IPMS Livonia Named Region 4 Chapter of the Year Congratulations and a job well done to each of the members of the Livonia IPMS Chapter.   It is an honor to announce that we were awarded the Region 4 Chapter of the Year designation.   We will be put into the running for the National Chapter of the Year, and included with all the other region submissions.   This is a very big feather in our cap, and we once again need to thank Bob Blevins and all those who contributed with the Saturday Morning Kids Club.   It appears it was this fine example of giving back to the community that helped to push us over the top.   Livonia President Ian Dow states, "We are a small club, with limited resources, but I do believe the most has been made from what we have.   I look forward to continuing to promote the club and doing all that we can to recruit new members and expand our club presence".   The statement from our region coordinator follows: Both nominees for the Region 4 2008 COY were very qualified for the honor and to represent R4 in the National COY competition.   Both nominees held successful annual shows, demos, Make-N-Takes and other activities.   The differences came down to one major event/feature and the overall presentation of the submission.   As I mentioned in the January Four Sight I was looking for something special in the midst of all the things your club does to promote IPMS and how it was presented (make it look good).   It was a very difficult choice but I feel that the winner did both things very well.   Congratulations to the Region IV 2008 Chapter of the Year - IPMS/Livonia.   They have partnered with a local hobby shop to create a Kids Club held every Saturday devoted to bringing in kids and introducing them to and keeping them involved in our hobby.   I feel this idea is the "something special" and combined with the well written and illustrated presentation set the Livonia Chapter apart from the competition.   Their submission package has been sent to the E-Board for their consideration for the National COY.

Nankin Hobby Open House On April 11, 2009 Nankin Hobby held an open house to celebrate the one-year anniversary of their hobby business.   To mark the occasion, IPMS Livonia presented a model display, and was on hand to answer questions and promote the hobby.   It happened that this was Easter weekend, and the weather Saturday was beautiful, which possibly hurt our attendance, however the turnout was steady, if not a little light, and the store told us that overall the attendance over the weekend was good. The model display consisted of about 30 built static kits, plus two RC tanks that made a couple tours around the store during the day.   Besides this, there was also an impressive display of "model nostalgia" which was set up by one of our members.   For their part, the store offered a number of advertised specials in many of their departments, and also held a raffle with a couple of sizable prizes which was open to every person who attended.   As it turns out, one of our Livonia members was lucky enough to win one of the raffle prizes. Thanks go out to all of the club members who brought models to display, or showed up to offer support.   Congratulations, and thanks also to our hosts, Nankin Hobby on their one-year anniversary, and their continued support of our club and the hobby in general.   We look forward to a continued relationship between the two entities.   Finally, thanks to the general public who attended.   We hope you had a good time, and maybe got a good deal too!

IPMS Livonia presented its annual model display, and hosted a kid's make & take on November 8th, 2008 at the Westland Public Library.   The display was set up on October 11th, and ran through the day of the make & take.   The club has been doing this for a number of years, and its popularity seems to be growing.   The library has been very pleased with the response, and even produced the flyer shown on the left to promote the event, which has recently been moved to a fall month to try to encourage modeling during the long winter season.   Thanks to Bob, Ian, Steve, Mike, Ed, and Travis for taking the time out of their day to make it happen.   This is a great way to explore this hobby with your kids, and judging from the happy faces shown below, all that attended had a good time!

The Kid's Club is taking a break for the Summer! Check back here for information regarding continuation of the club in the Fall. ALL KIDS AGES 8 - 16 If You Like to Build Plastic Models OR Would Like To Learn How... Join the New NANKIN MODEL CLUB For Kids!!!   (It's FREE) Come in - Sit for a couple of hours and learn how to build models.   Experienced modelers will teach basic and advanced techniques for young modelers of every skill level.   We will help you sellect your models and tools, and guide you as you build! MOMS AND DADS ARE WELCOME TO WORK ALONG SIDE WITH THEIR KIDS AND SHARE THE FUN!! WHEN - Every Saturday, September thru March, 10AM - Noon. WHERE - Nankin Hobby Shop at 9 Mile and Farmington Rd. WHO - Kids, Ages 8 - 16 QUESTIONS? For more info, contact: Bob Blevins (734) 728-1134

New Club Officers!

A new slate of club officers now start their term of service, with all positions having changed hands.   In his inaugural message, new president Ian Dow thanked former executives Steve Freeman and Mike Anderson for the hard work and dedication put forth over the last 4 years.   He continued, "They have both shown a willingness to promote the club and keep our chapter involved with the community through the make and take program, and with the Warren club for the SEMMEX shows".   Going forward, we seek input from any and all club members who may have ideas or thoughts on how the club can progress in the future.   Ian thanks everyone for their support and looks forward to serving the club for the next two years. The New Club Officers are: President     -    Ian Dow Vice President   -    Rick Forys       Treasurer     -     Steve Freeman Secretary/Newsletter Editor   -   Ed Findysz

Imperial Hobbies, formerly located on Ford Road, has moved to a new location.   It is now located on 6250 Middlebelt Road, just about one half mile North of Ford Road, on the East side of the street in Garden City, MI.   Parking is in the rear.   Their phone number remains (734) 425-7470.   This smaller facility will surely be more cost efficient.   Currently they are running a Grand Opening 20% off Sale on Everything!!   Support your local hobby stores, or they will soon be gone!

Meeting Location Reminder!

Until Further Notice, our temporary summer meeting location, the Old Livonia Pierson Elementary School, Room #5, on 32625 Seven Mile Road, East of Farmington Road will become our permanent location. All future meetings will be held here unless posted differently. Meeting days and times will remain on the second Tuesday of the month at 8:00 PM.

Came across the IPMS website while looking for something else.   Saw the P51B decorated in Bob Barkey's colors.   I am Bob's oldest son.   (His P47 was named "Thunderbolt Lad" after me.   Bob is still alive almost 88) and living in California.   His health is not good, but he still has the "Look of the Eagle" in his eye.   He continued to fly into his 70's until his health grounded him.   I sure if he could still climb into a P51, he could still fly it.   I think that in all of the times I flew with him, when he landed, I never felt the wheels touch the ground.   For such a big guy, he had a gentle touch with an airplane. One note about the P51.   When the 325th FG transitioned from P-47's to P-51's, Bob was nearly transferred to bombers since he was almost 6' 4".   He fought to stay in fighters since he had 4 kills and wanted to make Ace.   His crew chief tore the seat adjuster out of his plane and welded the seat to the floor as far back as it would go.   I guess it worked! Nice looking model.   I'm glad someone chose those colors. Bob E.

2009 Model of the Month Standings After Two Contests

#1	Ian D.	16
#2	Bob B.	10
#3	Tim H.	7
#4	Travis B.	6
#5	Ed F.	5
#6	Paul R.	4
#6	Rick F.	4
#7	Jim A.	2
#8	John K.	1

2008 Model of the Month Final Standings

#1	Ian D.	46
#2	Tim H.	30
#3	John K.	20
#4	Ed F.	17
#5	Paul R.	16
#6	Steve F.	14
#7	Mark H.	10
#8	Rick F.	9
#8	Bob B.	9
#9	Jerry F.	3
#9	Larry S.	3
#9	Jim A.	3
#10	Chris N.	2

Juniors

#1

Travis B.

30

The curse is broken!!   Congratulations to Ian "It Figures" aka "El Presidente" Dow, for his repeat bi-monthly contest championship, and also to Travis "Blaster - I run with the Big Dogs" Blevins for his repeat Junior bi-monthly contest championship.