District VII
Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Hello once again, District VII members. I am sure many of us have been affected by the cold winter and some, more than likely, have had large, accumulating snow. Just know that, as fast as our flying season ended, soon it will return.
I was unable to attend as many events as I had planned in 2024, but I am ready to go in 2025. Please let me know about events that your club is having or just send me a welcome note so that I can try to attend your club functions. I enjoy meeting you all and sharing flying time and stories, so make sure to let me know.
As you know, I also like sharing stories and adventures from other clubs. This month, Mike Ast, president of the Rock River Aero Modelers Society, sent in a report on the club’s 2024 Flying Circus. Take it away, Mike.
The 2024 Flying Circus was a huge success! Rock River Aero Modelers had lots of spectators, pilots, airplanes, raffle prizes, and food! The weather cooperated with clear skies. Although the wind did pick up in the afternoon, the rain held off until after the teardown and clean-up was complete. We had 50 registered pilots, and someone told me that we had 108 airplanes.
We had quite a variety of airplanes, from a Wright flyer on one end of the spectrum to Snoopy and Woodstock on a surfboard on the other. We had a huge T-28 gaggle with 13 airplanes. We also had an AeroScout and a warbird gaggle. Bill Hartenberger and Tom Kunath, as well as several other pilots, put on demonstrations of 3D aerobatic wonders!
Longtime member Tom Stevens recently turned 100 years old. His 100th birthday celebration was another huge success, and more than 200 people sang “Happy Birthday” to him as he was surrounded by his family. We had two huge sheet cakes decorated with pictures of vintage biplanes. This is a truly remarkable milestone that David Hintze, our vice president, mentioned few of us will attain. Congratulations, Tommy! When asked about the secret to his longevity, he simply replied, “Good genes.”
Thank you, Mike, for sharing what sounds like an incredible event. What a remarkable addition to share Tom’s 100th birthday. All of us in District VII wish Tom a belated happy birthday.
Unfortunately, I close out this month with another sad note. In September, we lost another dear friend who many of you know—Craig Bradley.
Craig was well known in the RC helicopter arena, having served as the Nats contest director (CD), CD for a world championship, and having fun piloting his own model helicopters.
Craig had the most infectious laugh and was always willing to lend a hand, whether it be with models or with automobiles from his time involved in the auto parts industry. To his wife Karen, and sons Sean and Joel, know that those of us in District VII have you in our hearts.
I usually close out with the message of sharing the passion, which I still hope you all do. I want to add something new this month. If it has been a while since you’ve spoken with an old friend, call them up, say hello, and talk about the old times. We never know what is in front of us and it’s so much easier to do than having regrets later. Above all, have a very happy New Year.
Randy Gibson
Vice President
amadistrictvii@modelaircraft.org
503 Mall Ct. # 289, Lansing MI 48912
(317) 698-4346
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTS
Bruce Baier, Oshkosh WI; (920) 233-1127; buzzsr@gmail.com
Bud Gorman, Knife River MN; (218) 834-5797; bgorman@frontiernet.net
Bob Johnson, Fond du Lac WI; (920) 922-6705; bobj54935@yahoo.com
Mark Robotti, Lindstrom MN; (651) 257-6792; mgrobotti@frontier.com
Dell Shannon, Osceola IA (641) 342-4278; dellt.t.shannon@gmail.com
Len Todd, Baldwin MI; (907) 903-3569; lentodd@att.net
Peter G. Van Heusden, Bloomfield Hills MI; (248) 515-1071; petervh@malibutech.com
Chris Sterner, Greendale WI; (414) 349-0981; sternerc6854@gmail.com
Kent Woods, Ames IA; (641) 751-7126; woods229@msn.com
EVENT SANCTION COORDINATORS
Michael J. Haller (RC), Fond du Lac WI; (920) 979-9452; mike.haller.60@gmail.com
Marc Warwashana (CL), Whitmore Lake MI; (734) 223-1243; whellieman@gmail.com
AMA Headquarters (FF), (765) 287-1256, ext. 252; competition@modelaircraft.org
FREQUENCY COORDINATORS
Al Schwartz, Roseville MN; (651) 633-2286; alberts@comcast.net
Pete Waters, Northville MI; (248) 924-0223; petewaters@charter.net
