Congratulations to Pat KJ4AFB for passing her General exam earlier this week. She has the distinction of being the only General XYL in the club. Good going Pat!

LAKELAND – Samuel A. Gardner passed away on April, 17, 2012 at the age of 92 in his home from natural causes related to age.

Sam was born on July 4, 1919 in Brooklyn NY. After working as a chemical engineer for Shell Oil for a number of years. Sam came to Lakeland in 1972 with Davy Power Gas and was in charge of many projects globally for the company until his retirement.

Sam was a veteran and served both in the US and overseas as a Major in the Marine Corps during WWII. Sam had a very inquisitive nature and as such had a wonderfully diverse life. Sam was an avid reader, handball player, runner and swimmer. Sam was also over the years a member of the computer club and Ham radio club in Lakeland. Sam was also a charter member of the Imperial Polk County Obedience Club (IPOC) and was a nationally certified and recognized dog judge for a number of breeds as well as obedience and tracking. Sam also had the singular experience of being on a plane that was hijacked to Cuba in 1969.

Sam was preceded in death by his wife Margaret Gardner (2003) who was by his side for over 50 years. Sam will be missed by the many friends whose lives he touched over the years with his unique personality, and also by his Golden Retriever companion CJ.

Preparation is everything. When you study hard, taking the test is like a walk in the park.
In this case, Central Park!

Left to right, Club President Patrick KI4CDY, Laura NO4OO, our new Tech Arthur Jaccobowitz, and George KI4NBE. Also present but not shown were Bill KI4ZMV and Mike KT2T.

April’s meeting had much to offer. First, Bert KG2G, key collector extraordinaire and avid CW enthusiast, showed off some of his more interesting keys, while educating us on the history of the first digital mode.

Bert is the kind of guy who always has time to help a fellow ham, whether it is solving a difficult electronic problem, or encouraging him or her to learn more about the hobby.

Before the meeting got underway, we held a testing session. The result, three new Generals and two new Extras!

First the Generals.

Left to right in the back row we have Donald KK4HKQ and Patrick KI4CDY. Seated in the front row are Kevin Logue who passed both the Tech and General this evening, and James Johnson KK4FEK who passed his general with a perfect score!

And next the Extras!

Congratulations Gene, KC0YIM. You did extraordinarily well. Not too many get a perfect score on the extra exam. Enjoy your stay in the sunny South before returning to Kansas.
And, with a nearly perfect score, congratulations are in order for Al W4ZSC who also upgraded from Advanced to Extra.

And if that wasn’t enough, we all got to view the video “The Last Big Field Day.”

Our Club will be operating a special event station on Saturday, March
31st, 2012 at the Lake Parker Park in Lakeland (map link below). The
special event is the Celebration of the 38th Annual Fly-In and Expo
in Lakeland Florida. This event was advertised in the March 2012
QST Magazine on page 95. We will be operating on four bands from
9:30am to 3:30pm depending on band conditions.

Map and directions

We will be located in a shelter at the northern area of the Park. Signs
will be posted, but look for the “antennas in the parking lots” and utilize
our repeater if you need assistance. We will attempt to place signs at
various locations along the road to the event.

We plan on having hamburgers and hot dogs (condiments supplied) for lunch
which will be purchased by the Club. All we ask is that you bring a
covered dish to share with our group or a 2 liter bottle of soda,
any variety including sugar free. All paper products will be supplied
by the Club.

For more information please contact Fred at either 863 816 0507 or K1DU@aol.com

On the seventh of March, several turned out to help Glen move his new tower to the side of his house. On the fifteenth many of the same crew showed up along with others to see the antenna raised. To see all 22 images, and listen to background sound, click on the link below, and turn up the volume.

Click here for step by step

Amelia “Penny” Haynes

AMELIA “PENNY”
HAYNES, 94
Haynes Auto Parts

LAKELAND – Amelia “Penny” Haynes, 94, passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2012 from natural causes.
She was born August 21, 1917 in Russellville, KY, and moved to Lakeland in 1961. She was a housewife, mother and member of the Highlands Church of Christ. She was a V.I.S.T.E volunteer from 1999 to 2009. In 2003 she received the Dr. Sam Clark Volunteer of the Year award from V.I.S.T.E.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest H. Haynes, Jr. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Ernie Haynes, III (Joan); 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Judy (Kenny) Clark and Wanda (Bob) Walmsley; brother, Clarence Penrod; 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: V.I.S.T.E. of Lakeland, Christian Home & Bible School in Mt. Dora, FL, Good Shepherd Hospice of Lakeland, FL or the Florida School of Preaching in Lakeland, FL.
A memorial service will be held at Highlands Church of Christ, 5730 Lakeland Highlands Road Lakeland, FL, on Saturday, March 10th at 1:00 p.m.
A private family burial will be held in Spartanburg, SC.