2025 is coming to a close. A lot happened during the year. Some things I’m still scratching my head over. Some things I am very happy about. I guess everyone goes through that.
I made a visit to the HCRA auction they had. There was a good crowd and if you need stuff for the flea market table that was the place to be. Stuff was going out the door CHEEP! I think there was one doing just that. I actually walked out with some treasures myself. It was a fun time overall. Only thing I would recommend to those going to these is BRING MONEY!
The next week I was back in Holyoke and attended a tower take down for a ham that is now in assisted living. The lucky recipient has a 75 foot crank up/tilt over powered tower and tribander that was in really nice shape. It really amazes me what a collaboration of people in ham radio does for the soul especially when the temperatures were on the cold side. One person there who is a current student in my tech class came over and got a ton of mentoring and to his surprise he now has a Kenwood TS 570 and some other things at a really great deal thanks to the owner’s son. People complain about the shrinking numbers in our hobby. This is what we need to do and more of it. Getting them involved, collaborating, offering a great startup rig, making them welcome is what it takes. He is now more determined to pass that test.
The league is going through some personnel changes with the sudden departure of Mike Walters N8ZY the Field Service Mgr. who was my boss. Josh Johnston KE5MHV the EMCOMM Mgr. is taking that role along with his current one. I guess we will have to see how that move shakes out. Leona Adams, W1LGA who has been assisting Steve Ewald and Mike has now retired after 25 years there. We wish her well in her future endeavors.
One thing I have observed lately is three clubs have a renewed and increased level of cooperation between them. There has been a renewed resurgence in activity and is sharing resources in hopes to make each other stronger. I know there are a couple of individuals (or more) that have been the heavyweights and I see it infecting others to chip in also to help them. I am watching this with interest. Could this be an answer for other clubs who have become stagnant?
So now that December is here again, what are you hoping to get from Santa-Ham. Love, Peace? A new IC7300 MK2, a 7610, a K4? There are a few things I would like. Don’t know if I’ll ever get them but it’s nice to dream. One thing we can hope for is love and peace. We ALL can give that freely with Ham Radio and I wish that for all this Holiday Season.
Be well! 73!
Ray AA1SE