“Time flies,” as the saying goes. It seems like just a few months since I first joined the Ashe County Amateur Radio Club instead of the nearly 4 years that has actually passed. Shane, KD4SM, has served as club president that entire time and has managed to guide the club smoothly down the twisty avenue that is ham radio.
Desiring to relax a bit after 4 years at the helm, Shane decided not to seek a third term. Charles, KY4P, and myself were candidates for the office. Charles’ speech just prior to voting was so engaging and full of enthusiasm that when my turn came to speak, I was at a total loss for words. Despite his profound speech and hard-fought campaign, Charles lost his bid for glory this election cycle.
2012 sees the club with a new, inexperienced president but this is tempered by the election of a new club secretary, Leslie, N3TIA. Leslie takes over for Andy, KF4VKX who has been the Darth Vader of all club secretaries for years now. I believe that Leslie’s pre-vote speech was largely responsible for the scales tipping in her favor. That, and all the campaign promises. 
Working a little on the 10 meter band this weekend reminds me how fun ham radio is as a hobby. For those not familiar with the lingo, 10 meters is about the same frequency band as CB radio. The difference is that with a “beginner” amateur radio license, one can literally throw a wire into a tree and make contacts in Europe, South America, Africa, and elsewhere on the 10 meter band. This beginner license (called a Technician license) is not hard to obtain. All you need to do is study the license guide, answer enough questions correctly on the exam, and wait for your call sign to arrive in the mail. There are many facets of this hobby and not all of them involve making long distance contacts. Some hams talk locally with friends using small radios installed in their vehicles, homes, or even using tiny handi-talkies. Others have their radio hooked up to a computer and talk around the world using digital modes. Think you’re too bashful to talk to strangers on the air? With digital modes you never have to speak a word – your keyboard does the talking!
ACARC will help you get your license – contact us via email or on one of the social networks and we’ll get you started.
I’d like to express my appreciation for the confidence that the club members have shown in me, and I look forward to participating in the exciting events we have in store for 2012.
Happy Holidays and 73
Benson, NE4W
