AMA News District VIII - 2009/05
Building, Swapping, and Flying Season
We are in the middle of building and swapping season, but many of us still have flying weather as well. That makes this a busy time for those trying to finish winter building projects, prep aircraft for swap meets, and get out to fly. Oh well — someone has to do it, so it might as well be me!
Important Deadlines and Programs
- Take Off And Grow (TAG) program: entering its third year. Deadline for applications is February 1.
- Flying Site Grant: applications must be sent to me by March 1 with a complete work and funding plan.
- AMA scholarships: graduating seniors interested in any AMA scholarship need to have applications in to AMA Headquarters by April 30.
- Club charters: attention club officers — charters expire on March 31. Complete your rechartering kit and turn it in to AMA Headquarters.
Texas Municipal League Convention
Jeff Nance, the new Marketing and Programs director at AMA Headquarters, and I staffed an AMA booth at the Texas Municipal League of Cities convention in San Antonio in late October. The booth provided an opportunity to introduce AMA — its history, membership, and activities — to municipal VIPs from across the state, including mayors, city managers, council members, and law enforcement officials.
Our hope was that this introduction will help open a door down the road when a modeler or club comes knocking, looking for help with a flying field or gymnasium. We emphasized that modelers are caring, giving members of the community and that having a flying site and club in their city would make it a better place to live and raise children.
We were joined by local volunteers:
- Jim Branaum
- Andy Clapp
- Jack Matlock
This was the third such conference in the United States where AMA set up a booth for this purpose. I believe we made many excellent contacts and hope it pays off in the future.
AMA Elections
AMA elections are over for another year. Beginning in January, Doug Holland will be replaced as executive vice president by Mark Smith, former District IX vice president. Mark Smith has appointed Jim Wallen as his replacement in District IX. Thanks to Doug for his years of service.
More members voted this year than last, which is good, but still not enough in my mind. Congratulations to all of the winners, and thanks to all the other candidates who were willing to give their time and energy to our association.
Photo and Closing
My favorite picture from 2008 is of Brad Morgan flying his electric Extreme Flight Extra. Two spotters, Brian Strachan and Brendon Walker, are ready to retrieve for him. What a great sport with a bright future!
Have fun and fly safely! Jim
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
