District I

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

The Bill O’Donnell Memorial Fly-In is an annual event at the South Shore Radio Control Club (SSRCC) in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, to celebrate and honor the memory of our friend Bill O’Donnell.

In 2013, AMA honored Bill’s memory with the prestigious AMA Distinguished Service Award for his many outstanding contributions to promote aeromodeling and camaraderie among members and clubs. Bill is best remembered for creating the Multi-Club Fly-In concept, in which a number of clubs within the district agree to host an annual event, welcoming members from other clubs in the area to attend and fly whatever they desire.

The SSRCC club’s expansive, unobstructed flying site has a huge parking area to accommodate many members and spectators at its events. The memorial event welcomed all types of model aircraft flying.

My wife, Anna, and I attended this inaugural memorial event, and so did Bill’s two sons and his wife. Although we talk with Maureen often, it was nice to be with the family for an entire day.

As always, SSRCC’s flying site was in pristine condition. Bill’s close friend, Bob Mandeville, was the contest director, and we had a chance to catch up with all that’s been going on with many friends in attendance. Everyone had an opportunity to fly, and of course it’s always great to watch John Glezellis and Cody Wojcik do their awesome flying.

Thanks to all at SSRCC for carrying on Bill’s legacy. Memorial events give us an opportunity to honor and remember the good times and laughter that we had with dear friends such as Billy.

Five people at the memorial event — (L-R) Bill O’Donnell’s son David; wife, Maureen; friend Anna Argenio; son Kevin; and club President Don Brown celebrated Bill’s memory at the club’s memorial event.

Model aircraft displayed at a flying field — The Bill O’Donnell Memorial Fly-In is an annual event at the SSRCC.

Pilot with a large yellow and blue model aircraft — World-class pilots, Cody Wojcik (L) and John Glezellis (R), flew at the memorial event.

Two men with a purple model aircraft — Andy Argenio (L) and Mike Pecue with Mike’s Rebel Pro-Jet attended the event.

Associate Vice Presidents: Steve Brehm, Jamestown RI; (401) 423-1085; stbrehm@yahoo.com; Andrew Figlar, Stratford CT; (203) 377-1535; Andrew_L_Figlar@sbcglobal.net. James Gilliatt, Concord MA; (978) 369-9796; jegilliatt@cs.com; Steve Goler, Salem MA; (617) 373-0884; nipmuck2@comcast.net; 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. Technology and Safety Officer: John Yassemendis, 5 Quarry Rd., Nashua NH 03062; (603) 321-8442; jyassemendis@comcast.net. Event Sanction Coordinator: David Surwell, 24 Norwich Rd., Nashua NH 03062; (603) 888-2020; davidsurwell@comcast.net

Man with a large gray model aircraft — Club member Nick Roselli flew his 120-inch Pilot-RC Yak 54 to celebrate Bill’s memory.