172
IN JANUARY, I attended my first
Executive Council (EC) meeting in
Muncie, Indiana. An outline of the
important matters discussed and acted upon
was sent to each of the District I clubs and
will be posted on the district Web site.
The district vice presidents (VPs)
impressed me as being dedicated and
knowledgeable people who work to
represent the best interests of the clubs and
members. The newly elected VPs—Tony
Stillman (District V), Mark Smith (District
IX), and I—had several meetings with the
new Executive Director, Don Koranda.
Don asked us many questions about the
needs, wants, and expectations that the
members of our districts have regarding our
hobby and AMA. I believe Don’s genuine
concern for the membership will
strengthen, improve, and enhance every
aspect of the AMA organization.
We attended an orientation meeting on
Monday. Each AMA department head
made a presentation and we learned what
they do and what they intend to do to
further the goals and objectives of their
respective departments.
These people do the work and perform
the tasks necessary to service more than
150,000 members. We are lucky to have
such a dedicated and skilled staff.
I left Muncie to drive the 14 hours home
feeling good about the people I had met
and confident that the AMA’s future was in
safe hands. By the time you read this
column, I will have attended the AMA
Strategic Planning meeting and I will keep
you informed about the short- and longterm
goals discussed.
A district safety coordinator position has
been established. As of 2005, all AMA
clubs are required to have a club safety
coordinator. This club officer will act as a
communication liaison between the club
and AMA Headquarters to ensure timely
distribution of safety-related material.
The district safety coordinator’s job will
be to assist each of the club safety
coordinators to develop, promote, and
encourage a climate of safety awareness
within the clubs.
If you have good communication skills,
computer and E-mail capabilities, technical
knowledge, and an understanding of safety
issues, and would like to be considered for
this important position, please contact me.
These First Night Celebration event photos
were submitted by our new contest
coordinator, Barry Schubert.
“The Cloud Dancers, under the
guidance of its president, Jim Almeida, and
with the cooperation of the Fall River City
Leadership, produced a model-aviation
static display and an indoor flying
demonstration. This took place at the Fall
River, Massachusetts, City Hall on New
Year’s Eve and was part of the First Night
Celebration.
The crowd at City Hall on New Year’s Eve
learned about RC aircraft and flying.
“The Cloud Dancer’s Aerobatic Team
and other club members brought a number
of airplanes to put on display for the
curious crowd. In addition, a movie screen
was set up so children of all ages could try
out one of the flight simulators under the
instruction of various club members. Small
electric helicopters were demonstrated for
the onlookers; safety considerations
prevented the demonstration of the electric
foamie airplanes.
“The club was congratulated by the
mayor of Fall River for having done a fine
job and being a unique addition to the First
Night venue. The fireworks extravaganza
was produced right on top of the City Hall
building. Many questions were answered
by club members and information was
provided to ensure that the audience was
given a chance to pursue the hobby if so
inclined.”
The Cloud Dancers’ president, Jim
Almeida, demonstrated an electric
helicopter.
The flight simulators were constantly in
use by children of all ages.
My wife and I attended the Cloud
Dancers’ model aviation event to begin my
official duties as district vice president. We
all had a great time.
Opportunities that allow us to
demonstrate our hobby to the members of
the community are the best ways to
cultivate allies who will have a positive
attitude about our hobby and what we do. I
thank the Cloud Dancers for helping to
ensure our future by giving something to
the community and receiving the friendship
and praise of the mayor of Fall River,
Massachusetts.
“Recognize opportunities and turn them
into realities.”
District I Report
Associate Vice Presidents
Ed Faria, 92 Barrows St., Somerset MA 02725;
(508) 678-6404; [email protected]
James Gilliatt, 533 Lexington Rd., Concord MA
01742; (978) 369-9796;
[email protected]
Robert Langlois, 7 Columbus Ave., Concord NH
03301; (603) 225-9759;
[email protected]
Patrick Libby, Box 494, Ascutney VT 05030; (802)
674-2311; [email protected]
Frank Ponteri, 95-A Quannacut Rd., Westerly RI
02891; (401) 322-8358;
[email protected]
Bob Wallace, 91 Sylvan St., Avon CT 06001-2230;
(860) 673-2000; [email protected]
Frequency Coordinators
Joel Chappell, 21 Billings St, Milford NH 06001
(603) 673-6240 [email protected]
Kevin Richards, (508) 699-0838;
[email protected]
Educational Coordinator
Ed Spidell, Box 889, Chepachet RI 02814; (401)
567-0344; [email protected]
Webmaster
Paul Costa, 39 Magnolia Dr., Attleboro MA 02760;
(508) 699-0838; [email protected]
Connecticut / Maine /
Massachusetts /
New Hampshire /
Rhode Island / Vermont
Andy Argenio
Vice President
3 Sheila Lane
Smithfield RI 02917
Home: (401) 231-6901;
Work: (401) 231-5380;
E-mail: [email protected];
District I Web site: www.amadistrict1.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/04
Page Numbers: 172