District VIII - 2010/09
Staff changes
I have effected a huge change in the District VIII staff. Doug "Chief" Powell, who has been an Associate Vice President (AVP) and Contest Coordinator for at least a dozen years, asked me to replace him as AVP. Fortunately, he agreed to stay on as the Contest Coordinator if he could get some relief from other duties.
After a year-and-a-half search and conversations with many club officers and individuals, a replacement is on board. Cliff Town from Dumas, Texas, has accepted the position and with it a change to the area of responsibility. Cliff will cover the Panhandles of Texas and Oklahoma. Please welcome him to your events and thank him for his volunteer efforts for the AMA and District VIII.
About Cliff Town
- Longtime modeler: started with control-line (CL) in 1961 and moved to single-channel radio control (RC) in 1963.
- Flew Pattern in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Currently flies fun-flys and International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC).
- Retired from Diamond Shamrock in 2000 and remains active throughout his area.
Tribute to Doug "Chief" Powell
I can't say too much about Chief! He has been a mainstay for the district for years and will continue to be my friend and confidant. If you want a tutorial on how to be an AVP or Contest Coordinator, he is the man to provide it. I am thankful to have had him on my team, to have him represent the AMA on several national efforts, and to have him continue as our RC Contest Coordinator. If you see either of these fine gentlemen, please look them in the eye, tell them thanks for what they do, and firmly shake their hands.
IMAA Rally of Giants
I attended the International Miniature Aircraft Association (IMAA) Rally of Giants at Bomber Field near Houston, Texas, in early June. B.B. Webber and his crew did a fantastic job preparing the field and hosting the event. Modelers from across the U.S. enjoyed the rally and each other’s company. Thanks to Bill Hamby and the IMAA for returning to District VIII and to Nick Stratos for CDing another good event.
Community support: Cen-Tex Modelers
Hubert Dirr of the Cen-Tex Modelers in Killeen, Texas, relates a story of his club donating $400, with additional personal donations of $400, to the Cen-Tex Humane Society Second Chance Animal Shelter. The shelter suffered a serious fire in November 2009, resulting in the loss of 110 animals and damage to 75% of the facility. When Hubert told the club about the fire and the expense of rebuilding, they immediately approved the donation. This is a club supporting its local community efforts.
Texas City RC Club and Braden Clough Big Bird Fly-In
The Texas City RC Club received an AMA Flying Site Grant, which helped pay for the new club building on its site; the building was funded by the city and is to be repaid by the club. I attended the club’s Braden Clough Big Bird Fly-In and grand opening ceremony, which was well attended by spectators, city officials, and modelers. There were even full-scale aerobatic and parachute team demonstrations. I was thrilled again by Debby Rihn Harvey and her spectacular flying in her CAP 232. The club president, Randy Brown (not the Randy Brown who helped in the IMAA Rally), received a MAD certificate for his efforts as president and as the prime mover in obtaining the AMA grant.
AMA staff changes
Tony Stillman resigned as the District V vice president so he could assume a paid position with the AMA. While I am saddened by his departure from the Executive Council (EC), I am delighted that he will be taking on added responsibilities as the AMA Flying Site Coordinator. If you have flying site issues or are attempting to secure a new site, Tony is the person to contact at [email protected]. I will miss his calm approach and sage advice while serving on the EC, but having met his replacement, Jose Soto, I am confident that both District V and the AMA will continue to be served well for years to come.
Jim Rice District VIII
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
