District VII
Elections
I will stray from the normal opening for just a moment. Please bear with me. This year is an important election year for the offices of president, executive vice president, and several district vice presidents, with nominees for each position. You, the membership, are the AMA. The Executive Council (EC) is elected by you to carry out the programs and mission statements of the Academy of Model Aeronautics in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Bylaws and Standing Rules.
As a member, it is your responsibility to be informed about the candidates for the various offices. I urge you to read the résumés and the campaign statements, ask questions, and check out actual experience needed. Only by being informed can you, the member, make an educated decision with your vote. And as I have said throughout the years, your voice is your vote; let it be heard.
Club involvement and membership
The EC is always searching for ways to encourage clubs and members to become involved in promoting our hobby/sport. This participation is showing some positive results. The AMA membership continues to rise, slowly but surely — a true sign that involvement works. The following reports are proof of the concept.
Michigan — Holly Cloud Hoppers demonstration
Ed Kincer, District VII associate vice president (AVP), reports that at virtually the last minute the Michigan Department of Recreation contacted the Holly Cloud Hoppers club to put on a demonstration of aeromodeling at the Holly Recreation Park.
Attendees included:
- Secretary of State Ruth Johnson
- Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Rodney Stokes
- Other dignitaries
It was a successful event, and a major step was taken to become involved with officials who can help in our hobby/sport with flying-site acquisitions.
Michigan — Michigan Signal Seekers (Take Off and Grow)
The Michigan Signal Seekers, of Westland, Michigan, used the Take Off and Grow (TAG) program to introduce aeromodeling and its benefits to local youngsters and the community. I was in attendance at this event to observe. Scott Paschen, club president, supervised the two-day program with R/C and C/L demonstrations. Unfortunately, the names of the folks in the pictures were lost.
Iowa — Cedar Rapids R/C Club at Camp Waubeek
Geoff Barrance furnished the following information through Lloyd Swanson, District VII AVP for Eastern Iowa.
The Cedar Rapids R/C Club’s Frank Gutierrez and Geoff Barrance put on a display and flying demonstrations for the Cub Scouts at Camp Waubeek in June. There were handouts for everyone present. Frank also showed how the airplane controls work and explained their functions.
These events get attention, not only to interest youngsters but to place our hobby/sport in the forefront.
"And that's what I'm talking about."
Till next time, get involved, let your voice be heard and vote, and fly safely and have fun. C.A.V.U.
Contact
Bill Oberdieck District VII Vice President [email protected]
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
