President's Perspective

President s PERSPECTIVE fF7/ What obvious some others AMA modeling world lost its best Christmas night passing AMA District VII Vice President Don Bentfield Don served VP short two years served years associate VP brought fresh yet experienced perspective Executive Council remember comment made other VPs after Dons first EC meeting Don breath fresh air Unfortunately breath fresh air called higher level will terribly missed us left behind Dedicated AMA right up end Don talked just three days before Christmas expressed strong desire AVP Dave Gish serve out term VP accordance bylaws Dons wishes EC established election permanent replacement will held during normal election period fall per Dons appointment Dave Gish will serve interim VP District VII privileges office District VP Its always tough say goodbye realize loss pales comparison loss family am sure can speak AMA family expressing condolences mailbag has pretty active lately lot comments various columns have written recent months As typical comments run both pro con ones critical what written receiving attention subject got reaction support AMAs renewed dedication youth programs Most letters supported direction substantial number pointed out greatest potential getting new members concentrate rapidly growing population senior citizens particularly impressed letter Red Schoefield proposed might fishing wrong part pond targeting youth like line agree greatest potential getting members ranks senior citizens people see support youth programs unselfish act passing future generations sport/hobby have derived much enjoyment way very supportive lets face also wonder what might part support youth programs fits description another part support entirely selfish have noticed something last couple decades that lose large number flying sites soccer fields used primarily youth activities same time can say wisp tongue cheek am aware flying field being lost shuffleboard facility bottom line fairly simple have youngsters involved will improve chances finding keeping flying sites discussing theory some people during IMS International Modeler Show Pasadena told case club few young members testified hearing attempting close flying site testimony credited saving site Lets face public inclined provide recreational facilities youth seniors know know lose sites golf courses occasionally soccer fields other youth facilities common problem old buddy Horrace Cain has shaking tree Internet again took great exception column dealing strong chairman strong president structure successful organizations Lighten up ole buddy dont want job Ifand very big ifthe AMA ever seriously consider such structure change would take number years implement would professional position association professional model aviation interest retirement job old model airplane driver Horrace also stumping strongly RV park Muncie facility feeling no-brainer Hey dont jump Horrace agree did predecessor However have asked members using site dont agree went far ask Special Interest Group representatives recent Nats Planning meeting didnt want either Like said earlier column sometimes what obvious some obvious objected others listen honest Till next month Dave Brown AMA President dbrown@dbproductscom April 1998 7