Dear Friends,

Please join the LARC leadership in offering condolences to Bill Johnson on the passing of his wife Beatrice. More detail will be forthcoming so please stay tuned and keep Bill in your prayers during this difficult time.

Thank you.

2014 Kick Off Meeting

New ham, new member, welcome Brian Varner, KK4WHA!  
Wir haben kein Bier, aber viel gute Laune.

New Pres, welcome Rich!
While we have a new year, and new president, we will continue with the same strategy that that has made us successful in the past. Service, Education, and Comradary. Starting with January’s meeting and continuing throughout the year, our team has planned a series of interesting and educational programs.

New take on PSK31, welcome Rick!
Rick, ND4Z was kind enough to share his knowledge of PSK31 with the group. This is not the first time this topic has been presented, but every time it is, we see this mode from an entirely different perspective. Rick’s presentation was no exception. Word has it, that he made it look so easy, some of us are going to give it a try. 🙂

New toy for NASCAR fan, awesome George!
OK, so why is George holding a piston with his name on it? There was some talk about Santa, but I thought he traveled by sleigh. I guess you might say that while Rick ND4Z is big on South Cars, George’s thing is NASCARS. 🙂 

South CARS Fourth Annual Tailgate Party and Luncheon

January 4, 2014 – Lakeland Florida
The Golden Corral, US 98 North, Lakeland
The Fourth Annual Lakeland, Florida. Tailgate party/Luncheon get together.
Where: The Golden Corral Buffet & Grill , 4705 US Route 98 North, Lakeland, Florida 33810
Price: $8.49 + Tax + Tip for all you care to eat
When: Jan. 4, 2014 Tail gate starts at 9:00 am followed by lunch at 12:00 noon

Congratulations Matthew and Steven


Matthew KK4FEM passed the Extra Exam before the December Meeting and Christmas party. Also, Steven Routt, now KK4VRS passed the Technician Exam. Congratulations to both of you guys. Job well done. Steve was so excited to tell his friends he left before we could get his picture. Steve, your excitement is understood. You are welcome back any time.

Tampa Bay Ham Fest-Plant City


Several club members manned the LARC booth over the two days of the show including Rich, Randy, Peggy, Ernie, Jim Stewart, Ren, Gabby, and Ansel. Stats collected during the two days follow:
Friday
Member   Visitors    Contacts given
Sign-ins   Sign-ins    information
16            30            68

Saturday
Members    Visitors    Contacts given
Sign-ins    Sign-ins    information
21             40            91

Totals
Members   Visitors   Contacts given
Sign-ins    Sign-ins    information
37             70            139

Handouts describing the club and its activities were offered to all. Many were surprised to learn that our club featured regular monthly presentations and provided Laurel Testing at no charge.

It’s That Time of Year Already

Yes, Christmas is just around the corner. That means the annual Christmas Party. This year, as last, it will be held at the club’s meeting place. Here are some of the details:

Date:  December 2nd 2013
Time: 6:00 PM
Cost: $9.00 per person
Bring a desert or salad
See Ernie for reservations. 
Please contact Ernie as soon as possible, if you intend to come. He needs this information for the caterer in order to insure everyone gets fed. 

Congratulations Peggy!

No one could be prouder. New to the hobby, Peggy N4PEG moved quickly from Tech to Extra in one year, honing her radio skills along the way. She is shown here with President Patrick O’Neil holding her award. Peggy earned First Place North America Rookie-Low Power SSB 10 meters category in the 2013 World Wide WPX Contest. She ranked 14 th in the world for points earned. Now that’s some achievement. As of this month, Peggy will be the clubs new VE Coordinator.