[HCRA] This weeks happenings...

[Jim Mullen]

Hi gang,

Just a quick update and a couple of questions.

First, thanks again to all who participated in the ARRL 10 Meter contest
this past weekend. If you have not sent in your log, remember to specify the
club as "Hampden County Radio Assn" (without the quotes). There is no (.)
after Assn. I've created an "unofficial" web page
(http://www.hcra.org/arrl_10m.htm) for our scores. If you would like to add
your score to the list or correct the ones posted please email the
information to: mailto:kk1w@arrl.net. I would really like some additional
"soapbox" comment for the page also - thanks!

It was exciting to see the amount of club participation in the contest. Just
another example of how "radio-active" our members are, keep up the good
work.

Second, and probably most important is the announcement of Technician
classes starting in February. Peter, KI1I has all the groundwork laid for a
very impressive course to be held in Chicopee, MA. Please watch the web page
for additional details, maps, etc. If you know of anyone interested in
taking a Technician course, give them the information and ask them to either
email Peter (preferred method) at: mailto:ki1i@arrl.net or telephone at
413-562-7392. Additionally, it's not to late to toss your hat in the ring to
help out with the classes. I know Peter would appreciate any and all efforts
in that regard. Don't hesitate to give him a call if you can help out.

These classes represent one of the most important things our club can do to
further the hobby. It takes a lot of effort, but will really make a
difference in years to come for the longevity of amateur radio. That we as a
club have been able to develop and launch the class speaks highly for Peter
specifically and the HCRA as a whole. It's the nicest Christmas present our
club can give to the hobby. Thanks.

Third, Larry, N1URE will be taking an extended hike along the AT this
January and is looking for hams to make a schedule with him on the 146.91
repeater. This will be his only contact with his family and folks back home.
I will post his hike information on the list soon. Please contact Larry
directly if you feel you can help him out.

Questions:

1.  I'd really like some feedback on the Holiday Party. I know it's a little
early to start planning for the next one, but these things have a habit of
coming up quickly and it's probably still fresh in your mind. Specifically,
did you:
   A.  Prefer the catered to the pot-luck?
   B.  Would you prefer speakers at the party or not?
   C.  Would you prefer a restaurant or the regular meeting site?
Drop me a note with your thoughts at mailto:kk1w@arrl.net. Your input is
important if the HCRA is to hold events that YOU really want to attend. If
you don't tell us, we can only guess!

2.  Is there anything else you feel the HCRA should be participating in for
2003. On the slate is the Technician Class, Tailgate Party, Field Day and
the Hall of Fame station. Is there something you would like HCRA to try in
addition to these. We need to keep coming up with new stuff to keep it
interesting for everyone. Some things to consider are: APRS node, additional
use of the IRLP node, DX Cluster, additional club contests, demonstration of
ham radio at a mall or school, HCRA club house. Is there anything that
excites you that we can use the HCRA resources to further our hobby.

3.  Have you started building your project for "Show & Tell" in March. This
year is our 2nd annual show & tell and I sure will be just as interesting as
the first. Prizes will again be a $50 gift certificate to HRO for the first
place winners in the two classes. I'm looking forward to seeing some great
homebrew projects.

Finally, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe, healthy
and happy holiday season. You deserve that for all the hard work you have
done throughout the year to keep HCRA active and growing. Maybe you will
even find an ICOM 756 ProII under the tree - you never know!

'73...
Jim & Ann