AMA News - District VIII Report

I WILL showcase several submissions from members this month. If you would like to sec your club or your special interest showcased within this monthly column, please consult the guidelines that can be viewed at the following: http://www.ama-dist-S.org/SubmittingToCol.html. For any additional information concerning your submission of materials to be included in this column, please contact me at the above address. The following was submitted, using the above referenced guidelines, by John Rice, E-mail: [email protected]; work (361) 358-3915; home (361)358-0231. "Would you be interested in a brief story, and photo for your column in Model Aviation? It's about our club's fly-in and donation of animal food to the local animal shelter. "Sunday, May 26, 2002, Bee Radio Control Flying Club held its third annual Spring Fly-in. The event was at the club's field on the closed NAS Chase Field in Beeville TX. "For the first time the group collected a landing fee—pet food to be donated to the local animal shelter. The shelter manager estimates that the club donated a week-and-a-half to a two-week supply. "The local newspaper reported the fly-in and the donation of pet food along with a photo helping us maintain a positive image for the club in the community." L to R are Walter Rohr (BR/CFC vice president) along with animal control officer Cirildo Garza, and club members Humberto Perez and Robert Shroyer with some of the animal food collected during their spring fly-in. The food was donated to the local animal shelter. This project appears to be a well-done community outreach service program and I sincerely appreciate the report John submitted. Thank you! "On June 8,2002, the Cen Tex Modelers Inc. hosted Troop 287 of the Boy Scouts of America at our flying field. The purpose of the gathering was to introduce the Scouts to model aviation. "Eleven Scouts and six guests were introduced to a wide variety of model aircraft including rubber-powered, stick-built kits, electrics, and '/:A Control Line models. Radio Control (RC) models present were basic trainers, sport. Pattern, large aircraft. Combat, Scale, and helicopters. Present also were two RC Towline Gliders. "Before flying began, our club president addressed the group stressing the importance of safety as depicted in the above photograph, and described the use of frequency control. The participants were shown the inside of a model and were briefed about the function of the radio equipment. "Flying demonstrations of all types of aircraft were presented to an enthusiastic audience; enthusiasm peaked when the Scouts were given the opportunity to fly the buddy box with our experienced fliers. The opportunity for hands on experience was a pleasant surprise for them. "The day was topped off by a hot dog lunch provided by our club. A lot of friendly interaction between our guests and ourselves made for a totally satisfying day for all." Club secretary Charles C. Culver, with assistance from Jim Andrukates and Robert Mass, submitted the above information. This appears to have been another well-executed community outreach program. I sincerely appreciate such work as this and I also appreciate the reporting of your club's activities for this column. What is your life worth? What would it be worth to you in a time of crisis at one of your club's modeling activities to have someone certified in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) immediately at hand? Chris Berardi, president of the Ft. Worth Thunderbirds, informed me that his club offers a year's free membership to those certified to administer CPR. All a member needs to do is present his or her CPR certificate to an officer to have the '•'' "'•'''• '-' membership renewed automatically. Wouldn't it be nice if all of your fellow club members were certified? AMA, the glue that bonds modelers together! Above are the officers of the International Miniature Aircraft Association (IMAA) at their June 2002 meeting during the Rally of Giants. L to R are secretary/treasurer Don Vineyard, president and AMA liaison Tom Hayden, and vice president Robert Bush. Here is the entire IMAA board of directors meeting in the AMA Executive Council boardroom during the 2002 Rally of Giants. The IMAA is one of the largest of the AMA Special Interest Groups and it is an organization that will be reinventing itself to confront the needs of the large Scale model aircraft enthusiast in the 21st century. Please note this date change for the Southwestern Aeromodeling Conference. The event will be held October 3 and 4, 2003, at the Convention Center in Arlington TX. AMA, modelers sharing solutions with other modelers! >••• • " •• • *• "•" • •••> Flying, fun, and fellowship! Dr. Sandy Frank, your representative to the AMA Executive Council.