FEBRUARY 2006 DISTRICT 1 REPORT:
Andy Argenio, District I Vice President

THE SOUTH SHORE Radio Control Club (SSRCC) held its annual Great New England Scale Contest on August 14, 2005. The day began with four National Guard members raising an American flag that had been flown over the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.

The club was celebrating its 50th anniversary and rededication of the flying site to honor Charles Gaugham, the superintendent of the Bridgewater Correctional Facility. Superintendent Gaugham was the person most instrumental in securing and supporting the club’s use of the flying site on the correctional facilities property.

SSRCC secretary Bill Verge read proclamations presented to the club by the Massachusetts State Senate and the town of Bridgewater’s Board of Selectmen commemorating the club’s 50th anniversary. Club president, Christopher D’Arpino, officially dedicated the site The Superintendent Charles Graughan Memorial Field for Remote Control Flight.

After the site dedication, I had the honor of presenting and congratulating the club for earning the Silver Level AMA Leader Club award certificate. These awards are earned by AMA chartered clubs meeting certain standards of community service activity.

Leader clubs receive a certificate from AMA Headquarters, a pin for each current club member, publication recognition in MA, and are listed on the AMA Web site.

Andy Argenio (L) presented the Silver AMA Leader Club Award Certificate to club president, Chris D’Arpino (M) and club secretary, Bill Verge (R).

The Scale competition commenced after the cutting of the ceremonial cake which was decorated and fashioned after the SSRCC logo. It was a shame to cut up this work of art, but I must say I enjoyed my piece of cake.

In spite of the humidity and 90° temperatures, 22 contestants competed and spectator attendance was great. Cubs of all sizes were flown along with World War I and II aircraft, CAP 232s, Decathlons, Super Stearman models, Tiger Moths, Moustiques, and a 1930 Howard Pete racer. Christopher D’Arpino thanked all who planned and ran this wonderful, historic-event day for the SSRCC.

This museum-quality, ¹/4-scale Fokker D-VII was built and flown by Brian Voyer.

The SSRCC executive officers and club members continue to be role models for other clubs to emulate not only because of their many well-known flying events but because they understand the value in recognizing and honoring members of the community who have supported them. I highly recommend that clubs undertake the activities required for Leader Club status.

It is one way to bring club members together to work on projects that will revitalize the club, make flying safer, improve community relations, and ensure the club’s future. The information on becoming a Leader Club is available by downloading PDF form #708 from the AMA Web site.

The District I officer team wishes all a joyous and happy New Year.