The Haught Corner
Here's our Newcomers issue—designed to help those of all ages find ways and means to enjoy our hobby. Much of the material was generated or solicited in response to our January 1995 Youth Issue. We have broadened our focus this time, acknowledging that there are plenty of new modelers in all age groups.
We hope that we have succeeded in our attempt to have a little something for everyone; columnists, officers, feature authors, and staff have joined in this effort. We want it to be informative, educational, and fun. (How could a Control Line XB-70 not be fun?) Let us know how we did with a card or letter, or call the AMA Suggestion Line: (317) 287-1256, extension 223.
Thanks to those who have called or written with comments on the April column (concerning my father's passing). The vast majority seem to have understood the point I was trying to make, as well as the difficulty in expressing it adequately. Glad to know the message got through somehow!
We are also still compiling a list of modeling superstitions (March column). I've heard about lucky strings, favorite socks—all sorts of crazy things. When we get a few more, I'll share the best with you.
I finally did get rid of my unlucky blue flying pants, though. I tried to tempt fate by wearing them during the National Football League playoffs, and sure enough, the wrong teams won! That did it—into the trash they went.
Correction
Sometimes you can lose the forest for the trees; that's what happened when I wrote "About the Cover" for April. I got all the correct information about the Hunt family, but inadvertently neglected to give a photo credit to Ruth Chin of Muncie. Apologies to Ruth for the oversight.
No Newcomer Here
So many things are "new" with this issue that there is even a new face (but not a newcomer to the organization) at the top of the AMA masthead. By the time this column is printed, I suspect it will be common knowledge that AMA has a new Acting Executive Director in Joyce Hager.
While Joyce is well-known within AMA circles, the membership at large may not be as familiar with her. Before you ask, "Joyce who?" let me fill you in a little bit about who she is, what she has done, and what she brings to the job:
- Joyce has been with AMA since 1970.
- She has worked in Competitions, Membership, and Accounting departments, and has contributed occasionally to Model Aviation.
- She served as executive assistant to former Executive Director John Worth for many years.
- She recently served Jerry Rouillard in a similar capacity and has been Director of Operations.
- She has extensive experience working trade shows and the Nationals.
I doubt there is anyone on staff who is more universally respected than Joyce for her knowledge of how AMA works. More importantly, though she is not a modeler, she understands modelers; she knows our likes and dislikes, and knows how to help solve our problems. She has a gregarious personality, is a good listener, but definitely knows where to draw the line and take action.
"Joyce is one of those rare persons whose actions inspire confidence in others."
What is even more amazing about this turn of events is that, in an organization that has taken some "hits" for its lack of women participants (and occasionally, its attitude toward same), the idea of a woman filling this important role is a nonissue. That's a real measuring stick of Joyce's ability. And who else could get unanimous endorsement by the Executive Council?
This is no token appointment, either. Where one might have heard phrases like "figurehead" or "paper tiger," the comments I've heard from AMA officers past and present are along the lines of "overdue," "should have happened years ago," and "nobody better."
I know that there was a bit of hesitation on Joyce's part before she agreed to fill the Executive Director role; I'm sure she wondered how she would be accepted by the membership, besides the normal amount of uneasiness about taking on such a challenging position. I hope that we can quickly show that such fears were and are groundless. I cannot help but think that anyone who may have doubts would have them quickly erased after meeting this woman.
Sure, it might be a little bit difficult for Joyce to expound about specific rule changes, or the merits of one model or another, but that's not really her role anyway. She can handle the day-to-day business of AMA in a manner that few have been able to do. And I hope that once she proves that—to herself as much as to others—she will feel comfortable enough with the job to want it on a permanent basis.
Even when you disagree with her opinions or decisions, you know that there is reason and thought put behind them. Ultimately that's what makes opposing views more palatable to those with the opposing view—at least you know that you've been heard. And if you do have that opposing view, Joyce will listen and try to understand and reason with you. As mentioned above, she will draw the line and make the tough calls as needed, but you come away respecting her ability to make such decisions—and that's inspiring in itself.
Is this all a bunch of apple-polishing on my part? It might seem that way, but it isn't. Rarely am I enthused about those in positions of power. But I firmly believe that we have the ideal person in place to help AMA through these difficult times and get everything back on track. We owe it to her—and ourselves as members—to help in any way we can.
Certain times seem to be "made" for certain people, and I believe that this is Joyce's time. It will be exciting, fun, challenging, and rewarding to AMA staff and members alike. And the best fate is that by the time her tenure in office is complete, she will be placed in the high regard currently reserved for a select few before her.
Jim Haught Managing Editor
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
