MARC has a new home for Field Day this year. We've been granted permission to operate from the grounds surrounding Dow Diamond in historic downtown Midland for the entire weekend. Current plans are to set up shop on the southwest lawn off of the main gate. Details such as layout of the site and parking are still being worked out by the Field Day committee.

The Committee will need volunteers to help set up and tear down, as well as those willing to volunteer to operate or bring their gear to help in the cause. Because we'll be in such a public place this year, and since the Loons will be playing a home game Saturday night, we expect more in the way of foot traffic in and around the site. Volunteers will be needed to help show folks around and explain things, as well as make certain no one gets into trouble by grabbing the wrong wire. If you'd like to help out, contact Keith, KB8SOE. And don't forget our traditional pot luck dinner Saturday night!

In 2009, a record 2,642 clubs, groups and individuals across the US and Canada submitted score-sheets to the ARRL, who sanctions and conducts the exercise. These logs recorded participation by 37,592 individuals all over the world--over 1.36 million two-way contacts were reported during the all-too-short 24-hours of the event. MARC made 456 contacts and received a score of 2,348, working as a 7A (seven radios, emergency power.) With any luck, the bands will be in better shape this year so our score should be a bit more impressive.