District IX Report - 2005/02
THANK YOU for your support. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as your District IX vice president (VP)! You voted me into this important position based on my desire to accomplish several goals. As the District IX VP, my campaign promises are as follows:
Campaign promises
- I will establish and maintain a District IX website which will facilitate announcements, news, and reviews of District IX events; provide a calendar of events maintained by District IX clubs; offer a place for questions and answers about any concerns you have and suggestions as to how the AMA can better serve you; and act as a central clearinghouse for the district's needs and members' opinions.
- I will explore the level of interest in a centrally located District IX fly-in.
- I will visit all major District events in person to meet fellow modelers as time and resources permit.
- I will return all telephone calls and e-mails within 48 hours. I will be responsive to your needs and expectations from the AMA.
District IX website
I truly believe my first order of business is to establish a District IX website, but I don't want it to be "Mark Smith's website." The new site should be a reflection of the District IX membership.
I am extremely pleased to announce that Jim Shaw from the Denver, Colorado, area has agreed to assume the position of District IX webmaster. Jim brings to the position a strong information technology (IT) background. He holds the position of International Miniature Aircraft Association (IMAA) District IX assistant director and is currently working on developing that organization's website.
I have had some members express interest in working to develop a top-notch site. I ask you to carefully consider lending your expertise to the task. If you can lend a hand in this important task, please contact Jim at your earliest convenience. Call him at (303) 421-1738 or send him an e-mail at [email protected].
Associate Vice Presidents (AVPs)
My next order of business is to ensure that you are supported by dedicated District IX associate vice presidents (AVPs). I have written to each of the existing AVPs, outlining my desires and ascertaining their willingness to step up to the responsibility. With input from the AVPs, I will divide the district into manageable areas so that you can know who to contact with issues that need immediate attention.
I am looking for our AVPs to attend local functions and report back through this monthly MA column and with many pictures on our new website. I plan to solicit input from the AVPs about how to vote on crucial AMA issues. Again, our website will be instrumental in gathering this information.
Kansas City AVP — Jerry Tuttle
I want to introduce to you my replacement as AVP for the Kansas City area. Jerry Tuttle, of Olathe, Kansas, is a lifelong modeler and has held offices in many clubs in both Kansas and Texas. He was instrumental in obtaining new flying fields in Grand Prairie, Texas, and in DeSoto, Kansas. Jerry says that the advances in radio control equipment keep the hobby fresh for him.
Jerry is a retired General Motors engineer and has a degree in mechanical/electrical engineering from General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan. He has participated in all forms of aeromodeling including free flight (FF), control line (CL), and several forms of gliders. Jerry's serious modeling started in the early 1960s when single-channel radio-control equipment first became available. Since then the rapid advances in RC equipment have kept the hobby new and fresh for him. Indoor RC is Jerry's new interest and his goal is true controlled flight in his living room.
Jerry is looking forward to helping other clubs and modelers in District IX take advantage of the many services and facilities offered by the AMA.
That's it for this month. I will strive to have more pictures in my next article. Until then, fly safely and, most importantly, have fun! Keep in touch.
Mark
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
