SM: Susan Swiderski, AF4FO; ASM/South GA: Marshall Thigpen, W4IS; ASM/Legal: Jim Altman, W4UCK; ASM/Webmaster: Bob Smith, K4PHE; ASM/Youth Activities: Brittney Hancock, KI4WNY;
ASM/Youth Advisor: Andrea Hartlage, KG4IUM; ASM/ Scouting: David Pearce,ABØNG; SEC: Scott Royle, KK4Z;
STM: Charles Pennington, K4GK; OOC: Mike Swiderski, K4HBI; TC: Jim Worsham, W4KXY; PIC: Norm Schklar,WA4ZXV; SGL: Bill Cherepy, WB4WTN; ACC: Robin Cutshaw, AA4RC

Greetings, All.

Top news story for this mid-monthly report is on a milestone birthday for a real amateur radio notable. PETE SIDES, W4AUP, turned 100 years old earlier this month. Though Pete technically lives in Montgomery, AL, he's a faithful member of QCWA Peach State Chapter 49, and can be heard on the air chatting with GA hams most Saturday mornings. So we'll just call him an honorary GA ham. And one sharp cookie.

In the April newsletter, I requested info on your field day plans, so we could put all that info out in June, and I've already heard from our favorite eclectic group, N4N. And from someone who's looking to start a NEW eclectic group. JACK ROBERTSON, WJ4SR, is trustee for K4SWS, the Sinclair Wireless Society, for hams in the Lake Sinclair/ Lake Oconee area, and he'd like to put together a Field Day team this year to operate under that K4SWS call sign. Jack lives in southern Putnam county, about 7 miles south of Eatonton, and site is TBD. So, are you interested? Would you like to get in on the "ground floor" of this new start-from-scratch field day endeavor? You can reach Jack at wj4sr@yahoo.com or at (706) 484-1047.

JOHN LOUTH, WB4EEL, came up with what he called a "half-baked idea". Actually, it sounds like a doggone good idea to me. I frequently get calls from hams who need help in renewing their licenses. For every call I get, I'll bet there are a lot more out there who need help, but don't call. They may end up PAYING somebody to renew for them. John suggested, "It seems to me that affiliated clubs could establish a renewal team that could renew ham licenses at club meetings, test sessions, Hamfest, whatever" and "In a similar vein, the clubs could also assist with the vanity callsign process." Sound good?

For those of us who've already renewed our licenses online, we know how simple the process can be. But for those with no FRN and no computer, the process can be a bit intimidating. This would, indeed, be a valuable way for clubs to help fellow hams. (for FREE!) Thanks for the great idea, John.

Here's an important message from BARRY KANNE, W4TGA, our ASEC for Public Health: "We are seeking amateur radio licensees to support the ham radio facilities installed at some of the hospitals in the Atlanta area. The hospitals are: Grady Memorial and Children's Healthcare. Each hospital will need a team of 4-6 operators. If you are a General Class licensee, you can be the "team lead" at these hospitals and work with the hospitals on a regular basis. These facilities have complete ham radio installations and are ready to go. If you would like to be a part of this important community activity, please contact Barry at w4tga@arrl.net and he will discuss these sites with you to see which is the best fit."

Other ARES News: CONGRATULATIONS to DON DRAWDY, NØFBV, who has accepted the position of DEC for the NWS/Columbia. And also to DOUG BROWN, KC4RSL, who has taken the reins as EC for Jackson county.

COMING UP: 11th annual Calhoun Hamfest, sponsored by the Cherokee Capital

ARS -- Saturday, April 26, 8AM-2PM, at the Sugar Valley Community Center, 3295 Sugar Valley Road. VE testing at 11AM. $5 admission. See www.k4woc.com for more info. Hope to see you there.

Thanks to those of you who volunteered to provide communications for the ING Marathon. Next big project will be the Special Olympics Georgia, coming up at the end of May. To volunteer, contact Steve Garrision, N4SEG, at n4seg@arrl.net

Well folks, that's about it for now. Until next time, this is AF4FO, signing clear. Take care of yourselves. And each other. 73, Susan

QTC March: K8GA-246; K4GK-147; K4BG-52; WB4BIK-33; WA4UJC-17; K4BEH-12; K4BAI-7

No trees were killed in the sending of this message. However, a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.

ARRL Georgia Section
Section Manager: Susan K. Swiderski, AF4FO af4fo@arrl.org