[HCRA] Next Meeting this coming Friday!

[Jim - KK1W]

Hey everyone!

Summer is coming to a close, the kids are back in school, vacations are over
and the first HCRA meeting of the new season is less than a week away. Be
sure to put aside some time this Friday to come visit with old friends, meet
some new hams and enjoy a great presentation from Dave, K1TTT.

This month's meeting features Dave Robbins, K1TTT. Dave is one of those rare
folks that lives and breathes our hobby. From station construction, antenna
erecting and operating K1TTT has built an impressive station in Peru, MA
that rivals the best in the world. Dave will be at HCRA talking about the
things that got him so interested he just couldn't stop. Can we all have a
station like Dave's? Probably not but we can all share the same enthusiasm
for the hobby - and that's where the fun is.

As a special treat we have two great raffle prizes this month. K1TTT has
graciously donated a copy of his latest book  , "Building a Super Station"
and you could go home with an autographed copy. We also have a Yaesu FT-2800
2M mobile radio that would look great in your car or even in the shack.

Changes??? (scary, ain't it?)

Changes are in motion at HCRA and we need your input. Enclosed in your
latest Zero Beat is a new application form. If you could take the time to
fill it out completely before bringing it to the meeting this Friday that
would be fantastic. Pay particular attention to the 'interests' area,
completing this section will go a long way in helping us understand what
'you' are looking for in your club. And of course, joining or renewing prior
to the end of the October meeting will automatically enter you in the
drawing for the Tom Tom GPS unit. Who will be the lucky winner this year?

Be sure to attend this Friday's meeting and find out about the new 'Kit
Program'. Full details will be unveiled at the meeting but rest assured,
this program will help get the 'radio' back into ham radio! And all it will
take is desire, no money required!

A few other things to think about:

What do you think of moving our Holiday Party from the meeting hall to a
restaurant?
What events/contests/activates would you like to help out with?
What excites you the most about coming to an HCRA meeting?
Would you like to help teach at the Technician Class this fall?
Would you like to run the monthly coffee/donut table at the meetings?
We are looking for someone to greet and sell raffle tickets on a regular
basis, can you help?
Venture Crew DX is looking for more members, do you know of any youth's in
your area?
Field Day is less than a year away. Should we look for a new, less expensive
venue?
Speaking of Field Day, who wants to run it this year?
What do you think of the idea of an annual club picnic?
The ARRL 10 Meter contest is this December, will you be one of the HCRA
members participating?

One thing I'm sure of. HCRA has become what it is because people like
yourselves raise their hand and participate. The more people that come
forward and say, "what can I do for my radio club" the better we become for
everyone.

So there you have it, some stuff to think about, a great presentation, cool
raffle prizes, coffee & donuts and the best group of hams in the valley.

Zero Beat has arrived at your mailbox by now but if you want to see a color
copy point your browser to: http://www.hcra.org/zerobeat.htm and enjoy.

Learn more about K1TTT and the Super Station at: http://k1ttt.net/

'73...

Jim, KK1W