District IV—Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia
Jay Marsh
Vice President
jaymarsh@ama-d4.org
3227 Pine Needles Rd., High Point NC 27265
Tel: (336) 687-0973; www.amadistrict-iv.org
www.facebook.com/amadistrictIV
Take off And Grow (TAG) is an AMA grant designed to help chartered clubs make the public aware of model aviation, acquire new members, and help their training programs. It is awarded each year in March—the submission deadline is February 1—and each district is allowed $2,000 to give out, with a maximum of $1,000 per applicant.
This year, two grants were awarded. One went to Northern Virginia RC for training equipment and a simulator, and the other grant went to Central Carolina Radio Control Modelers (CCRCM), which provides this month’s report authored by Marc Wentnick.
For more information about TAG, visit www.modelaircraft.org/education/tagprogram.aspx.
On Memorial Day, under a cloudy morning sky, the CCRCM, located in Randleman, North Carolina, held its 24th annual Open House. As in years past, the event was dedicated to the memory of deceased and living veterans of all wars who fought and serve for our freedom. During this event, we focus our attention on education and public awareness of model aviation.
With a TAG grant awarded from AMA, we were able to reach a large audience. A big portion of our grant was used for radio and web advertising to promote the event. A small army of CCRCM members made sure that this event was strictly geared to the public. Food, door prizes, raffle tickets, convenient restroom facilities, and shuttle service from the parking lot to the flightline were just a few of the amenities that were offered.
Despite early morning weather conditions, attendance was good. The event started mid-morning with a prayer, a veterans’ anthem song, and the playing of our national anthem. Afterward, enthusiastic pilots from CCRCM and area clubs took to the skies flying all kinds of model aircraft.
After lunch, our guests were entertained with our afternoon show that included many types of aircraft. We even had a rocket launch and a demo of futuristic drone technology by delivering a pizza (box only) to the winner of a gift certificate from a local restaurant. As usual, the kids went crazy for the candy drop. At the conclusion of the show, a large number of door prizes, donated by local businesses and club members, were awarded to many of our guests.
A sign-up sheet was available for anyone who wanted to get involved in the hobby. Guests were invited to come out the following Saturday and actually fly hands-on with one of the many club instructors and trainer airplanes. This additional event brought a number of kids and parents back out to try their hand at flying, and we ultimately gained four new club members and 15 kids signed up for AMA memberships.
It’s all about the public and the kids.
The CCRCM Open House was a successful result of our many positive and dedicated club members who strive to promote our club and our hobby! Thanks to all who participated, and to AMA as well!
Go fly, and have fun safely. ✈️
Associate Vice Presidents:
Delaware: John Kirchstein, (302)731-2831; john@kirchstein.net; Mark Weiss, (302)547-4917; markw@ama-d4.org;
North Carolina: Rick Cawley, (919) 630-1649; rcbcg@embarqmail.com; Mark Smith, (704) 798-2776; mark@ama-d4.org; David Trogdon, (910)654-1220; frogman28472@embarqmail.com;
Maryland: Richard “Rick” Moreland, (301) 261-7366; rmoreland1@verizon.net;
Virginia: Nic Burhans, (540) 219-9646; nic@ama-d4.org; Randy Elliott, (540) 239-0645; Randy.Elliott@nordsxonaly.com; Rusty Kennedy, (757) 812-2812; rusty@ama-d4.org; Terry Terrnoire, (412)760-4593; terry@ama-d4.org; FFAVP: Bob Sowder, (540)525-7086; bsowder@nnet.com.
CL AVP and FF/CL Contest Coordinator: John Tate, 10 Hanbury Ave., Portsmouth VA 23702, (757) 399-5376; tate22@cox.net.
RC Contest Coordinator: Andy Kane, 305 Natch Ct., Silver Spring MD 20905; (301)785-3022; andykane01@gmail.com.
Webmaster: Jack Upchurch, webmaster@ama-d4.org.
Government Relations Coordinator: Ray Stinchcomb, (443) 618-8998; govrelations@ama-d4.org.
