District I-2011/07

OUTREACH and collaborative programs
come in many varieties to satisfy AMA
clubs’ specific needs. The following event
was reported by Associate Vice President
Carl Vogel. He tells us about his club’s
collaboration with a Boy Scout Troop to
introduce younger members to the sport of
aeromodeling.
“Longtime member of the South Shore
RC Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts,
Jeff Mammano is also a recognized Boy
Scout Troop Leader and has recently been
working with his troop, #711 from Albion,
Rhode Island, to earn their Aviation Merit
Badges. In the pursuit of this endeavor Jeff
has involved his troop in many full-scale
aviation activities, so it was only natural for
Jeff, an avid modeler, to introduce his troop
to RC model airplanes as well.
“Jeff approached the club and, after some
discussion with the SSRCC members on the
merits of providing this type of community
service, it was decided that we would host a
Boy Scouts Day at our flying field.
“On Saturday, October 30, nearly 100
members and guests, along with Jeff and his
troop, of 20 excited and enthusiastic young
boys ages 11-16, many accompanied by
their parents, joined us at SSRCC to receive
a full program of simulator and buddy-box
flying. We also included aerobatic and 3-D
demos performed by Elie Houayes, Peter
Glezellis, and Don Brown. Nick and Jackie
Roselli provided grilled hot dogs, cookies,
cupcakes, and sodas for all in attendance.
“Our club’s event coordinator, Ken
Crane, supplied the simulator computer
complete with a 42-inch monitor and also
organized all of the training aircraft and
instructors who manned three pilot stations
ensuring that each Scout would receive
several buddy-box sessions. Even some of
the parents joined in the fun and received a
turn at the buddy boxes. The parents asked
many questions and were genuinely
interested in our airplanes.
“The program started with a briefing by
Don Brown which outlined the activities for
the day. This was followed by a
comprehensive flying session on the
simulator, after which we broke the troop
into three separate groups.
“Each group was assigned to one of the
instructor teams from the clubs. Nick
Roselli, Ed Hobart, Stu Murray, Ray
Schmidt, and Jeff Mammano were from our
club and John Bailey and Bill Lopes joined
us from the Otis Model Aero Club in
Falmouth, Massachusetts. They guided the
Scouts through the preflight procedures such
as fueling, radio checks, and starting, then
provided each Scout with numerous
concentrated flight sessions.”
I was told that this event turned into a
significant enjoyable experience not only for
the Scouts but for the clubs and their
members. The club members assured Jeff
that they definitely wanted to do this event
again next year.
July 2011 132
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.amadistrict-i.org
D i s t r i c t I
District I
Andy Argenio, District I Vice President; [email protected]
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Boy Scout Troop 711 from Rhode Island attended the South Shore RC Club’s Scout Day
event in Bridgewater MA to earn credits toward an Aviation Merit Badge.
Nick Roselli (L) provided flight instruction
with a buddy-box setup for student pilots.
Stu Murray (L) assisted event director Jeff
Mammano (R) with Scout Day flight training.
Training teams from two clubs worked with Scout groups explaining the radio and airplane
operation.
11july_11amanews.qxd 5/23/2011 8:26 AM Page 132