View from HQ
Joyce Hager, Executive Director
Membership and Website Passwords
AMA has launched a new password-protection system on its website at www.modelaircraft.org. This system will require a password for online renewal of membership and to access the "Members Only" section. Please activate your password today.
Chartered Clubs — Recharter Reminder
As of April 13, 2004, more than 400 clubs have not rechartered for 2004–2005. Are you sure your club has rechartered?
All information was mailed in January to the club contact. If you did not receive this package, please contact Lois Pierce at (800) 435-9262 or loisp@modelaircraft.org. Remember, you only need to resubmit your bylaws if there were changes from the ones you submitted last year. Don’t be caught without insurance for your club activities and flying site.
Awards and Appreciation
Is there someone in your community or within your club who needs special recognition? Check the AMA website to see if there is an appropriate award your club can give.
One honor I can suggest is the Appreciation Award. Clubs may purchase an award of appreciation for flying-site providers and others who assist chartered clubs in their endeavors. The AMA certificate is nicely designed and signed by me.
- Walnut-mounted plaque: up to 30 words inscribed in calligraphy, decorated with a gold seal and red, white, and blue ribbon — $25 postpaid.
- For more information, contact Erin Dobbs at (765) 287-1256, ext. 272, or erind@modelaircraft.org.
Tribute: Richard Schefer
I was asked to put the following pictures in my column by Mark Murray of Eatonton, Georgia. He wrote the following:
"My friend, Richard Schefer, started this airplane approximately two months ago so he could fly in a warbird fly-in that his club was having.
"Richard was battling cancer and trying to keep a business going for a friend. He was also a deacon in his church and had a large number of projects to oversee. Richard always did things for others and did not take time for himself.
"Richard Schefer died on January 31, and never got to finish the airplane.
"I have known him for a long time. We were school friends, Army pals, and went to college together when we got out of the service. We worked for the same company after college and only after the company sold out did we go our separate ways.
"Richard got me interested in RC airplanes. He built a glider for me and later a trainer. I thought it was only fitting to finish the airplane and show it in Model Aviation as a tribute to him.
"Richard was a member of the Memphis Taildraggers. All of his life he was a generous person and recently made a contribution to AMA which was listed in the February issue of Model Aviation.
"It was a real pleasure to complete this model for my friend as a token of our long friendship."
Mark, I am sure there will be a void in many people's lives with the passing of your friend.
Community Outreach: Palos Flying Club
This month I have another letter I want to share with you from J.R. Centeno, vice president of the Mount Greenwood Chamber of Commerce. He writes:
"My name is J.R. Centeno. I'm the vice president of Mount Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, a community on the South Side of Chicago.
"For the past four years the Palos Flying Club was asked to help our area put on a static display for the kids on the South Side. Many of these kids have never seen an RC airplane before. This club does an outstanding job educating the children about aviation.
"The event that my chamber sponsors is called 'Party in the Park.' Last year more than 3,000 kids showed up. The Palos club was there from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Many club members spent their Saturday helping us promote the Mount Greenwood area. Their dedication to teach this hobby to all ages, boys and girls, is outstanding.
"On Sunday, March 14, our chamber had a South Side parade that included our mayor. More than 200,000 people were there to see the floats made by all the local businesses.
"We again asked the Palos club for its help and they were there in full force. The club let us use its sound system which was great. We had people dancing in the streets. The club members helped set up and stayed until it was over.
"Sheriff Michael Sheen was so impressed with this club that he asked for more information about it. The Chamber of Commerce is grateful for everything that this club has done for our city.
"We just want you to know what this club means to us."
Thank you, J.R., for sharing this with us. We encourage all chartered clubs and members to participate in community activities. This just shows what they can do.
That is all for this month. MA
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
