Iroquois County Amateur Radio 147.030+ and 444.625+ - Meetings 2nd Thursday at the Red Cross Office in Watseka, IL

Ham radio friends:

Last week I threw out on the table some ideas that I felt would help our club grow and prosper, including contacting inactive amateurs in our area who might be interested in joining our group and becoming active once again, or at least active on 2 meters and on the 147.030 repeater. I’m not usually one to make such suggestions if I’m not willing to put forth the effort required to carry them out. So…with that in mind, I’m throwing out an offer that I would like to have discussed at the November meeting, even if I am not there. I’m putting this out in advance so that everyone has time to think about and discuss what I am proposing. While discussing it on this forum is fine, I think the proper place and time to make a decision would be at the regular business meeting.

First of all, I’m somewhat of an outsider, and I don’t mean to step on anyone’s toes. I made the suggestion that this group consider establishing an ‘area of concentration’ in which it would serve and solicit membership. While I suggested the four county area of Iroquois and Ford in Illinois, and Newton and Benton in Indiana, that was only my opinion. Others may have their own, maybe larger, maybe smaller. Obviously, we would never turn away someone from outside this area that wants to work with us. I would like for the discussion to be held on this topic so we’re all aware of what area we are planning on serving through our activities. I only suggested these four counties because there are really no groups serving these counties as such. (although I did find a listing on QRZ.com for the Iroquois Ford Amateur Radio Society in Loda which I know nothing about) To the north is Kankakee/Merrillville/Valparaiso. To the south is Danville/Lafayette/Champaign. So I think there is a need for something here in the middle.

Once this is done, and if the group decides on including Newton or Benton or both, here is what I am willing to do. I have compiled a listing of all licensed amateurs in Newton and Benton Counties from QRZ.com. There are 16 in Newton County and 18 in Benton County. I would be willing to mail to those amateurs a letter inviting them to become members in this club and to invite them to use the club’s repeater. I think it would mean more having this letter come from an Indiana member to show that this club truly does not consider the state line as a barrier.(providing that’s what this group decides) I would expect that those in far northern Newton and far southern Benton would probably align more with the larger areas of Merrillville and Lafayette, but there are 10 hams in the Fowler, Boswell, Ambia area and 8 in the Brook, Kentland, Goodland, Morocco area.

I’m not going to be offended if this group wishes to not pursue my suggestions. I’m just throwing out ideas I feel worthy of discussion followed by my willingness to help see them through. While I may not be able to help much at times, this is something I’m willing to do with the group’s blessing. So…please give this some thought between now and the November meeting.

And one other idea to think about…and one I’m willing to help with as well. Would there be any interest in some sort of get-together including our significant others for the holidays? Whether it be at a restaurant or even a carry in? I thought this would be a nice social event to possibly start as a club tradition…but I’m sure everyone’s calendars are filling up fast!

I think that’s enough to think about for now. Thanks for your consideration of my suggestions.

Kyle
KC9COR