National Model Aviation Day
From the Copilot’s Seat by Gary Fitch, Executive Vice President
August is the month that we celebrate National Model Aviation Day and it has special meaning this year because, as AMA members, we celebrate our 80th anniversary. Thank you to those clubs that are engaging their communities and showing the positive family-friendly experience that we know model aviation to be.
If your club is contributing to AMA’s national charity, the Disabled American Veterans, which Congress founded in 1920, or a local charity of your choice, we appreciate what you are doing for our hobby!
Speaking of anniversaries, when a club reaches its 50th anniversary milestone, it certainly is an occasion to celebrate. Most clubs begin because a few individuals come together with the same ideals and desire to fly. They nurture their organization by welcoming new people, and over time, develop the strength to deal with the inevitable differing opinions of members in a growing club, which can often divide it.
One such club that reached its 50th anniversary is the 150-member Richardson Radio Control Club (RRCC), which is an AMA Gold Leader Club and received the AMA Award of Excellence in 2015. District VIII Vice President Lawrence Harville had committed to be at an event in Louisiana on April 9, so I had the privilege of attending the anniversary commemoration, held in Allen, Texas, in his place.
Enter Ed Kranz, former District VIII associate vice president (AVP) and RRCC spark plug, acting as master of ceremonies and organizer. It was Ed’s idea that RRCC should celebrate its golden anniversary, and the gala celebration was so well received, the club needed to book the Marriott Courtyard banquet rooms to handle the attendees.
Ed began the evening by introducing special guests AVP Tony Breyen and his wife, Judy; AVP Stewart Moore; club president, Robert Ferguson; club vice president, 13-year-old Christopher Quinn II; Jimmy Laird, club secretary; and Stephen Wilkes, club treasurer. A great photo presentation was shown throughout dinner and then the fun began.
Lawrence had the AMA Award of Merit plaque prepared, which I presented to Christopher Quinn II. Christopher then addressed the large gathering—reading the inscription on the award, and accepting the award on behalf of his club. I am told he takes his vice president position seriously and does a great job!
Then came the entertainment. It was Ed’s idea to provide a bit of an RRCC history lesson when he brought up four groups of former RRCC club presidents to discuss the growth and development of the club.
Group one included Jim Polozeck, Fred Welsh, Will Kuhnle, Joe DeVincentis, Nick Calautti, and Gray Fowler. The second group was Larry Mowatt and Gary Mills, and the third was Ed Kettler, Barry Walters, and Robert Ferguson. The men often had the crowd in stitches from laughter. It was a great coming together and evening. The next morning, a few of us braved inclement weather to gather at the beautiful flying field and watched as a couple of members flew.
I want to thank the RRCC for the invitation to attend its event and for providing a most enjoyable weekend! These members are truly deserving of Gold Leader Club status.
(L-R) Ed Kranz and Tony Breyen.
The Weak Signals Toledo Show: R/C Model Expo is the oldest and largest model aviation trade show in
the country. The Weak Signals club is well-known for the scholarships it provides and also the fellowship and help given to AMA. I want to thank AMA District VII Vice President Tim Jesky for arranging rooms for us to meet with our members and other businesses and organizations that attend this event.
The highlight of the Toledo Show for me was having the opportunity to speak with Hazel Sigafoose Hester. Most of you know that Sig Manufacturing sells great kits and ARFs. Glen and Hazel Sigafoose started the company in 1951, cutting balsa in the basement of their home.
Today, Sig Manufacturing is owned by Herb Rizzo and Ron Petterec and encompasses an 80,000 square-foot manufacturing space occupying several buildings, and offering modelers more than 2,000 items.
There was a true media moment when Hazel posed for photos with Sig’s owners and staff. This moment was enhanced when none other than Nick Ziroli Sr. stopped by to see Hazel and provide a chance to photograph two of modeling’s icons together. Seeing them is just one more reason to attend our modeling trade shows.
Thanks for reading! Please help secure our future and take a youngster out to your field.
