NORTH CAROLINA SECTION NEWS
Posted Jun 3, 2012
NOTE: The May issue of North Carolina Section News is a bit late because I am just returning from a family trip to Alaska where we had limited internet access. More in QUA below. Thanks for understanding. Bill N2COP
FIELD DAY - About three weeks until Field Day. Last year, 49 of
North Carolina's 67 active ARRL affiliated clubs registered their FD
locations at
HAMFESTS - June 9, Winston-Salem Classic, Summit School, 2100
Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem. Talk-In 146.64 (PL 100.0) Details:
MEDIA HITS - Wilmington's WECT-TV mentioned that SKYWARN will be represented at the upcoming StormFest hurricane preparedness expo. BlueRidge.com likewise mentioned that the Blue Ridge Amateur Radio Club helps with emergencies and disasters.
NTS APRIL SECTION TRAFFIC REPORT - QNI (total check-ins) 3333 (up 235 or 8%) TOTAL MESSAGES PASSED 564 (down 118 or 17%). STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS (SARs) K4IWW 395, W4DNA 161, KJ4RUD 88, WK4P 62, W3HL 47, W4TTO 45, N2RTF 38, KE4AHC 34, K4JUU 27, KC4PGN 22, AK4RJ 19, KA4IZN 18, KJ4JPE 9. PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL (PSHR) KA4IZN 323, WK4P 155, W4DNA 140, K4IWW 130, W4TTO 125, KJ4JPE 115, W2EAG 110, N2RTF 108, K4JUU 90, KJ4RUD 80, AK4RJ 58. SILENT KEYS (SKs) - We regret to report the passing of John Smith, KI4WEC, of Kelly; Robert Moore, AA4AX, of Chapel Hill; Grady Gardner, K4QWK, of Laurinburg; and Bob Moore, N4USB, of Grifton.
QUA* - Our hobby is so riveting that we sometimes overlook outreach to
others with whom we can share the fascination we find with Amateur
Radio. For example, I am disappointed that support hasn't
materialized this year for Maker Faire in Raleigh on June 16th. This
collection of electronic hobbyists is an affinity group who might jump
at the chance to learn more about licensed wireless experimentation
through Amateur Radio. Although there appeared to be moderate support
to staff a booth at Maker Faire, I did not sense the follow-through for
Elmering those who may want to get their license. We'll try again
next year and see if we get a stronger commitment. Many of us had
Elmers who coached us; now it's our turn to coach a new generation.
Likewise, I was surprised that none of our North Carolina section
Public Information Officers (PIOs) were nominated for ARRL's Philip
McGan Award for PIO excellence. Since I am a member of ARRL's Public
Relation Committee, I cannot place a name in nomination, but we sure
have some deserving PIOs in our section. Like Maker Faire, please keep
your eyes open for opportunities to recognize North Carolina Hams would
contribute mightily to our hobby.
Finally, I saw a study that 40% of the average American's daily
conversations revolve around some kind of bragging, so I am going to
take my turn. My family and I just spent a week in beautiful Alaska
for two reasons: my XYL Pam and I celebrated our 30th wedding
anniversary, and we also celebrated the graduations of our two sons who
came with us to the 49th state. Reid, W4RSM, received his Master of
Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree from UNC-Wilmington and is
interviewing for a middle school math and science teaching position,
and Grant, W4GHM, graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill and its NROTC program.
He was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy and will report
shortly to the USS Laboon, a destroyer, in Norfolk. Pam and I agreed
that our anniversary and the boys' graduations deserved a special
event. We hiked and biked our way across southeastern Alaska, which
is truly an American treasure, and I encourage anyone to see it if they
get a chance. Until next month, have a great Field Day.
*QUA - CW net control signal meaning "Do you have news for me?"
73 de Bill Morine, N2COP
ARRL North Carolina Section Manager
Follow the ARRL North Carolina section on its website
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ARRL North Carolina Section
Section Manager: Mr William C Morine, N2COP
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