It
seems to me ...
de
Bob-K1KVV editor*semara.org
that
thethat the these are interesting times. I get the
sense that “even dark clouds can have a silver
lining.” Just now there are things happening
that I don’t entirely understand, like the three
resignations last month. The silver lining: the potential
of getting some new blood into positions of responsibility.
Our financial worries stem, in part,
from the lack of dependability of our tower rental
income. This has been taken for granted and has resulted
in some questionable practices and decisions. Since
we did away with dues, I wonder why we continue to
give away coffee and donuts each Sunday. There was
a time when everyone chipped in to cover the cost.
The same thing goes for the price of the SEMARA events,
be they BBQ chicken or a Clam-Boil. Where else can
you get an ‘all-you-can-eat” deal for $5?
Things have to change. I notice that our sister radio
club in Fall River, the BCRA, is scheduling their Xmas
Party with a $33 price per person. How many of us would
support that price for a party at the Venus de Milo
restaurant or similar?
That
brings me to the $64 question. If we took away the
Sunday morning coffee and donuts, would we do more
amateur radio as a club? When was the last time SEMARA
acted as a radio club? Sure there have been sporadic
attempts for small groups to participate in Skywarn,
ARES, RACES emergency exercises; contests and field
day have woefully light turnouts. You say, “That’s
not for me.” Then what is for you?
Please let me know what you would like
to do at/with SEMARA that’s amateur radio related.
If I don’t hear from you, then that tells me
volumes.
Can you contribute to the well-being
of the club? Then let’s talk about that instead
of second guessing what is going on according to the
gossips. If more people were involved and making a
positive contribution, I wouldn’t have to mention
these things.
How about giving a Tech Talk? [You
remember those from last fall or winter.] What can
you do to introduce young people to the mystique of
amateur radio? Listened to any good transpolar signals
lately?
The sun spot cycle may be at a low;
but that’s no reason to abandon the hobby. Have
some fun, again!