Utica-Shelby Emergency Communications Association
W8IR's "Cool Radio" is displayed by The Utica-Shelby Emergency Communications Association. This is just one way this club excels and is deserving of their Special Service Club status. (Photo courtesy of Dave Cunningham, KC8IAQ) |
We've expanded to over 250 members in the last ten years, even as many other clubs have experienced a reduction in membership. Much of our success in the past 10 years has been due to our club's purposeful outreach to new hams in the area, especially no-coders. During the summer months, we've usually no less than 5 'theme' campouts scheduled, thanks to our 'Campout Queen', Dina (N8YJI) and several other 'Ladies of USECA' who graciously volunteer to help with planning and logistics, year after year.
For over 10 years now we've held a well-advertised Pre-Field Day (in May) in a nearby public park, annually drawing 70-80 members and as many as 7 or 8 fully portable/mobile HF/VHF stations (..in fact, our Pre-Field Day boasts more stations than many clubs can dream of organizing on Field Day). We also hold an annual 'picnic', which is attended by 85-100 members on the shore of Lake St. Clair (..again, 4-6 portable HF/VHF stations are set up for ham enjoyment).
Halloween, Christmas, and New Year's have also been excuses for USECA parties for many years. The Salvation Army makes their meeting room available for well-attended VE exam sessions and Saturday-night socials. On-the-air activities include a 2m repeater in Utica, Michigan (147.180) and 9 nets... including a Monday night MCW 'Teaching net' on our repeater for those wishing to learn Morse code. For more information, visit our Web site at http://useca.org. I can be reached at kcfamily@tir.com
Ken Coughlin, N8KC
Page last modified: 11:28 AM, 23 May 2006 ET
Page author: webmaster@arrl.org
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