February Club Mtg: Planning Upcoming Events

Posted on by Marion Mason

The February meeting started as all club meetings do, with introductions and a question: How many America250 W1AW/x stations have you worked so far? Responses ranged from 0 – 7. Following the usual business items, the discussion turned to Winter Field Day. The solar weather disturbances, and cold temperatures and wind at ground level, were real challenges this year. You can read some of the accounts in the story, “Putting the “Winter” in Winter Field Day” here.

Joan W1DLC, Secretary/Treasurer, John KQ1P, President, and Jeff KA1DBE, Symposium Chair, brought the meeting to order. The Vice President, Marion W1GRL is behind the camera.

A second major topic of discussion was the upcoming Annual Ham Radio Symposium scheduled for April 18, noon to 4pm, at Meadow View Apartments (see map here). This year the focus is on cutting edge tools and tech for ham radio. The agenda is taking shape in terms of speakers and hands-on demonstrations. Light snacks will be provided. Help is welcomed to assist in the set-up and the clean-up of the event. More details will be provided at the March club meeting. For readers who have never attended the annual symposium, browsing the story of last year’s event will offer some insights (read story here). If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Jeff KA1DBE (good on QRZ or use the Contact Us feature of this website).

Even though we were missing several regulars who were under the weather, the meeting was well attended! In the top photo, circling to the left, is Joan W1DLC, John KQ1P, Jeff KA1DBE, Markus K1FIG, Bill KC1NMK, Matt KC1VLH, and Matt’s wife Susan. In the lower photo, starting at the left, Mark W1ABY, Mel W1MEB, Tony W1TRG, Elias WF1WAG, Stan W1BOY, Rob W8HAP, and Gerry W1VE.

The final major topic of the evening focused on recruiting EAWA members and friends to participate in the Emergency Communications for the Sea of Blue Autism Awareness Walk/5K/10K, to be held Saturday, April 25. The club provided similar services last year, which was the the first partnering of the EAWA and the Sea of Blue. You can read about last year’s event, “Teaming Up for Success” here. This year’s needs are the same: approximately 15 radio operators (we can use more!) working in pairs along the route and managing net controls in the communications trailer. Hams will meet around 7:30am for an organizational meeting (with coffee and treats!), confirm location assignments, and comms checks. The official activities start at 9:30am. EAWA members and friends are encouraged to participate in any of the silent auctions or other festivities and to partake of the wonderful lunch snacks and treats.

Matt KC1VLH, a Director of the Sea of Blue event, shared the details of this year’s race.

Check this website for more information on the items mentioned above, and other upcoming events such as the YL POTA planned for March 8, International Women’s Day. The EAWA always has something to look forward to!
Written by Marion W1GRL

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