[NLRS] Aurora 2012 recap

[Mike Metroka]

Hi Jon and Northern Lights Group,

Bruce blew me away at this year's VHF Weak Signal Banquet that was held in conjunction with the Dayton Hamvention when he presented me with the 2nd place Limited Rover Award.  I did not expect it at all as I didn't read Jon's e-mail announcement when it originally came out (too busy getting ready for the Dayton trip).  One of my ham radio goals is to get on additional UHF/uW bands.

I would like to thank the NLRS for continuing to sponsor the Limited Rover award and for the nice plaque.  It is very much appreciated especially being presented in front of so many peers at the Friday night banquet.

I am looking forward to seeing many NLRS members at the Cedar Rapids conference this summer!

73
Mike WB8BZK/R


-----Original Message-----
From: nlrs-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:nlrs-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of w0zq at aol.com
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 7:49 PM
To: nlrs at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [NLRS] Aurora 2012 recap




I want to thank Bill, K0AWU, for his work towards organizing our technical program this year, Jim, K0MHC for the AV support, the presenters, our antenna crew, Curt for the use of the Church, and Paul for his overall organization.  Aurora would not happen without the many helping hands.  Even Ma Nature came out to lend a hand with a beautiful spring day.  

The NLRS business meeting minutes will be available via the NLRS website in the next few weeks.  Glen already has a rough draft that I need to review.  Also, Jim is working to provide the technical presentations via that same route as well .... stay tuned.   We are targeting Aurora 2013 for the same weekend, May 11, 2013.  

The presentation for the NLRS Wesslund Award and our two NLRS Limited Rover Awards read as follows - congratulations to W9FZ, WB8BZK, and K9JK for their work & recognition.  

 
2012 Wesslund Award:  
The Wesslund Award honors Robert (Bob) Wesslund, W0AUS, for his many years of significant contributions to the Northern Lights Radio Society and for his continuous work with mentoring others in the World Above 50 MHz.  This award is presented annually to recognize those NLRS members who have assisted others in gaining knowledge and access to the bands above 50 MHz.  This year’s Wesslund Award winner deserves this recognition based upon his efforts through the years in the World Above 50 MHz to organize, support, serve, mentor, and to promote weak signal VHF operating, VHF contesting, and VHF clubs & organizations.  Originally licensed at age 16 as WD9ENK, it took our award winner another 20 or so years before the weak signal VHF bug bit into him, and when it did, it bit hard.  Since being bitten our award winner has stimulated VHF contest activity as a rover for dozens of years, generated renewed VHF contesting activity in the Midwest by leading and promoting their own September version of Rovermania, has mentored new VHF contesters, and has been a contributing editor to QST for the 10GHz Contest.  In addition to being a long time member of our Northern Lights Radio Society our award winner founded the Badger Contesters in 1994, has been a contributing member of the Central States VHF Society serving as a board member, a past President, and as their current Treasure.  In 2002 our award winner was recognized by the Society with their Wilson Award.  This year’s Wesslund Award winner, perhaps as comfortable in the front seat flying a C130 as standing in front of his 10 GHz dish, is Bruce Richardson, W9FZ.   


2011 NLRS Limited Rover Award
The purpose for the Northern Lights Radio Society Limited Rover Award is to stimulate UHF activity, promote roving, and to recognize those limited rovers who are not equipped with DC to light. This Award, open to anyone located in North America, is presented to the top two ARRL UHF Contest rover scores for those rovers who are running with three bands or less.  This years second place award winner is Mike Metroka, WB8BZK/R. Mike activated two grids during the 2011 ARRL UHF contest running 222, 432, and 1296. Mike generated 24 contacts by 11 grids on 222, 26 contacts by 10 grids on 432, and 16 contacts by 6 grids on 1296, with a final score of 7,134 points. Please give Mike a big hand. This years first place NLRS Limited Rover Award winner is John Kalenowsky, K9JK/R. John activated four grids also running 222, 432, and 1296. John generated 40 contacts by 12 grids on 222, 36 contacts by 8 grids on 432, and 22 contacts by 6 grids on 1296 with a final score of 10,800 points. 

73, Jon
W0ZQ