AMA News - District VII Report

Bill Oberdieck Vice President PO Box 1076 Southgate Ml 48195 Tel.: (734) 283-4813 Fax: (734) 283-0650 E-mail: [email protected] Web page: http://www.amadistrictvii.org Associate Vice Presidents Bren Bailey, 1440 Center St., Marquette Ml 49855; (906) 228-7747; E-mail: [email protected] Larry Brannan, 2181 Cascade Lakes Cir., Grand Rapids Ml 49546; (616) 956-6012; E-mail: [email protected] Ed Bucki, PO Box 324, S. Rockwood Ml 48179; (734) 379-4054; E-mail: [email protected] Bud Gorman, Box 33, Knife River MN 55609; E-mail: [email protected] Russell Knetzger, 2625 E. Shorewood Boulevard, Milwaukee WI 53211; (414) 962-0637 Thomas D. Lazar, 435 Hubbell St., Marshall WI 53559-9409; E-mail: [email protected] Bill Millar, 712 Grand Ave., Petoskey Ml 49770 (231) 347-2347; E-mail: [email protected] Tom Pierce, 6862 Frith Rd., St. Clair Ml 48079 (810)367-6450; E-mail: [email protected] Mark E. Robotti, 26540 Olympic Trail, North Lindstrom MN 55045 Frequency Coordinators (West): Al Schwartz, 2787 Fernwood, Roseville MN 55113; (651)633-2286 (East): Pete Waters, 7420 Seven Mile Rd. ,. . Northville Ml 48167; (248) 486-4800 Each month I try to write an informative column with pictures and information describing what is going on with the clubs in District VU. Unfortunately, my deadline for this month is here and I have not received any submissions, so I'll start this column with what has been the subject of some E-mails, letters, and telephone calls I have received. Yeah, you guessed it—a dues increase. Dave Brown, president of AM A, has explained in his column the problems the organization is facing regarding increased expenses. For me to go into the same area would only be redundant. The simple fact of the matter is—the cost of operation is increasing. So far, the comments I have received are roughly equal in favor of or opposing any increase in annual dues, and will be presented to the Executive Council. The members of the Executive Council are certainly looking at ways to try to keep costs down. Each District Vice President brings suggestions he receives from his constituents to the meetings for discussion. Some of the suggestions have merit and others do not, but all are taken into consideration. The council members are aware that it is sometimes difficult for the membership to understand why certain decisions are made. Because of the complexities involved in merely the normal, day-to-day operation of such a large organization, decisions must be made regularly. ..,,. ,, It has been suggested that the membership be informed of all that goes on, but to attempt such a thing would be nearly impossible. To try to notify the membership of every decision would require an increase in personnel as well as the added cost incurred for publication. It is the consensus of the council that no one is particularly supportive of a dues increase, but the facts are undeniable. How much of a dues increase will be implemented, and when this will occur, are uncertain as of this writing, but a decision may have been made by the time you read this. I am certain that, regardless of our sources of income, we can expect an increase in dues whether our income is based on fixed costs or otherwise. Consider the cost—that of a half gallon of glow fuel divided by 12—as the price to guarantee your continued enjoyment of the hobby/sport of model aviation. Think about the benefits that the Academy has provided for us and so many others and will continue to do so in the future. I hope everyone has been enjoying a great season so far and will continue to do so in a safe, responsible manner. Only we are responsible for our actions. ii In the meantime I would like to sec more clubs sending articles about their activities. This column is for you in District VII and is a means of getting your report into print. Whether you write about a sanctioned •; contest, a fun-fly, your club's newcomer program, an upcoming mall show, an ,; educational endeavor, or even a club member's newest project, the District VII monthly column is a great way to publicize your club and activities. I am sure there are activities that would be of interest to others but you can't share them if you don't send in the report of the activity. We can't help each other if we keep our activities a secret. > Until next time, have fun, fly safely, and : introduce someone new to our hobby. -C.A.V.U.