We Have A New Tech and Some Upgrades!

Left to right Aimee KM4STT, Top WB6ZEQ new Extra, Danial new Tech, Debbie KM4CUG new General, and Glenn W4JGC

Left to right John K0ZD, new General Harley KN4OTS, and Glenn W4JGC

Chet AB4XK, delivering a stirring presentation on the National Traffic System.

The National Traffic System (NTS) is an organized network of amateur radio operators sponsored by the American Radio Relay League for the purpose of relaying messages throughout the U.S. and Canada.^[1]
During normal times, these messages are routine greetings (“Happy birthday Aunt Mary”) and keep the system well oiled and the operators trained so that everything works when needed. When there is an emergency or disaster NTS works closely with the Amateur Radio Emergency Service to provide emergency communications. The most common type of disaster-related messages are “health and welfare” inquiries and notifications into and out of the area affected by the disaster.
In time of disaster, it is easy to expand the system by simply creating additional meeting times for the nets with high volume, or by setting up a specific “trunk line” between two points.(Source Wikipedia)

Ardmore resident Paul Lee Pippin passed away at his residence, Monday, December 10, 2018, at the age of 71 years, 8 months and 9 days. 

Paul was born March 31, 1947 to James Floyd “Jim” Pippin and Joyce Elaine “Liz” Pippin at Ardmore.  Paul grew up here and after high school attended college for a time.  An over-the-road truck driver, Paul had served in the U. S. Army.

Survivors include his mother, Joyce “Liz” Pippin, his sons, Jason and Justin Pippin, three grandsons and a granddaughter; also his significant other, Elizabeth Rodriquez.
There will be no formal services at this time.  Cremation-With-Care was provided by Harvey-Douglas Funeral Home and Crematory.  Words of comfort may be sent the family at www.hdouglasfuneralhome.com.

Click here for a link to more photos.

Thirty-two members braved the frigid 74 degree weather to attend the November picnic. As usual, the food was both plentiful and excellent.

Click here for more pictures of the Picnic

 One New Tech and One New Extra

Jim KN4QCN left a new Tech,  and Andrew WX4AMS new Extra are congratulated by VE Richard W8DUK.

Election Results

First the highlights. We have a new Vice President, Mike Shreve. In addition, we have three new board members, Glenn Culler, Aimee Holzer, and Dave Lafave. Bob Doherty stepped down as VP to take care of family matters. We wish him well, and his grandson a speedy recovery. The club benefited greatly by his organizational skills and his ability to line up great speakers for our meetings. Al Sheppard has also stepped down as active board member. He has relocated to Naples Florida to be closer to his son. We will miss his quick wit, kind words, and helpful direction.

For 2018
    • President Matthew Stevens
    • Vice President Mike Shreve
    • Secretary Bill Johnson
    • Treasurer Patrick O’Neil

Board members:
James Stewart, Mike Oliver, David Zdanowicz, Glenn Culler, Geoff Schuck, Stephanie Hildreth, Kevin Rought, Richard Kennedy, Aimee Holzer, and Dave Lafave

Our Main Presenter For The Evening James Stewart 
     On Winlink

Jim did a masterful job at presenting a powerful tool that should be on every hams tool belt. If all local communication fails Winlink will enable you to reach anyone in the world with internet access. Winlink allows you to jump out of the affected area to reach a station that will forward your message.

Brief History (excerpt from Jim’s presentation. Click here for a PFD
                        Click here for a You Tube Demo  )

• Been around since the early 80’s
• Originally known as Aplink, an early DOS based mailbox program and was the brainchild of Victor Poor, W5SMM
• Widely used by both the maritime and RV Amateur Radio communities and by MARS and EMComfolks
• Several versions of companion products were created to work in this arena, the Classic Winlinkand Airmail among the most well known.
• Latest version of the popular Winlinkis known as WinlinkExpress

John Lemon Receives His First Contact Award

Attendees Who Signed In

Other Guests
John Batty
Scott Pugh
Glenn Smith

Weather was perfect, turnout was lighter than last year, but sales were brisk.

Michele Pugh chats with Darrell Davis KT4WX about the value of joining ARRL while Glenn Minich looks on. Mike Douglas W4MDD is far left holding a tablet.

The club had a table this year. All items, some publications and some hardware, were donated by Al Sheppard. All proceeds from the sale went to the club.

The club tables before the rush. Over half the items were sold.