fun-fly that raised money for a local group that provides specially equipped van rides for the disabled.

The AMA offers numerous programs to assist clubs. Take the time to visit the AMA website so you may better understand the benefits available.

AMA Executive Council and Expo

I attended the AMA Executive Council (EC) meeting that was held in conjunction with the AMA Expo in Ontario, California. The AMA vice presidents extended their stay this year and held the EC meeting on Monday so the public would have an increased opportunity to chat with council members. I appreciated having more interaction with all AMA members, especially those visiting from District IX.

Lora Knowlton, from District IX, managed the event for the Academy. She has managed it for the last few years, and her dedication and attention to detail helped make this an event that AMA can be proud of.

The Expo was a resounding success with many vendors, swappers, buyers, and gawkers. A couple of highlights:

  • Bruce Jenner, an RC pilot, attended and gave a great speech; his popularity has not diminished over the years.
  • The world’s largest ARF drew much attention. It is a 65% Dr.1 with a 16-foot wingspan and is slightly below the AMA weight limit of 125 pounds. It is being marketed for $3,600. The manufacturer plans to have four of these ready to fly at the Joe Nall event this year. You can check it out on YouTube.

District staff changes

Fred Hildebrand from Casper, Wyoming, has been a District IX associate vice president (AVP) for several years. He is passing the baton so he can spend more time with his wife, Meg, and enjoy other activities. If you know of someone in the Wyoming area who might be interested in the challenging and satisfying volunteer work of an AVP, please get in touch with me.

AMA Foundation

The AMA is forming a foundation to bring focus to non-dues revenue. I am chairing the committee of capable individuals to make this happen. The documentation to approve the foundation has been submitted and approved by the state of Indiana and has been sent to the Internal Revenue Service. I anticipate imminent approval.

The AMA EC will maintain control of the foundation with a board of directors working closely with the council. The benefits of this foundation are numerous; at the forefront is relieving the Academy of significant financial pressures. We should be able to provide improvements and take some pressure off the operating budget.

Numerous details about the effort can be found in MA on the “Donations” pages.

How you can help

  • Inclusion in wills
  • Financial contributions

These are a couple of ways in which members in District IX can help keep our sport healthy and fun.

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.