APRIL 2005 DISTRICT 1 REPORT:
Andy Argenio, District I Vice President

IN JANUARY, I attended my first Executive Council (EC) meeting in Muncie, Indiana. An outline of the important matters discussed and acted upon was sent to each of the District I clubs and will be posted on the district Web site.

The district Vice Presidents (VPs) impressed me as being dedicated and knowledgeable people who work to represent the best interests of the clubs and members. The newly elected VPs—Tony Stillman (District V), Mark Smith (District IX), and I—had several meetings with the new Executive Director, Don Koranda. Don asked us many questions about the needs; wants, and expectations that the members of our districts have regarding our hobby and the AMA. I believe Don’s genuine concern for the membership will strengthen, improve, and enhance every aspect of the AMA organization.

We attended an orientation meeting on Monday. Each AMA department head made a presentation and we learned what they do and what they intend to do to further the goals and objectives of their respective departments.

These people do the work and perform the tasks necessary to service more than 150,000 members. We are lucky to have such a dedicated and skilled staff.

I left Muncie to drive the 14 hours home feeling good about the people I had met and confident that the AMA’s future was in safe hands. By the time you read this column, I will have attended the AMA Strategic Planning meeting and I will keep you informed about the short- and long-term goals discussed.

A district safety coordinator position has been established. As of 2005, all AMA clubs are required to have a club safety coordinator. This club officer will act as a communication liaison between the club and AMA Headquarters to ensure timely distribution of safety-related material.

The district safety coordinator’s job will be to assist each of the club safety coordinators to develop, promote, and encourage a climate of safety awareness within the clubs.

If you have good communication skills, computer and E-mail capabilities, technical knowledge, and an understanding of safety issues, and would like to be considered for this important position, please contact me.

These First Night event photos were submitted by our new Contest Coordinator, Barry Schubert.

“The Cloud Dancers, under the guidance of its president, Jim Almeida, and with the cooperation of the Fall River City Leadership, produced a model-aviation static display and an indoor flying demonstration. This took place at the Fall River, Massachusetts, City Hall on New Year’s Eve and was part of the First Night Celebration.

The Crowd at City Hall on New Year’s Evelearned about RC aircraft and flying.

“The Cloud Dancer’s Aerobatic Team and other club members brought a number of airplanes to put on display for the curious crowd. In addition, a movie screen was set up so children of all ages could try out one of the flight simulators under the instruction of various club members. Small electric helicopters were demonstrated for the onlookers; safety considerations prevented the demonstration of the electric foamie airplanes.

“The club was congratulated by the mayor of Fall River for having done a fine job and being a unique addition to the First Night venue. The fireworks extravaganza was produced right on top of the City Hall building. Many questions were answered by club members and information was provided to ensure that the audience was given a chance to pursue the hobby if so inclined.”

The Cloud Dancers’ president, JimAlmeida, demonstrated an electric helicopter.

The flight simulators were constantly inuse by children of all ages.

My wife and I attended the Cloud Dancers’ model aviation event to begin my first official duties as district vice president. We all had a great time.

Opportunities that allow us to demonstrate our hobby to the members of the community are the best ways to cultivate allies who will have a positive attitude about our hobby and what we do. I thank the Cloud Dancers for helping to ensure our future by giving something to the community and receiving the friendship and praise of the mayor of Fall River, Massachusetts.

“Recognize opportunities and turn them into realities.” .