District I
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
The following report came from one of our talented team of active associate vice presidents, Doug Thompson:
The annual Frozen Fingers Fun Fly took place on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at the New England Dragway. This New Year’s Eve event in the Northeast enjoyed ideal weather, attracting attendees from six local clubs, as well as nonmembers who tried out the hobby for the first time. The clubs that were represented included the Fremont Flyers as hosts, along with the Southern New Hampshire Flying Eagles, Plum Island RC Flyers, Concord Skyhawks, the 107th RC Flyers, and RC Aces.
Nearly 50 participants from various clubs came together to support the hobby during this open fun-fly. Despite facing some muddy landings and a few bumps and bruises during the limbo contest, everyone had a fun time flying, watching, eating, conversing, and helping with the event activities. The event truly embodied the spirit of this cherished annual tradition.
Be sure to check out the competition action on this short YouTube recap video of the limbo contest at https://youtu.be/1msIZRheXCk.
Thanks to the advocacy of AMA staff, we had an FAA-Recognized Identification Area-approved, safe location from which to fly. The combination of dedicated club members, supportive friends and family, and a fantastic group of pilots made this event possible.
Throughout the day, we witnessed adults laughing like children, some nerve-racking maiden flights, and core memories being created for kids who were trying out the hobby for the first time. Congratulations to one attendee, who made his first flight with his new Christmas present, a HobbyZone AeroScout.
A special shout-out goes to Wayne Watjus, the president of the Fremont Flyers, who won a trophy at his first limbo competition! Additionally, we commended Wayne and his wife, Carol, for their fantastic work on the yellow biplane, which proudly displays the club’s AMA charter number.
The New England Dragway, in Epping, New Hampshire, remains open throughout the winter for members from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., serving as an alternate venue when the club’s primary location is snowed in.
Many clubs throughout District I have begun hosting more open fun-flys, allowing members to connect and discover new ways to enjoy the hobby. By sharing knowledge, experience, fun, and excitement, we can help keep this hobby alive for generations to come!
Thanks, Doug, for this report, and the Fremont Flyers for hosting yet another fun time at an open-flying event.
Andy Argenio
Vice President
amadistrict1@modelaircraft.org;
brandshobby@gmail.com
3 Sheila Ln., Smithfield, RI 02917
(401) 575-6215
www.amadistrict-1.org
Associate Vice Presidents
Steve Brehm, Jamestown RI; (401) 423-1085; stbrehm@yahoo.com
Jim Cyr, Madison CT; (203) 421-2145; cardenpro6@gmail.com
Edward W. Deming, North Stonington, CT; (860) 884-3222; edwardwdeming@gmail.com
Andrew Figlar, Shelton CT; (203) 513-8546; safiglar32@gmail.com
Steve Goler, Salem MA; (617) 373-0884; hipmuck2@comcast.net
Daren Hudson, Greenland NH; (603) 674-5809; dth7@comcast.net
Ray LaBonte, Standish ME; (207) 892-7994; rplabonte@aol.com
Tom Lavoie, N. Smithfield RI; (401) 824-6134; d2tw4all@yahoo.com
Joan Liska, Middletown CT; (860) 347-0257; jliska9000@sbcglobal.net
Mark Montella, Falmouth, MA; (508) 457-4984; montellamj@comcast.net
Joel Rosenzweig, Marlborough MA; (508) 667-3720; joel@helitronix.com
Tom Siwiek, Shrewsbury MA; (617) 893-5249; trsiwek@gmail.com
Doug Thompson, Eliot ME; (508) 838-4874; doug@dougsdrones.com
William Unger, Newington CT; (860) 978-5353; n1cnv@icloud.com
Ted Wojcik, Fremont NH; (603) 479-3799; tedwojcik@comcast.net
Technology and Safety Officer
John Yassemedis, 5 Quarry Rd., Nashua NH 03062; (603) 321-8442; jyassemedis@comcast.net
Event Sanction Coordinator
Michael Fiorito, 42 Hayden Circle, Hampton NH 03842; (603) 770-3130; mfiorito61@comcast.net
