[SFDXA] Section News updates - KB1PA SM

[Bill]

It is an honor to serve as the Section Manager of the Southern Florida
Section
of the ARRL. I hope to continue the excellent hard work of WA4AW and all
of those
who have served in this position since 1973 when the Section was formed.
Florida had
been split into East and West in 1932, but was first formed in 1923.
There is a long
distinguished history. I have big shoes to fill, but I look forward to
listening and
working with everyone.

I want to especially thank the section cabinet who make the section run
smooth,like a
well tuned engine. Keep up the great work! As with any transition there
are a few changes:
Larry Zimmer, W4LWZ has served as Section Emergency Coordinator for the
last 4 years. He
is stepping away from this post, but will continue as Assistant Section
Manager. Under
Larry's leadership ARES has overcome many challenges and is the great
shape. Taking
Larry's place as Section Emergency Coordinator is Jahn Wells, W4CMH. I
am confident
John will continue the excellent work Larry has done.
After consulting with Section Traffic Manager Ed Johnson,the Southwest
Florida Traffic
Net is getting a new Net Manager. Dave Sheppard, W2PAX.
And last but not least, Jeff Beals, WA4AW, will assume the role of
Assistant Section
Manager and mentor me.

There is an enormous amount of good stuff going on in Amateur Radio
today. We
have more bands, more modes, and more activities than ever before. We
have
technologies undreamed-of not too long ago, yet we can still use rigs
from 70,
80, even 90 years ago. Good new manufactured ham gear is cheaper (in
inflation-adjusted dollars) than ever before. TVI is all but unknown.
Although
growth in our numbers is slow, we are growing, at least in the USA.

Of course there are challenges - CC&Rs, HOAs, EMI/RFI, rising prices of
necessities. poor HF conditions, etc.

But on the balance, we're doing quite well.

Why not focus on the good rather than the bad?

There are 2 get together in October.
The first is the Cy Harris Free Flea Market at the
Collins Center in Oakland Park, In Broward County. Starts at 7AM and
goes until early afternoon

The second is a week latter in Melborne, the Melborne Hamfest Oct 12 and
13. There will
be an ARRL forum and Division Director Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, will be in
attendance.

I look forward to meeting and greeting everyone at the forum or the ARRL
booth, It will
also be a chance to say "thank you" to Jeff Beals, WA4AW.

Please mentor a new ham, get active in your local club or ARES® group
and think positive
while having fun in this amazing hobby/service.

See you during the upcoming hamfest season.

Barry
KB1PA
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ARRL Southern Florida Section
Section Manager: Mr Barry M Porter, KB1PA
kb1pa at arrl.org
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