District VII—Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Tim Jesky
Vice President
timjesky@charter.net
2886 E. Country Ln., Monroe MI 48162
Tel.: (734) 384-6085;
www.amadistrict-vii.org
TGIS—Thank God It’s Spring!
Although winter was relatively mild in my little corner of the district, it was still winter nonetheless.
You’re going to have to forgive me for repeating myself, but I say this every year about this time. If you haven’t gotten to your shop yet to check out your models and equipment, now is a good time. Tighten that covering, cycle those batteries, look for loose glue joints, and do that range check before your first trip out to the field this year. Losing that first great day of flying, or worse yet, putting your model in because you overlooked something, makes for a bad day.
Just like the robins returning and the trees budding, another sure sign of spring returning to the region is the Weak Signals’ Toledo Show: RC Model Expo. Every year during the first full weekend of April, Toledo, Ohio, becomes the center of the RC universe where hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees come to see and buy the latest and greatest offerings.
This year marks the 62nd edition of what is known as the Toledo Show. Along with the main floor vendors, there is a model display competition where $20,000 in cash is awarded to the best of the best. While you’re there, be sure to stop by the Scholarship Raffle booth for a shot at some really great raffle prizes. All proceeds are donated to the AMA Scholarship Fund.
Oh, and I’m not done yet. The second floor is dedicated to one of the largest swap shops you’ll ever see! Symposia on topics from computer radio programming and building techniques run on Friday and Saturday. Throw in the Saturday night auction on top of that, and you’ll understand why it’s the show to attend. Enjoy the photos below from the 2015 show. This year’s dates are April 1-3. Hope to see you there.
In other district news, I’m pleased to announce the induction of Frank Baker to the AMA Model Aviation Hall of Fame. Frank’s home club is the Madison (Wisconsin) Area Radio Controllers. You can read more about Frank’s many contributions to our hobby on the AMA website. Congratulations, Frank, on this well-deserved honor.
On a somber note I’m saddened to announce the passing of Mike Gretz. Mike was a lifelong modeler, competitor, past national champion, and served many years on the AMA Scale Contest Board.
Mike worked in management for Sig Manufacturing his entire adult life and contributed numerous designs and innovations to the hobby. He’ll be sorely missed in the aeromodeling community. Blue skies and gentle winds, Mike.
Take a kid flying.
