On Saturday, September 12, 2009, in Gladstone, Missouri, IPMS chapter West Central Missouri (WCMO) partnered with the Antioch Branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library System to host a very successful "Make-'N-Take." The goal of the event was to reach out into the community to bring awareness to the chapter and to introduce scale modeling to kids. The library enthusiastically embraced this event as it brought people into the library for a fun and unique experience. This was the second year of the event and there are already plans in the works to hold the event again next year.

This event was free of charge and included working with kids of all ages to assemble kits that were graciously provided through IPMS USA's "Make-'N-Take" program.

To provide some inspiration for the future model builders, club members Norm Trigg, Greg Van Der Stel and Kelly Quirk brought some of their models for display. Kelly, in fact, brought his fantastic model of the USS Harry S. Truman, which was fresh off wining "Best of Show" at the 2009 IPMS Nationals in Columbus. This was without a doubt a hit with all of the visitors and library staff.

The "Snaptite" kits that were used during the "Make-'N-Take" included cars, aircraft and a sci-fi model. The event started at noon and lasted until 3 pm. Both the club and the library staff were kept busy for the entire three hours as approximately 30 kids participated.

We had two young boys (Jose and Ubaldo) that were eager to participate but they did not speak any English. Club member Richard Lucero stepped right up and helped them out even though it had been many years since he had spoken Spanish. The kids were excited to take their A-10 Warthogs home and play with them.

After the event ended the club received a very thoughtful "Thank You" note from the library's branch manager. One section of that note is worth highlighting as it really brings home the reason this event was put on. She wrote: "The next morning a women came back into the library. She was raving about the program and said her husband had forgotten how much fun doing models could be. After the event they actually stopped by on the way home to buy some more."

The "Make-'N-Take's" success was in large part due to club member Norm Trigg. Norm worked tirelessly over numerous months working with the library to plan and advertise the event and get all the materials and kits ready for the event. Getting the kits for the event however was made easy and quick as IPMS USA's website has an easily navigated section that is entirely dedicated to their superb "Make-'N-Take" program. If you have not been out to this website you should take some time to see it.

One of the learning's of the event this year was that the club should provide fliers to give directions to local hobby stores as well as our chapter's regular meeting times and meeting location. Additionally, next time there may even be an opportunity to partner with a local hobby store to distribute coupons and special deals for those that attend the event.

Overall the event was a "Win-Win" for all involved.

September 2009