Megan's Message and Musings Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer, Hot fun in the Summertime, Heatwave, Wipe out, Margaritaville, Born to be Wild, Kokomo.... Just the mention of these songs brings memories of fun we have have during these long hot days no matter where we may be. Whether having one of those increasingly popular “Staycation” summers, or hitting the road for family reunions, camping, fishing, boating, and exploring this great land, we all seem to have more to do on our lists than we have time on our wrists. Last month we had an excellent presentation by Doug Papay, KD8CAO, who was able to “touch the sky” during his satellite presentation that included a contact with the International Space Station! As we start to wind down the year we seem to wind up with even more activities. A the fall months approach we have activities on the horizon such as the August Field Trip to the Park Township Airport, a special guest speaker in September, our Great Lakeshore Hamfest in October, the annual Banquet in November and finally, Elections in December. There will also be a slew of other activities for everyone to participate in, such as licensing classes and Fox Hunting to mention a few, leaving us time for just one blink before we are shoveling that white stuff again. So with that in mind, take advantage of every opportunity to get on the air. When you travel, take your radio, turn it on, and check out what is going on all over this great country. If you are staying close to home, check out what is going on all over this great county! You have a license and radio equipment, so just use it! As Mungo Jerry wrote in his song “In the Summertime: “In the summertime when the weather is high You can chase right up and touch the sky When the weather's right You got women, you got women on your mind Have a drink, have a drive Go out and see what you can find.” 73, WO0MEG Three Classes Offered This fall the Holland Amateur Radio Club is expanding opportunities to HAMS and the general public. We are offering two licensing classes, Amateur Extra Class level and Technician Class. We will also be offering a CW (Morse Code) class. Amateur Extra Class is a good opportunity for all General license holders to upgrade to the highest level license available. It may take a little work, but the ultimate outcome is a super feeling of accomplishment and you also gain additional band privileges. Extra Class License classes start September 13, 7:00 pm, run for ten weeks, and will be lead by Tom, K8TB. Technician Class is the entry level to Amateur Radio. Pass the word to friends and relatives that they too can get a HAM RADIO LICENSE without a lot of effort. Technician Class License classes begin on September 15, run for 10 weeks, and will be lead by Jim, N8QMD. CW (Morse Code, or Code) No longer a requirement for any of our license classes, this operating mode is not dead, and has a very loyal following of amateurs who continue to practice the art. Classes lead by Mike Cole, WD8NHA, will begin September 14 and run about 6 to 8 weeks, depending on progress. There is no set schedule, there is no time limit, and there is no Final Exam. Each class participant will be able to make their first CW contact with Mike's assistance. Class fees are $20 for Technician class and $20 for Extra class. Books are available for an additional fee of $20 for each book. CW class is free! All classes meet at our Ken Groom Technical and Training Center located at 280 East 8th St in Holland, Michigan. All classes will start promptly at 7:00 pm. To register for any or all classes please contact Ed, KF8EV at (616) 772-4811 or by email, kf8ev@arrl.net. Meet, Greet and Eat Times and places to meet fellow amateurs “Open Mike” Night, every Tuesday night at 7:00pm At our Ken Groom ZR5AAD Memorial Technical and Training Center, 280 East 8th Street in Holland, Michigan. Come to operate or just enjoy coffee and conversation, members and guests are welcome. Board Meeting, 1st Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm Various locations announced via our K8DAA Yahoo Group email reflector. All members are welcome. General Membership Meeting, 7:00pm, Holland Fire Station Conference Room, 279 Kollen Park Drive in Holland, Michigan. See our Calendar for summer dates. Guests are welcome. Donuts @ Donutville every Wednesday at 2:30pm, 676 Michigan Avenue in Holland. Stop by for coffee and conversation. “HAM is for Breakfast” last Saturday of each month at 9:00am. We meet and eat at the Southside Inn,192 West 35th Street in Holland, just east of Washington Avenue. We have tables in the back room. Members, spouses, friends, family, and anyone else interested in amateur radio are welcome. Public Service Opportunities Please contact each event's coordinator for more information. Coast Guard Festival Parade July 31 through August 8, 2010 Kick off is July 31. The North Ottawa Amateur Radio Club (NOARC) is looking for help If you can help, plese contact: Don KB8ODB,kb8odb@sbcglobal.net John KC9UNY, kc8uny@arrl.net Parade of Lights Tuesday, November 30, 2010 Ivan DeWitt, K8EMU idewitt@charter.net Nets of Interest Compiled by Tom Wilson, KD8DEG Sunday 8:30 AM 50.400 AM Grand Rapids 8:00 PM 145.270 FM Lowell Club 8:00 PM 50.400 AM Kalamazoo, Gary K8BKB 8:00 PM 147.240 FM Allegan, Jim AC8AG 9:00 PM 50.150 USB Zeeland, Charlie N8QEM 9:30 PM 144.155 USB Holland, Bill K8NFT Monday 7:30 PM 147.060+ FM HARC 2m Net. Ed, KF8EV, Net Manager Tuesday 7:00 PM 144.222 USB Kalamazoo, K8BKB Gary 9:30 PM 50.300 USB Kalamazoo, K8BKB Gary 9:00 PM 145.270 FM MDXA, Dave KC8PCL 9:30 PM 50.400 AM Kalamazoo, K8BKB Gary Wednesday 8:00 PM 28.380 USB Allegan 9:00 PM 50.140 USB Cedar Springs, AC8AH Jerry Thursday 6:30 PM 147.520 FM 2nd Thursday each month, OCEC Simplex Net 7:00 PM 147.060+ FM 4nd Thursday each month, OCEC Repeater Net 7:00 PM 147.160+ FM Michigan youth, 22 and younger 8:00 PM 146.800+ FM MAARC weekly Net Daily 7:00 PM 50.200 USB Cadillac, round tables If you know of any other nets, please let me know and I'll add them to the list. Jim N8QMD, n8qmd@arrl.net.