Community involvement is a necessary asset for clubs to keep in their arsenal to allow security of their club and flying sites. Some people in South Dakota have undertaken such an effort that puts them in a positive spotlight with their local community.
The Beresford Area Radio Flyers of Alcester, South Dakota, have received a Recognition and Reward grant from the AMA for $100. The club hosted a fun-fly that raised money for a group in the community that provides specially equipped van rides to the handicapped.
The AMA offers numerous programs to assist clubs. Take the time to visit the AMA website so you may better understand the benefits available.
I attended the AMA Executive Council (EC) meeting that was held in conjunction with the AMA Expo in Ontario. The AMA vice presidents extended their stay this year and held the EC meeting on Monday so the public would have in increased opportunity to chat with the council members. The change worked well and I appreciated having more interface with all AMA members in addition to those visiting from District IX.
Lora Knowlton from District IX managed the event for the Academy. She has managed this event for the last few years and her dedication and attention to detail contributed to make this an event that AMA can be proud of.
The Expo was a resounding success with many vendors, swappers, buyers, and gawkers. Let me briefly discuss a couple of highlights. Bruce Jenner, who is an RC pilot, was in attendance and gave a great speech. It appears his popularity has not diminished over the years.
Another highlight that drew much attention was the world’s largest ARF. It is a 65% Dr.1 that has a 16-foot wingspan and is slightly below the AMA weight limit of 125 pounds. It is being marketed for $3,600.
The manufacturer is planning to have four of these ready to fly at the Joe Nall event this year. You can check it out on YouTube. What a machine!
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Lora Knowlton, event manager from District IX, and Norm Berger, District IX AVP and webmaster pose by the Dr.1. It seems thousands wanted to pose in front of this airplane during the show.
Fred Hildebrand from Casper, Wyoming, has been a District IX associate vice president (AVP) for several years. He is passing the baton to others so that he can spend more time with his wife, Meg, and enjoy other activities. If you are aware of an individual in the Wyoming area who might be interested in taking on the challenging and satisfying task of doing AVP volunteer work for the AMA, get in touch with me.
The AMA is forming a foundation to bring focus to non-dues revenue. I am chairing the committee to make this happen along with other capable individuals. The documentation to approve the foundation has been submitted and approved by the state of Indiana and documentation has been sent to the Internal Revenue Service and I anticipate imminent approval.
The AMA EC maintains control of the foundation with a foundation Board of Directors working closely with the council. The benefits of this foundation are numerous.
At the forefront is the benefit of relieving the Academy of significant financial pressures. We should be able to provide improvements and take some pressure off of the operating budget.
Numerous details about various aspects of the effort can be found in Model Aviation on the “Donations” pages. Inclusion in wills and financial contributions are just a couple of ways in which you in District IX can keep our hobby and sport healthy and fun.
