District I
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.
Midcoast Model Festival — Owls Head Transportation Museum
"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 provided 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:
- Brunswick Area Modelers
- Flying Aces Squadron 63
- Wings Over Maine
- Propsnappers
- Mid Coast RC Club
- Sky Streakers"
Joseph Gilbert mentioned 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!"
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
