Has anyone ever asked you why you became a Ham? What motivated you to study and take the test whose passage would grant you certain privileges on the Amateur bands? This is a question that often pops into my head when I meet new friends through Amateur Radio from all different walks of life and in different parts of the country!
The ink was barely dry on our marriage license when Jerry began to talk about my getting a Ham license in the future. I was not familiar with Amateur Radio and did not know anyone who was a Ham. Nevertheless, every morning, the boys and I would listen to Jerry as he made his way to work and met on the air with WD8AIL, N8MGY, WD8LSN and KK8S. They all seemed to enjoy discussing everything under the sun and it became part of our morning routine, almost making the year of split sessions worth getting up for!
Well, he bought me the current issue of "Now You're Talking" and encouraged me to study. I confess it was several months before I really read the first chapter! Not bad, I thought and proceeded on to the next one. This process continued with many long lapses in time between my picking up the book. Several people encouraged me to study and take the test to get my license, but I think what finally motivated me was Field Day. It was held that year in our back yard and I was allowed to make some contacts with licensed Amateur operators there with me at the station. What a great time I had! I can't tell you how many contacts I made, but I sure did enjoy it! After that, I was ready to finish my studies and go for my license.
Since that day, I have discovered the many opportunities that Ham Radio has to offer to me and to anyone who is interested.
I have sent birthday wishes and other greetings to my family across the country via radiograms. It is a lot of fun to hear from my family after they have been contacted by a Ham in their area and received my message. I even time how long it takes the messages to get there. It's not a bad thing to know in case of future emergencies that could arise. I also enjoy passing traffic that comes to the Southern part of Ohio.
Last weekend, Jerry and I checked into a few special events stations. The one in Arizona was celebrating the 86th anniversary of Arizona statehood. In Mt. Vernon, Virginia, the Mount Vernon Amateur Radio Club was celebrating George Washington's Birthday. What a great time!
There is so much more!! I know I have only touched the tip of the iceburg (I figure that word will catch everyone's attention with the Titanic being such a hit at the box office). I suppose that I will explore and move along at my own pace and who knows what I'll do next?!
So I am asking you, why did YOU become a Ham? I would like you to tell me and allow me to use your answer to this question in a future publication of our club newsletter. I am certain that there are some interesting stories out there and I hope you all enjoyed hearing mine.
The February meeting was well attended with 25 members present and one guest, Aaron Hoop, son of KA8VEA, Kathy and KF8IX, Danny Hoop. We enjoyed our guest, our members, and the meeting. Special thanks to KA8FCX, Kathie Cobb for the wonderfully delicious treats she made for refreshment at this meeting!!
See you at the Weather Spotter Training on March 3rd.
'73, Kim
LAST CHANCE TO PAY 1998 DeFOREST ARC
DUES TO AVOID LOSING SOME VOTING PRIVILEGES
AND THE CHANCE TO HOLD 1999 OFFICE
IS FEBRUARY 28
DeFOREST A.R.C.
MINUTES - FEBRUARY 10, 1998
by Debbie Lorenz - KB8QNT
The February meeting of the D.A.R.C. was called to order by President
Kim Paquette. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by members present.
The Secretaries report was read and approved. The treasurer's report
was read and approved.
Vice President's report: Larry reported that 2 weeks ago he was at the
repeater site and installed a phone switch, turned down the voice on
the repeater and feels it still needs to come down some. He picked up
the old repeater, ordered parts and has the repeater repaired as of
last week. He still needs to do the cavities. He wants to test it after
a regular net after the cavities are repaired.
Old Business: No Code Technician Classes are underway, Dayton
Hamvention is in May. Ridney Lorenz brought up that the old structure
is quite heavy and the club should look for something lighter. Debbie
is to look in past minutes for something about covering a structure. It
has been tabled till next meeting. The booklet, Larry is working on the
covers, Jerry on the inside.
Joint Picnic: June will be hosted by Mason County, August by DeForest
A.R.C., October by Grant Club. Lucius Merrill is chairman, members
Ridney and Debbie Lorenz, Karen Groves. Have where to have, when to
have and what to bring by March meeting.
Refreshment break: Kathie Cobb brought some delicious brownies and
cookies.
Ash Ridge Site: Bill Mangus is still working connecting with the
weather bureau. The weather service is supplying the site with what it
needs. Bill has the list. The main reason for this site with packet is
for the Doppler Radar.
Barb Lock reminded us that there was a flood watch out through Thursday
and the reason we didn't help with the snow emergency is we have to be
asked by the EOC and no one called.
Karen Groves told of Scholarships available through ARRL.
Kim appointed 3 committees she felt were important to the Constitution
and By-Laws.
1. Financial-Vice President Larry Cobb, Statutory Agent Jerry Paquette
2. Legal-Stat. Agent Jerry Paquette, Member Lucius Merrill
3. Assets Management- Richard Newbauer, Mike Bailey
*Note-Anyone who has a list of the clubs assets or equipment, bring
to next meeting.
Repeater Committee: tabled till next meeting to discuss how many are on
it.
The Chamber of Commerce asked if we would park cars for the Red Bud
Festival for donation only. Dick Sauer made a motion seconded by Barb
Lock for the club not to participate. Motion passes.
There will be a Balderdash Net held on Wednesdays at 8 pm.
Tune in for the fun.
Lucius made a motion seconded by Roy Foster to share a next meeting
what you received for Valentine's Day. Motion passes.
Announcements: Lucius suggested we do a Pepsi Booth with hamburgers for
a fundraiser. Lucius is to check it out and bring back at next meeting.
March 3rd, 1998 Weather Spotter Training, Ohio Valley Vocational School
7 PM.
Test sessions can be scheduled by appointment through WB8IOW.
Next Meeting, March 10, 7 PM.
Lucius made a motion seconded by Dick Sauer to adjourn. Motion passes.
BALDERDASH NET
NL7FK's new "BALDERDASH NET" appears to be a big hit with the DeForest
A.R.C. members. The first net was held Wednesday, February 11th on the
147.00 MHz repeater. Roy Foster, Dot Silman, Lucius Merrill, and Rob
Foster each presented their own version of what "NEST COCK" meant.
Each of the HAMS who checked into the net were then asked which of the
four was telling the truth.
All sounded convincing but in the end, Lucius (KF8RC) was telling the
truth. It seems a "NEST COCK" is a house-husband. The net progressed
with all having a good time. Roy presented a second word later in the
net and the same four presented their definitions.
The net is open to all who want to check-in on Wednesday night, 8:00 PM
on the DeForest A.R.C. 147.00 MHz repeater.
SPOTTER TRAINING
The annual Severe Weather Spotter Training will be held Tuesday, March
3rd at 7:00 PM, at the Ohio Valley Vocational School. The presentation
is open to all HAMS and the public. A representative of the National
Weather Service, Wilmington, Ohio office will be present. Please plan
to attend.
Monthly Refreshments
March - Barb Lock
April - Debbie Lorenz
May - Karen Groves
June - Jerry Paquette
July - Henry Jones
MARCH BIRTHDAYS AND EVENTS
03-01 KC8HFZ Jeff A. Phelps
03-03 7:00 PM WX Spotter Training
03-06 WD8AIL Bill Main
03-08 KB8NSJ Larry Bennington
03-10 7:00 PM DeForest meeting
03-19 KC8DDY Lyle Lambert
03-21 KC8HFX Robert J. Kemphues
03-21 9:30 AM Portsmouth test session
03-21 KF8RC Lucius Merrill Jr.
03-22 KB8YKM Imogene Seymour
03-25 KC8HFW Charles E. Bailey
APRIL (1st week)
04-04 KB8NBI Jack E. King
THIS NEWSLETTER CAN BE VIEWED AT http://www.qsl.net/k8ge
CLUB MEETING
March 10
WEST UNION ABCAP SENIOR NUTRITION CENTER
across from front steps of the Courthouse
in West Union, Ohio
7:00 PM
SPOTTER TRAINING
March 3
1998 Officers
President - N8YWX - Kim
Vice president - WD8LSN - Larry
Secretary - KB8QNT - Debbie
Treasurer - KE8FK - Ed
DeFOREST A.R.C. TEST SESSION
Starting in 1998 the DeForest A.R.C. will conduct test sessions by
request rather than pre-scheduled in March, June, September, and
December, If you, or someone you know wants to take a test call
(937) 544-3763 and a test session will be scheduled.
The DeForest Volunteer Examiner test team is prepared to test most
handicap conditions. Morse code tests are computer generated and
each person testing can individually vary the volume and pitch of
the code oscillator they are using. Additionally, a light or
vibrating surface can be used for code. Wheelchairs can be
accommodated.
The DeForest A.R.C. is affiliated with the American Radio Relay
League and uses ARRL VE material.
PLEASE REVIEW OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS ADS, BELOW
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For special pricing, tell
Joey Traylor, you're a
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& give him your callsign.
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Radio Shack Dealer
1565 US HWY 68
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(606) 759-5027
or
toll free (888) 759-5027
MANAGER
KC4UXD
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"Experience the Difference"
"You've Got Questions - We've Got Answers"
HAM DISCOUNT
BRADFORD & GUSTIN
INSURANCE AGENCY
202 N. Pleasant
West Union, OH
(937) 544-2397
Jack Bradford - Agent
KA8URK
HOME - AUTO - FARM
BUSINESS - LIFE
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EYE CARE
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125 S. MANCHESTER STREET
WEST UNION, OH
(937) 544-3325
Office Manager
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Licensed Optician
Kim - N8YWX
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PEEBLES, OH
937 587-5122
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LAMINATING SERVICE
3 mil, 7 mil, and 10 mil laminate available
FCC LICENSES (10 mil. $3 for both)
WINDSHIELD SIGNS - usually $2 each
CLUB ID BADGES - usually $1 each, including lapel clip
AWARD CERTIFICATES - usually $2 each
PHOTO ID - call for prices
(no passports or passport photos)
CALL (937) 544-3763
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