Power to the people

No one can do everything and once you realize this you can give your staff the power to handle most complaints and the authority to merchandise and supervise departments.

Giving something back

Most of us modellers have developed our passion and skill in the hobby over a period of time where we have gained talent, skill and knowledge. It would be a fitting legacy if each of us could find ways to give back something to the hobby that has provided us with so much satisfaction and enjoyment. This isn’t difficult and can be done in a variety of ways.

Keeping the hobby alive means adding new modellers all the time. The best way is to demonstrate the wonders of scale modelling to children – they are impressionable in the good sense. For little cost you can take one or two children to a model show or contest. They will be overwhelmed, no doubt, but they will also see that scale modelling is for real and enjoyed by real people. Let them see as many of the displayed models as you can in all the different scales. Those participating in the shows are only too happy to talk about their projects.

Joining a club can be a great opportunity to get something as you give something back. You get friendship and advice and you give back by sharing your expertise and participating in the club’s model shows.

If you can take the time, try submitting an article for publication. Not everyone feels comfortable writing for publication because of fears of rejection, inexperience with writing, or the belief that they have nothing of interest to say. But if you remember the reaction you had to reading an article yourself and thinking “I could build this,” or “That’s a great idea!” then be assured that your ideas and experiences are worth sharing.

Scale modelling is one of the world’s most popular hobbies. It offers infinite variety and can be enjoyed with minimum skill or with great artistry. And its enthusiasts are always willing to share their know-how – to give something back.

Consolidate your activities

Rather than writing a long list of unrelated items for your to-do list, group like items together. Keep all your scheduled appointments in one section, have other sections for your calls and correspondence. Within each group set priorities and list three or four top priorities in each category, setting others as secondary. Focus on completing the top priorities first.

No more flying parts

When removing small parts from the tree, place the entire tree in a one-gallon freezer bag. When the part comes loose, it will stay in the bag instead of flying halfway across the room and landing somewhere in the carpeting.

Safe Travel begins with You

Orillia, ON (OPP – Dufferin Detachment)
As this weekend approaches, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind the public that safe travel on our highways, waterways and trails is a shared responsibility and everyone is expected to do their part in making travel of all types safe.

This first weekend of the summer will see a significant increase of people on vacation and utilizing all modes of transportation to arrive at their intended destinations. The OPP are also anticipating that with Canada Day Celebrations on July 1 and the American July 4 Independence Day weekend following a few days later, area roads will see a significant increase in their use.

Police are asking that the public plan to pack a little patience with them as they travel and to leave themselves enough time to allow for congested routes or closures due to any motor vehicle collisions that may occur. The OPP are also urging motorists to make sure that their motor vehicles and any trailers, vessels or off road vehicles are in good repair.

Chief Superintendent Mike Armstrong, Regional Commander of the Central Region of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) states “Our officers are committed to ensuring that provincial roadways, waterways and trail systems are safe and we will have officers on patrol to effectively make this happen”. He has also stated, “In the OPP, we expect the public to drive and boat responsibly and not to drink and drive”.

The OPP, in conjunction with Vision 2010, is focused on traffic safety and everyday utilizes various resources in the hope of reaching the goal of making our roads the safest in North America.

This coming weekend and throughout this summer travel season, the OPP is urging the public to do their part and work with the police so that the OPP is successful in achieving its goals. For those who wish to break the law and take matters into their own hands, you may wish to think twice, as you just never know who might be watching you.

Provincial Constable Al Buck, Dufferin OPP Detachment
Phone:(519)925-3838