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January 2018
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The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is winding down and there are only a few days left in 2017. The past year was a particularly good one for our club. By all accounts Field Day was a great success with our club logging almost three-thousand QSO’s for a total of 2,952 points! Also, this year our club was host to the ARRL New Jersey State Convention. Tech Saturday’s were a popular club event throughout the year as were the Fox Hunts. Ham Cram’s were held at the Clubhouse and there has been a lot of interest in additional classes; more are in the works. |
Although 2018 has yet to begin, several events are already in the planning stages, including a club-sponsored activation for Petty Island. Details will be announced as they become available; for more information contact Jim Clark KA2OSV.
Plans for another ARRL State Convention are also on the drawing board. Sheldon and Bill are already at work planning for another excellent event for 2018. And although Field Day is six months away, it is never too early to sign up to participate either operating or for many of the essential support positions. The bar was raised in 2017 so we have our work cut out for us this year if we hope to surpass last year’s totals.
Flu season is upon us, and the CDC is expecting 2017-2018 to be a particularly bad one. Each year, many of us receive vaccines in hopes of reducing the likelihood of contracting one of the strains making the rounds that season. The strains for which vaccines will be manufactured are determined months in advance of the coming season. Vaccines typically are designed to protect against three of four strains, and have an efficacy that ranges from 40-60 percent in an average season. Unfortunately, like the weather, the selection of the flu strains is a prediction which occasionally falls short. This season the efficacy is expected to be somewhere around 10%, meaning that the efficacy of the vaccine will likely be reduced by about 80% compared to an average season. Despite the somewhat low efficacy, the CDC is still recommending that most people should receive the vaccine. CDC 2017-2018 Flu Season
Typically, I encourage participation in GCARC and Amateur Radio events such as our monthly general membership meeting and Tech Saturday to name a few. However, given the expected impact of the flu this season, I am recommending that our members exercise caution. If you are sick or have recently been exposed to someone who is sick please consider staying home to recover.
Bruce KD2LBU has been steaming video and audio of the monthly membership meeting using Periscope. Go to Periscope and search for: W2MMD_01032018 which will be the January 3, 2018 General Membership Meeting.
Some Flu Facts:
Some Tips to Avoid the Flu:
Finally, if you are sick stay home/away from others.
As we say goodbye to another year, and welcome 2018, I would like to wish each of you a very
Happy New Year.
Best regards,
Harry K2ATX
Plans for another ARRL State Convention are also on the drawing board. Sheldon and Bill are already at work planning for another excellent event for 2018. And although Field Day is six months away, it is never too early to sign up to participate either operating or for many of the essential support positions. The bar was raised in 2017 so we have our work cut out for us this year if we hope to surpass last year’s totals.
Flu season is upon us, and the CDC is expecting 2017-2018 to be a particularly bad one. Each year, many of us receive vaccines in hopes of reducing the likelihood of contracting one of the strains making the rounds that season. The strains for which vaccines will be manufactured are determined months in advance of the coming season. Vaccines typically are designed to protect against three of four strains, and have an efficacy that ranges from 40-60 percent in an average season. Unfortunately, like the weather, the selection of the flu strains is a prediction which occasionally falls short. This season the efficacy is expected to be somewhere around 10%, meaning that the efficacy of the vaccine will likely be reduced by about 80% compared to an average season. Despite the somewhat low efficacy, the CDC is still recommending that most people should receive the vaccine. CDC 2017-2018 Flu Season
Typically, I encourage participation in GCARC and Amateur Radio events such as our monthly general membership meeting and Tech Saturday to name a few. However, given the expected impact of the flu this season, I am recommending that our members exercise caution. If you are sick or have recently been exposed to someone who is sick please consider staying home to recover.
Bruce KD2LBU has been steaming video and audio of the monthly membership meeting using Periscope. Go to Periscope and search for: W2MMD_01032018 which will be the January 3, 2018 General Membership Meeting.
Some Flu Facts:
- Once you are infected with the cold or flu virus you are considered to be contagious a few days before the onset of symptoms to seven days (or more) after you start feeling sick.
- You can continue to spread the virus as long as coughing and sneezing persist.
- Although the virus is typically spread via droplets atomized by coughing or sneezing, the virus can live on surfaces for twenty-four hours.
- It is possible to contract more than one strain, or you could contract the flu after being infected by the cold virus (or vise-versa).
Some Tips to Avoid the Flu:
- Avoid unnecessary contact and crowded places such as stores and shopping malls.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Support your health; eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest.
Finally, if you are sick stay home/away from others.
As we say goodbye to another year, and welcome 2018, I would like to wish each of you a very
Happy New Year.
Best regards,
Harry K2ATX
February 2018
The hustle and bustle of the holidays is behind us, February still a few days away and things are very busy at the GCARC.
The Budget Committee met on January 21st and drafted the budget 2018. The budget was submitted to the Board of Directors at the January meeting where it was unanimously approved. The budget will be presented by the Treasurer, Al Arrison KB2AYU at the General Membership Meeting at the Pfeiffer Community Center on February 7th for final approval.
For those who have been following the drama surrounding the ARRL Board of Directors and the controversial “ARRL Policy on Board Governance and Conduct of Members of the Board of Directors and Vice Directors” (now that’s a mouthful), after some consideration and plethora of emails form concerned members, at the January 2018 meeting, the ARRL Board adopted “a motion to a review the entire code of conduct for Board members”. The motion sought to address a number of the concerns expressed by ARRL members. Additional information can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/ARRLconduct and our club website under the “ARRL BOD Issues” tab.
Last year we announced plans to sponsor a special event to activate Petty Island. The event is expected to take place over two or three days and operate similar to our annual Field Day event. The island is included in the US Islands Awards Program (NJ010) and as a sub-reference area for World Wide Flora & Fauna (KFF-0684). Access to the island has and continues to be restricted and therefore has never been activated before for any awards program.
Petty Island (AKA Petty’s Island) is a 292 acre island in the Delaware River and is part of Pennsauken Township, NJ. The island is currently owned by CITGO Petroleum Corporation which is owned by the Venezuelan Government. In 2009 the Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez announced plans to donate the island to New Jersey for environmental preservation. CITGO retains responsibility for the environmental cleanup on the island and the transfer is expected to be completed sometime in 2020. CITGO supports and encourages education and stewardship efforts. The New Jersey Natural Lands Trust has been granted a conservation easement for the island. The programming and stewardship activities are a collaborative community project involving partnerships with New Jersey Audubon Society, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, and Cooper River Watershed Association. The project relies on funding from New Jersey Natural Lands Trust and The William Penn Foundation.
Jim Clark KA2OSV and Tony Starr WA2FZB co-chair the W2MMD Special Events Committee and are currently working on plans for the event while I attempt to secure permission for the event. Although we are in the early planning stages for this event there has been significant interest from our members; particularly with regard to operating the event. As plans firm up we will need volunteers to support this event. Anyone that wishes to support the event in any way or with contacts in any of the above mentioned organizations that may be able to help secure permission, is encouraged to contact Jim, Tony or myself.
Tech Saturday typically occurs on the first Saturday after the General Membership meeting each month. Although some months feature a particular theme for the discussions, they are really just a starting point and typically the discussion can cover any topic in Amateur Radio and beyond. This informal gathering often includes some show and tell, tech support, and even operating from the club’s HF, VHF and satellite stations. By all accounts this program has been a resounding success; so much so in fact that we are now planning to expand the program to include every Saturday each month. In order to accomplish this we need volunteers to give a few hours once a month to be stewards or docents. The responsibilities would be fairly simple; open the clubhouse, greet visitors, answer questions about the club and station, and of course lockup the clubhouse. We are hoping to sign up six or so stewards to provide coverage and allow for schedule changes. Anyone interested in more information or to volunteer is encouraged to contact John K2ZA or myself.
Our club has a long history of community service. In the spirit of community service our members have worked with Boy Scout troops to help the scouts earn their merit badges. For a few years now the Boy Scouts have participated in some of our events including Hamfest where there provide an excellent food service for our attendees. Last year Bob Fields KC6AOH as part of his efforts in the area of Membership and Publicity has been working to expand the scope of our work with the Scouts to not only include more troops and activities, but also to include the Girl Scouts. We look forward to more events in 2018.
This year upgrades continue at the club station with plans for a new access control system that will provide ease of access while improving security, upgrade to our current camera system from the current four cameras to eight with the ability to stream camera feeds for remote monitoring, and enhanced internet access through a dedicated broadband connection that will provide the necessary bandwidth facilitate projects such as remote access to the station equipment and video streaming for educational purposes. In addition, some projects that never got off the drawing board last year will be completed this year. Those projects include repairing the front entry stairs and renovating the storage shed.
Ron Block NR2B and John Zaruba K2ZA have volunteered to collaborate on a new and as yet unnamed committee for the purpose of soliciting grants, donations and other miscellaneous fundraising endeavors. Any members with experience in writing grant proposals, solicitations for donation, or that have contacts in companies or organizations that may consider a donation to our club is encouraged to contact Ron or John. As mentioned, this committee is in need of a name…suggestions are welcomed.
Our family is healthy and doing well. For those who are fans of “A Christmas Story (1983)”, the following may seem a bit familiar. Several months before Christmas there was a notable increase in background noise and low-level chatter around our home. Occasionally at first, but with increasing frequency a single word could be heard above the noise floor; drone. In addition, pictures and stories about drones began to show up in unlikely places and a barrage of pro-drone propaganda dominated every conversation with our daughter.
While my wife and I were both immune to the social engineering attacks initiated by our oldest child, my mother-in-law proved to be no match, and in fact caved quite quickly. Christmas morning there was of course a drone under the tree. Unfortunately, the weather was uncooperative on Christmas (and the days immediately following) so Aryanna had to wait patiently for that first flight. Wind is the single most limiting factor for flying. Her drone does quite well in gusts up through 20 MPH, however, after that things can get a little less predictable. We try and get out flying most days with suitable weather and have even flown at the club site a few times. She has plans to video several of upcoming club events.
The newest addition to the Elwell family is doing well too. Quinn (Harry V) is growing fast, has an insatiable appetite and already has his first four teeth with several more on the way.
The Philadelphia Eagles have made it to the Super Bowl again. The last time they made it to the championship was in 2005, Super Bowl XXXIX. In that game the Birds lost by three points after Donovan McNabb threw an interception with 46 seconds left on the clock. This year they will again face the New England Patriots. The Patriots are favored to win, but we will have to wait until Sunday February 4, to see if the Eagles can beat the odds.
Finally, this flu season seems to be living up to the expectations expressed previously by the CDC. Remember that a few extra precautions can mean the difference between getting sick or not. A few of our members have already contracted the flu this season and in at least one case that I know of it was quite serious. Be safe, stay healthy, and hope to see you at the next meeting.
Best regards,
Harry
K2ATX
The hustle and bustle of the holidays is behind us, February still a few days away and things are very busy at the GCARC.
The Budget Committee met on January 21st and drafted the budget 2018. The budget was submitted to the Board of Directors at the January meeting where it was unanimously approved. The budget will be presented by the Treasurer, Al Arrison KB2AYU at the General Membership Meeting at the Pfeiffer Community Center on February 7th for final approval.
For those who have been following the drama surrounding the ARRL Board of Directors and the controversial “ARRL Policy on Board Governance and Conduct of Members of the Board of Directors and Vice Directors” (now that’s a mouthful), after some consideration and plethora of emails form concerned members, at the January 2018 meeting, the ARRL Board adopted “a motion to a review the entire code of conduct for Board members”. The motion sought to address a number of the concerns expressed by ARRL members. Additional information can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/ARRLconduct and our club website under the “ARRL BOD Issues” tab.
Last year we announced plans to sponsor a special event to activate Petty Island. The event is expected to take place over two or three days and operate similar to our annual Field Day event. The island is included in the US Islands Awards Program (NJ010) and as a sub-reference area for World Wide Flora & Fauna (KFF-0684). Access to the island has and continues to be restricted and therefore has never been activated before for any awards program.
Petty Island (AKA Petty’s Island) is a 292 acre island in the Delaware River and is part of Pennsauken Township, NJ. The island is currently owned by CITGO Petroleum Corporation which is owned by the Venezuelan Government. In 2009 the Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez announced plans to donate the island to New Jersey for environmental preservation. CITGO retains responsibility for the environmental cleanup on the island and the transfer is expected to be completed sometime in 2020. CITGO supports and encourages education and stewardship efforts. The New Jersey Natural Lands Trust has been granted a conservation easement for the island. The programming and stewardship activities are a collaborative community project involving partnerships with New Jersey Audubon Society, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, and Cooper River Watershed Association. The project relies on funding from New Jersey Natural Lands Trust and The William Penn Foundation.
Jim Clark KA2OSV and Tony Starr WA2FZB co-chair the W2MMD Special Events Committee and are currently working on plans for the event while I attempt to secure permission for the event. Although we are in the early planning stages for this event there has been significant interest from our members; particularly with regard to operating the event. As plans firm up we will need volunteers to support this event. Anyone that wishes to support the event in any way or with contacts in any of the above mentioned organizations that may be able to help secure permission, is encouraged to contact Jim, Tony or myself.
Tech Saturday typically occurs on the first Saturday after the General Membership meeting each month. Although some months feature a particular theme for the discussions, they are really just a starting point and typically the discussion can cover any topic in Amateur Radio and beyond. This informal gathering often includes some show and tell, tech support, and even operating from the club’s HF, VHF and satellite stations. By all accounts this program has been a resounding success; so much so in fact that we are now planning to expand the program to include every Saturday each month. In order to accomplish this we need volunteers to give a few hours once a month to be stewards or docents. The responsibilities would be fairly simple; open the clubhouse, greet visitors, answer questions about the club and station, and of course lockup the clubhouse. We are hoping to sign up six or so stewards to provide coverage and allow for schedule changes. Anyone interested in more information or to volunteer is encouraged to contact John K2ZA or myself.
Our club has a long history of community service. In the spirit of community service our members have worked with Boy Scout troops to help the scouts earn their merit badges. For a few years now the Boy Scouts have participated in some of our events including Hamfest where there provide an excellent food service for our attendees. Last year Bob Fields KC6AOH as part of his efforts in the area of Membership and Publicity has been working to expand the scope of our work with the Scouts to not only include more troops and activities, but also to include the Girl Scouts. We look forward to more events in 2018.
This year upgrades continue at the club station with plans for a new access control system that will provide ease of access while improving security, upgrade to our current camera system from the current four cameras to eight with the ability to stream camera feeds for remote monitoring, and enhanced internet access through a dedicated broadband connection that will provide the necessary bandwidth facilitate projects such as remote access to the station equipment and video streaming for educational purposes. In addition, some projects that never got off the drawing board last year will be completed this year. Those projects include repairing the front entry stairs and renovating the storage shed.
Ron Block NR2B and John Zaruba K2ZA have volunteered to collaborate on a new and as yet unnamed committee for the purpose of soliciting grants, donations and other miscellaneous fundraising endeavors. Any members with experience in writing grant proposals, solicitations for donation, or that have contacts in companies or organizations that may consider a donation to our club is encouraged to contact Ron or John. As mentioned, this committee is in need of a name…suggestions are welcomed.
Our family is healthy and doing well. For those who are fans of “A Christmas Story (1983)”, the following may seem a bit familiar. Several months before Christmas there was a notable increase in background noise and low-level chatter around our home. Occasionally at first, but with increasing frequency a single word could be heard above the noise floor; drone. In addition, pictures and stories about drones began to show up in unlikely places and a barrage of pro-drone propaganda dominated every conversation with our daughter.
While my wife and I were both immune to the social engineering attacks initiated by our oldest child, my mother-in-law proved to be no match, and in fact caved quite quickly. Christmas morning there was of course a drone under the tree. Unfortunately, the weather was uncooperative on Christmas (and the days immediately following) so Aryanna had to wait patiently for that first flight. Wind is the single most limiting factor for flying. Her drone does quite well in gusts up through 20 MPH, however, after that things can get a little less predictable. We try and get out flying most days with suitable weather and have even flown at the club site a few times. She has plans to video several of upcoming club events.
The newest addition to the Elwell family is doing well too. Quinn (Harry V) is growing fast, has an insatiable appetite and already has his first four teeth with several more on the way.
The Philadelphia Eagles have made it to the Super Bowl again. The last time they made it to the championship was in 2005, Super Bowl XXXIX. In that game the Birds lost by three points after Donovan McNabb threw an interception with 46 seconds left on the clock. This year they will again face the New England Patriots. The Patriots are favored to win, but we will have to wait until Sunday February 4, to see if the Eagles can beat the odds.
Finally, this flu season seems to be living up to the expectations expressed previously by the CDC. Remember that a few extra precautions can mean the difference between getting sick or not. A few of our members have already contracted the flu this season and in at least one case that I know of it was quite serious. Be safe, stay healthy, and hope to see you at the next meeting.
Best regards,
Harry
K2ATX
March 2018
March is here and with it comes Daylight Saving Time (March 11 @ 0200 Hours), Saint Patrick's Day (March 17), and the Spring Equinox (March 20 @ 1215 Hours), marking the first day of Spring for 2018.
In the October 2017 issue of Crosstalk I mentioned Old Farmer’s Almanac predicted a wet, mild winter our area. However, as Winter began here in South Jersey we experienced some early snow and frigid temperatures and I remember thinking the Old Farmer’s Almanac really missed the mark this season.
On February 2, at Gobbler's Knob, the seemingly immortal groundhog Punxsutawney Phil cast his prediction for six more weeks of wintery weather when he saw his shadow and decided to return to his humble abode and resume his long winter’s nap. Today, only a few weeks later, as I write this edition of the President’s Message we are experiencing our second day of Spring-like weather with temperatures expected to reach the mid-seventies. Although he has been making predictions for more than one-hundred years, Phil was has been known to be wrong quite often.
Likewise, propagation predictions, while certainly based on more science than immortal rodents and tea leaves, are just that; predictions; and can be misleading. It is next to impossible to navigate the myriad of Amateur Radio sites on the internet without reading about the dismal band conditions. But, even on the worst of days with regard to band conditions, firing up the rig can yield some pleasant surprises.
I check the local weather forecast daily (or more often) as I plan my activities, and I typically step outside to get some ground-truth before heading out for the day as there have been a number of times that the two did not comport. The same is true for radio; I often check the propagation predictions if I am planning on operating, but even when the conditions are predicted to be poor, I still get on the air to see for myself. This afternoon, if all goes well I hope to get outside with my radio gear and enjoy a little of this unseasonably nice weather.
The club has been discussing the possibility of an event to be held on Petty Island. I recently had an opportunity to talk with Kelly Wenzel of the NJ Audubon Society about the possibility of such an event. During our conversation, we discussed a number of things including the current status of Petty Island and Amateur Radio. Kelly expressed an interest in forming a relationship between the GCARC and the NJ Audubon Society.
I would like to put together a professional information packet introducing Amateur Radio and detailing the myriad of activities and benefits that comprise this hobby. I know that there are many examples that can be found on the internet, including materials from the ARRL. However, I am looking to create a package that includes some brief historical information, Amateur Radio's role in public service and well as examples of the many activities that comprise the hobby, and information about the GCARC.
While the packet certainly can include some of the aforementioned materials, it should strongly reflect the activities and interests of our membership. In addition, the packet could be customized as needed to address more targeted audiences, such as the NJ Audubon, Scouting, etc.
Depending on the scope of the project, we could possibly seek a professional printing solution to create a professionally finished product.
I am reaching out to our membership to solicit committee volunteers for your committee to help with the research, editing, and composition of the packet. One of the greatest things about the GCARC is the wealth of knowledge and experience among our members. Please consider volunteering to help on this project.
Plans to offer Tech Saturday as a weekly program are moving forward. Several members have volunteered to act as hosts for the program, but we still need more. If you are interested in lending a hand, contact John Zaruba K2ZA or myself for more information.
Finally, high-speed internet moved one step closer to reality recently. The construction department for Comcast has completed the underground work at our site and installed the pedestal behind the Clubhouse. When complete our club station will have high-speed internet that will enhance current operations at the site as well as allow for some new projects.
Best regards,
Harry
K2ATX
March is here and with it comes Daylight Saving Time (March 11 @ 0200 Hours), Saint Patrick's Day (March 17), and the Spring Equinox (March 20 @ 1215 Hours), marking the first day of Spring for 2018.
In the October 2017 issue of Crosstalk I mentioned Old Farmer’s Almanac predicted a wet, mild winter our area. However, as Winter began here in South Jersey we experienced some early snow and frigid temperatures and I remember thinking the Old Farmer’s Almanac really missed the mark this season.
On February 2, at Gobbler's Knob, the seemingly immortal groundhog Punxsutawney Phil cast his prediction for six more weeks of wintery weather when he saw his shadow and decided to return to his humble abode and resume his long winter’s nap. Today, only a few weeks later, as I write this edition of the President’s Message we are experiencing our second day of Spring-like weather with temperatures expected to reach the mid-seventies. Although he has been making predictions for more than one-hundred years, Phil was has been known to be wrong quite often.
Likewise, propagation predictions, while certainly based on more science than immortal rodents and tea leaves, are just that; predictions; and can be misleading. It is next to impossible to navigate the myriad of Amateur Radio sites on the internet without reading about the dismal band conditions. But, even on the worst of days with regard to band conditions, firing up the rig can yield some pleasant surprises.
I check the local weather forecast daily (or more often) as I plan my activities, and I typically step outside to get some ground-truth before heading out for the day as there have been a number of times that the two did not comport. The same is true for radio; I often check the propagation predictions if I am planning on operating, but even when the conditions are predicted to be poor, I still get on the air to see for myself. This afternoon, if all goes well I hope to get outside with my radio gear and enjoy a little of this unseasonably nice weather.
The club has been discussing the possibility of an event to be held on Petty Island. I recently had an opportunity to talk with Kelly Wenzel of the NJ Audubon Society about the possibility of such an event. During our conversation, we discussed a number of things including the current status of Petty Island and Amateur Radio. Kelly expressed an interest in forming a relationship between the GCARC and the NJ Audubon Society.
I would like to put together a professional information packet introducing Amateur Radio and detailing the myriad of activities and benefits that comprise this hobby. I know that there are many examples that can be found on the internet, including materials from the ARRL. However, I am looking to create a package that includes some brief historical information, Amateur Radio's role in public service and well as examples of the many activities that comprise the hobby, and information about the GCARC.
While the packet certainly can include some of the aforementioned materials, it should strongly reflect the activities and interests of our membership. In addition, the packet could be customized as needed to address more targeted audiences, such as the NJ Audubon, Scouting, etc.
Depending on the scope of the project, we could possibly seek a professional printing solution to create a professionally finished product.
I am reaching out to our membership to solicit committee volunteers for your committee to help with the research, editing, and composition of the packet. One of the greatest things about the GCARC is the wealth of knowledge and experience among our members. Please consider volunteering to help on this project.
Plans to offer Tech Saturday as a weekly program are moving forward. Several members have volunteered to act as hosts for the program, but we still need more. If you are interested in lending a hand, contact John Zaruba K2ZA or myself for more information.
Finally, high-speed internet moved one step closer to reality recently. The construction department for Comcast has completed the underground work at our site and installed the pedestal behind the Clubhouse. When complete our club station will have high-speed internet that will enhance current operations at the site as well as allow for some new projects.
Best regards,
Harry
K2ATX
April 2018
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Hello all, this is Bruce Canino, KD2LBU, your Clubs’ Vice President.
Harry has asked me to fill in this month so here goes. So…..”what about that local sports team?”…….<crickets chirping> … and the weather….”What’s up with that?!”. Yes, mother nature has decided she wants to dump snow on us every Wednesday, or so it seems, even though it is supposed to be Spring. I can remember back a way ago when we had the most snow that I remember, 24 inches in 24 hours. That was also a March event. While the current snow we have been having is more a nuisance then anything else, it is a reminder that severe events can happen at any time of the year, so we always need to be prepared. Have an emergency plan, and keep your batteries charged in your radio |
I would like to take this opportunity to remind Club members that the Club sponsors two emergency net training activities on the Club repeater every Sunday night starting 7:45 PM local time. They run about a ½ hour long. It’s easy to participate in these nets, you just have to be a license amateur radio operator and have a 2 Meter radio capable of hitting the clubs repeater in Pitman. 147.180 MHz + 0.6 MHz PL 131.8 Hz. The first is a SKYWARN net that practices the orderly collection of weather information for the National Weather Service. While the NWS does have classes (www.weather.gov/phi/classes) in the type of weather information they are looking for, you do not have to have taken the class to participate in the net. After you listen for a bit, you can give a try checking in, even if you don’t have any weather-related info. Even if you are an old hand at it, it is good to keep your skills polished.
The second net is the ARES/RACES traffic net at 8:00 PM. You don’t have to be a member of either group to participate, just check in with you name, call sign, and whether you have traffic for the net. Again, this is a good practice in learning how to pass traffic in an orderly fashion during an emergency. If you are into some other modes of radio, you can also check in via APRS and Winlink.
For those of you who participate already, I thank you! If you haven’t participated in a while, come back every now and then to keep your skills up. And for those who haven’t tried it, give it a try, you don’t want to be that guy who doesn’t know what to do during a emergency. Practice now and make sure your radios are working for when you do need them.
As for me, I am looking forward to the Clubs’ Spring Fox Hunt and hoping we don’t have to go looking for the fox hidden in a snow bank.
Also as a public service announcement, I would like to remind every one that any member who hasn’t paid their dues by the April 4th General Membership Meeting will be removed from the Club’s roster.
73, Bruce KD2LBU
GCARC Vice President
I would like to take this opportunity to remind Club members that the Club sponsors two emergency net training activities on the Club repeater every Sunday night starting 7:45 PM local time. They run about a ½ hour long. It’s easy to participate in these nets, you just have to be a license amateur radio operator and have a 2 Meter radio capable of hitting the clubs repeater in Pitman. 147.180 MHz + 0.6 MHz PL 131.8 Hz. The first is a SKYWARN net that practices the orderly collection of weather information for the National Weather Service. While the NWS does have classes (www.weather.gov/phi/classes) in the type of weather information they are looking for, you do not have to have taken the class to participate in the net. After you listen for a bit, you can give a try checking in, even if you don’t have any weather-related info. Even if you are an old hand at it, it is good to keep your skills polished.
The second net is the ARES/RACES traffic net at 8:00 PM. You don’t have to be a member of either group to participate, just check in with you name, call sign, and whether you have traffic for the net. Again, this is a good practice in learning how to pass traffic in an orderly fashion during an emergency. If you are into some other modes of radio, you can also check in via APRS and Winlink.
For those of you who participate already, I thank you! If you haven’t participated in a while, come back every now and then to keep your skills up. And for those who haven’t tried it, give it a try, you don’t want to be that guy who doesn’t know what to do during a emergency. Practice now and make sure your radios are working for when you do need them.
As for me, I am looking forward to the Clubs’ Spring Fox Hunt and hoping we don’t have to go looking for the fox hidden in a snow bank.
Also as a public service announcement, I would like to remind every one that any member who hasn’t paid their dues by the April 4th General Membership Meeting will be removed from the Club’s roster.
73, Bruce KD2LBU
GCARC Vice President
Vice President's Message : June 2018
This is the last newsletter before Field Day, so this is just a reminder that the Club still has plenty of open bands and volunteers are still needed for Support Staff and/or Bonus Point tasks. See pages 12 and 13 for a complete list.
This is one of the premier events of Ham radio operating. We get to show off what we are all about to the public in an open forum.
If you have some time over the June 23-24 weekend, please sign up to help in any way.
So, when you are going over your radio stuff to bring to Field Day, you might find some equipment that you no longer want or need.
Here is a perfect opportunity for you to pack it up and bring it with you to our next General Membership Meeting on June 6th. That will be our annual “Pizza Party” night meeting. We will also be holding a “Swap N Shop” meet along with the pizza.
Coming up on June 2nd, the second annual Licensing Saturday Class will be taking place at our Clubhouse in Mullica Hill. Hope to see a lot of Club members there to help out.
See you all at the June 6th meeting.
73
Bruce Canino, KD2LBU
This is the last newsletter before Field Day, so this is just a reminder that the Club still has plenty of open bands and volunteers are still needed for Support Staff and/or Bonus Point tasks. See pages 12 and 13 for a complete list.
This is one of the premier events of Ham radio operating. We get to show off what we are all about to the public in an open forum.
If you have some time over the June 23-24 weekend, please sign up to help in any way.
So, when you are going over your radio stuff to bring to Field Day, you might find some equipment that you no longer want or need.
Here is a perfect opportunity for you to pack it up and bring it with you to our next General Membership Meeting on June 6th. That will be our annual “Pizza Party” night meeting. We will also be holding a “Swap N Shop” meet along with the pizza.
Coming up on June 2nd, the second annual Licensing Saturday Class will be taking place at our Clubhouse in Mullica Hill. Hope to see a lot of Club members there to help out.
See you all at the June 6th meeting.
73
Bruce Canino, KD2LBU
July 2018
New President of GCARC - Bruce Canino, KD2LBU
Due to unexpected changes in his personal life, Harry Elwell, K2ATX, is no longer able to fulfill the duties of President and has resigned as President of the GCARC. The Club thanks Harry for his service as President in 2017 and hopes to see him back soon.
As written in the Club Constitution, the Vice President, Bruce Canino, KD2LBU, has moved to the office of President for the remainder of the year. Please help support Bruce as he takes on this unexpected change.
73
GCARC Officers, Trustees, and Board of Directors
New President of GCARC - Bruce Canino, KD2LBU
Due to unexpected changes in his personal life, Harry Elwell, K2ATX, is no longer able to fulfill the duties of President and has resigned as President of the GCARC. The Club thanks Harry for his service as President in 2017 and hopes to see him back soon.
As written in the Club Constitution, the Vice President, Bruce Canino, KD2LBU, has moved to the office of President for the remainder of the year. Please help support Bruce as he takes on this unexpected change.
73
GCARC Officers, Trustees, and Board of Directors
August 2018
First off, I would like to thank all who participated in our Field Day event and making it a big success. I think we did rather well, far out scoring last years event. So, if you participated, please give yourself a pat on the back. If you didn’t, maybe think about participating next year. It’s a lot of fun.
Being some what new as president, I am not always aware of all the rules involved by our constitution and bylaws. It was brought to my attention that when we voted Jim Clark KA2OSV as Vice President, that he was already a Trustee and according to the rules, he can only serve at one position. So now I found out I am the nominating committee for a replacement for the open Trustee position. If any one is interested in the position, please contact me at: kd2lbu <at> gmail <dot> com.
Big thanks go out to Mark Gottlieb WA2DIY who pick up the with the Audubon Society and is getting the Petty Island activation back on track. Mark has made all the contacts and we are scheduled to meet with them at Petty Island on September 22, 2018.
Mark is also investigating some remote ham radio solutions for the Clubhouse where club members can access the Clubhouse radio equipment remotely from their homes. Mark will give a brief talk at the August meeting.
Club member, John Hill, W2HUV, will give a presentation on Remote Ham Radio (RHR) at our September 5th General Membership Meeting as well being a guest speaker on the same subject at the Hamfest.
Our next big event will be our annual Hamfest on Sunday, September 16, 2018. Sheldon Parker K2MEN will be going over the details at our August meeting, as well as asking for volunteers.
We also have a date for our Family Picnic, August 18, 2018 at the Clubhouse from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM. We’ll have the hamburgers, hot dogs, rolls, baked beans, and standard items like ketchup, mustard, along with chips, soda, water, coffee, paper plates, silverware, cups, napkins, and similar supplies covered by the Club. We have four picnic tables with umbrellas already setup. We will have an additional canopy or 2 with tables and chairs. If you’d like, you can bring a little something extra like a side dish and/or dessert to share with others. Please e-mail Jennifer KD2EYR at: trailpie <at> gmail <dot> com with a list of things you are bringing.
Now that the Clubhouse front steps have been rebuilt (thanks to Al KB2AYU), the next project on the agenda will be to rebuild the shed. The shed needs new siding, new doors, some flooring replaced, some minor electrical work, as well as the foundation needs to be leveled and secured. The project is tentatively scheduled for after the Hamfest, possibly early October. Volunteers can contact Al KB2AYU at: kb2ayu <at> comcast <dot> net, who would like to work on this project.
That is all for this month, look forward to seeing all at the August 1st General Membership Meeting.
73
Bruce Canino, KD2LBU
First off, I would like to thank all who participated in our Field Day event and making it a big success. I think we did rather well, far out scoring last years event. So, if you participated, please give yourself a pat on the back. If you didn’t, maybe think about participating next year. It’s a lot of fun.
Being some what new as president, I am not always aware of all the rules involved by our constitution and bylaws. It was brought to my attention that when we voted Jim Clark KA2OSV as Vice President, that he was already a Trustee and according to the rules, he can only serve at one position. So now I found out I am the nominating committee for a replacement for the open Trustee position. If any one is interested in the position, please contact me at: kd2lbu <at> gmail <dot> com.
Big thanks go out to Mark Gottlieb WA2DIY who pick up the with the Audubon Society and is getting the Petty Island activation back on track. Mark has made all the contacts and we are scheduled to meet with them at Petty Island on September 22, 2018.
Mark is also investigating some remote ham radio solutions for the Clubhouse where club members can access the Clubhouse radio equipment remotely from their homes. Mark will give a brief talk at the August meeting.
Club member, John Hill, W2HUV, will give a presentation on Remote Ham Radio (RHR) at our September 5th General Membership Meeting as well being a guest speaker on the same subject at the Hamfest.
Our next big event will be our annual Hamfest on Sunday, September 16, 2018. Sheldon Parker K2MEN will be going over the details at our August meeting, as well as asking for volunteers.
We also have a date for our Family Picnic, August 18, 2018 at the Clubhouse from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM. We’ll have the hamburgers, hot dogs, rolls, baked beans, and standard items like ketchup, mustard, along with chips, soda, water, coffee, paper plates, silverware, cups, napkins, and similar supplies covered by the Club. We have four picnic tables with umbrellas already setup. We will have an additional canopy or 2 with tables and chairs. If you’d like, you can bring a little something extra like a side dish and/or dessert to share with others. Please e-mail Jennifer KD2EYR at: trailpie <at> gmail <dot> com with a list of things you are bringing.
Now that the Clubhouse front steps have been rebuilt (thanks to Al KB2AYU), the next project on the agenda will be to rebuild the shed. The shed needs new siding, new doors, some flooring replaced, some minor electrical work, as well as the foundation needs to be leveled and secured. The project is tentatively scheduled for after the Hamfest, possibly early October. Volunteers can contact Al KB2AYU at: kb2ayu <at> comcast <dot> net, who would like to work on this project.
That is all for this month, look forward to seeing all at the August 1st General Membership Meeting.
73
Bruce Canino, KD2LBU
September 2018
The summer has been flying by and there’s been a lot of activity going on.
Al KB2AYU has been working on and overseeing some upgrades to the Clubhouse and they have turned out nicely. Thank you, Lee N2LAM, for building those selves and for the non-slip treading on the front steps. The next major project will be rebuilding the shed, which will take place after the Hamfest, in October. Please let Al know if you would like to volunteer to help.
Mark WA2DIY has gotten the Club a nice audio / video setup to hold Skype meetings at the monthly Club meeting. He has already started lining up speakers for our monthly meetings.
If you have someone you would like to see or know of someone who can’t attend our meeting physical, but could give a Skype presentation, please contact Jim KA2OSV or Mark WA2DIY.
The Club just had its Summer Family Picnic and we had a nice size turnout (about 25 members) to the event. Thanks goes to Jennifer KD2EYR for organizing and running the event. Thank you to Herb KT2Y for being the grill master and to everyone that brought side dishes. There was plenty of food to go around.
John K2ZA has being getting large turnouts for Tech Saturday. If you haven’t been to one yet, consider stopping by. The next one will be Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 9:00 am at the Clubhouse.
Jon WB2MNF has been making upgrades to the Satellite Station at the Clubhouse and they have been working out well.
The 40th Annual Hamfest is fast approaching. Please help out any way you can and support this activity as this is our really big showcase event. We have been named by the ARRL as their official Southern New Jersey Section Convention. The event will be over by my next message and I would like to have a glowing report.
Till next month
Bruce
KD2LBU
The summer has been flying by and there’s been a lot of activity going on.
Al KB2AYU has been working on and overseeing some upgrades to the Clubhouse and they have turned out nicely. Thank you, Lee N2LAM, for building those selves and for the non-slip treading on the front steps. The next major project will be rebuilding the shed, which will take place after the Hamfest, in October. Please let Al know if you would like to volunteer to help.
Mark WA2DIY has gotten the Club a nice audio / video setup to hold Skype meetings at the monthly Club meeting. He has already started lining up speakers for our monthly meetings.
If you have someone you would like to see or know of someone who can’t attend our meeting physical, but could give a Skype presentation, please contact Jim KA2OSV or Mark WA2DIY.
The Club just had its Summer Family Picnic and we had a nice size turnout (about 25 members) to the event. Thanks goes to Jennifer KD2EYR for organizing and running the event. Thank you to Herb KT2Y for being the grill master and to everyone that brought side dishes. There was plenty of food to go around.
John K2ZA has being getting large turnouts for Tech Saturday. If you haven’t been to one yet, consider stopping by. The next one will be Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 9:00 am at the Clubhouse.
Jon WB2MNF has been making upgrades to the Satellite Station at the Clubhouse and they have been working out well.
The 40th Annual Hamfest is fast approaching. Please help out any way you can and support this activity as this is our really big showcase event. We have been named by the ARRL as their official Southern New Jersey Section Convention. The event will be over by my next message and I would like to have a glowing report.
Till next month
Bruce
KD2LBU
October 2018
Even though the final numbers are not in year, I am happy to report that we had a successful Hamfest despite what look like a dire forecast of a hurricane that weekend. We ended up with a fairly nice day, not too hot, not too cold, and no rain.
The initial numbers indicate we had 10% more in attendance this year and we had double the number of visitors for the convention programs forum.
We had some pretty good door prizes to give away this year thanks to the effort of Mark WA2DIY.
Some big thanks go out to Sheldon Parker who was the Hamfest co-chair and big thanks goes out to all who volunteer to help make this the success it was. I hope I am not leaving any one out :
A special thank you Tom Abernethy, ARRL Atlantic Division Director, for giving a very informative presentation.
As you can see, it takes many hands to pull something like this off. Thank you all.
Also, a big thank you to Hog Day Afternoon BBQ & Catering. The food and the prices were great. If you think we should have them back next year, let Bill NJ2S know.
I am also happy to report that the Club is now confirmed that we will be allowed access to Petty Island for the U.S. Islands Awards Program. We first need to qualify the island before we can activate it. We will need help from the membership for the qualification phase. If you are interested in helping, please contact Mark WA2DIY.
We will also be short some Club officers for the 2019 year, so if you have any interest in any of the Club positions, please contact Bruce KD2LBU with your nomination.
2019 will be the 60th Anniversary for the Club and we already have a full year of grade A presenters for the Club meetings and Tech Saturday Forums. If you would like to see the Club do some other things for this big anniversary, please bring those topics up at the next Club meeting.
Till the next time…
This is KD2LBU clear
73
Even though the final numbers are not in year, I am happy to report that we had a successful Hamfest despite what look like a dire forecast of a hurricane that weekend. We ended up with a fairly nice day, not too hot, not too cold, and no rain.
The initial numbers indicate we had 10% more in attendance this year and we had double the number of visitors for the convention programs forum.
We had some pretty good door prizes to give away this year thanks to the effort of Mark WA2DIY.
Some big thanks go out to Sheldon Parker who was the Hamfest co-chair and big thanks goes out to all who volunteer to help make this the success it was. I hope I am not leaving any one out :
- Al Arrison, Bill Price, Ron Block, Bob Demola, Bob Durham, Bob Keogh, Brett Waller, Bruce Canino, Chuck Lanard, Chuck Colabrese, Dan Tremolini, Darrin Malone, Eric Morris, Gary Hewitt, Gary Reed, Glenn Dougherty, Herb Dyer, Jeff Garth, Jeff Welsh, Jennifer Robinson, Jim Clark, John Sawina, Josie Demola, Laurie Love, Lee Marino, Mark Gottlieb, Miguel Ramirez, Robin Herrmann, Urb LeJeune, and forum presenters, John Hill, John Zaruba Jr, Jon Pearce, Cory Sickles, and Alan Wolke.
A special thank you Tom Abernethy, ARRL Atlantic Division Director, for giving a very informative presentation.
As you can see, it takes many hands to pull something like this off. Thank you all.
Also, a big thank you to Hog Day Afternoon BBQ & Catering. The food and the prices were great. If you think we should have them back next year, let Bill NJ2S know.
I am also happy to report that the Club is now confirmed that we will be allowed access to Petty Island for the U.S. Islands Awards Program. We first need to qualify the island before we can activate it. We will need help from the membership for the qualification phase. If you are interested in helping, please contact Mark WA2DIY.
We will also be short some Club officers for the 2019 year, so if you have any interest in any of the Club positions, please contact Bruce KD2LBU with your nomination.
2019 will be the 60th Anniversary for the Club and we already have a full year of grade A presenters for the Club meetings and Tech Saturday Forums. If you would like to see the Club do some other things for this big anniversary, please bring those topics up at the next Club meeting.
Till the next time…
This is KD2LBU clear
73
November 2018
October started off with the nominations for Club officers for the upcoming year 2019, and there were some new people on the list. I think that this is a fine list of candidates for the upcoming year and no matter the outcome of the election, the Club will be in good hands. Of course, they can’t do everything just by themselves, so they will need everyone in the Club to help.
We also had the first of many-to-come guest speakers for Tech Saturday. This time it was Randy Smith, WU2S of AREDN Inc and he was speaking on MESH Networking. The event was well attend and well received. Thanks goes out to Mark WA2DIY, who arranged this to happen. I am looking forward the upcoming guest speakers for both the General Meeting and Tech Saturday, and not just for the rest of this year, but all throughout 2019.
Speaking of 2019, it will be the Club’s 60th Anniversary. We need to something big all year long. I don’t think there are many clubs in this area who can say they have stayed active for 60+ years! If YOU have any suggestions of what the Club can do to celebrate, please let Jeff WB2ZBN know.
The big volunteer event of September was the Bike MS-City to Shore Ride. I heard many familiar callsigns during the day and got to put some faces with callsigns later Saturday in Ocean City. The Club was well represented, and I wish I had a list of all the members who participated, but you know who you are, and I thank each and everyone.
I am writing this coming back from the Pitman/Glassboro CROP Hunger Walk. This is another event the Club has a long history of providing radio support for. While the Club has been working with this group for a long time, this is the first time I ran the radio support and I would like to thank everyone from the Club who helped me out, Herb KT2Y, Frank W2FJM, Ed N2RO, Gary WA3SVW, Jennifer KD2EYR and Earl, and Gary N2QEE and Donna N2QED.
Jim Wright N2GXJ has organized a Fall Fox Hunt! Come on out! They are fun events, especially this time of year, not too hot/not too cold. See his article on page 5.
A lot is happening this month, from turning the clocks back on November 4th, election day on the 6th, and to Thanksgiving on the 22nd. November 11, 2018 is Veterans Day and it also commemorates the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. “The Great War”. “The 11th Hour of the 11th day of the 11th Month”.
Also, one last thanks goes out to Club newsletter editor, Jeff WB2ZBN, who even though I am sending this report to him late, will make his magic of the newsletter happen. Jeff seems to pull off this magic every month producing a very fine Club newsletter. Please thank him the next time you see him or talk to him on the air.
Till next month
Happy Thanksgiving!
73
Bruce
KD2LBU
October started off with the nominations for Club officers for the upcoming year 2019, and there were some new people on the list. I think that this is a fine list of candidates for the upcoming year and no matter the outcome of the election, the Club will be in good hands. Of course, they can’t do everything just by themselves, so they will need everyone in the Club to help.
We also had the first of many-to-come guest speakers for Tech Saturday. This time it was Randy Smith, WU2S of AREDN Inc and he was speaking on MESH Networking. The event was well attend and well received. Thanks goes out to Mark WA2DIY, who arranged this to happen. I am looking forward the upcoming guest speakers for both the General Meeting and Tech Saturday, and not just for the rest of this year, but all throughout 2019.
Speaking of 2019, it will be the Club’s 60th Anniversary. We need to something big all year long. I don’t think there are many clubs in this area who can say they have stayed active for 60+ years! If YOU have any suggestions of what the Club can do to celebrate, please let Jeff WB2ZBN know.
The big volunteer event of September was the Bike MS-City to Shore Ride. I heard many familiar callsigns during the day and got to put some faces with callsigns later Saturday in Ocean City. The Club was well represented, and I wish I had a list of all the members who participated, but you know who you are, and I thank each and everyone.
I am writing this coming back from the Pitman/Glassboro CROP Hunger Walk. This is another event the Club has a long history of providing radio support for. While the Club has been working with this group for a long time, this is the first time I ran the radio support and I would like to thank everyone from the Club who helped me out, Herb KT2Y, Frank W2FJM, Ed N2RO, Gary WA3SVW, Jennifer KD2EYR and Earl, and Gary N2QEE and Donna N2QED.
Jim Wright N2GXJ has organized a Fall Fox Hunt! Come on out! They are fun events, especially this time of year, not too hot/not too cold. See his article on page 5.
A lot is happening this month, from turning the clocks back on November 4th, election day on the 6th, and to Thanksgiving on the 22nd. November 11, 2018 is Veterans Day and it also commemorates the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. “The Great War”. “The 11th Hour of the 11th day of the 11th Month”.
Also, one last thanks goes out to Club newsletter editor, Jeff WB2ZBN, who even though I am sending this report to him late, will make his magic of the newsletter happen. Jeff seems to pull off this magic every month producing a very fine Club newsletter. Please thank him the next time you see him or talk to him on the air.
Till next month
Happy Thanksgiving!
73
Bruce
KD2LBU
December 2018
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and have survived Black Friday, and maybe even found a great deal on some radio gear.
November was a very busy month for Club activity:
Jim N2GXJ started the month off with Fox Hunt XII on November 4th. Matt N2EEE won the event with Vinny N2NNY coming in second. Other participants were Gary N2WHV, Jeff WB2ZBN, Al KB2AYU and Herb KT2Y.
The slate of candidates for the Club Officers for 2019 was determined at the November 7th meeting.
Candidates for 2019 Club Officer Elections at the December 5th Meeting :
President (1 Year Term) : James Clark Sr, KA2OSV
Vice President (1 Year term) : Anthony Starr, WA2FZB
Recording Secretary (1 Year Term) : John Zaruba Jr, K2ZA
Treasurer (1 Year Term) : Al Arrison, KB2AYU (Incumbent)
Corresponding Secretary (1 Year Term) : Ron Block, NR2B (Incumbent)
Director (3 Year term) :
· Jeff Garth, WB2ZBN (Incumbent)
· Jeffrey Welsh, KD2AZI
Director (To fulfill the unexpired term (2019) of Lee Marino)
· Robert Durham, W2RAD
Trustee (4 Year term)
· James Wright, N2GXJ
Work has begun on the shed. The right, back, and left sides have been re-sheathed. The only things left to do are, rebuild the front doors, fix the electrical system, and build a ramp.
Jon WB2MNF and John K2ZA have really been working on the W2MMD Satellite Station and have turned it in to a first-class operation. Please check it out the next time you are at the Clubhouse.
Herb KT2Y has brought back the 2 Meter Rag Chew Net on the Club repeater on Thursday nights @ 20:00 hours local time. The 10 meter Rag Chew Net is on Tuesday nights @ 20:00 local time on 28.465 MHz or secondary 28.475 MHz.
December will be just as busy as November…...
Saturday December 1st is SKYWARN Recognition Day. Please contact Steve KB2RTZ at [email protected]. For more info, go to: www.weather.gov/crh/skywarnrecognition.
Wednesday December 5th is the General Membership Meeting with elections for the 2019. We will be having a Skype meeting with Josh Nass, KI6NAZ. He will give a presentation about “DIY Antennas”.
Saturday December 8th the Club will be doing the Petty’s Island Qualification Event. Please contact Mark KK2L at kk2l <at> comcast <dot> net for more information.
Saturday December 8th, will also be the Club’s monthly Tech Saturday Forum at the W2MMD Clubhouse. Our guest speaker will Paul Lamhut, WB2HHH. He will speaking about DMR.
Saturday December 15th will be the GCARC Holiday Dinner at the Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet in Glassboro at 6PM.
We had another record Field Day score for the Club this year! Great participation by our Club members!
2019 will mark the Club’s 60th Anniversary! 2019 will be an exciting year for our Club, with the 1st rate presentations all year long to the Petty’s Island Activation in April. All thanks to Mark Gottlieb, KK2L. Give that man a pat on the back next time you see him!
This year has also been a very exciting time for me. I started the year as Vice President and then became your President in July. Thank you to everyone who made this year an easy transition for me.
Based on the slate of officers for 2019, it looks like our Club will be in good hands!
Everyone have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!
73
Bruce Canino
KD2LBU
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and have survived Black Friday, and maybe even found a great deal on some radio gear.
November was a very busy month for Club activity:
Jim N2GXJ started the month off with Fox Hunt XII on November 4th. Matt N2EEE won the event with Vinny N2NNY coming in second. Other participants were Gary N2WHV, Jeff WB2ZBN, Al KB2AYU and Herb KT2Y.
The slate of candidates for the Club Officers for 2019 was determined at the November 7th meeting.
Candidates for 2019 Club Officer Elections at the December 5th Meeting :
President (1 Year Term) : James Clark Sr, KA2OSV
Vice President (1 Year term) : Anthony Starr, WA2FZB
Recording Secretary (1 Year Term) : John Zaruba Jr, K2ZA
Treasurer (1 Year Term) : Al Arrison, KB2AYU (Incumbent)
Corresponding Secretary (1 Year Term) : Ron Block, NR2B (Incumbent)
Director (3 Year term) :
· Jeff Garth, WB2ZBN (Incumbent)
· Jeffrey Welsh, KD2AZI
Director (To fulfill the unexpired term (2019) of Lee Marino)
· Robert Durham, W2RAD
Trustee (4 Year term)
· James Wright, N2GXJ
Work has begun on the shed. The right, back, and left sides have been re-sheathed. The only things left to do are, rebuild the front doors, fix the electrical system, and build a ramp.
Jon WB2MNF and John K2ZA have really been working on the W2MMD Satellite Station and have turned it in to a first-class operation. Please check it out the next time you are at the Clubhouse.
Herb KT2Y has brought back the 2 Meter Rag Chew Net on the Club repeater on Thursday nights @ 20:00 hours local time. The 10 meter Rag Chew Net is on Tuesday nights @ 20:00 local time on 28.465 MHz or secondary 28.475 MHz.
December will be just as busy as November…...
Saturday December 1st is SKYWARN Recognition Day. Please contact Steve KB2RTZ at [email protected]. For more info, go to: www.weather.gov/crh/skywarnrecognition.
Wednesday December 5th is the General Membership Meeting with elections for the 2019. We will be having a Skype meeting with Josh Nass, KI6NAZ. He will give a presentation about “DIY Antennas”.
Saturday December 8th the Club will be doing the Petty’s Island Qualification Event. Please contact Mark KK2L at kk2l <at> comcast <dot> net for more information.
Saturday December 8th, will also be the Club’s monthly Tech Saturday Forum at the W2MMD Clubhouse. Our guest speaker will Paul Lamhut, WB2HHH. He will speaking about DMR.
Saturday December 15th will be the GCARC Holiday Dinner at the Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet in Glassboro at 6PM.
We had another record Field Day score for the Club this year! Great participation by our Club members!
2019 will mark the Club’s 60th Anniversary! 2019 will be an exciting year for our Club, with the 1st rate presentations all year long to the Petty’s Island Activation in April. All thanks to Mark Gottlieb, KK2L. Give that man a pat on the back next time you see him!
This year has also been a very exciting time for me. I started the year as Vice President and then became your President in July. Thank you to everyone who made this year an easy transition for me.
Based on the slate of officers for 2019, it looks like our Club will be in good hands!
Everyone have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!
73
Bruce Canino
KD2LBU