Embracing the Airwaves and Community Spirit
As the calendar pages turn, the rhythm of life alongside the amateur radio spectrum continues to offer both a record of personal milestones and a beacon for collective engagement. This month, I'm excited to share the latest chapters of my journey with the radio waves, a saga that intertwines personal ambitions with communal bonds.
Warm Waves and Park Waves
Michigan's unseasonably warm embrace has been a boon for my Parks on the Air (POTA) endeavors. The allure of local parks, especially the serene Holly State Recreation Area (K-3313), has seen me activating the park seven times since February. There's something magical about the winter months here—the quietude, the majestic view of the lake from the beach, and the spacious boat launch area ideal for larger antenna setups. My quest for the coveted Kilo award ticks on, a journey I hope to culminate before July.
A Club on the Rise
Beyond the parks, my role as Vice President of the South Lyon Area Amateur Radio Club has been both an honor and a hive of activity. Our club's journey this year is marked by a collective ambition to grow our membership and enhance engagement at our face-to-face meetings. Recent endeavors, from refining the joining process to establishing a welcoming communication channel for prospective members, have been rewarding. The introduction of a Discord channel has particularly resonated, providing a vibrant platform for ongoing discussions and camaraderie.
Engagement Through Service
Our club's commitment to community service shone brightly during the recent Oakland County tornado siren check—an opportunity I shared with my children. This experience was not just about fulfilling a duty but about instilling in them a sense of community pride and the practical aspects of emergency preparedness, all wrapped up with the simple joy of ice cream after the day's work.
First Timers and Future Plans
A standout moment this month was a club-organized POTA meetup, witnessing the exhilaration of two members making their first activations. It's moments like these that underscore amateur radio's essence—a hobby centered around connections.
Looking ahead, I'm eagerly anticipating a trip to Colorado this summer, with hopes of activating areas near Denver. Additionally, the upcoming Solar Eclipse on April 8th presents an exciting opportunity for activations en route to Ohio.
In Reflection
This monthly digest not only serves as a personal log but as a testament to the shared journey of the amateur radio community. Whether through solitary activations in the quiet of a park, the leadership endeavors within a club, or the shared experiences of community service and first activations, the essence of amateur radio—its power to connect, educate, and inspire—remains ever vivid. Here's to more waves, more connections, and continued exploration of the airwaves and beyond.
