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
Hello again.
I don’t know how many of you out there have had the opportunity to visit the International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) in Muncie, Indiana. If you haven’t, you’re missing out on something that most modelers would consider spectacular.
We in District VII are fortunate to live in such relatively close proximity to Muncie. Going over the map of our district, I’d bet that more than 90% of us are within a day’s drive. Muncie has plenty of nice, clean, reasonably priced hotel rooms and practically every restaurant chain I can think of. For those who prefer camping, there are sites at the IAC and power hookups for RVs.
I’ve been fortunate to have been able to make many trips to Muncie throughout the years, and can honestly say it never gets old for me. From AMA’s world-class National Model Aviation Museum to the absolute best flying site you’re ever going to find, consider the IAC for a vacation or weekend getaway.
While you’re still here, I’d like to announce the appointment of Peter Van Heusden as the newest District VII associate vice president (AVP). Peter resides in southeast Michigan and also serves as the president of the Radio Control Club of Detroit. Peter will be taking over for Noel Hunt who recently retired and moved to Arizona. Thank you, Noel, for your service to the district and welcome aboard, Peter.
The following words and pictures come from Iowa AVP Kent Woods who recently attended the 95th birthday celebration of aeromodeling and full-scale aviation icon, Hazel Sig.
You might expect that if you went to a birthday party for someone turning 95, that it might be a little dull—people falling asleep while talking, etc. This just isn’t so if the 95-year-old person is Hazel Sig (Sigafoose)! Maybe it’s because she has been so active throughout the years.
There are many things I didn’t know about Hazel, until I did a little research. Those of us who have been flying for a number of years, know that Sig Manufacturing was where you were likely to go to buy your first kit. That’s when the airplanes came in a box, full of balsa and detailed instructions. If you followed them, you would end up with a flyable aircraft.
Starting the model aircraft manufacturing company in 1951 isn’t the only thing Hazel has done. Did you know that Hazel and her late husband, Glen, had an Indian motorcycle dealership? She also was a linotype machine operator at a local newspaper.
Hazel has owned many full-scale aircraft throughout the years, but her clipped-wing Cub and Spacewalker are the most notable. I even found out that she has an instructor rating!
Take a kid flying.
