[HCRA] Follow up to Friday's meeting

[Matt Wilhelm (W1MSW)]

Howdy Fellow HCRA Members,

What a great meeting last Friday!  Although we didn't have a huge turnout of
actual tailgaters, it was really nice to see everyone visiting outside the
meeting hall.  Lots  of folks were sharing their stories about the crazy
weather we had last week and talking about what they've been up to.  I think
we need to take a close look into John - KX1X's suggestion about combining
the tailgate party with a club picnic/outdoor social next year. Let us know
what you think.

I would also like to congratulate to Barry Mason - N1IJK on winning the
Honda Generator Raffle.  A big thank you to everyone who donated money by
way of buying tickets.  Your support is truly appreciated and will greatly
help the club manage its operating costs. If anyone has ideas for a prize
for next year's long term raffle, please let me know.  It only works if it's
something that you're interested in winning!

Although there wasn't much to choose from, thank you for re-electing me as
Membership Director this year.  This director position has been a learning
experience for me, but I think we're making progress in the way of new hams
in our club.  I believe a lot of this has been due to a deliberate effort on
following up with those who have shown interest in joining the club and/or
becoming a ham as well as putting to use the new Facebook page.  As the
membership director, I will continue to put these tools and methods to use
as well as work on new ways to strengthen and increase our numbers.  I also
want to emphasize that although new members are important to the health of
our club, so is the happiness of our current and long-time members.  If
there is anything I can do to improve or help in anyway, please let me
know.  I would also like to take a moment to thank Jim - KK1W and other club
VEs who introduce new amateurs to our club at the Western Mass VE sessions
as well as Ed - KB1NWH who has put a lot of time into helping new club
members get antennas up and stations on the air.  Without the efforts of
these folks, our membership numbers would be nowhere near the current
numbers.

And finally, I would like to begin putting a member profile in each Zero
Beat when club activities resume in September.  Nothing too crazy, but I
would like to ask some standard questions and maybe get a photo of you in
your shack.  It doesn't matter what operating class you hold, how long
you've been operating or how big or small your station is.  Everyone is
welcome and I think it would be a great way to get to know some of our
fellow club members.  I'd love to get some volunteers lined up so please
feel free to contact me if you're interested.  If I don't hear anything,
it's guaranteed that I'll start harassing folks to let me do a profile so
skip all that and sign up now.

I look forward to seeing everyone at Field Day this year.  We're really
going to have some fun!

73,

Matt Wilhelm - W1MSW
Membership Director
Hampden County Radio Association