The article below first appeared

The article below first appeared in Walt's monthly "Last Word" column which appears in his club newsletter (The Spirits of St. Louis R/C Flying Club, Inc.). It was then reprinted in the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) National Newsletter. After appearing in the AMA it's been repeated dozens of times by other clubs because it applies to a lot of types -- including ours. We liked it too~~

In most clubs, virtually all the work necessary to keep the organization going is done by a small percentage of the membership. The Spirits of St. Louis are no different. Whether it’s cutting grass, being field chairperson, activities chairperson, a contest director, a board of directors member, maintaining a club Web site, or being president, treasurer, secretary, or newsletter editor, we are all volunteers. The pay scale is the same—zip.

Most members who have never been involved in any of these jobs have no appreciation of the effort that goes into doing them. Many club members have no idea who does what for the club. Some seem to think it all happens automatically and, since they’ve paid their dues, they’re entitled to a free ride in all other aspects.

The people who recognize and assume the responsibilities do so for a variety of reasons. Most want to do something to feel like they’re doing their share to support the club. Some have unique skills that enable them to make special contributions. As long as the volunteers do their jobs, the people who recognize what they’re doing appreciate and occasionally thank them.

Whatever the reason, eventually the workers feel it is time to move on and let someone else carry the ball for a while. Maybe they’re burned out, tired, have developed physical problems, or have family or business responsibilities that precludes donating the time necessary to do a club job. Maybe they feel they’ve done enough. Eventually, all will quit

doing whatever they do. If you don’t think that being a club officer takes its toll on time and patience, think about how many past presidents are still active members of the club. Of those who are, how many are willing to be president or hold another office?

Appreciate the people who spend their time making your club work. Pat them on the back occasionally. Don’t resent them when they quit doing it. Ask yourself if you would have done that job.

CONNECTICUT MODEL AIRPLANE CLUB (CMAC)

http://members.aol.com/cmacbb/index.html
By WALT WILSON

In most clubs, virtually all the work necessary to keep the organization going is done by a small percentage of the membership. The CMAC are no different. Whether it's cutting grass, being field chairperson, activities chairperson, a contest director, a board of directors member, maintaining a club Web site, or being president, treasurer, secretary, or newsletter editor, we are all volunteers. The pay scale is the same — zip.

Most members who have never been involved in any of these jobs have no appreciation of the effort that goes into doing them. Many club members have no idea who does what for the club. Some seem to think it all happens automatically and, since they've paid their dues, they're entitled to a free ride in all other aspects.

The people who recognize and assume the responsibilities do so for a variety of reasons. Most want to do something to feel like they're doing their share to support the club. Some have unique skills that enable them to make special contributions. As long as the volunteers do their jobs, the people who recognize what they're doing appreciate and occasionally thank them.

Whatever the reason, eventually the workers feel it is time to move on and let someone else carry the ball for a while. Maybe they're burned out, tired, have developed physical problems, or have family or business responsibilities that precludes donating the time necessary to do a club job. Maybe they feel they've done enough. Eventually, all will quit doing whatever they do. If you don't think that being a club officer takes its toll on time and patience, think about how many past presidents are still active members of the club. Of those who are, how many are willing to be president or hold another office?

Appreciate the people who spend their time making your club work. Pat them on the back occasionally. Don't resent them when they quit doing it. Ask yourself if you would have done that job.

from Walt Wilson, editor

St. Charles, MO "
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Post Dispatch Feb 22 1997
Walt Wilson of St. Charles remembers the 10-acre plot in Wellston referred to in this column Jan. 11. "When I was a kid, I played in that area from 1942 to '46. It was known as the `brickyards' and was a popular place to play `war' and `cowboys and Indians.'

Post Dispatch Jan 11 1997
"Some kids dug foxholes and connecting caves in that area. I was told that at one time a brick factory operated there. Sometimes the more daring kids rode their bikes or sleds down a hill. There was a path from the end of Glen Echo, across the brickyards, to a footbridge across the railroad tracks at the end of Wellsmar. I flew free-flight and control-line model airplanes there when I was older, before we moved away in 1949.
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Walt is still the club Secretary and Newsletter Editor for the Spirits' Flight Lines newsletter, and has been for 9 years.. You can find the past two years' issues at: http://www.spiritsofstl.com. Click on "Flight Lines Index Club Newsletter", then select a month.

Some of his planes are also on the same web site at: "Photo Gallery of Club Activities, Spirits' Album". Click on any that have "Walt's" in the title. His picture is with some of them. About half of the photos in the picture gallery are his.

Walt has been an active Radio Control builder and flyer since 1971, except for about 10 years when he and his wife ,Suzi competed in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) national road rallying circuit. He's been writing for the model magazines since 1977 and did Regional newsletters as well as rallye and race reports for Sports Car Magazine when he and his wife, Suzi were officers in the St. Louis and Southern Illinois Regions of SCCA.

Walt has also been successful in Slot Car, Quarter Midget, Stock Car, and Drag racing.