February Section News

Upcoming Hamfests

March 5th – Elk City Hamfest
March 11th & 12th – Green Country Hamfest
April 2nd – Durant Tailgate Fest
April 2nd – Hanging Judge Hamfest, Ft. Smith, Ark.
April 2nd – Ham Expo, Belton, Tex.

I will be in attendance at the first 3 of these events and have a
League Forum at Elk City and Green Country.  We may have an informal
one at Durant.  I look forward to seeing you there.

Well, I don't know about you, but I'm glad to see the snow melt and
things start to warm up.  Everyone was sorry to see the Ada Hamfest get
cancelled on account of the weather, but it happens.  I know Chris
Faulkner and the whole bunch was really excited about the new venue,
so, we'll see what happens next year.

The National Weather Service Severe Weather Workshop is the first week
in March.  Mike Corey, the head of Emergency Communications and
Preparedness at HQ will be in attendance all week.  I will be there
part of the time along with a few others helping Mike man the booth.
If you are in attendance, make sure you drop by and say HI!  The
Saturday spotter training will be well attended I'm sure,  Mike will
be presenting during the Saturday session……..however some of us
will be in Elk City that day………..

Viking Radio Club News – This group in Lawton is really doing some
great stuff for the kids in the area getting them turned on to wireless
communication.  If you can find a way to support them, please do.
Good Morning Viking parents and Viking Radio Club Supporters
This morning we woke to news that in Lawton, OK we broke a Feb 10 local
record (unofficial still) low temperature, moving the record from 0 to
-1 set back in 1980.  The news reported that an OK all time state low
record of -27 was broken this morning in North Eastern Oklahoma.  This
bitter coldness will be long forgotten as the Vikings venture over to
the local park during their Saturday Amateur Radio Outreach event from
about noon until about 4pm, temperatures will be about 60 degrees and
next week we see 70s.  On Saturday, stop in and visit the group around
14.325 MHz.  This will be the last day the students will get a chance
to get on the air prior to next weeks School Club Round-up.  We also
have two new SCR coaches that will be assisting Physics Lawton High
School Teacher Jim Havens KE5HAZ, during the School Club Round-up
working as W5LHS.

Mr. Harper KE5YZB is hosting a study hall in his classroom this
Saturday from 10am until noon then encouraging students to venture over
to the park.  Do you smell pizza too?

Many schools across North America will be active during the School Club
Round-up Monday - Friday of next week.  Schools participating range from
elementary through University.  Yes, parents there are scholarships for
Amateur Radio.  On Monday, the Vikings will be using the day as a
practice day, operating as a club, but not a school club, using the
callsign, K5USA.  On Tuesday through Friday, the Vikings will be using
their school club callsign, KF5CRF.  This allows the students to
participate for a total of 24 hours (max 6 hours per day) as a school
club.  Vikings will always talk to a school, even if previously worked.
 If you hear a school on the airwaves say hello.  Please make it your
personal goal to talk with 10 different schools during the school club
round-up.

--
73
Paul Goulet /KC5CYY


I received some notes from the Tulsa Amateur Radio Club (TARC) this
month from ARRL PIO Nathan Huffstetler…….

What an eventful past few months and there's still more to come!  In
January's Tulsa Amateur Radio Clubs meeting, Dan Threlkeled (KF5FSL)
made his first Ham Radio contact. His very first contact ever was with
an 11 year old named Electra (KB3RGE). Dan is a local weather man that
works for NBC's TV station KJRH.

As you all know, February has pulled out some extreme winter weather
that has given us some record snow falls. In preparation for these
conditions, ARES zones 4 and 5 went into stand-by and ran health and
welfare nets during this time.

In March, we have the Green Country Ham Fest coming up on the 11th and
12th at the Claremore Expo Center. There will be drawings for some
great prizes including the grand prize, an Elecraft K3. Plenty of
vendors are going to be present and, as always, of course there will be
several swap meet tables. If you or someone you know needs to upgrade
your license, you will have the opportunity at the ham fest. There will
be two ARRL test sessions making this a convenient time to upgrade while
you browse around the event. To learn more, check us out on the web at
www.greencountryhamfest.org.

I would like to thank everyone that participated in any capacity during
the winter storms this year.  Your help and generosity are what makes us
so valuable to our served agencies.  We may not be needed during a given
event, but that doesn't mean we aren't appreciated.  Keep on,
keepin' on!!

One more thing, during the League forums at the section hamfests, the
last few minutes will be devoted to ARES information.  We will quickly
cover what is upcoming and how we are going to approach
things………not to mention, I'll have some goodies to give away!!
Keep the info coming……the more stuff I get, the more fun this is!!

73,

Kevin O'Dell N0IRW
Oklahoma Section Manager

West Gulf Division Announces Contest

Increasing ARRL Membership is paramount to the successful
implementation of new programs, stability in member dues and the
ARRL's ability to garnish legislative attention at all levels.

Membership growth is also vital to a local club's success and
survival.

Recognizing that organizations complement each other, the WGD
Leadership has invited all ARRL Affiliated and Special Service clubs,
to participate in the second annual Top Ten Club Membership Contest.
This contest is based on the successful recruitment of new ARRL members
and two year lapsed members as of December 10, 2010.  Membership
applications must be submitted to HQ through your affiliated club
during the contest period of January 17th to May 1st.

There are significant financial advantages for affiliated clubs which
secure new ARRL memberships.   The club can retain $15 for each new
membership and $2 for each renewal submitted to ARRL HQ.  Additionally,
great prizes are available to the Top Ten Club Membership Contest
winners that produce the highest PERCENTAGE increase of ARRL membership
during the contest period.  Affiliated clubs of any size are encouraged
to participate.  Again, it is the PERCENTAGE of increase and not the
raw number of new or 2-year lapsed memberships.

Contest prizes will be award by ARRL President Kay Craigie N3KN, during
HamCom 2011 the ARRL National Convention in Plano, Texas.
Club representatives that were identified in the ARRL Club database
have already been sent an E-Mail  notification of the contest.

Recognizing that HQ might not have the most current E-Mail information,
we ask that you contact your club's President and ask him/her if your
affiliated club is participating in the Top Ten Club Membership
Contest.

Additionally, a webinar will be held for affiliated club's Presidents
(or the President's appointed representative) on Wednesday, February
16th.. Contest details and rules will be fully explained during the
webinar.  If you are a club President and have not received information
regarding the Top Ten Club Membership Contest, please contact Director
Woolweaver at K5RAV@arrl.org or Diane Petrilli, ARRL Membership
Manager, at DPetrilli@arrl.org immediately.  Registration is required
for the webinar.

Note to all club Presidents:  If you are unable to attend the webinar,
please let us know so that we can issue an invitation to your appointed
representative.   Remember, each participant must register in advance to
access the webinar.

Good luck to all clubs.  Let the contest begin!

--------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL West Gulf Division
Director: David A Woolweaver, K5RAV
k5rav@arrl.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------

West Gulf Division Newsletter

News from David Woolweaver, K5RAV West Gulf Division Director


WGD Leadership Team Operates W1AW
Cowtown Hamfest a Huge Success
N5OK Continues as DXAC Committee Chair
HamCom 2011 Looking for Volunteers
ARRL Foundation 2010 Report
ARRL Foundation Announces 2011 Committee Assignments
Steven Polunsky, W5SMP Appointed to Public Relations Committee
Planned Events for West Gulf Leadership Team
Upcoming Hamfests

---WGD Leadership Team Operates W1AW

Amateur Radio should be fun and what could be more fun than operating
the world class HF station at W1AW? Nothing! Every ARRL member is
entitled to be a guest operator at W1AW and, in January, Director
Woolweaver and Vice Director Stratton exercised that privilege. Taking
personal days before the ARRL Board meeting, the WGD Leadership team
called “CQ West Gulf Division” on 14.240 USB during brief guest
operating periods on January 18th and 19th. A record 210 contacts were
made providing many amateurs with their first W1AW QSO. The station
used was composed of a Yaseu FTDX9000, Acom amplifier and a wide spaced
20 meter beam at 120 feet.

Look for a future announcement in this newsletter about W1AW operation
in July. If you missed your chance to contact W1AW in January, you may
have another chance in July.

W1AW, also known as the Maxim Memorial Station, was dedicated on
September 2, 1938 and contains articles of historical value to Amateur
Radio. Much of today’s ARRL Headquarters as well as the City of
Newington grew up surrounding the W1AW facilities. To learn more about
W1AW, its rich history and current transmitting abilities, visit
http://www.arrl.org/inside-w1aw.

You can also look forward to the opportunity to contact W1AW/5 at the
2011 ARRL National Convention in Plano, Texas during HamCom. W1AW/5
will be hosted by the Dallas County REACT Team, an ARRL Special
Services club. Details of their operation will be posted in the
future. .


---Cowtown Hamfest a Huge Success

Congratulations to the Cowtown Hamfest organizers for a grand event
January 15th & 16th! With 600+ in attendance, the hamfest is
developing the reputation of being a well organized and well attended
event.

ARRL membership recruitment was active and successful. The Dynamic Duo
of Assistant Director for Membership Carla Dyer K5RLA, and WTX SM John
Dyer, AE5B reported that thirteen 1-year memberships and eight 3-year
memberships were received during the 2-day Hamfest. The best news in
the report was that 11 of the 21 were new or expired members; some of
whom had not been ARRL members for 10-15 years.

Director Woolweaver joined NTX SM Jay Urish, W5GM and WTX SM John Dyer,
AE5B in greeting members in the ARRL booth and hosting the ARRL forum.
You can see several pictures from the Cowtown Hamfest on the ARRL –
West Gulf Division Facebook page.


---N5OK Continues as DXAC Committee Chair

Former WGD Director Coy Day, N5KO has accepted ARRL President Kay
Craigie’s N3KN invitation to continue spearheading the efforts of the
DX Advisory Committee (DXAC), as its 2011 Committee Chair. The DXAC is
responsible for making recommendations to the Board of Directors
through its oversight standing committee, Programs and Services.

N5OK was tapped as the WGD DXAC representative by Director Woolweaver
in 2010, and has subsequently served as its Committee Chair since that
time at the request of President Craigie. To learn more about the
DXAC Committee go to http://www.arrl.org/dx-advisory-committee.

Advisory Committees are comprised of one Director nominated member from
each Division, and one member of The Radio Amateurs of Canada, who is
proficient in the knowledge and expertise of the Committee’s field of
endeavor; has a willingness to serve in the Committee’s deliberations;
has the ability and willingness to participate in public forums and
demonstrates clear communication skills.

The Committees, acting in their areas of specialty, undertake studies,
review proposals and make recommendations to League Management. An
Advisory committee member may serve for up to a maximum of six
consecutive years’, and maybe appointed as Chairman by the ARRL
President for no more than two years but may not hold any other ARRL
elective office. WGD League members interested in serving on Advisory
Committees should contact Director Woolweaver.


---HamCom 2011 Looking for Volunteers

HamCom is hosting the ARRL National Convention this year and the
organizers are in need of volunteers to help produce a successful
event. Because HamCom will be ARRL National, there is an increased
need for manpower to deal with the extra tasks and crowds that are
expected. All volunteers will receive free admission to the event,
which includes a ticket for the prize barrel and the popular
commemorative HamCom ball cap.

Volunteers are needed in two hours shifts for a variety of inside and
outside positions. This is a great way for high school students to get
community service hours needed for graduation! Please consider
volunteering a couple of hours to the hobby we all love and help make
the event the best we can. This is a chance for the members of the
West Gulf Division to shine. Visit www.HamCom.org for more details!


---ARRL Foundation 2010 Report

The Foundation was established in 1973 by the ARRL as an independent
and separate 501c3 organization to administer programs in support of
Amateur Radio. In 2010, the Foundation awarded 70 scholarships with a
total value of $153,578. $72,200 was in annual awards and $81,378 in
Goldfarb awards. Funded entirely by the generous contributions of
radio amateur operators and friends, the Foundation program awards
scholarships for higher education and awards various grants to Amateur
Radio projects.

Interested persons are encouraged to review all of the potential
opportunities that are available through The ARRL Foundation. To learn
more about the ARRL Foundation or its mission you may visit
http://www.arrl.org/the-arrl-foundation.


---ARRL Foundation Announces 2011 Committee Assignments

ARRL Foundation President Tom Frenaye, K1KI announced recently that
former WGD Director, Tom Comstock N5TC will be appointed to chair the
ARRL Foundation Scholarship Committee for 2011. Comstock, an ARRL Life
Member was elected to the ARRL Foundation Board of Directors in 2009 for
a 3-year term. Joining N5TC on the Scholarship Committee will be Martin
Green K2PLF of the Atlantic Division and WGD Director Woolweaver. In
2010, Director Woolweaver was elected to a 3-year term on the
Foundation Board, by the ARRL Board of Directors.

To learn more about the available ARRL Foundation Scholarship program
visit http://www.arrl.org/scholarship-program.


---Steven Polunsky, W5SMP Appointed to Public Relations Committee

STX Public Information Officer (PIO) Steven Polunsky, W5SMP has been
appointed with the approval of Director Woolweaver by ARRL President
Kay Craigie N3KN to become a member of the Public Relations Committee
(PRC). Polunsky’s appointment stems from the recommendations of the
PRC Committee Chairman, Bill Morine N2COP and the League’s Media
Relations Manager, Allan Pitts W1AGP. Steve also serves as a Director
on the Texas State Senate Committee on Business and Commerce.

N3KN cited Steve’s background in providing PR for ham radio in the
context of emergency communications and noted that his skill set would
be an asset to the Committee.

Each Section in the WGD has a Public Information Coordinator (PIC)
appointed by the SM. Each PIC, with the approval of their SM, recruits
and helps local ARRL PIO’s in promoting Amateur Radio in their home
area. This gives the ARRL about 450-500 PR people scattered throughout
the country.

An experienced, diverse and active group of people, the PRC’s work is
done via email, conference calls, and webinars. To learn more about the
PRC you may visit http://www.arrl.org/public-relations-committee. ARRL
members who are interested in serving in the Public Relations field on
behalf of the ARRL, should contact their Section Manager.


---Planned ARRL Events for the WGD Leadership Team

Director Woolweaver, K5RAV and Vice Director John Stratton, N5AUS are
planning to attend the following upcoming events:

N5AUS – Georgetown Hamfest, sponsored by the Williamson County ARC,
February 12th

K5RAV and N5AUS – Greater Houston Hamfest, STX Section Convention,
sponsored by the Brazos Valley ARC, March 4-5th

K5RAV – Green County Hamfest, OK Section Convention, sponsored by
Green County Hamfest, Inc., March 11-12th

ARRL events are a great place to visit with your Division and Section
Leadership! Each event will also include an ARRL forum where you can
get additional insight into and information on Division and Section
matters.

Of course, at anytime that you have a concern, comment or just want to
say hello please contact Director Woolweaver at K5RAV@arrl.org.


---Upcoming Hamfests

02/12/2011 Williamson County Amateur Radio Club
Location: Georgetown, TX
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Williamson County Amateur Radio Club
Website: http://www.wcarc.com

02/26/2011 Orange Hamfest 2011
Location: Orange,TX
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Orange ARC & Jefferson County ARC
Website: http://www.qsl.net/w5nd/

03/05/2011 West Central Oklahoma Amateur Radio Club
Location: Elk City, OK
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: West Central Oklahoma Amateur Radio Club

03/05/2011 South Texas Section Convention (Greater Houston Hamfest)
Location: Rosenberg, TX
Type: ARRL Convention
Sponsor: Brazos Valley Amateur Radio club
Website: http://www.houstonhamfest.org

03/11/2011 Oklahoma Section Convention (Green Country Hamfest)
Location: Claremore, OK
Type: ARRL Convention
Sponsor: Green Country Hamfest, Inc.
Website: http://www.greencountryhamfest.org

03/12/2011 Ninth Annual IARC Hamfest
Location: Irving, TX
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Irving Amateur Radio Club
Website: http://www.irvingarc.org/iarchamfest.html

03/19/2011 West Texas Section Convention (56th Annual St Patrick’s
Day Hamfest)
Location: Midland, TX
Type: ARRL Convention
Sponsor: Midland Amateur Radio Club
Website: http://www.hamfest.w5qgg.org

03/26/2011 Weatherford TX Hamfest
Location: Weatherford, TX
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Amateur Radio Club of Parker County
Website: http://www.w5pc.org

04/02/2011 HamEXPO
Location: Belton, TX
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Temple Amateur Radio Club
Website: http://www.beltonhamexpo.org/

--------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL West Gulf Division
Director: David A Woolweaver, K5RAV
k5rav@arrl.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Oklahoma ARES Nets

At http://www.aresok.org/okAresNets.asp, one can find a list of Oklahoma Amateur Radio Emergency Service nets.

These nets are a central point for training, preparing, and fellowship in the Oklahoma radio community.

Before there was Twitter and Facebook, hams checked into nets.  After getting on the roster, the ham would check into the net at a regularly scheduled time.

Should one miss the net, especially on an extended period of time, and, if they were not heard on the air later in the day, week, or month, one could expect a phone call or at least an inquiry on the radio about their welfare.

In northwest Oklahoma, on Wednesday night at 9:30, the ARES net is on K5GUD-R Echolink repeater and the next night on W5OKT-R there's a net as well.

On Thursday night at 7, the southwest Oklahoma ARES net is on 146.91 repeater linked to 145.39.

In northeast Oklahoma, the W5IAS system has a net and the bunch on the Mayes County repeater conducts a net on the 147.06 repeater with sufficient range to anchor down much of that corner of the State.

On 3.900 mHz, the Oklahoma ARES net meets Sunday afternoon at 3:30. It is a roll call net but new stations are added all the time.

Take some time to find your local radio net.  They are an easy place to meet local folks, test your radio equipment, arrange a schedule for another band, find that social network with friendly members who are interested in the hobby and helping.

ADA hamfest canceled

I just talked to Chris Faulkner and Jack Skinner and wanted to pass
along that the Ada Hamfest has officially been canceled for this
weekend. It remains to be seen if it will be re-scheduled or not. So,
everyone stay inside and stay warm......heat up the air with some RF
while your at it........Remember, the Elk City Hamfest the first
weekend in March and Green Country the second weekend in March.

73,

Kevin O'Dell N0IRW
Oklahoma Section Manager

Oklahoma City radio class set

 The Oklahoma City Autopatch Association will host a training course for the technician class amateur radio license, an entry level license for the hobby of amateur radio.

The 10-week course will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Salvation Army Citadel, SE 44 and Bryant Ave. Classes begin Feb. 17.

For details see the news story.