District II
New Jersey, New York, Europe
I attended the annual Joe Nall Week event at the Triple Tree Aerodrome in Woodruff, South Carolina, during the week of May 11. Attending with me were District II Associate Vice Presidents (AVPs) Max Smart, from Morrisonville, New York, and Ed DeRossi, from Johnstown, New York, as well as District II snowbird Frank Manion. Noted Scale pilot and District II AVP Emeritus Gene Gavin was there as well.
Although South Carolina is a day-and-a-half trip from District II, many district members and former residents attend Joe Nall Week. Among the district clubs that were represented were the Staten Island Modelers from Staten Island, New York, and the Roxbury Area Model Airplane Club (RAMAC) from Great Meadows, New Jersey, as well as many other district clubs and members. A fair estimate is that several hundred District II AMA members and snowbirds enjoyed the event, as well as the numerous exotic aircraft that flew all week.
A highlight at Joe Nall Week is the Thursday evening AMA Membership Meeting. Several districts were represented alongside District II. This was a great opportunity to invite pilots to our district's events that we enjoy in New York and New Jersey. A dinner that followed offered more opportunities to share and socialize.
Fortunately, this year, issues with my camper did not keep me from Triple Tree as they had in previous years—no flat tires, no electrical glitches, and no unexpected gremlins! Only now can I uncross my fingers. Like all RC clubs and events, had these issues occurred at Triple Tree, there would have been plenty of friendly people who would have helped out. This is just one aspect of the Triple Tree motto of “Fun, Friendship, and Hospitality” that is always obvious.
Of course, District II has its own events where fun, friendship, and hospitality are central to success—your own local club can provide the same hospitality! The goal is to not view your events simply as opportunities to fly but rather as social gatherings where positive visitor experiences are the goal. No matter how large or small your club might be, providing positive experiences in a welcoming atmosphere is why people attend and participate each year.
Congratulations to Triple Tree Aerodrome and all of our AMA clubs for setting standards that help build our hobby.
Remember, it’s not about what you fly, it’s about the friends you make.
