178 MODEL AVIATION
EVERYBODY LIKES a party! I went to a
good one on April 12—actually I went
twice, but that’s another story!
The Aquidneck R/C Flyers were
celebrating 40 years of RC flying, a major
milestone for any club to achieve. The
Aquidneck R/C Flyers, Inc. was established
in 1967 and was located on Aquidneck
Island. Originally the club’s membership
included people from the island and today
they come from all across Rhode Island and
nearby Massachusetts.
The club was chartered in 1975 and
incorporated as a non-profit organization in
1983. In the early days its membership
included a large population of military
people who primarily attended the War
College for a few months and moved on.
According to the club’s founding father,
Jerry Browe, collecting $2.50 dues per
month was a real chore!
As with all clubs, its primary purpose
was to support a flying site; and like most
clubs the Aquidneck group went through a
few flying sites in 40 years of operation.
Presently the members are flying off a
beautiful site located on Ferolbink Farm in
Tiverton, Rhode Island. The farm holds the
title of being the largest potato farm in the
state. The runways are north/south and are
only obstructed by a view of the water.
Founder Jerry Browe (L) discussed the
club’s history with me during dinner.
The party started with a good meal at a
local restaurant and moved over to the
VFW hall in Middletown, Rhode Island. It
was well attended by members and their
families.
Naturally I took the opportunity to
provide an overview of what’s going on at
AMA and followed that with a review of
the history of the Aquidneck R/C Flyers.
To summarize the club’s success, the
members run it like a business and keep a
low profile.
The highlight of the evening was the
presentation of appreciation awards to John
Means, Art St. Laurant, Danny McHugh,
Norm Anderson, John Dankievitch, and
Jerry Browe. Each was recognized for his
specific contributions and dedicated service
to the club.
Art St. Laurant (L), the current club
president, and John Means (C), a former club
president receive award plaques for
distinguished club service.
A spectrum radio and various other
prizes were raffled off followed by coffee
and cake. It was a fitting end to a
memorable event.
The Aquidneck R/C Flyers’ 40th anniversary
cake was decorated with the club logo.
Happy birthday Aquidneck R/C Flyers
and many more!
The district officer team is looking forward
to seeing you at one of the four AMA
District I-sponsored fun-fly and air show
events in 2007.
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, please see
the District 1 Web site at
www.amadistrict1.com.
D i s t r i c t I
2007 AMA DISTRICT I
SPONSORED EVENTS
JUNE 24 - SUNDAY
LIGHT WINGS ELECTRIC FLY-IN
SOUTH SHORE RC CLUB
BRIDGEWATER MA
JULY 13 - 15
SUMMER FUN-FLY & AIR SHOW
WOODSTOCK R/C FLYERS
WOODSTOCK AIRPORT CT
JULY 28 - SATURDAY
ELECTRIC FUN-FLY & AIR SHOW
WINTONBURY FLYING CLUB
BLOOMFIELD CT
SEPTEMBER 14-16
FALL FUN-FLY & AIR SHOW
WACHUSETT BARNSTORMERS
GARDNER AIRPORT MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/07
Page Numbers: 178