For those that subscribe to the Flying Quail newsletter, I’m sure you’ve noticed the revised look and enhanced content. The new Flying Quail appearance is vibrant and refreshing. I would like to especially thank Will Langford, Chapter Coordinator Director and Gary Price, Secretary for their efforts to renew and revitalize the publication. I would also like to thank all those that contribute articles and material to be included in the newsletter. Keep those articles coming. If you do not subscribe, you should check it out. I think you will find it very informative and interesting.
A couple of months into the new year and I hope you haven’t broken all your new year resolutions. I hope you are still getting that “little bit of exercise” each day, eating wiser and healthier and haven’t slipped back into that bad habit you swore to yourself to stop. Staying true to the course on our new years’ resolutions, as my father once said after trying to hit a golf ball for the first time in his fifties: “It’s harder than it looks”.
After a slow year in 2023, for Elaine and I at least, and driving our Model A only a little more the 5,000 miles my resolution is to drive my Model A weekly, weather permitting. Not to necessarily make it my daily driver but to get it out on a regular basis. So far, so good. Good ‘ol south Texas weather makes that possible. Maybe not in your area, but good luck getting you Model A out and about on a more regular basis in 2024.
Now is the time for you to decide if you are interested in participating in MAFCA’s leadership as a National Director. Information is available on the MAFCA website at: www.mafca.com/elections.html. Additionally, each Director is available to answer your questions and help steer you in the right direction to run for office.
Our 2024 MAFCA national convention, Southwest “A”ventures”, is scheduled for June 23 – 29 and is being hosted by the Southwest Model A’s. They have planned a great list of activities and are working diligently to put together a great outing. Check their webpage: https://www.southwestaventures.com for information on registration, including the registration forms, convention clothing items, raffle items and access to purchasing raffle tickets. Sounds too good to miss, so start your planning now!
In prior years, MAFCA has clearly supported the concept that youth are essential to the Model A hobby’s future and chapters are the means to introduce youth to the hobby. Establishing club activities that invite youth participation is a fundamental key to turning our youth into lifelong hobbyists. May of each year has been designated as Model A Youth Month. Now is the time for chapters to complete their planning and to begin publicizing their event. I look forward to reading about the many different ways our chapters are involving our youth in the hobby.
On another note, Bob Moore, President of the Model A Youth Restoration Award organization (MAYRA), provided me the following statistics: 2024 is the 30th year that MAYRA has been donating to youth. Through the last award in July 2022, they have made 105 awards to 85 youth. Awards have grown over the years, and in 2022, ten recipients each received $3,000 in gift certificates. Currently, MAYRA is pushing to get the word out that May 31 is the final date to apply for a restoration award. They would love to have 20 applicants this year. Information on the award is on their website at www.modelarestorationaward.org.
I look forward to reading about the many different ways our chapters are involving our youth in the hobby.
“See you down the road!”
Robert Bullard, 2024 MAFCA President