Happy birthday, America! If my math is correct this is our 249th birthday! Be sure to celebrate with family and friends safely and responsibly!
Guess what else is having a birthday this month? Model Aviationis celebrating its 50th anniversary with this issue. The first issue of the magazine, in its current format, came out in July 1975!
Larry Erbach reported that the Chain-O-Lakes Eagles R/C Club launched its first STEM program in collaboration with the Fox Lake Parks and Recreation Department in Illinois. It was a resounding success! The inaugural offering, titled "Intro to Flight," introduced students to the fundamentals of aviation. Students ages 8 to 11 had the opportunity to build Flite Test P-51 chuck gliders. Parents and guardians were invited to participate alongside their children.
The next installment in the club’s STEM series was "An Introduction to RC Airplanes." Day one focused on the classroom, learning the basics of radio-controlled flight. Day two was a hands-on session at the club’s flying field. Each participant received a certificate, pilot’s wings, and a matching set of copilot wings for their adult partner. Attendees left with goodie bags of AMA flyers, club information, and a Model Aviationmagazine. The Chain-O-Lakes Eagles has a parent and child planning to join the club!
Larry also reported that the Chain-O-Lakes Eagles participated in the Alden Hebron Elementary School’s Alphabet Countdown. Partnering with the general manager from the local airport, EAA Chapter 932, and the Chain-O-Lakes education chairman, the club participated in Airplane Day.
The program consisted of an overview of Galt Airport, the fundamentals of flight, parts of an airplane, and a flight demonstration by Chain-O-Lakes Eagles members Mark Ward and Mike Loser. The presentation took place at the school on a beautiful, calm, sunny afternoon. The first was for students in prekindergarten through second grade, and the other presentation was for students in grades three through five.
The students had a bunch of great questions and loved watching the flight demonstrations. Each student was given an issue of Model Aviation magazine and an AMA brochure to take home.
Brian Kobischka reported that during a Zoom meeting for AMA Leader Members, the Rock Valley RC Flyers Club was prompted to hold a Club Awareness and Recruitment Day at the local hobby store. Hobby Town was receptive to the idea. AMA supported the event by providing giveaway magazines, balsa and foam gliders, and other membership marketing materials.
The club gave each new paid adult member a gift certificate for HobbyTown and added three new adult members to the club! The owner of HobbyTown is an avid participant in the hobby and regularly shares his expertise.
It is important for clubs and hobby shops to align and connect with each other to maintain and help grow our hobby. Promoting each other is mutually beneficial. This could include discounting raffle prizes for club events. The club could make announcements encouraging members to support the local hobby shop during meetings. Shopping local and keeping yourmoney in yourtown is crucial for the community.