District I—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Andy Argenio
Vice President
brandshobby@gmail.com
3 Sheila Ln., Smithfield RI 02917
Tel.: (401) 231-6901; www.amadistrict-i.org
It’s always nice to congratulate and show appreciation to AMA Leader Clubs, especially those that have maintained Gold Leader Club status for a decade. Today, more than ever, the AMA clubs that participate in the Leader Club program through their outreach initiatives within their community bolster the public’s perception of the recreational sport of aeromodeling. The following report comes from Associate Vice President (AVP) Andrew Figlar.
“In an award ceremony held at the Shelton Community Center on the night of May 8, 2015, the White Hills Eagles Remote Control Club (WHERC) of Shelton, Connecticut, was presented with the prestigious Ten Year Gold Leader Club Award from the Academy of Model Aeronautics District I AVP, Andy Figlar. All of its club members received the Gold Leader Club pin and Carmen Luciano, club president, accepted the prestigious AMA Leader Club plaque on behalf of the club. It will be displayed for members and prospective members to see at their field kiosk located off Birdseye Road in Shelton.
“WHERC, from its inception on October 1, 2005, was aware that community service and cordial relationships with its neighbors [were] a must. Through the efforts of Carmen Luciano and his board of directors guiding the club, and the encouragement of Joe Acosta, owner of Build Right - Fly Right Hobbies located in Wallingford, Connecticut, the initial year included a group of 20 Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 7 in Ansonia,
Connecticut, learning avionics and flying two glow trainers at the field, one of which was donated by Joe Acosta. The club began helping the Ansonia Boy Scout troop and Boy Scouts and veterans organizations.
“The most successful and popular event has been the club’s relationship with the seniors from Teresian Towers in Trumbull, Connecticut. This partnership has been going on since WHERC was formed 10 years ago. Quite remarkable.
“The Teresian Towers group is independent-living seniors, many of whom are World War II or Korean War veterans. They greatly enjoy the flying. One WHERC member, Julius Greenberger, flies at that event. He was a B-24 navigator. They all enjoy the day.
“I am convinced that the exposure from 10 years of events publicized in local newspapers has allowed the club to grow despite the burden of paying
$3,300 per year rent to use the Sam Stern farm in Shelton. All of the new members with whom I talked with have said so.
“The WHERC runs at least one, and sometimes two, local, community-involvement events each year, providing for food and airplanes out of its treasury. On Wednesday, July 15, 2015, some of those seniors again will be hosted by WHERC.
“In order to earn this [Leader Club] award, a club must prove that events are being run as they have been reported to AMA. Outreach programs must have been undertaken, and all club rules must be posted at its flying site.”
If your club would like to participate in the AMA Leader Club program, download the AMA application at www.modelaircraft.org/files/708.pdf. It’s one of the best ways to gain support for your club from your local community.
