Things...
The overall activity within MARC is the highest we've seen as of late. The momentum continues to keep everyone involved and enthusiastic, both inside and outside of amateur radio and our organization. It has been fantastic.
Multiple committee meetings have taken place regularly, thanks to the easy access to our facilities. The shack has been open during several net-nights and operating events, with the building full of curious visitors and operators. The actual "shack project" is nearly complete.
There was even a very first for MARC - A wedding held right in the shack (Andrew & Ginny Lowe – KF8CKY).
John Sayre (KE8UIB) is "in-talks" with SARA Club President Nick Traweek (KD8SLG). They are looking at creating an event that would be a "multi-club" gathering - possibly not even ham radio-related, but rather a fun meet-n-greet that would feature time together to get to know one another from multiple clubs (fun activity, food, etc.).
We continue to strengthen our already great relationship with St. Paul's Church. They are growing more and more comfortable with our organization and our members, and they truly have appreciated the help with several projects that required our assistance.
May's meeting will feature a series of short, upbeat, and positive Summer Field Day promotional videos. A bulk of the meeting should be the actual promotion of Field Day itself.
Right in front of us is ARRL Summer Field Day. Cody Decker (W8CRD) is spearheading this event as the chairman for 2026. His team has already met multiple times to discuss and plan all of the details (earlier than ever before). Most importantly, is the sign-up needed to make sure the food situation is fully-covered. We literally only have 2-hours left (in person) to make this work (May & June meetings). This is a wonderful "problem" to have. With as many people as we have coming around we simply can't guess as to how many meals we need to provide. There will be a slight "cushion" of available meals as needed (new folks, curious public, dignitaries, etc.).
I'm hearing that this year will feature a more-structured and planned Fox-Hunt. Mike Palmer (KD8ENV) has generously offered his communications trailer for the CW Station. It is a fully-functional "comm-trailer" with all of the latest and greatest attributes for portable operation.
The FD Committee has also decided to operate as a 3A station fo the first time ever this year. This will allow for the inclusion of a "full-time" Digital Station (FT8).
A brand new 50/50 (CASH) drawing to be held Saturday evening during FD has the potential to gain much attention as well. Bruce (WA8GMX) has already set-up an online link for this, which is already attracting attendees and gamblers alike. A GOTA (Get-On-The-Air) station may be in the mix as well. --- Watch for separate emails from Cody to get all of the latest info and to be ready to step-up as needed.
One of the later items first - HOF Community Parade (Sat. Aug. 1st / 10:00 am.) and the HOF Grand Parade (Sat. Aug. 8, 6:30 am.). We continue to have the privilege of being a part of this event. The coverage for both of these parades has been nearly 90% MARC volunteers in the past. Make sure to visit hofhams.info to get signed up for 1 or both of these parades, and to secure your favorite spot. If you've never participated in this event give it a try, it's a BLAST!
It is truly a grand event as over 200,000 people line the parade route each year. Volunteers are needed in the staging areas, along the parade route(s), and in the dispersal/de-staging areas at end of the parade.
The only lingering item that is front and center is the church "restroom" project. Both John Sayre (KE8UIB) and Randy Phelps (KD8JN)have spent significant time getting the room ready for painting. We hope to accomplish completion very soon.
73,
Don