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
Modelers formed AMA in 1936 to promote model aviation, foster youth participation, education, and to advance technology and safety. Since that time, AMA members and clubs have earned a reputation as the national standard for recreational model aviation. We’ve done this not by happenstance, but through member involvement.
Volunteerism is the foundation of every club and even of AMA itself. Each district’s associate vice presidents (AVP), vice president, and every district officer or district position is served by volunteers. Of course, club officers and participating members are the backbone of every club as well. Without these volunteers, our hobby would not be what it is today!
On August 30, 2017, we lost Al Kanser, a friend to many and the epitome of volunteerism in our hobby. Often an AMA member stands out for his or her volunteerism and dedication to our hobby. The rewards are not only through flying, but the satisfaction of helping others and seeing our hobby prosper. Al is the best example of this that we can all aspire to.
Al served in many roles for District II. For a number of years Al was the district’s safety coordinator, assisting clubs with questions, and providing ideas and suggestions of how we
Al Kanser at the Lazy Eight Charity Airshow.
Al Kanser and a Red Cross volunteer at the AMA Expo East Safety booth.
AEDs save lives.
can all more safely enjoy our hobby. More recently, Al volunteered to be the district’s RC contest coordinator. He dutifully worked to help clubs obtain timely sanctions and helpful information. He even served as the contest director or organizer for many events throughout the years, and he was also a District II AVP.
While accompanying me on several trips to AMA Executive Council meetings in Muncie, Indiana, Al was always certain to check in with AMA’s professional staff. During these visits,
Al would seek the latest information on many topics from sanctions to clubs, and of course, safety.
It was at Al’s urging that I proposed the program that now allows for club automated external defibrillator (AED) purchase grants through AMA’s Flying Site Assistance Program. So mindful of modelers’ safety, Al carried his own AED to events in case the need arose. Al also staffed the AMA safety booth at AMA Expo East, sharing information with members about all topics.
I can find no better way to remember Al Kanser and all that he’s done for us, than to announce the establishment of the AMA District II Al Kanser Memorial Camp AMA Scholarship. Through this scholarship, the work of members such as Al will continue for generations. If you or your club want to contribute to the scholarship, please contact me!
District II is proud to have a new international competitor in our midst. Thirteen-year-old Johnathan Sabini has been placed on Italy’s International Miniature Aerobatic Club Team.
A dual United States/Italian citizen, Jonathan started flying at 4 years old. A multi-interest modeler, Jonathan has flown everything from Control Line to RC Scale. He even flew a B-17 at Joe Nall. He has placed very well in local and regional events, with high finishes and several first places. Youth members are the future of our hobby!
Remember, it’s not about what you fly, it’s about the friends that you make!
Associate Vice Presidents: Dennis Andreas, Freeport NY; (516) 379-0135; danandreasdqhshd@juno.com; Fred Backhaus, Medford NY; (631) 289-6964; motoderf@optonline.net. Reid Condon, Greenville NY; (518) 966-8329; rcrforce@live.com; Frank Costello, Somerset NJ; teams3fpv@gmail.com; Chuck Davis, Sayville NY; (631) 589-7690; arcdavis@verizon.com; Gene Gavin, Staten Island NY; (718) 967-0598; Gavin1957@aol.com; Jon Gerber, Staten Island NY; (718) 984-5013; taxman846@aol.com. Frank Granelli, Rockaway NJ; (973) 625-4995; granellif@aol.com; Bill Hauth, Hamburg NY; (716) 649-8582; toolmkr2000@msn.com; Thomas Murray, Basking Ridge NJ; (908) 766-5656; Anthony Rossi, Somerset NJ; (917) 320-2665; p510851@gmail.com; Leonard Max Smart, Morrisonville NY; (518) 563-6878; hotrodsbymax@charter.net; Alexander Szemere, Kendall Park NJ; (732) 821-5641; drszemere@aol.com; Michael Wong, Mahwah NJ; kingmeow@verizon.net; Herb Ziegler, Baldwinsville NY; (315) 857-6266; herbz1957@yahoo.com. CL/FF Event Sanction Coordinator/AVP: Ed Barry, Hillsborough NJ; (908) 359-0288; ekbarry@comcast.net. Webmaster: Chuck Levine, webmaster@amadistrictii.org.
