Season’s Greetings!!

I hope everyone is ready for a “long winter’s nap” in anticipation of a visit from Santa.

It seems like the last few months have blown by and gee…wasn’t Thanksgiving just a week ago?

A number of county ARES groups have been busy this month and I’ve been enjoying reading about the various events and drills that are going on around the state….and yes Virginia, I do read the monthly reports…many thanks to those of you who take the time to do them.

I was remiss last month in some comments about the “goings on” in the Central District. I failed to mention that the linked repeater system in heavy use was the Cherry Blossom Intertie, which is a principal pathway for information going to the NWS office in Peachtree City. So, to AA4RI, WB4OLL, KI4KHO, and KC4TVY, my sincere apologies…you weren’t left out on purpose.

We’re on final approach to the 2010 ARES Conference in Forsyth, which is scheduled for Saturday, January 23rd.  In the past, the 10am meeting has been for DECs but this year, we’re moving it to the main auditorium and inviting everyone who is an ARES member to attend. Why?

Well, to put it simply, I think we’d all agree that the most important ARES Official is the local EC, because they will be the person in the “catbird seat” if a real emergency occurs. The best way for us to know what is needed to best support them, is for them to be present to add their voice into the decision making process, so our hope is that we’ll have a large and representative group for the morning session.

We’re also asking that if you have concerns that might warrant a special person to be available to comment, that you please send us those questions beforehand. Send those questions to me or to my two able assistants Lynn, KN4YZ, and David, AG4ZR at our ARRL.Net email addresses.  These two are the real force behind making this meeting work as it’s supposed to, so if you get a chance in Forsyth, be sure and thank them for all their hard work.

One other thought…if you have a good relationship with your local EMA Director, you might want to extend an invitation for them to attend with you. They are certainly welcome to come, and it may help “kindle” a better working relationship as they’ll better understand what we do and drive home the point that you have a much larger group in your corner that stands ready to help.

January is also time for the GARS TechFest, which is on Saturday, January 9th. I visited this event last year and was really impressed with all that was going on. Even though there is a “Tailgate Party” going on outside, the booths inside are dedicated to educating you on just about anything Amateur Radio related that you might have a question about. That’s the real beauty of this event.  For more information, check out www.gars.org

Finally, I know we all have ham friends who for health and other reasons, can’t get out to club meetings or Christmas parties and visit with us. Quite often the present they’d most like to receive is a ready “ear” and a few hours to visit and catch them up on what’s going on with your group. You may find that the smile you see on their face will be the best gift you’ll receive this year…

Best Christmas Wishes, and I look forward to seeing YOU in Forsyth in January!

                                 Mike KE4FGF