District II-2013/02

I’d like to thank all of our members for participating in the various AMA district elections last fall. I have met so many great people during the past year as District II vice president. I must pause to thank our District II members for giving me the honor of continuing to serve. I hope to have the opportunity to meet and fly with all of you. There is tremendous fun and enjoyment for all of us to share at our clubs, flying fields, and events. Here is to another great flying season this year!You’ll remember last month’s report of devastation in District II after Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. Coastal New Jersey, Staten Island, and Long Island were significantly affected. A good-news follow-up is Long Island’s Whitman Flyers celebrated becoming an AMA Gold Leader Club on November 28, 2012. Our congratulations to these hard-working members and their supportive families and friends! Becoming an AMA Leader Club is a significant accomplishment! Leader Club status is an acknowledgement by AMA of a club’s community involvement, charity programs, safety efforts, training programs, and similar good works. Local elected officials are delighted to promote clubs recognized by a national organization, such as through the AMA’s Leader Club awards, and local newspapers will acknowledge Leader Club awards, too! Being an AMA Leader Club can be helpful when applying for an AMA grant program. Working to be a Leader Club has many benefits!The Whitman Flyers club celebrates its Gold Leader Club Award. District II’s Westchester Radio AeroModelers (WRAM) show, the largest in the Northeast, is back at the Meadowland Expo Center in Secaucus, New Jersey, February 22-24, 2013. Show goers and vendors were pleased at last year’s new location. Expanded parking, increased exhibits, more modeling products, open spaces, and better food choices were just a few of the improvements. It’s wonderful to see this event’s continued success. Please be certain to stop by the AMA booth and say hello! WRAM Show 2012 at the Meadowland Exposition Center.The Garden State Circle Burners (GSCB) held its traditional fall swap meet in Wayne, New Jersey, this past November. As always, it was a great affair with many modeling goodies changing hands and several notables in attendance. John “Mr. Stunt” D’Ottavio received his Model Aviation Hall of Fame Award, and our District II CL and FF Contest Coordinator Dave King was presented with an AMA Distinguished Service Award. Check out other great events on AMA’s event calendar.Eric Williams with John “Mr. Stunt” D’Ottavio and his AMA Hall of Fame award.Eric Williams presents David King with an AMA Distinguished Service Award.A rite of passage for all modelers in Syracuse, New York, is visiting Walt’s Hobby! Walt Throne, his wife Jan, their son Bruce, their families, and employees, are among the biggest supporters of AMA and modelers anywhere. On November 17, 2012, it was my pleasure to attend Walt’s annual Secret Santa Sale. Tables were generously provided for club displays and Devin McGrath, Kyle Stacy, and others flew great demos. Thanks to the Thrones for giving back so much in the spirit of our hobby! Walt Throne (L) donates raffle proceeds to the AMA Club Disaster Relief Fund.Remember, it’s not about what we fly, it’s about the people and the friends we make!