No other hobby matches the generosity and giving found in model aviation. Our first National Model Aviation Day that generated over $75,000 for America’s wounded warriors is proof of this. Although modelers have fun building and flying, they share the fun and utilize our hobby to help communities and charities the entire year.
The Harry Chapin Food Bank benefited from the generosity of modelers on Long Island on the evening of November 20, 2013. The Babylon R/C Flyers, the Long Island Aero Modelers Association (LIAMA), area modelers, friends, and spectators came to support a great cause and fly too. Flying at the Lindenhurst Bubble in Lindenhurst, New York, modelers collected 620 pounds of food for the food bank, operated by Long Island Cares. Visit the LIAMA chapter at www.liama.org.
On November 23, 2013, I had the pleasure of visiting Walt’s Hobby in Syracuse, New York, along with AMA President Bob Brown, Executive Vice President Gary Fitch, and Associate Vice Presidents Peter Seifert and Reid Condon. The event was Walt’s Secret Santa Sale.
Walt’s Hobby is among the great hobby shops in District II! For decades, founder Walt Throne and now his son, Bruce, have been giving back to the hobby and the community. Free coffee, snacks, goodies and door prizes were handed out.
Walt’s Hobby has raised money for charities, including the AMA Flying Site Disaster Fund following Superstorm Sandy. A fixture with Walt and wife, Jan, is their lovely mascot Lola. You’ll see Lola pictured in the couple’s travels on Facebook. Lola epitomizes friendship and fun.
Our thanks go to the Thrones. Please support your local hobby shop, where many new modelers get their start!
The Garden State Circle Burners held its annual Swap Meet at the Wayne, New Jersey, firehouse hall on Sunday, November 24, 2013. I met Ron Heckler there who wrote the following:
“In spite of it being the coldest day of the year so far, the attendance was very good. In fact, it seemed there were more people than last year. Talking to Tom Hampshire and Mike Cooper, they agreed the event has been held for the past 25 years or more.
“There were many tables displaying various size engines from Cox .049s to a Rossi .61. There were a lot of beautiful airplanes for sale, and it makes you wonder why people would sell them. When I asked, the answer was the same: ‘I have too many at home and have to make some room.’ Believe me I know the feeling.
“There was a 50/50 raffle and an auction of airplanes that were donated by club members. These are two of the best methods for raising funds for a club’s treasury.”
Don‘t forget that the Westchester Radio AeroModelers (WRAM) show, the biggest hobby show in the east is coming February 21-23, 2013! Visit AMA at booths 56-57 and come to the AMA Membership Meeting on Saturday afternoon. Details can be found at www.wram.org.
Remember, it’s not about what we fly. It’s about the people and the friends we make.
