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

I WOULD LIKE to thank all of those AMA members who voted for their candidates in the 2004 election. I especially applaud the voting members of District I. We had a 33% increase in those who voted from 2001 to 2004. Congratulations! You stepped up to the plate and many who never voted before decided to make a difference and did.

I wish Don Krafft well and thank him for his 19 years of service to AMA and the members of District I.

The members of District I will be informed and involved in the decisions made to accomplish the mission and focus outlined in my campaign statement. With more than 120 clubs and 7,500 members in the district, I will need your help and advice. Together we can make changes and improvements in our district that will benefit all of the clubs and members.

My first order of business was selecting district officers. I sent letters to all of the district clubs requesting that any Leader Members who want to be part of our team, have the time to visit clubs, attend events, and discuss AMA club and member issues should apply.

After considering the demographics of the district, it was apparent that we needed to have two Associate Vice Presidents (AVPs) to represent Massachusetts and two for Connecticut. The rest of the states would have one AVP each. A number of qualified members applied for these limited positions and as of this writing, all of our officers have been selected except for one AVP for Maine.

The district’s Contest Board members who wanted to retain their current positions were accepted because each member was the most qualified and knowledgeable representative of these specialty areas.

The district’s interim Web site— www.amadistrict-i.org—is up and running and will eventually provide us with the most valuable informational resource and communication link between district officers, clubs, and members. If you want to contribute to this site’s development, please contact webmaster Paul Costa.

A revitalization committee, composed of AMA club presidents and members who volunteered, has been established. The committee’s purpose is to evaluate, discuss, and help implement procedures that will accomplish the District I mission.

Please contact me with your E-mail address if you want to be included in this online discussion group.

Our district officers will introduce themselves during the next several months in this column. These are modest men whose arms had to be twisted to disclose their achievements.

Rhode Island’s new AVP, Frank Ponteri, is ready to test fly this 30% Edge.

“My name is Frank V. Ponteri and I am proud to accept the AVP position to serve the Rhode Island and northern Connecticut area. During the past few years, I have had the pleasure of meeting many District I members at various events. In the next few months, I hope to meet many more.

“For those who do not know me, let me take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself. I began flying RC model aircraft in 1956 with a CitizenShip single-channel radio. I have been an active participant in our hobby as it evolved into what it is today.

“In 1985, I joined the International Miniature Aircraft Association (IMAA). During the past nineteen years, I have served as the IMAA District 2 Director and IMAA president. I am currently the IMAA District 1 Director. I am an AMA Leader Member, CD, and Experimental Aircraft Inspector.

“My interest is now in building, flying, and writing articles on Giant Scale aircraft. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your problems, concerns, and ideas.”

Our New AVP for southeastern Massachusetts is Ed Faria, seen with his modified Northstar.

“I am Ed Faria and I will be serving as AVP for southeastern Massachusetts. I began flying RC aircraft in 1971 with a Kraft radio. I enjoy building and modifying all types of airplanes. Today I fly mostly¹/4-scale or larger sport and aerobatic models. I have several ducted-fan airplanes and flying off the water is a favorite passion of mine.

“I have been an AMA Leader Member and CD for more than 15 years. I have attended and flown at nearly all of the major events held throughout the New England area.

“Feel free to contact me whenever you need information or your club or members have problem or issues requiring assistance.”

Please share your club’s events and activities with other District I members. Send me photos or digital images in the three-megapixel range with captions referenced to the photo numbers and a written report about your event.

The team of district officers will do its best to make you proud to say you are members of the number one AMA district. I look forward to working with the clubs and meeting members of the district during the 2005 flying season.

“Teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to produce uncommon results.”