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
AMA Expo East was challenging for AMA. All of the work that goes into producing a new aeromodeling show was fit into several months after AMA decided to host a northeast version of its successful AMA Expo West.
Despite the abbreviated preparation time, AMA did an excellent job and attracted a large crowd during the three-day show. Vendors claimed excellent sales, as can be seen in the photos with many attendees holding shopping bags. Although Horizon Hobby’s exhibit fixtures and all of its new products were mistakenly routed elsewhere, the company’s sales representatives borrowed some tables and hobby items and succeeded in talking about their products.
There was a good representation of model aircraft of all types and scales, expertly built and finished, in static display areas. For those who wanted to see and experience RC flying, a large multipurpose netted cage had racing drones, foamies, helicopters, and FPV flying activity going on. Model boat enthusiasts were not left out of the action, and many got to view and operate RC scale boats, some of which had smoke, lighting, and engine sound features, in a huge indoor 1-foot-deep pool.
AMA took its RC Resale collection of donated model aircraft to the show’s Swap Shop, where eager bargain hunters emptied their wallets to purchase the many items on sale. The money from the sales helps to support the AMA Foundation’s charitable programs.
Speakers, including AMA Ambassador and astronaut Robert “Hoot” Gibson and U.S. Navy Cmdr. Tom Huff, told stories about how model aviation influenced their lives and careers to many interested show attendees.
District I members were in abundance at the show and kept me talking nonstop every day. Nearly everyone told me that they enjoyed the show.
District I associate vice presidents (AVPs) Steve Brehm, Tom Rocheleau, Daren Hudson, Andrew Figlar, Ted Wojcik, Thomas Puma, and Joan Liska were invited to attend the show and participate in a combined AMA officer meeting conducted by District II Vice President Eric Williams and me. Among the topics of discussion were developing initiatives to address clubs with declining membership; opportunities for membership growth; improving methods for collaboration between district officers, clubs, and members; identifying clubs that permit multirotor flying and those with drone race courses; and sUAS community education to deter unnecessary legislation. More information about these efforts are on the District I website at www.amadistrict-i.org.
Associate Vice Presidents: Steve Brehm, Jamestown RI; (401) 423-1085; sbrehm@yahoo.com; Andrew Figlar, Stratford CT; (203) 377-1535; Andrew_L_Figlar@sbcglobal.net. James Gilliatt, Concord MA; (978) 369-9796; jegilliatt@cs.com; Daren Hudson, Greenland NH; (603) 674-5809; dth7@comcast.net; Robert Kilmon, Nashua NH; (603) 594-2725; rk102136@aol.com; Ray LaBonte, Standish ME; (207) 892-7994; rplabonte@aol.com; Joan Liska, Middletown CT; (860) 347-0257; jliska9000@sbcglobal.net; Thomas J. Puma Jr., North Clarendon VT; (802) 558-4439; usakingcat1@aol.com; Tom Rocheleau, Wethersfield CT 06109; (860) 280-1701; trocheleau@cox.net; Ted Wojcik, Fremont NH; (603) 479-3799; tedwojcik@comcast.net. Event Sanction Coordinator: David Surwell, 24 Norwich Rd.; Nashua NH 03062; (603) 888-2020; davidsurwell@comcast.net; Frequency Coordinator: Joel Chappell, Milford NH; (603) 673-6240; joel.b.chappell@myfairpoint.net.
