Happy New Year!

LARK’s 2012 kickoff meeting got the year off to a great start. Prior to the meeting three candidates passed their Amateur Radio License exams. Congratulations to all. See below for more detail. During the meeting Mike KT2T, Bill KI4ZMV, and Dan WZ1P shared their thoughts on the club’s web site, blog, and weekly net in that order. This was followed by presentations of appreciations to the outgoing President, Ernie KG4YNI, and outgoing treasurer Bob, KI4CDZ. After the presentations, our new president Patrick KI4CDY announced plans for a picnic and special events station being organized by Fred K1DU. More details will follow. The future looks bright!

Outgoing president, Ernie Haynes receives an award for job well done by new president Patrick O’Neal.

Marvin Johnson receives an award for his outstanding service and dedication to LARC as Treasurer.

Bill KJ4IAI and Ernie KG4YNI congratulate Anthony KJ4FWO on his successful completion of the Extra Exam.

Bill KG4IAI congratulates Kimbra French on her successful completion of the Technician exam, while Bill N2WFU congratulates a Mathew KK4FEM, a new General. No, these pictures were not taken at the beach. The setting was inspired by Bill KJ4IAI. Also in attendance was VE and club photog Bill KI4ZMV.

Keith Laube – Silent Key

Keith D. Laube, 81Computer ProgrammerWinter Haven- Mr. Keith D. Laube, age 81, of Winter Haven, FL passed away Friday, December 9, 2011 due to heart failure. He was born August 10, 1930 in Orlando, FL the son of Joseph Laube and Jenny Laube. He moved to the Winter Haven area from Jacksonville 3 years ago. He was a veteran of the US Navy having served during the Korean conflict. He was a computer programmer for the federal government, a member of the American Legion Post # 8, a member of ARRL the National Association for Amateur Radio, a member of the Lakeland Amateur Radio Club, and a member of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association. He attended the First Presbyterian Church.Mr. Laube is survived by his wife, of 55 years, Barbara Lynch Laube, Winter Haven, son Peter Laube (Shane), Auburndale, FL, daughters Karen Raper (Ken), Colorado Springs, CO, Lisa Kunkler (Jeff) Carolton, GA, and Renee Laube, Oklahoma City, OK, brothers Kenneth and Cornelius both of Atlanta, GA, sister Connie Nichols (Charlie), Atlanta, GA, 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.ottlaughlinfuneralhome.com

And a one, and a two, and a three . . .

Once again, three more success stories. This month we are proud to announce one new Technician, and two upgrades to Extra.

Ernie KG4YNI is seen here congratulating Sarel on his passing the Technician exam. BTW, Sarel happens to be yet another computer programmer. Years ago, the Eastman Kodak company discovered that there seemed to be relationship between the hobby of electronics and the hobby of photography. Are we seeing a new trend these days with ham radio and software engineering? 🙂

Bill, KJ4IAI and Ernie KG4YNIcongratulate the two new Extras: Vincent KE4DYX to the right of Bill, and Timothy KK4DVI to the left of Ernie.

Congratulations all. You did good! Also present, Bill KI4ZMV.

Three New Hams With Bragging Rights

We have three new ham Technicians in the fold. They are Jim Johnson, John Roberts, and Matthew Stevens. All did exceptionally well on the test, but Jim takes the prize for getting a perfect score.

Here are all three being congratulated by Bill KJ4IAI. Also present were Ernie KG4YNI and Bill KI4ZMV.

Congratulations John Roberts!

Congratulations Matthew Stevens!

As with all new hams, we invite you to drop by a meeting or two to get to know some of the other hams in the area.

A Few Reminders

The last day to pay for the Christmas Party will be at the November 7th, 2011 meeting. The price is $9.00 per person, no refunds. No money will be accepted at the Tuesday, December 6th, 2011 Christmas Party. This is a pre-paid event. Please bring the exact cash amount to the meeting. If you have any questions, contact Patrick.

We have been asked to try to increase our VISTE donations for the months of November and December. Please remember to bring a few goods to the meeting. The need this season is great, please try to help out our community.

Marvin and Bob Foxworth will be accepting our annual dues at the November meeting. Let’s try to get a head start on this.

If any member knows anyone who would like to take a weekend technician class, let Patrick know. There will be a local class during the weekend of November 5th and 6th, 2011.

Encore!

Only a few weeks ago Bill KK4BMJ, Goff KK4EBS, and Jon KK4EBR got their tickets to perform on the air. All three were back, driven by personal interest in ham radio, for upgrades. Goff and Jon earned upgrades to General while Carter made extra with nearly a perfect score.

Pictured above, Bill KJ4IAI looks on while Goff and Carter congratulate each other. Also present, but not shown were Ernie KG4YNI, Jon KK4EBR, and Bill KI4ZMV.

2011 Christmas Party: Place, Date, and Time

Ernie and the board have decided on a location for this year’s Christmas Party. It will be catered by Jimbo’s BBQ, but held at our normal meeting place. Dinner will consist of a quarter chicken, pulled pork sandwich, two sides, and tea. The price is $9.00 per person which includes the gratuity, no refunds.

Christmas Party 2011
Westminster Presbyterian Church
730 S. Florida Avenue
Lakeland, FL

Tuesday, December 6th
Time: 6:00 PM

Patrick will be collecting the money for this event at the October and November meetings. Please bring the exact cash amount, change may not be available. Payment must be received by Patrick no later than the November meeting. Please contact Patrick if you have any concerns.

Silent Key — Bill Stroud Passes

WILLIAM MASON
STROUD, 80
Surveyor

LAKELAND – Mr. William Mason Stroud, age 80, died of heart failure Wednesday (September 21, 2011).
Born in Bradenton, FL, on May 13, 1931, William came here from Bagdad, FL, in 1944. He was a retired surveyor for Edward-Panter Engineering. William was a volunteer at the Van Fleet Trail and a ham radio operator, number WB4DUN.
He is survived by his wife Shirley Stroud, stepson Maurice, stepdaughters Marlene and Shelley, sister Joanne Gill, nieces Laura Mango, Susan Surratt, nephews Phillip Lynn, Tommy Stroud, Michael Stroud and Ricky Stroud, all of Kathleen.
Lanier Funeral Home.

There will be a memorial service Sunday at 3:00 PM at the Mango residence located at the North end of Stroud Rd.

map to the Stroud residence