District II - 2012/12
Eric Williams — Vice President
It's fitting that two of the biggest District II events, the Northeast Electric Aircraft Technology (NEAT) Fair and the Rhinebeck Jamboree, cap off the end of our outdoor flying season. Both events have loyal followers and attract pilots from numerous eastern states and Canada.
Rhinebeck Jamboree
The 46th annual Rhinebeck Jamboree, presented by the Mid-Hudson Radio Control Society (MHRCS), once again brought together early-era modelers at the historic Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome this past September. Once known as the IBM Club for its members' connection with the well-known computer company, the MHRCS members and their friends have kept the Jamboree alive for more than four decades.
Legend has it that the Aerodrome's founder and AMA member himself, the late Cole Palen, immediately embraced the concept of the aeromodeling event nearly 50 years ago. "From the start, Cole was an enthusiastic supporter," according to Dick Allen, one of the event's early pioneers who attended this year's Jamboree.
The Rhinebeck Aerodrome was damaged significantly by Hurricane Irene last year. Through the efforts of members, friends, and volunteers, the MHRCS provided significant labor and help in rebuilding Cole Palen's historic aviation facility.
In recognition of the MHRCS' longstanding contributions and relationship with the Aerodrome, I had the pleasure of presenting the club with the AMA Award of Merit at the Jamboree. MHRCS President Warren Batson was also awarded the AMA District Service Award for his outstanding leadership and guidance in directing the club's assistance to the Rhinebeck Aerodrome.
While at the Rhinebeck Jamboree, I met Jonathan Elie. Jonathan attended Camp AMA this summer courtesy of the MHRCS and its members' generosity. He returned the favor by successfully running a club fun-fly and has earned his full-scale license in both powered aircraft and sailplanes. Our hats are off to the MHRCS for supporting Jonathan and his accomplishments in aviation — he is a testament to model aviation as the "seed ground" of America's aviators.
Northeast Electric Aircraft Technology (NEAT) Fair
The NEAT Fair again drew a near-record number of pilots to the Sleepy Valley Campsites in Downsville, New York. Officially scheduled for September 13–16, 2012, some pilots made it their NEAT Week, arriving earlier to enjoy the mountain air in the Catskills and prepare for one of the nation's biggest electric fun-flys. With nearly 400 registered pilots, all types and sizes of electric aircraft flew at NEAT. It is District II's largest flying event, and there was no lack of friendship and fun. A hospitality tent was provided by the Bergen County Silent Flyers, with seminars and assistance for modelers. If you've never made it to the NEAT Fair, it's a must-attend event for 2013.
Thanks to Retiring AVP
Our thanks to retiring District II Associate Vice President (AVP) Terry Terrenoire, who is moving out of the district. Serving members in New York's southern tier, Terry has been an active volunteer in the Vintage Radio Control Society and the Aero Guidance Society, and he served as a District AVP since the early 1990s. We hope Terry can now take some time to enjoy more flying with his friends!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
