View from HQ
Joyce Hager Executive Director
Look for complete Nats coverage in the December issue of Model Aviation.
Another month has come and gone, but not without rain and wind. The 2003 National Aeromodeling Championships (Nats) is now history.
Again, I want to thank all those people who volunteered to make this a successful event. The Nats would not be possible without the help of the volunteers, Special Interest Groups, and the paid staff members who devote much of their time for six weeks to make this event happen for the contestants. Even though the weather was not very cooperative this year, I have heard nothing but good things from the members who attended.
A big thank you to all those who are involved. You are appreciated.
I want to share with you a letter from H. Reuter, a member from Orion, Michigan, about something that you as an individual or your club could get involved in for your community.
"Today I went to our library to exchange one of the airplanes in my exhibit when it dawned on me that next week will be the one-year anniversary of a one-week exhibit. The staff is still supportive and made an acknowledgement card hung with the airplanes. They also indicated that the display is a bright spot for them and the public, and the kids never tire of looking.
"I had also been asked if it would be all right for the staff to provide my phone number to any interested parties, so we have a public facility helping promote our hobby on a daily basis. Who could ask for anything more as exposure to a public whose support you may need? The obscurity of your activity is lifted.
"While this is great for only one person, how much greater for an involved club? Working in conjunction with the library staff, programs for historical events, book promotions, and technical developments are a few of the activities that a club could provide with visual stimulus. A club could change airplanes monthly or provide a theme representing different types and uses of airplanes.
"The way I opened up this opportunity was by doing small displays befitting a library promotion event. Usually these are events to stimulate children's interest in books and what the library has to offer.
"In all cases these displays have been small—16–18-inch airplanes—even when later (years) the library suggested they may hang some from the ceiling if not too heavy. At this point I suggested a mobile. They became quite enthused. I provided over a dozen airplanes on two mobiles—a park flyer for Radio Control (RC), the rest rubber, CO2, or .020 Control Line. Then each time I changed the scenery and then added a larger airplane. I now have at least three .40-size RC aircraft hanging.
"The single biggest reward in doing this is the hugs I get from the ladies—a certain indication of welcome.
"I would highly recommend that any club looking for positive public opinion seek out a library they can work with. First, offer model classes for interested children regardless of age. The only requirement I made was that the parents must help their children. We have had more moms than pops and everyone enjoyed their experience. 1½-hour classes with one for building, one for finishing, and one for flying and trimming for corrections to flight."
Clubs may also want to supply the library with a subscription to Model Aviation for the cost of $16 per year.
Thank you for your letter and your contributions to the hobby. MA
Happy flying,
Joyce Hager Executive Director [email protected]
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
