168 MODEL AVIATION
WE OFTEN take for granted the efforts of
AMA members who give of their time to
assume the responsibilities as officers of
their club’s and those individuals who are
always there to address issues, solve
problems, or participate in events and
activities. These special people who work on
the club’s behalf may seldom receive due
recognition for the contributions they make.
The following report, sent to me by super
contributor Carl Vogel, is a fine example of
how to honor deserving club members by
awarding them with a plaque of appreciation.
“The operation, growth, continued
success, and even the very survival of model
airplane clubs (or any such club for that
matter) relies on many things. Most of all
we depend on the efforts of many dedicated
people who actively participate and support
the causes of the club and model aviation.
“At the Discover Flying R/C Club there
have been two such individuals who have
not only devoted many hours and even years
of personal time, but have continuously
demonstrated their devotion with assistance,
encouragement, and cooperation, and at
times even defending the very nature,
purpose, and activities of our club to those
in opposition.
“At our Summer Cookout on September
9, we decided to officially recognize these
two outstanding people on behalf of our club
and the Academy of Aeronautics. For this
purpose, AMA makes available to clubs a
Certificate of Appreciation. It is a first-class
product, presented in plaque format that is
extremely appropriate for this kind of
tribute.
“Edward McCarty has been an AMA
member since the early 1940s and possesses
one of those low membership numbers
usually reserved for special members. Ed
has been flying RC from Marstons Mills
Airport since the early 1950s. He is probably
the only member in our club who can
accurately provide a true history of Discover
Flying R/C, its early members, and the many
challenges it had, not only with the
reliability of the radio equipment and
engines used back then, but in retaining a
model airplane flying site at the airport
location.
“After the model flying field was
bounced around various airport locations—
including a site at the Route 149 rotary—it
was Ed who became the individual directly
responsible for the current location of our
flying field.
“Ed, along with Sam Frye, Lem Leming,
and a couple of others, ultimately became
the one who founded our club in 1984 and
secured its charter from the AMA. He has
served continuously as a club officer and
through the years has also served as
newsletter editor, chief flight instructor, and
whatever other functions became necessary.
“Last April, citing several personal
health concerns, Ed decided to retire as our
club treasurer, a position he has held for
more than 10 years. Although he is no
longer a regular contributor to our meetings,
he still visits us at the flying field and
continues to attend our club functions and
remain in contact with the many friends he
has made throughout the years.
“Ed plans to put many of his experiences
with our club and its history on paper.
Hopefully we will start to see them in future
issues of our club newsletter.
“In addition to the plaque we presented
to Ed, our club purchased a brick on AMA’s
Walk of Fame in his name to further
acknowledge the many years he has devoted
to Discover Flying R/C and to model
aviation.
“Chris Siderwicz, the manager of Cape
Cod Airport and a Boeing 737 captain for
US Airways, has a long history at the airport
and with our club. He was tutored by his
predecessor Rick Kornheiser in both, and
was specifically schooled in the importance
of sport and recreational aviation and how
this included model aviation.
“During the negotiations with town
officials, which resulted in the reopening of
Cape Cod Airport (the airport had been
closed for nearly 5 years), Chris was
instrumental in convincing the officials that
our flying field fit in with his objective for a
recreational theme for the airport. Citing the
club’s history of mutual cooperation with the
other airport activities, the recreational
nature of modeling, and the interest among
the local community members, he was able
to help us convince our town officials that
our flying field was a benefit to the airport
and our community.
“Since then Chris has enthusiastically and
ardently supported us, looking after our best
interests when inquiries are made by the
town officials and defending us when
necessary. By including our club in the
airport’s functions—especially the annual
open house—he has always made us feel
welcome, valuable, and a real part of the
airport brotherhood.
“Beyond any doubt, our club and model
aviation has found a true friend in Chris
Siderwicz.”
More clubs need to find ways to reward
and acknowledge the achievements of their
members and supporters. Some offer free
yearly membership to club officers, flight
instructors, and anyone who has performed
or provided a special service for the club
during the year. Other clubs have given
lifetime membership awards to those who
have served their clubs in various capacities
and worked on club activities and projects
for a number of years.
Giving certificates, gifts, and prizes are
still other ways to reward and express
gratitude. At the least, a simple thank you
should always be given to those who work
on the club’s behalf.
District I
Andy Argenio, District I Vice President; [email protected]
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Andy Argenio
3 Sheila Ln.,
Smithfield RI
02917;
Home: (401) 231-
6901; Work: (401)
231-5380
For a complete listing of
district officers and volunteers,
please visit the District 1 Web site
at www.amadistrict1.com.
D i s t r i c t I
Cape Cod Airport manager
Chris Siderwicz (L) and
club founder Ed McCarty
(R) proudly display the
Certificates of Appreciation
awarded them by club
president Carl Vogel (C).
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/03
Page Numbers: 168