Chapter Members of the Year -- 2003
It's a fact -- the 2003 NFFC Star of the North Chapter "Member of the Year" title is shared -- half by
Steve Solovitz and half by Tim Fay. Tim and Steve are two very special "half facts." They haven't yet
decided how to divide up the recognition honors. Tim could maybe like take the first 6 months, and then
Steve the second. Or they could possibly alternate by month or even week. They're working on it. In the
meantime the Star of the North would like to introduce --
Tim was born in Minnesota and grew up in and around Minneapolis. He currently works as the web
administrator for the Law School at his alma mater, the University of Minnesota. But his real passion has
been drawing and animation. He's taken classes in and studied both for many years.
His first memory of anything Disney-related was seeing BAMBI at the Hollywood Theater in Minneapolis
on his 7th birthday in 1966. The 1942 classic animated feature is still his favorite Disney film, along
with others like ROBIN HOOD, THE RESCUERS, OLIVER AND COMPANY,and THE LION KING. Tim visited Walt Disney
World just shortly after it opened in 1972 and took his first trip to the original Magic Kingdom in 1974.
He has fond memories of the Country Bear Jamboree, but his favorite attraction will always be America
Sings because of the remarkable animatronic characters designed by Marc Davis.
Tim met Ward Kimball (one of the "Nine Old Men") at the San Diego Comic Book Convention in 1987, and
shared hometown memories. It turns out Tim lives on Kimball Street in Fridley (coincidence, we're sure)
and Ward himself was born in Minneapolis. Tim has had the good fortune of meeting many other animation
professionals over the years.
Tim also writes about cartoons and animation, and has authored articles for publications like GRAFFITI
(the newsletter of ASIFA-Hollywood), ANIMANIA, and ANIMATO, and was a member of APATOONS, a writers'
group for animation historians and fans.
Tim received the Star of the North chapter's Member of the Year honor for his work with Steve Solovitz
on the club's website, and for creating the club's cartoon gopher mascots, Andy Mation & Annie Mation.
Steve started out in St. Louis,
but is native Minnesota now. He's been a
serious Disney fan since the
days of black and white TV and the original "Disneyland" TV show, visiting with Uncle Walt every week on
Sunday night. Jimmie Dodd and Roy Williams ruled, man. Steve is an engineer, and really appreciates the
technology behind the parks. He's been on any number of backstage tours, and is fascinated by the details
of the animation process. He and family first visited Disneyland in 1972, and then Disneyworld later.
Steve collects Disney watches, artwork, culture, experiences, and friends. He's delighted that he was
able to over the years meet and visit some with Marc Davis, Ollie Johnston, Frank Thomas, and even Carl
Barks. He's been to every "Official" Disneyana convention since it's start in 1992, and has even managed
to outlast Disney Anna. Wife Carol and the 2 sons share his Disney interests, but at nowhere near the
same level -- which we believe is somewhere between Orange and Red.
A longtime National NFFC member Steve only recently found and joined the Star of the North chapter in
Minnesota. Since then he's been active at monthly meetings, done presentations, and helped get the
chapter website up and running. Working at IBM with internet software comes in handy now and again.
(Check it out at StarOfTheNorth.home.att.net ) Steve's pretty good with a camera, too. Still photos -- no
videos, Thank You! He went digital 2 years ago, and he's not going back.
Steve's goal is to retire someday, either from being a Disney Cast Member, or to become one. Help him
reach his goal.
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