The NFFS President's Message for August-September 1999

1. Annual NFFS Meeting.

The annual meeting of the NFFS officers was held on immediately following the USOC on August 6 in Muncie, Indiana. The meeting covered a wide range of topics, which will be detailed here in the future. I want to take a bit of space to cover the high points that should be of interest to the members of NFFS.

At the meeting, the officers:

• passed a resolution which formally establishes the annual NFFS scholarship program. Although a number of details have yet to be ironed out and a scholarship committee appointed to do the work, we are now underway with this project.
• selected William Lutz of Ellwood City, PA as the first recipient of the NFFS scholarship in the amount of $1500. William has just graduated from high school and is enrolled in Case Western Reserve University, where he intends to pursue a career in Electrical or Computer Engineering. I expect to have a picture and more information about William in time for the next issue of the Digest.
• allowed a change in the type of membership card to be issued by NFFS which will be a postcard style card similar to that used by SAM.
• indicated their desire to conduct clearance sales of current publications in storage so that members can have access to these items at reduced prices.
• established guidelines for the distribution of future Symposia.
• Appointed Hardy Brodersen as the financial overseer of future Symposia
• Authorized continued participation by NFFS in the AMA Grand Event held each June.
• Authorized the search for an advertising manager for the Digest.
• Moved to contribute $25,000 to complete the Muncie flying site access roads under specified conditions.

It is noteworthy that no action was taken to change the current dues structure. Also, no action was taken to reconsider the inclusion of radio controlled models in the 10 Models of the Year Awards.

2. Year 200 NFFS Symposium.

The following individuals will be on the staff for the year 2000 issue of the Symposium:

Editor: Blake Jensen, 1743 W. Powell Blvd., Gresham, OR 97030. Ph: 503-492-5144, email: yama@pacifier.com

10 Models of the Year: Norm Poti, 5695 Marshall Rd., Dayton, OH 45429. Ph: 937-439-4831, email: Ndpoti@aol.com

Hall of Fame: Bob Beecroft, 3332 Calle San Blas, Carlsbad, CA 92009. Ph: 760-436-4649, email:NFFSflier@aol.com

These folks will head up the effort for the year 2000 issue. Blake told me that he would be posting some information about timelines and the like soon after he returns from the World Champs in Israel where he is serving as Assistant Team Manager.

We are also fortunate to have the editor for the 2001 Symposium lined up as well. Ross Jahnke, who assisted Bob Perkins this year has volunteered to do the full job in 2001.

3. Change in treasurer.

Frank Zumer, who has been the NFFS treasurer since March, 1998 has asked to be relieved of the duty. The officers have accepted his resignation and announce the appointment of Homer Smith to take Frank's place. Homer lives in the Seattle area and is retired from the Boeing Co. He served as a VP in the AMA and was FF CB at the Nats for a number of years in the 1980's. This changeover in offices is expected to be complete by the end of September. Frank Zumer's service has included a new computerized accounting system that provides data on a monthly basis and a running total of income and expenses to date. His service as treasurer, though short in duration, brought the NFFS an improved understanding of its financial condition and future. Thanks to Frank for diligent work.

4. NFFS elections.

In the next issue of the Digest, members will have the opportunity to vote on the candidacy of two people for Vice President of the Central Region. Mike Fedor and Robert Hanford are both running for office. In the Southern Region, Rex Hinson is running for Vice President unopposed. Bob Stalick will be running unopposed for the office of President. All terms are for 4 years. In addition, the Vice Presidents are proposing a change in the boundary for the Central and Eastern Regions of NFFS. Currently, Missouri is divided East to West along Hwy 65. The Eastern portion is in the Northeastern Region and the Western portion is in the Central region. In order to resolve this aberration, the bylaws will need to be changed. The officers have voted to put onto the ballot the proposal that all of Missouri be included in the Central region. The reason for the move is that the Central region has fewer NFFS members than the Northeast, and any move to balance the regions is appropriate.

5. One Design Event.

First off, it is now time to begin planning for the year 2000 One Design Event. If you forgot, the model chosen is the 1/2A Zeek by Lew Mahieu. The model must meet Nostalgia requirements for an Early Nostalgia model. That is, it cannot be scaled up from its 33" span, 176 sq. in. parameters. However, the model was produced by at least two companies: Premium Mfg. Co. in 1950 and Rays Mfg Co. in 1952 and either version is OK. Lee Campbell still produces a kit of the Zeek and a number of companies sell the full sized plans. Remember that the model must be powered with only one of the following engines: OK Cub .049 (A,B or X versions), Atwood and Holland Wasp, Anderson Spitfire, Spitzy, or Spitzy Senior.045, K&B Torpedo first model. All other Nostalgia rules apply. The competition will be sponsored at the same venues as in 1999 and Bill Vanderbeek is providing certificates for all who enter and cash awards for the winners at each location. Get started now and be ready in 2000.

Bob Stalick, NFFS President.