President’s Message
Valley Radio Club has a new president: Gary Hale, AG7TH.
Riley, W7RIL, club president since 2001, is now a silent key (SK). Riley welcomed, encouraged and helped so many new hams take the steps required to become licensed. I am one of those hams, and the members of the club have in some ways become my extended family.
When I became vice president, Riley expressed confidence in me and said he liked my fresh ideas and approach. I, like many, carry Riley in my heart. I appreciate our club’s history and focus, and will endeavor to move forward with respect for our past.
Our VE testing program was very important to Riley. It is now in good hands with Brad, N7BED as the new ARRL VEC Liaison, after many mentoring sessions with Riley.
Sergio Chinchilla, W7SY, has accepted re-appointment as our vice president. We are very fortunate to have his knowledge, experience and warmth back on the board!
I know many members have been concerned about Riley’s wife Donna and son Rory. Today Brad and Sergio visited them and we can report that Donna and Rory are adjusting well.
In other news, recently, with encouragement and guidance from Scott, N7JI, our new Oregon Section Manager, we were granted status as a Special Service Club by the ARRL. This award is an acknowledgement that what the club does every day deserves special recognition.
Field Day 2024 will be at Jasper Park, June 22 and 23. Planning is moving forward in a robust way, and I want to thank those in the club with the vision and energy to make this happen. Our Special Use Permit for Jasper Park is now approved. Field Day is going to be great!
The Salem Ham Fair in Rickreall is coming up next Saturday, February 17. If you haven’t been to the fair, you should plan to go some day. Try to be there at 9:00 am when the doors open. It is a unique experience.
The March club meeting format will be a root beer float tribute to Riley. As many of you know, Riley always enjoyed a good root beer social!
Thank you all for being here, and as Riley would say, “see you on the radio.”
Gary AG7TH
