President's Corner
March already, and we are just getting started with the board's plan to bring some new activity into the club. I want to thank all of those who have volunteered to chair the various committees that we have outlined for the advancement of the club. John Stubbe, K7VSU, has volunteered to chair the new Training Group Committee to help our fellow hams upgrade, and to help the new prospective hams get their licenses. He will be looking for help and, if you are interested, please give him a call. If you're interested in upgrading, or know someone who wants to get their license, then be sure to contact John at the meeting, give him a call on the repeater, or telephone him. I hope to see more of the board and chairpersons on the repeater so they can respond to any questions or comments. If you want to chat with any of the members for suggestions, comments, or criticism, just call. We also have a Publicity Committee which is co-chaired by Sy Potts, W7MQL, and Warren Olney, KB7EKF. I think this is one of the most important groups and one of the biggest jobs. It will need everyone's help to provide them photos and information on what is happening in amateur radio activities around this area. It is their job to put amateur radio activities, our club, and others in the view of the public. Not just in the local area newspaper, radio and TV, but around the country in QST and other magazines. This includes emergency activities, public service, and special events, as well as putting the best face of amateur radio in the public eye.
Our new Membership Committee is chaired by Burton Griffin, WB6CYK, who, with assistance from others, will be responsible for greeting new and potential members, develop new ways of increasing membership, and work with the publicity committee. If you know of any of our older amateurs who have not been coming to the meeting because of difficulty driving at night, please let Burton know and we will try to locate a ride for them. As I have previously mentioned, and will probably continue to keep reminding all of us, if you know of any amateurs who have not been coming to meetings, or new amateurs in the area, be sure to invite them to the meetings. If you want to help out on the membership committee, give Burton a call.
The Emergency Activities Committee is chaired by Brian Fritsen, KK7BF. He has volunteered to let us know each month what emergency activities may have occurred in the area, as well as keeping us all up to date on what our local amateur emergency response volunteers have been doing. There are a number of nets on 2 meters and on HF that he can tell us all about. We will look forward to him providing a presentation on handling traffic on the nets, in the near future. We should all be aware of procedures and how to communicate correctly in case of an emergency. The more trained people in the area who can provide emergency assistance, and are active in emergency response groups, the better it will be if we have some type of local or wide area event. It is again looking like it may be a very dry summer.
The Field Day Committee is headed up by Galen Kelm, KE7LM, and we hope to get started on preparations for this year's Field Day very soon. We would like to have two operators at each radio this year, one to operate and one to log, switching back and forth when voices fail and need a rest. We have a great location, and plenty of room to put up antennas. The Oregon QSO party looks like a good chance to prepare and get some experience, and if you're interested in participating in any way, from operating to antenna construction and installation, let Galen know.
The Repeater Committee is headed up by Mike Kelley, N6ZOC. He will be working with Jim McNutt, WA6OTP, and others to review the status of the repeater and determine if changes will again be necessary during the upcoming firewatch season.
The Newsletter Committee is headed up by Mike Wright, N7GEI. This is really one of those thankless jobs that seems to come too soon each month. Mike is always looking for contributions you can provide him with, such as stories, hints, or that special ham radio event. We all need to give him a hand by providing him with some information for the newsletter.
Another new chair is Elmer Seutter, W6IGK, who heads up the Information Committee. He will be letting us know each month what is happening on the ham bands and with information about contests, special events stations, rare DX, conventions, and swap meets in the area.
We are trying to make the club better for everyone, and you can help. There is an opportunity for everyone to assist with the various committees. Your help will definitely be appreciated. If there is an area that you are interested in, let me, a committee chairman, or a board member know.
Enough of my rambling for this month. See you all at this month's meeting.
73, Dennis Recla, WA5KTC
Club President 2005