[ILHam] Illinois QSO Bi-Centennial Challenge

[Danny Pease]

On behalf of N9JF:

August 9 kicks off the biggest celebration we have attempted here in
Illinois in my memory, since I wasn't around in 1918 for the Centennial.  My
kids think I'm that old...but...no....

There are many events planned on the state level, and some of them involve
the ham radio community.  

HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO "BE DX"!

There are two awards available for hams around the world to pursue for this
celebration:

http://www.w9awe.org/challenge.html

Short version:  IL stations get on the air.  When you work someone, tell
them your county and tell them about the awards.  No matter who you are or
where you are in Illinois, you count 3 points toward the IL200 Award.  Your
county fills in a block on the form for the Challenge award.  The forms on
the website are to be used to apply for the award.

As "activators", you MAY (but are not required to) submit your logs in Excel
or Cabrillo format so we can compile a "Master Log" for the period.  The
ILQP event on October 21 will be a separate log file, but those contacts
will of course count for both awards.  Submit your planned activations to
the reflector or direct to n9jf at arrl.net , and we'll get you on the updated
Activations page.

We'll kick off at 0000Z on August 9 and conclude at 2359Z on December 3.
Let's make some Illinois NOISE!

73, Jim N9JF