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ARRL NC Section Newsletter - December 2014

Posted Jan 1, 2015

Greetings to all Hams across North Carolina from Karl W4CHX, your ARRL NC Section Manager!

HR 4969 AMATEUR RADIO PARITY ACT OF 2014 AND THE ARRL GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN - The following email communication from ARRL Chief Executive Officer Dave Sumner, K1ZZ was sent to the Section Managers on December 15th. His message is included in the Newsletter because it provides a succinct summary of the HR 4969 grassroots campaign, provides information about its future in 2015, and thanks all ARRL members for their participation in the grassroots campaign. Here is the message from Dave K1ZZ: "The members of the U.S. House of Representatives have headed home for the holidays, marking the end of the 113th Congress on that side of Capitol Hill. When the 114th Congress convenes in January a new legislative cycle will begin. We expect the Amateur Radio Parity Act to be reintroduced in the House with a new number; H.R.4969 will no longer apply. On behalf of the ARRL Board and staff I want to thank you, and through you the field organization volunteers and members in your Section, for your help in gathering legislative support for H.R. 4969. We had hoped to gain 30 co-sponsors for the bill and ultimately ended up with 69, plus the sponsor. The overwhelming majority of these 70 supporters are returning in January, which gives us a good base on which to grow additional support. Once we know the new number of the bill we will once again be asking for your help in recruiting co-sponsors. The objective is to continue the momentum, gathering enough support to move the bill through the Energy & Commerce Committee. We have received expressions of interest from the Senate side and are hoping to have the bill introduced there as well. Thanks for all you do on behalf of Amateur Radio. Best wishes for the holidays. 73, Dave Sumner, K1ZZ, Chief Executive Officer." I, too, would like to thank you for everything you did to support the grassroots campaign for HR 4969 Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2014. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/amateur-radio-parity-act-campaign-will-resume-in-new-congress and http://www.arrl.org/hr-4969 Thanks to Dave Sumner K1ZZ, ARRL Chief Executive Officer; Steve Ewald WV1X, ARRL Field Organization Team Supervisor; and, Dan Henderson, N1ND, ARRL Regulatory Information Manager for providing this information!

RED BADGES ON THE AIR (12/31) - On December 29th, the following information was sent to the NC Section by email. Since Red Badges on the Air may still be in progress when you receive this Newsletter, it is being posted once again. In any event, it is hoped that you enjoyed participating in the ARRL Centennial QSO Party!

Here is the original email message: It is hard to believe that the ARRL Centennial QSO Party will be ending on December 31st at 2359 UTC! On New Year's Eve (UTC), there will be one last opportunity to acquire a large number of ARRL Centennial QSO Party points, because during that 24-hour period, red ARRL identification badge bearers will be on the air. ARRL officers; elected officials, eg, Director or Section Manager; ARRL Headquarters staff and volunteers; and, other members of the ARRL family are expected to be on the air for this event. Contacts with red badge wearers are worth as much as 300 points per contact, eg, by working ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN. Please note that while the focus is to encourage ARRL red badge holders to hand out Centennial QSO Party points, all activity is welcome, regardless of point value. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-s-last-red-badges-on-the-air-day-on-december-31

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR NEUSIOK TRAIL RUN (1/3) - On December 29th, the following information was sent to the NC Section by email. Since this event may still need volunteers when you receive this Newsletter, it is being posted once again.

The following announcement was received from Keith Stroud, KK4PLI, President of the Carteret County Amateur Radio Society: "On Saturday, January 3, 2015, five (5) amateur radio clubs, Carteret County Amateur Radio Society W4YMI, Hampstead Hams NC4PC, New Bern Amateur Radio Club W4EWN, Onslow Amateur Radio Club NC4OC and the Pamlico Amateur Radio Society N4PRS will be handling race communications for the Neusiok Trail Run. The Neusiok Trail is a part of the Mountains to Sea Trail situated in the Croatan National Forest in Carteret and Craven Counties. It is a 21.5 mile primitive trail that goes through pine forest, pocosin swamps and hardwood ridges from the Newport River to the Neuse River. In 2014 the race attracted 85 runners competing in three legs of 21.5 miles, 45 miles and 100K. The five clubs will be providing communication support to the four (4) race aid stations along the trail. The unique thing about this trail run is that runners on the 100K leg have up to 18 hours to complete the distance, which means runners are still on the trail in the forest well after the sun goes down. Communication will be through the K4GRW 2 meter repeater with back up provided by the WO3F 440 repeater. Many thanks to Bob Chambers (K4GRW), Joe Frohwitter (WO3F) and Pete Wenk (W3ENK) for the generous use of their repeaters for this event." In his email message, Keith KK4PLI commented, "If any outside Hams want to come in and help as well, they will be more than welcome - Operating time slots are from 7 AM till Midnight! They can contact me directly at [keith dot stroud at wasteindustries dot com] or call me at 252-241-1831." Thanks to the 5 amateur radio clubs for supporting the Neusiok Trail Run; and, to Keith KK4PLI, President, Carteret County Amateur Radio Society, for providing this information!

KIDS DAY IS JANUARY 4TH (1/4) - The next Kids Day, sponsored by the ARRL and The Boring (Oregon) Amateur Radio Club, will occur on Sunday, January 4, 2015, from 1800 to 2400 UTC. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/kids-day-is-january-4-1

CSRA (GA-SC) D-STAR UNIVERSITY, AIKEN, SC (1/17) - As reported last month, the Aiken SC D-STAR Club will hold a one-day CSRA D-STAR University on January 17, 2015 at University of South Carolina, Aiken campus, in Aiken, SC. The event will begin at 12:00 PM (noon) and run until 5 PM EST. The D-STAR workshop will provide information and training on all levels of D-STAR, the Digital Smart Technology for Amateur Radio. There is no charge to attend the D-STAR University and light refreshments will be served. For further information, see http://aikenradio.org/ Individuals may register for the course by sending an email to kq4kk@aikenradio.org. Thanks to Dr. James Boehner, N2ZZ, Roanoke Division Vice Director, and Kent Hufford, KQ4KK, for providing this information!

K1N NAVASSA ISLAND DXPEDITION 2015 (EARLY-FEBRUARY, 2015) - The K1N Navassa Island DXpedition 2015 is likely to begin in early-February, 2015. At this time, however, the exact dates of operation have not been posted. It is recommended that interested Hams visit the K1N Navassa Island DXpedition website frequently for update information, see http://navassadx.com/ The website has lots of information about the DXpedition including the on-island team (which includes Lou Dietrich, N2TU of Mooresville); the pilots; the off-island team; and, the QSL management team. In addition, there is information on the island, plans, propagation, frequencies, band plan, and QSL procedures for this large-scale DXpedition. As reported previously, activation of Navassa Island (K1N) is very important news for DXers worldwide since Navassa Island is the #1 "most wanted" DXCC entity. Stay tuned!

NORTH CAROLINA QSO PARTY (3/1) - The following report was received from Marc Sullivan, W4MPS, Logs Manager, regarding the upcoming North Carolina QSO Party: " The North Carolina QSO Party will hold its 45th annual event on Sunday, March 1, 2015. The QSO party starts at 1500 UTC (10:00 AM Eastern local time) and runs for 10 hours through 0059 UTC (8:00 PM Eastern local time). Complete details can be found at the NCQP website: http://rars.org/ncqsoparty/ The North Carolina QSO Party [NCQP] has consistently grown in popularity, with over 32,000 QSO's logged in 2014. It is a favorite among County Hunters. All 100 of N.C.'s counties were activated last year. There are 21 award categories with beautiful trophies presented to the top finishers in each. You don't have to be an avid contester to participate and have fun. Casual Ops with modest stations do very well in this event since power levels are limited to 150 watts maximum. There is also a very popular QRP category. There will be six bonus stations on the air in 2015, including the much sought after Battleship North Carolina operating as NI4BK. The website includes links to some very enjoyable videos showing operations from the Battleship as well as an interview with Bill McDowell, K4CIA, winner of the first NCQP back in 1970. K4CIA will be a bonus station in the 2015 event. You'll also enjoy reading the extensive Soapbox comments submitted by enthusiastic participants. We encourage you to visit the NCQP website and join the fun on March 1. The North Carolina QSO Party is sponsored by the Raleigh Amateur Radio Society: http://rars.org" Thanks to Marc Sullivan, W4MPS, Logs Manager, North Carolina QSO Party for providing this information!

ARRL SOLICITING NOMINATIONS FOR 6 AWARDS - The ARRL is soliciting nominations for 6 awards: the Hiram Percy Maxim Award, the key award honoring a young amateur radio operator (deadline, 3/31); the ARRL Herb S. Brier Instructor of the Year Award (deadline, 3/15); the ARRL Microwave Development Award (deadline, 3/31); the ARRL Technical Service Award (deadline, 3/31); the ARRL Technical Innovation Award (deadline, 3/31); and, the Knight Distinguished Service Award (deadline, 4/30). For further information on these awards, including the nomination procedures, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-solicits-nominations-for-six-awards

PAUL JONES, K4VCF APPOINTED PUBLIC INFORMATION COORDINATOR - Paul B. Jones, K4VCF has been appointed Public Information Coordinator for the NC Section. Paul and his wife, Cheryl, live in Charlotte. He is retired from the US Department of Homeland Security where he served as Senior Adviser to the Department's Chief Medical Officer. Paul previously served in the same capacity for the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, US Department of Transportation. Paul worked on Capitol Hill for nine years serving as Communications Aide to then Congressman Jim Martin, who later became North Carolina's Governor. Paul was Director of the Governor's Highway Safety Program under Governor Martin. Paul is responsible for coining the phrase, "Click It or Ticket", which became a state and national campaign to promote seat belt safety. He later worked for the late Insurance Commissioner Jim Long serving as his Director of the NC Safe Kids Campaign. Paul has an extensive background in media and media relations. He was a broadcast journalist in Tennessee, Charlotte, and Durham covering politics and government at the state and local levels. Paul is a late-comer to amateur radio, since work and travel schedules precluded his attempts to study and test for his license. Retirement has finally afforded him the time to pursue the hobby and earn his Extra Class license. Paul has been a ham for two years, but his passion for the hobby has existed for decades. The call sign, K4VCF, belonged to Carl Campbell, K4VCF (SK), the uncle of Paul's wife. Paul honors the ham who encouraged him the most to get his license and GOTA. In March 2013, Paul, an ARRL-trained Public Information Officer, was appointed as a Public Information Officer in the NC Section. Paul says that unless we (Hams) toot our own horn, no one will toot it for us and amateur radio will not get the exposure it deserves! Thanks for everything you have done, and are going to do, for the NC Section!

THANKS TO RAYMOND ("WOODY") WOODWARD, K3VSA, FORMER PUBLIC INFORMATION COORDINATOR - Raymond L. ("Woody") Woodward, K3VSA, has stepped down as Public Information Coordinator for the NC Section due to increased business and personal commitments. Woody, an ARRL-trained Public Information Officer, was appointed as a Public Information Officer (PIO) in the NC Section in July, 2005. In February 2010, Woody was appointed as the Public Information Coordinator for the NC Section by Bill Morine, N2COP, NC Section Manager (2010-2014). When asked to provide input on Woody's accomplishments, Bill wrote: "Woody has always been innovative in public outreach. As an ARRL PIO, he arranged for the Orange County Radio Association (OCRA) to have its own sign on a highway where the club sponsored semi-annual road cleanups. He was among the first to place road signs on Field Day so media and the public could find FD sites easily. Woody encouraged non-Hams to experience Morse code by offering third party on air opportunities, then awarding them his "Talk With Your Hand" certificate. He worked with the Durham County Public Library and with the Durham Bulls minor league baseball team to demonstrate high altitude balloon launches and ATV. Woody's enthusiasm and passion for Ham Radio is unbounded."

My interactions with Woody began in Spring 2013, as we were preparing for and subsequently staffing an amateur radio booth at the 2013 and 2014 Maker Faire North Carolina in Raleigh. I quickly discovered that Woody was cheerful, helpful, and very effective in coordinating the myriad details associated with participating in Maker Faire. Later, I realized that my favorable impressions of Maker Faire were influenced greatly by Woody's contributions. I am sorry that Woody has decided to step down from his role as Public Information Coordinator, but I am very pleased (and grateful) to announce that Woody is going to continue as a Public Information Officer in the NC Section! Thanks for everything you have done, and are going to do, for the NC Section!

REVISED ARRL CONTESTING GUIDELINES - The ARRL HF Contesting Guidelines have been revised, and the latest edition is now available, see http://www.arrl.org/news/revised-arrl-hf-contesting-guidelines-now-available

AMATEUR RADIO INCLUDED IN NATIONAL EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PLAN - The new Department of Homeland Security 2014 National Emergency Communication Plan includes amateur radio in its mix of media supporting disaster and emergency communications. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/homeland-security-s-2014-national-emergency-communications-plan-incorporates-amateur-radio

JAMBOREE ON THE AIR (JOTA) PARTICIPATION DROPPED IN 2014 - The report following the 57th Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) showed a drop in overall JOTA participation in 2014 compared to the previous year. The report noted, however, that a record number of Radio merit badges (7,208) were earned in 2013. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/boy-scouts-2014-jamboree-on-the-air-report-shows-drop-in-participation and http://www.k2bsa.net/jota-usa-reports/ BOYS SCOUTS RECOGNIZE ARRL "AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE TO SCOUTING AWARD" - The Boy Scouts of America has formally recognized the ARRL "Amateur Radio Service to Scouting Award', and included it in the group of Community Organization awards for Scout leaders. For further information on the award, see http://www.arrl.org/news/boy-scouts-recognize-arrl-amateur-radio-service-to-scouting-award

LICENSING CLASSES - Grantsboro (NC), General licensing class, January 5 to March 2, 2015, sponsored by Pamlico Amateur Radio Society, see http://www.arrl.org/courses/grantsboro-nc-28529 Goldsboro (NC), Technician licensing class, January 13 to March 17, 2015, sponsored by Wayne County Amateur Radio Association, see http://www.arrl.org/courses/goldsboro-nc-27534-3 Wilkesboro (NC), Technician licensing class, beginning February 2, 2015, sponsored by Foothills Amateur Radio Club, contact Dave Ritter, ND4MR at david.ritter@wilkescc.edu for further information (this class is not listed on the ARRL website) Asheville (NC), Technician licensing class, February 10 to March 19, 2015, sponsored by WCARS, see http://www.arrl.org/courses/asheville-nc-20001 To find upcoming classes, go to www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-class Please note that a licensing class sponsored by your club or organization will not be listed on the ARRL website unless you register your class. ARRL Registered Instructors may list upcoming classes on the ARRL website. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/License-instructor-registration Also, please let me know if your club is sponsoring a licensing class. Thanks!

MEDIA HITS AND REPORTS - The following media hits and reports are included in this month's newsletter: On SKYWARN Recognition Day 2014 at NWS Newport (NC) and the Carteret County Amateur Radio Society, http://www.jdnews.com/news/local/event-to-promote-radio-weather-program-1.409599/ Thanks to Janice Hopkins, KJ4JPE, an ARRL-trained Public Information Officer, and Paul Jones, K4VCF, Public Information Coordinator, for providing this media hit! In her email message, Janice KJ4JPE commented, "SRD 2014 included spotter training."

On the Ashe County Amateur Radio Club helping a ham-in-need, see http://w4ysb.org/?p=544 Thanks to Benson Wills, NE4W for providing this report!

On the Lenoir Amateur Radio Club and its members, see http://www.hickoryrecord.com/life_entertainment/can-you-hear-me-now/article_8ecbe664-8648-11e4-9d36-8706a199ba5f.html Thanks to Ted Manuel, KF4FLY, President, Lenoir Amateur Radio Club, for providing this media hit! In his email message, Ted KF4FLY commented, "Much thanks and appreciation to the Foothills Community Workshop for use of their location and equipment for the interview."

The following report was received from Janice Hopkins, KJ4JPE, an ARRL-trained Public Information Officer: "Onslow Amateur Radio Club Volunteer Examiners met with 44 members of the Second Radio Battalion at Camp Lejeune, NC on December 19, 2014 to take their Technician Test. SGT Philip Rice of Camp Lejeune and Jerry Jones KF4ASE of Onslow Amateur Radio Club arranged a technician class for 44 Marines from the 2nd Radio Battalion from December 15th through December 19th. Jerry and his instructor team of Michael Pratt KK4VBH and Eric Smith KB8PNF worked together as a team with the Volunteer Examiners. Forty-four Marines tested and 44 Marines passed the FCC licensing test for Technician. Two Marines also passed their General test. SGT Rice KK4NBK also upgraded to General. Future plans are in the works for these Marines to assist with Emergency Services in Onslow County and any where else they are needed." Thanks to Janice Hopkins, KJ4JPE, an ARRL-trained Public Information Officer, for providing this report!

The following email communication was received from Eric Webnar, K4FAN: "..... Just in time for the holidays, Steve [Koone], KA4YMY, installed a new Yaesu DR-1X System Fusion repeater today at Spencer Mountain. Frequency is 443.4375 + 5.0 MHz. The repeater runs 50W into an antenna at about 800'. The repeater is open for all to use, but is set to operate in the digital only mode. Therefore you need a System Fusion radio such as the FT1D HT or the FTM-400DR mobile, set to transmit in the DN digital mode. If you try it, post your signal reports here so we can all see how it does. 73, and Happy Holidays Roland [Kraatz], W9HPX." Thanks to Roland Kraatz, W9HPX and Eric Webnar, K4FAN for providing this information! In his email message, Eric K4FAN commented, "Please spread the word to other clubs in the region, as there is much interest in this new mode."

The following report was received from Virginia Enzor, NC4VA, Emergency Coordinator (Central Carolina SKYWARN): "Ham Radio Spreads Holiday Cheer! Hams in the Triangle spread Christmas cheer on the 13th annual Tacky Tinsel Tour Net on Friday, December 19, on the Raleigh Amateur Radio Society's 146.64 repeater. The net, cohosted by mother-and-daughter team Virginia Enzor NC4VA and Courtney Enzor KI4HOS, featured descriptions of some the best holiday light displays in Wake Forest, Raleigh and Morrisville by on-site Tacky Tinsel Tour Correspondents John Snellen AI4RT, Bob Chapman NC1X, Jack Baker K4WFJ and Courtney Enzor KI4HOS. Between descriptions of decorations, net participants were quizzed on their knowledge of holiday trivia. Robert Pierpoint KG4BDX and Norman Young KA4PUV used their special magic to bring North Pole resident Santa Claus to the net. Santa described a Spark Gap Kit complete with a 1500 parts manual as the must-have item for good hams. RARS President Murray Merner K4MHM also joined the net to read Gary Pearce's KN4AQ poem, "A Ham's Night Before Christmas". At the close of the net, check-ins voted on the best holiday decorations. The winning residence, located on Sleepy Creek Road in Raleigh, was dubbed "Santa and His Snowmen" by TTT Correspondent Jack Baker K4WFJ. The house featured a spectacular display of lights synchronized to Christmas carols and broadcast on an FM frequency for passers-by to enjoy. Addresses of all TTT entries were shared so listeners could visit throughout the holiday season. A QSL card featuring the winner of the 2014 Tacky Tinsel Tour is available from NC4VA with SASE." Thanks to Virginia Enzor, NC4VA, Emergency Coordinator (Central Carolina SKYWARN), for providing this report!

On the South Wake Amateur Radio Club and their participation in ARRL Field Day 2014, see http://centralnc.twcnews.com/content/news/709279/ham-radio-week-comes-to-a-close-after-annual-field-day/

On Kent Winrich, K9EZ, becoming new head of Fibrant for Salisbury (NC), see http://www.wbtv.com/story/27534380/winrich-in-as-new-head-of-fibrant-for-salisbury

On the financial difficulties of Hara Arena, home of the Dayton Hamvention, see http://www.arrl.org/news/financial-woes-reported-at-dayton-hamvention-venue-hara-arena

On Weldon Fields, W4AJT being honored when the Civil Air Patrol received the Congressional Gold Medal for service during World War II, see http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter&issue=current#toc09 and http://www.eham.net/articles/33710

On Hara Arena, home of the Dayton Hamvention, and its future, see http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/12/28/5410693/historic-ohio-arena-seeks-revitalization.html#.VKLJ1FIAg

NTS SECTION TRAFFIC REPORT FOR NOVEMBER, 2014 - QNI (total check-ins): 2,532; Total messages passed: 519. Station Activity Reports (SARs), total number: K4IWW 318, W2EAG 163, W4DNA 129, KC4PGN 121, AK4RJ 115, WK4WC 95, WB4ZIQ 59, KF4OCU 51, W4TTO 48, KJ4JPE 37, KE4AHC 35, KW4EMG 24, N2RTF 16. Public Service Honor Roll (PSHR), total number: KW4EMG 174, W4DNA 140, KJ4JPE 137, K4IWW 130, WB4ZIQ 130, WK4WC 125, W2EAG 110, N2RTF 106, W4TTO 100, AK4RJ 95, KF4OCU 80 Thanks to all stations for participating in NC Section traffic activities and to Dave Roy, W4DNA, Section Traffic Manager, for providing this information!

SILENT KEYS - With deep regret, the passing of the following amateur radio operators is reported: Dr. Daniel Eddins Kirk, WB4RGS (SK) of New London; Ella Moore Porter, KA4PAY (SK) of Rocky Point; and, Raymond A. Stripling, Jr, K4LQO (SK) of Seven Devils. Please note it is not possible to post information about an amateur radio operator that has become a Silent Key without confirmation via a copy of an obituary or death certificate.

SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS - January 24, 2015: Madison County Special Olympics Polar Plunge, 0700Z-1500Z, WA4TRS, Fairview, NC, sponsored by The Road Show Amateur Radio Club. 14.245 7.245. Certificate and QSL. The Road Show ARC, 57 Echo Lake Dr, Fairview, NC 28730. This is also a USI Activation - USI 036R, www.wa4trs.org Special Event Station listings in the NC Section newsletter are based on what appears on the ARRL website, see http://www.arrl.org/special-event-stations Please consider listing your Special Event Station at least 60 days before the event, see http://www.arrl.org/special-events-application Also, please let me know if your club is sponsoring a Special Event Station. Thanks!

UPCOMING HAMFESTS - January 10, 2015: FirstFest, Forsyth Amateur Radio Club, Winston-Salem, NC, see http://www.w4nc.com/ March 13-14, 2015: Charlotte Hamfest/North Carolina Section Convention, Mecklenburg Amateur Radio Society, Concord, NC, see http://www.charlottehamfest.org April 4, 2015: 43rd Annual RARSfest/North Carolina State Convention, Raleigh Amateur Radio Society, Raleigh, NC, see http://www.rars.org/rarsfest July 11, 2015: 30th Annual Firecracker Hamfest, Rowan Amateur Radio Society, Salisbury, NC, see http://www.rowanars.org September 5-6, 2015: 59th Annual Shelby Hamfest/Roanoke Division Convention, Shelby Amateur Radio Club, Shelby, NC, see http://shelbyhamfest.org It is not too early to apply for ARRL-affiliation of your club's 2015 hamfest! For more information, see http://www.arrl.org/arrl-sanctioned-events And, if you would like to combine a hamfest and vacation, please consider this: January 23, 2015, 3rd ARRL Puerto Rico State Convention, Puerto Rico AR League, Caribbean AR Group, and Hatillo Municipality, Hatillo, PR, see http://www.arrlpr.org According to an email received from Angel Santana WP3GW, fellow Hams are invited to visit the island and join their celebration. ARRL President Kay Craigie N3KN; SE Division Director Doug Rehman K4AC and SE Vice Director Michael Lee AA6ML; and, renowned amateur radio operators Ward Silver N0AX, Tim Duffy K3LR (newly-elected Western Pennsylvania Section Manager), Chip Margelli K7JA, and Ted Jimenez HI3TEJ will be attending the Convention. The first Caribbean Edition of Contest University will be held during this event. Fifteen hundred Hams are expected to attend the Convention. Thanks to Angel Santana, WP3GW, Public Information Coordinator, ARRL Puerto Rico Section, for providing this information! QUA* - During early December, I attended the Carolina DX Association Holiday Dinner in Charlotte (12/4) and made a presentation at the quarterly meeting of the Piedmont Chapter 126, Quarter Century Wireless Association in Lexington (12/6). As always, it was great to travel with and see friends, meet new colleagues, and learn about the amateur radio clubs in our State. The remainder of the month was spent preparing for the holiday season and spending time with family. It is hoped that you had happy holidays!

Once again, I would like to thank everyone for sending their emails and club newsletters - they keep me informed about the activities and initiatives that are being pursued in our Section. Your holiday greetings were greatly appreciated, too!

In closing, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or want to provide input on our Section. I can be reached via email at w4chx@arrl.org or via cell phone. Thanks for everything you are doing for amateur radio and your community. Best wishes for 2015! 73, Karl Bowman, W4CHX, ARRL North Carolina Section Manager, (919) 669-6068 (cell)