District I-2011/08

WE ARE ALWAYS looking for examples
of outreach activities in which AMA clubs
or members can engage to enhance goodwill
in their communities. These activities help
raise money for charities and support
worthwhile causes.
Club outreach efforts result in a benefit
to the club, helping ensure its future and that
of the organization that the club or members
are trying to help. The following event
report from Joseph Gilbert, newsletter editor
for Franklin County Aircraft Modelers,
describes an outreach activity with a
museum in Maine.
“In the mid-coastal area of Maine, just
two miles south of Rockland, is the Owls
Head Transportation Museum. The museum
has one of the finest operating collections of
antique aircraft, automobiles, bicycles,
carriages, and motorcycles in the world.
There are over 150 transportation items in
the collection. The Aircraft Collection
contains replicas and originals representing
the first century of flight.
“Each year the museum hosts a variety of
events for public attendance to provide
additional funds to support museum
initiatives. One such event is the Midcoast
Model Festival. Modelers from Maine and
beyond are invited to display their kit- and
scratch-built models at the museum.
“All sizes of scale static and operating
model engines, vehicles, airplanes, boats,
and trains are featured. Exhibitors of all ages
are welcome and there is no charge to
exhibit. This family-oriented event has
demonstrations and activities of interest to
young and old.
“This was the second year the museum
hosted this event and Bob Chapman and I
again volunteered to work with the museum
staff for this year’s March 26 and 27
gathering on behalf of our AMA clubs: the
Franklin County Aircraft Modelers and the
Kennebec Valley Model Aviators.
“The highlights included the indoor
micro electric radio-control model airplane
flying demonstrations. Numerous attendees
tried their hands on model airplane simulator
flying and watched movies of model flying
events. Club members answered attendees’
questions about the variety of models on
display and their radio control systems, and
providing information about AMA clubs and
the sport of aeromodeling.
“AMA members from other Maine clubs
also participated in this collaborative effort
to support this awesome museum that
collects, preserves, and exhibits items
depicting the evolution of transportation.
The AMA clubs exhibiting included the
Brunswick Area Modelers, Flying Aces
Squadron 63, Wings Over Maine,
Propsnappers, Mid Coast RC Club, and the
Sky Streakers.”
Joseph Gilbert mentioned to me that he
received the following note from Ethan
Yankura, the education director at the
museum.
“I would like to thank all of you once
again for a fantastic weekend. Your
demonstrations and participation are a huge
part of this event. The museum appreciates
your help. The bottom line is you made this
a great weekend!”
148 MODEL AVIATION
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 website 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
The Owls Head Transportation Museum in Maine has one of the finest operating collections
of antique aircraft, automobiles, bicycles, carriages, and motorcycles in the world.
Modelers from Maine and beyond exhibited their models on the many tables set up
throughout the museum’s awesome collection of antique aircraft and vehicles.
During the Midcoast Model Festival the attendees had the opportunity to talk with AMA
members, examine their model aircraft, and try flying on the RC flight simulators.
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