The well-attended January meeting began with introductions and a question, “Will you be participating in Winter Field Day?” One of the highlights from the business meeting was special recognition given by Andrew W1AXS, the Director of the Hancock County Emergency Management Agency, given to Evie KA1BRA for her decades of reporting data from the Hancock County EmComm Net and the EAWA Communication Net. Andrew also recognized Joan W1DLC for diligently continuing the data reporting tradition.
Another special recognition was given to Phil N1EP by the outgoing president, Jeff KA1DBE. Jeff shared some of the many ways Phil has contributed to the EAWA through his position as Maine Section Manager and long-time operator in Downeast Maine. Phil provides a wealth of knowledge and history, and most of all, energy and laughter to every event he attends.
The meeting moved in a different direction as Clinton Spaulding, an instructor at Husson University and doctoral student in the Communications Department at The University of Maine, addressed the attendees with a special request. Clint’s dissertation research is focused on the ways learning and teaching occur in the ham radio community. He brought small test packets for all those willing to fill out on their own time and send back to him. Not wanting to say anything that would influence how we may respond to the test packet items, Clint was limited in what he shared about the study. We hope to hear more about his findings when his research project is completed.
The last, and certainly not the least part of the meeting, was the vote and subsequent welcoming in of new officers. Serving from January 2025 through January 2026 are John KQ1P as President, Chuck AC1BS as Vice President, and Joan W1DLC as Secretary/Treasurer. The officers compose the Board of Directors, along with three additional members who are Evie KA1BRA (term ending January 2026), Stan W1BOY (term ending January 2027), and Greg KC1RID (term ending January 2028). Many, many thanks to Jeff KA1DBE who served as president for many years, and to Chris K1WJY who served three years on the board.
As the current president, John KQ1P expressed his gratitude to all who work so diligently to keep the club functioning and thriving. He, along with the rest of us, are looking forward to the events and activities we engage in every year, such as a large Field Day operation and providing EmComms for the MDI Marathon. In addition, John challenged us to consider new avenues we might explore to grow the club and to introduce younger people to amateur radio. He also asked us to send him any ideas we may have for a special events station and topics for upcoming programs following the monthly business meetings. (His email is good on QRZ.)
Written by Marion W1GRL
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