The Reflector The Newsletter of the Thomasville Amateur Radio Club August 2016 Gary Alberstadt, KA3FZO, President Wally Guynn, KJ4KUK, Vice President Eleanor Doering, AK4QW, Secretary Alan Slaughter, KG4GAV, Treasurer
Rest in Peace Bobby Cooper W4MWW, sk
Your Thoughts and Prayers for: Marilyn Webb, WM2W Sandy Clark (xyl of Andy; NX4AC) If we issed so eo e let us k ow. Click here!
MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY August I, 2016 I was unable to attend the June 4, 2016 meeting at the EOC on Remington Ave. e ause so eho I u su s i ed f o the lu e ails a d ould t fi d out if there was a meeting. I tried going on web site but I could find nothing. I followed Lo ell s di e tio s a d got a k o o p o le. Also I had a a ide t goi g to the Pavo Peacock parade to help and wrecked my car so I am driving an old Honda, thanks to a friend, but it has a few problems so I cannot travel far and often. I can cover some of the events that happened but not too many. Wally, KJ4KUK our Vice President ran the Peacock Parade in Pavo, GA. He did an excellent job and everything ran very smoothly and he was assisted by Gerald, KJ4CQO who does so many things and Winona, KF4HSM also assisted and we appreciated all that she does. I do know because of low sign up of attendance, the Field Day event was called off for the last full weekend of June. I am not sure if the Metcalf repeater has the duplexer installed or not. We did have Wally, KJ4KUK as net control in June on the
FEMA machine and he did a fine job. July we usually take the month off because of people on vacation. There will be a meeting on August 13, 2016 at the EOC. I am so very sorry to acknowledge the passing of our beloved Treasurer for 14 years, Bobby Cooper, W4MWW. I know he was well thought of and loved by all members of this radio club. Bobby not only was an Amateur who put his heart and effort in all the functions of the club but also was such a helpful person to everyone, Ham or otherwise. He was a fine Christian man devoted to his family and his church. For a man confined to a wheel chair since his youth, He contributed far more than many of us that have two good legs. Good bye Bobby, rest in peace, we will all miss you so much. Respectfully submitted, Eleanor Doering, AK4QW Note: We wish to report the resignation of our Special Events Coordinator, Amy Castleberry. As we all knew Amy was having some health issues since March, and the other officers along with Jimmy, KK4ZYC and Gerald, KI4CQO have stepped up to fill the position. Amy is recovering nicely, but between her health and other issues in her life has requested to resign from the position for the betterment of the club. Amy will continue to help as she is available to do so. Thanks for the effort Amy, and we know your life will be improved.
W4UCJ is participating in the National Parks On Air, Anyone wishing to participate?
Thomasville (GA) Amateur Radio Club s 2016 Equipment Fund Raffle Prize: Beretta Tikka, Model M595,.243 Winchester Hunting Rifle w/ 3 x 9 x 50 BSA Scope Drawing will be held November 12th 2016 WINNER NEED NOT BE P E ENT TO WIN *Winner must meet FFL ownership requirements. Limited Tickets @ $5.00 each Ticket Sales & Information: w4ucj@arrl.net
Message from Your President: Well the last fe o ths ha e ee e us fo self a d fa il. First let me express my sadness at the loss of our past treasurer, Bobby Cooper, W4MWW. Bobby was treasurer of the Thomasville Amateur Radio Club for over 14 years until his latest health issues forced his resignation last year. Bobby spent the last 9 months in and out of hospitals and rehab homes trying to fight an infection. We had last seen Bobby in late May, early June after our return from deployment with the Red Cross. Bobby told us of his problems but even as bad as he was continuing to the infection. Special thanks to those in Thomasville, Tallahassee and Tifto ho ade Bo s last o th s ea a le. Based on the turnout at the funeral home, Thursday night he will be missed. It was good to see so many members, past and present paying their respects to family. Rest in peace Bobby. Field Da s I received one email asking about the cancelation of Field Day plans this year. The reason we decided to forgo the event was the lack of interest. Between Wally, Alan, Gerald, Jimmy and myself there was no response to requests fo pa ti ipatio i the e e t. Whe the eeti g as held efo e Field Da s ot one person showed up except for the organizers. At that point the decision was made, and an email was sent out. Last year we had over 30 people signed up to participate and nine showed up. This year, we had 5 people wanting to play with no other interest. A decision was made not to waste time or money on an event that no one wanted. I think most of us pa ti ipated i othe lu s events and had a great time. epeate s We e e set to i stall the e si a duple e o the 1 7.19 machine in May and were disappointed when we had to postpone because of equipment issues at the site. The repairs are expected to be completed in August and the 147.195 machine completed.
pe ial E e ts I ish to epo t the esig atio of A Castle e, f o the position as Coordinator of Special Events. As most know Amy had some health issues back around March, and people chipped in to fill the gap and help her out. Amy recently decided because of personal and medical reasons she could no longer fill the position. We accepted her resignation and told her when she is ready, the club will welcome her back. E Co / A E.. I want to congratulate Andy, NX4AC on his recent appointment as Emergency Coordinator for Colquitt County. Andy has been instrumental in building the ARES / EMCOMM group there. We are also looking for someone to replace the resigned EC for Grady County. The Grady ARES / EMCOMM group was well thought of by the Grady government and a request that we replace the resigning EC as soon as possible. A ual E uip e t Fu d affle.. Tickets are available from your officers for the annual equipment fund raffle. This ea s prize is a Barretta TIKKA.243 Winchester Rifle, complete with 3x9x50 power BSA Scope. Tickets are $5.00 each and the raffle will be held November 12th, 2016. Lastl.. I recently received a couple emails regarding my announcement that I may not run for president next term. The decision is based upon the fact that there is only a handful of members who do it all. Comments range from close the club, find someone who can do it all. The club has no intention of closing at present, but there is a small group of us who
plan to have fun, play radio and not worry about what the others think. The same 5 or 6 that always show up, and will be making decisions for these changes. These changes are for the betterment of the club. Everyone stay safe and aware of your surroundings. Ga Lo i Operating Account = $ 735.94 Equipment Account = $ 838.20 ARES Skywarn RACES Nets A reminder the weekly Amateur Radio Emergency Services Nets: The Grady County ARES / EMCOM Net, has been put on hold due to the resignation of the EC for Grady County. If anyone is interested in taking the position, please let me know. Thomas County will continue to host an ARES / EMCOM Net at 7:30 pm (local time) on Thursday evenings, for now, on the 147.060 FEMA machine.
Congratulations to Andy Clark, NX4AC on his recent appointment as EC for Colquitt County. Many thanks to all who have been checking in, especially our friends in Colquitt County. Also please remember the Colquitt County Friendly Net that takes place on Tuesday evenings at 8:30. This takes place on the AA4P Repeater, 146.790, - offset, and a PL Tone of 141.3. Thomasville VE Testing Testing under the Thomasville Volunteer Examination Team, will resume on August 13thth at 4:00 pm at the Thomas County EOC located at 1202 Remington Ave, in Thomasville. Remember that testing under the Laurel Group is at no cost. Information and more details are available from VE Coordinator, Alan Slaughter,
KG4GAV either by email here= Click Here! or by phone at 850-933-1574. TARC Technology Report W4UCJ Repeater Statuses: FEMA 147.060+none EOC 145.370-141.3 Boston 147.240+141.3 Metcalf 147.195+141.3 EOC 442.600+141.3 UP UP UP UP UP We have been waiting to complete our work on the Metcalf machine, 147.195. Access to the tower has been restricted because of repairs being made at the site since May. The Boston antenna project is still on hold.
We continue to have our Friday morning breakfast at the Q Café, on N. Broad Street in Thomasville, GA at 8:30 am. Our Host s at the Q Café!!!!