District II - 2008/09
From the Vice President
Gary Fitch, District II Vice President Email: [email protected] Territory: New Jersey, New York, Europe
It's mid-June as I am writing this and I hope we can find a way to turn off Mother Nature's penchant for windy and rainy weekends! In spite of this, fun-flies, warbird meets, FF events, and CL contests are being held—albeit with numerous interruptions.
Events
- Salem County R/C Club fun-fly — May 4, Woodstown, New Jersey
Contest Director (CD) Joe Sarbello did a good job organizing this competition and the field is an excellent place to fly. Twenty-one contestants signed up and put on quite a flying demonstration with typical fun-fly events. The food was outstanding; the eight-bean casserole made by Experimental Aircraft inspector Syd Clement, and the food cooked by Pat and Frank Miccio, are worth attending each year.
- Mercer County Radio Control Society (MCRCS) Jumbo Jamboree — May 25, Kruse Field, Hightstown, New Jersey
David Vale was the CD, as well as the club's webmaster, newsletter editor, and a self-proclaimed gofer. The flightline was full of pilots who came to Warren County's Kruse Field for this event. Proceeds from this giant-scale air show are donated to the Sunshine Foundation; last year's donation was $2,150. President Keith Zimmerly directs the MCRCS, one of the most active and accomplished clubs in District II, boasting 160 members. What a terrific place to fly and a great event to attend.
Control-Line (CL) Activity
CL is very much alive in District II. Two of the most active clubs are:
- Middlesex Modelers, with Brian Silversmith acting as CD several times each year.
- Garden State Circle Burners, with CDs Reuben MacBride and Rich Peabody hosting events.
This is a great facet of our hobby on which most senior RCers cut their teeth. The skill and speed of many of these events is impressive! While I can fly 'round and 'round, I can't do the aerobatics these guys perform.
Personnel Changes
Most modelers in southern New Jersey know Eric Henderson. Eric volunteered his services as an associate vice president (AVP) for many years and we are indebted to him for his help. He informed me that with his relatively new position as a hobby store manager, which involves many hours, he needed to step down as AVP. Eric, thank you for your dedication to AMA and for everything you have done for District II.
We have a new AVP for southern New Jersey: Joe Sarbello. Joe is an active modeler, CD, and Leader Member. I want to thank him for taking over this volunteer position. You can expect to see Joe at several events this year representing AMA.
In Memoriam
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of the longest active member of the Meroke RC Club of Long Island: Tommy Abruzzo. Tommy was loved by everyone and will surely be missed. Our condolences go out to his family and all of the people who knew Tommy.
Until next month, keep 'em three in the green.
Gary Fitch
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
