District II—New Jersey, New York, Europe
Eric Williams
Vice President
rcpilot@nycap.rr.com
4242 Amanda Ln., Schenectady NY 12303
Tel.: (518) 356-2057
www.amadistrict-II.org
www.facebook.com/DistrictIIAMA
The Town of Oyster Bay, New York, recently proposed a law that would have restricted model aviation and imposed a $70 registration fee. At this news, I contacted Oyster Bay town officials and the town attorney, and expressed AMA’s concerns for protecting safe and responsible aeromodeling.
AMA and several local modelers responded to the proposed law at a town hearing, where the town officials decided to take a second look at the proposal. The town subsequently held a work session with area modelers and AMA District II Associate Vice President (AVP) Chuck Davis. As of this writing, the Oyster Bay session appears fruitful with reasonable legislation being created that protects our hobby.
Local county, town, and village legislation affecting model aviation is constantly appearing. AMA is thankful for members who respond to and report such legislation to AMA. It is also critical that AMA members are part of coordinated efforts to work with their local government officials. The voices of local and regional modelers are exceptionally important.
Linda’s Hobby Hut in Pompton Plaines, New Jersey, has closed after serving modelers for 33 years. I first met Linda Ciesla at her shop more than 20 years ago while traveling through New Jersey and Pennsylvania for modeling events. Always cheerful and helpful, Linda had a great selection of covering, glue, accessories, and everything modelers needed to build and repair their aircraft.
Established in 1969, the store was one of the oldest hobby stores in the US. Linda said, “At the age of 23, I had the pleasure of taking over the business from my dad. I, of course, was a woman in a man’s world and at that time it was unheard of.”
Linda elaborated, “It is time to say goodbye to a store I grew up in as a child and that has been my life as an adult.”
In recent years, Linda has overcome many obstacles. She moved her entire establishment at least once, and dealt with major flooding in her store. Adversity never got the best of Linda. Her smiling face was present at air shows and events up and down the East Coast, with Mark King’s Hobby Hut Beast flying to the delight of spectators. Thank you, Linda, for all you’ve done for modelers!
The closure of hobby shops can be attributed to various things. The rise of ARFs might be a chief factor because modelers have less need for tires, propellers, decals, and other items to complete their aircraft. It is also of little help that today’s society is one of online ordering and shipping to your doorstep. Even major national retail chain stores are shrinking. These closures are reflective of retail sales spiraling downward in favor of online purchases.
There are several things that local hobby shops uniquely provide: service, information, and connecting new modelers to local clubs. There is a generation of new builders out there if we only help and invite them. Before they’re all gone, let’s support our local hobby shops.
Remember, it’s not about what you fly, it’s about the people and the friends you make.
