District IX Report - 2005/04
February trip to Denver
I attended the annual Jefco Auction and here is a recap of a busy weekend.
The Jefco auction attracts roughly 1,000 area modelers. Denver-area Associate Vice President (AVP) Travis McGinnis made the first weekend in February a busy and productive time. Travis picked me up at the airport Friday and we went to the fairgrounds to assemble the AMA display booth.
Later we met AMA President Dave Brown, Executive Director Don Koranda, and outgoing District IX Vice President (VP) Russ Miller for dinner. On Saturday we opened the AMA booth and spent the day meeting, greeting, and talking with area modelers. In the afternoon, Larry Hansen, VP of the Arvada Associated Modelers—the nation's largest aeromodeling club—took Dave, Don, and me for a tour of their outstanding field where we met and talked with several modelers.
Roast of Russ Miller and recognitions
Saturday evening was the highlight of the weekend as we held a Roast of Russ Miller. Don underscored his two goals for AMA:
- Grow membership
- Provide exceptional customer service
Dave shared his thoughts on AMA, then AVP Michael Harrington was the hit of the evening with a presentation that made us laugh until we cried. It was a great time with many laughs and fond memories. Dave Brown concluded the evening on a serious note by awarding Russ the President's Award. This was only the third time such an award has been presented and it reflects Russ's dedication to District IX and AMA for the past nine years.
On a personal note, Russ has been outstanding in helping me assume this responsibility and has made the transition seamless. Russ, good luck to you and thank you so much for your dedication to District IX!
Since we had everyone's attention and the AMA executives in place, we recognized our District IX webmaster, Jim Shaw, for his hard work. Jim was presented with a shirt signifying his position and the date our district Web site went online. Jim wore his new shirt proudly at the auction the next day.
We also recognized the hard work of Travis McGinnis, Russ's predecessor. Dave Brown told us he first met Travis when Travis was a judge at the Nats back in the 1960s. After a discussion and several stories about Travis, it was agreed that Dave would present Travis with only the fourth President's Award.
Sunday meetings and field visit
I hosted a breakfast meeting Sunday for several area club presidents and other stakeholders, which afforded me the opportunity to learn how AMA and I can be of assistance in 2005 — in other words, how I can make their jobs easier. This was a great meeting and the details are posted on the district Web site. You do check the site often, don't you? After all, it's your Web site! If you haven't taken a peek lately, jump on the net at www.amadistrict-ix.org
After breakfast, Jefco President Jerry Hawkins took me to the club's field to see its great flying site. Then we returned to the auction where the action was hot and heavy. I climbed on the airplane late Sunday afternoon just in time to see the first quarter of the Super Bowl. I had a great time and want to thank everyone for their warm hospitality. You people in Denver are great!
I hope to travel to each state in District IX to participate in something similar and especially to meet you in person.
Until next month, have fun and keep in touch!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
