District VII Report - 2004/02

February 2004 177
IT’S THE MIDDLE of what I call the
building or repairing season for most of us
in District VII. Most of the four states are
either cold or buried under some snow.
Some of the heartier district members get
out and fly in those conditions. Sorry, it’s
not for me. I’ve had my fill of frostbitten
fingers, but I do applaud those members
who brave the wintry blasts.
This is the time of year when we should be
thinking about and planning what our clubs
will be doing during the flying season. I
want to direct the following to all of the club
officers and members in District VII.
In my travels, I have noticed some things
that I think are very important and must be
addressed. These are not simple safety
issues, but “what ifs.”
For instance, let’s say a club member
suffers a severe cut or heart attack. Is there
some means of contacting the local
emergency agency (911)? Would the
responders know where the field is? Do
members know the fastest way to the nearest
hospital or medical facility? Is there an upto-
date first aid kit at the field? Let’s say a
small fire is ignited. Are there appropriate
fire extinguishers on hand?
There are some people who hold the
notion “it will never happen to me.” I hope
that nothing serious ever does happen, but
should something happen wouldn’t we all
feel more secure knowing that our club and
the members are prepared. “’Tis better to
have and not need, than to need and not
have.”
Larry Brannan, associate vice president
from the west side of Michigan, sends in this
report from the Kent Radio Aero Modelers
(KRAMs) recognition of Veterans held
September 20, 2003.
The event was open to the public and
honored 20 veterans from the Grand Rapids
Veterans Home. KRAM members are also
involved with the new Michigan Military
Air, Land, and Sea Museum, which will
cover roughly 60,000 square feet.
Also present was Bob Rodenhouse who
has more than 2,500 hours in B-17s. He
described what it was like during World
War II.
Some of the veterans watching the flying
activities.
The family that flies together, stays
together. Chris, Pam, and Alex Bohm.
Bob Rodenhouse has more than 2,500
hours in a B-17.
Models depicting the World War I and II
aircraft.
The second report comes from Jim Gevay,
secretary, and Keith Sandberg, president, of
the Piston Poppers of Minneapolis,
Minnesota.
Each year the club hosts a special contest
called the Kids Kontest to introduce children
to model aviation. Kids from 8 to 14 years
of age are invited to participate.
The Kontest is made up using Control
Line airplanes that the members supply. At
the end of the Kontest all the Kontestants
receive a framed certificate and the winners
receive a bronze, silver, or gold medal on a
ribbon. There is also a raffle held for prizes
donated by the local hobby shops.
The kids at the Piston Poppers’ Kids
Kontest had a great time!
The top three finishers at the Kids Kontest
with their prizes.
This is a great idea for other clubs to
consider.
Till the next time, introduce a youngster to
our hobby/sport. Remember, safety is no
accident. See you at the field. C.A.V.U.
Associate Vice Presidents
Larry Brannan, 2181 Cascade Lakes Cir., Grand
Rapids MI 49546; (616) 956-6012; E-mail:
[email protected]
Ed Bucki, PO Box 324, S. Rockwood MI 48179;
(734) 379-4054; E-mail: [email protected]
Bud Gorman, Box 33, Knife River MN 55609;
E-mail: [email protected]
Russell Knetzger, 2625 E. Shorewood Boulevard,
Milwaukee WI 53211; (414) 962-0637
Thomas D. Lazar, 435 Hubbell St., Marshall WI
53559-9409; E-mail: [email protected]
Jon McVay, 5 Hillcrest Heights Ln., Mount Vernon
IA 52314-9611; (319) 895-6527; E-mail:
[email protected]
Bill Millar, 712 Grand Ave., Petoskey MI 49770
(231) 347-2347; E-mail: [email protected]
Tom Pierce, 6862 Frith Rd., St. Clair MI 48079
(810) 367-6450; E-mail:
[email protected]
Mark E. Robotti, 26540 Olympic Trail, North
Lindstrom MN 55045
Frequency Coordinators
(West): Al Schwartz, 2787 Fernwood, Roseville
MN 55113; (651) 633-2286
(East): Pete Waters, 7420 Seven Mile Rd.
Northville MI 48167; (248) 486-4800
District VII Report
Iowa / Michigan /
Minnesota / Wisconsin
Bill Oberdieck
Vice President
Box 1076
Southgate MI 48195
Tel.: (734) 283-4813
Fax: (734) 283-0650
E-mail: [email protected]
District VII Web page: www.amadistrictvii.org
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