[CC-ARES-RACES] CCARC Holiday Party 2006

[Darryl L Flick]

Greetings CCARC Members and Friends,
        
        Friday evening, December 8, 2006, was a great opportunity for
good food, great conversation, and hanging-out with a bunch of folks that
share the common bond of amateur radio. The Charles County Amateur Radio
Club held its annual Holiday party at the Old County Buffet in Waldorf,
MD. Sharon (KB3GHI) and I (N3YWZ) arrived at 7:00pm, and found a busy
crowd of patrons, and it was pleasing to see that CCARC had the arranged
privilege of sliding into the comforts of our reserved and quiet room. It
wasn't quiet for long, as our various members and guests arrived and
"dug-in" to the buffet.  

Those attending were:
Art Audley (AA3RT)
Bob Davidson (KB3KOW)
        Ana his Wife 
        Kristi his Daughter, and
        Andrew his Son.
Tom Abernethy (W3TOM)
Deb Abernethy (KA3VNF)
Bob Curran (KE3GG) and
        Hattie his Wife.
Charles Hallock (Aaaaalpha Aaalpha Three, Whiskey Sierra) and 
        Melanie his Daughter
Joe Boswell (KB3HNP) and
        his Mom
Lee Flick (N3YWZ)
Sharon Flick (KB3GHI) and
        Michael our Son.

        Our two+ hours of fun were filled with the best of everything. 
Old Country Buffet assigned an employee to our room to ensure we all were
amply pampered.  Has anybody ever watched the 1970s series "Little House
on the Prairie"?  Well I don't often admit this, however I have been
hooked on that series for years, and have most of the series on DVD. I
guess it is my quest for a calmer, less complicated lifestyle, however I
might insist that my 1870's lifestyle include an acceleration of the
invention of that thing called  'the RADIO'.  Regardless, there is one
frequent character of British heritage by the name of Kezia (kee' zee 
ah).  The lovely Old Country Buffet employee who assisted our event was
the spittin' image and personality of Kezia from Walnut Grove. She kept
things moving and tidy for us all. Many thanks to that establishment for
their great customer service. 

        Charles (AA3WS) discussed the plans for the next year's Maryland
Convention, which may be held in our immediate area.  Several folks have
already signed up for various posts and positions.  It is a great
opportunity for our vast region to experience the hospitality and talents
that Southern Maryland offers.  Last week, Tom, President Rob (N2OMC) and
Charles attended a coordinating meeting in Prince George's County, and
they are gearing up for the event. More on that topic will follow in the
near future. Stay tuned. Stay involved.

        Bob and Hattie provided a status report to my table regarding
their plans to run amateur television (ATV) from his airplane.  That will
be exciting and will undoubtedly open more doors of interest for the
various beneficial uses of such technology. 

        A couple hours later had everyone eyeing the table that stored
the various donated door prizes, and Deb (KB3VNF) grabbed the stage and
began issuing raffle tickets for the very nice prizes.  Here is a run
down of who won what.

Book on Emergency Power from ARRL won by Joe (KB3HNP)
Book on Emergency Communications from ARRL won by Chuck (AA3WS)
MFJ Practice Key and Oscillator won by Bob (KB3KOW)
The ARRL Repeater Directory 2006/2007 won by Mike Flick (call pending I
hope?)
40m Tuner Kit won by Kristi Davidson (call pending, let's hope?)
The ARRL 2006 Handbook for Radio Communications won by yours truly.

Thanks to all for their contributions to the door prize fun.  It was very
successful and lots of fun.

        We all departed at about 9:15pm, with full bellies that went into
shock upon exiting the building.  It was genuinely a cold evening with
brilliantly glittering stars. A great evening for those that have a
perpetual 'crick' in their necks from peering skyward.  A special thanks
to our Club's Activities Manager, Gene Risso, KB3MDH.  Gene coordinated
the event, and unfortunately was unable to attend. And of course our
Club's President, Rob Hoyt, N2OMC.  Rob was all geared up for attending
the function this year, but his plans were suddenly changed at the last
minute. Rob kept the interests, information, and plans on track. We all
had great fun, and look forward to another busy year with amateur radio
in 2007.

Happy Holidays to all,
73
The Flick Family
Lee, Sharon, Amy, Mike, Ben and Paige (our little dog)