Why is Ham Radio Still Important?
In an age where communication is often taken for granted, it’s easy to overlook the importance of Ham Radio.
I often receive questions like: “Why do I need Ham Radio when I have a cell phone?” or “Didn’t the internet kill Ham Radio?” While these modern forms of communication may have shifted the attention away from Ham Radio, by no means did it make it unnecessary. In fact, during a disaster, it’s very likely that these modern forms of communication will be the first ones to fail.
The number one reason for preparedness minded people to consider Ham Radio is its reliability during times of crisis. Since the early 1900s, this form of communication has reliably made it through every major crisis, disaster, and emergency situation with flying colors. When all other forms of communication fail, Hams are often the ones who are called upon to help communicate in and out of the disaster zone.
When the grid goes down, the Ham Bands will still be alive and very active.
March General Meeting
The next General Meeting will be held on March 29th at Good Sheppard's Church in the basement across from Wasilla Middle School On Bogard.
The address is.
501 E Bogard Road, Wasilla AK 99654
HAM FEST
We are preparing for our Annual Hamfest. This is our main fund raising activity for the club. It will be on Saturday 11 May from 0900 (setup) till 1700. We are looking for folks to collect door prizes to support the Hamfest. If you have a business contact that may like to donate to the club with a door prize, please contact Lou/KL4NK and Tabatha/KL4FZ for intro letter and our tax receipt. All door prizes are tax deductible. Also please pick up a business card from them so we can display it on our web site. Coordinate the merchants you are going to try to get donations from with Lou/KL4NK so we don’t have duplicate request. The letters can be emailed to you but you will need to pick the tax receipt from Tabatha in person or at the meetings. Also if you have a program to present or know of someone that would like to put on a short program, let Lou/KL4NK know so we can get them on the schedule. The hamfest will be at the Wasilla Boys and Girls club at 3700 E Bogard road. Contact John/KL1XM if you want to reserve a table for your items. If you just have one or 2 we will have the Country Store Club Table for your items. The club would like a 10% donation. Entry fee is $3.00, tables are $10.00, the barbee will be $5.00. If you would like to bring a side dish, that would be fine.
There will also be VE Testing this year at 1400
NOTICE:
To all hams with a call sign License Plate
The State DMV is sending out yellow cards to those people needing to re-register their plates. The card indicates you can register online. However, for those that have ham radio plates you can't do it online. It has to be done at a DMV office. I have included below what one administer sent me.
I would advise that those re-registering their plates to take what Karina Garces-Pellon sent to me so if there are any questions, you have some backup. She is from the Anchorage DMV
I’ve included our Vehicle Transaction Application (Form 812) for the renewal, you will need to
- State on form 812 that you’re requesting Amateur Radio Exemption by checking the box “Other” and writing in the Amateur Radio (AR)
- Make the following statement in the Affidavit section on the application “This vehicle meets the requirements outlined in AS 28.10.421 (d) (8) (A) & (B) and I qualify for free registration under this statute.”
- Copy of current FCC License
- Folks need to understand they need a 5 Band HF radio installed in the vehicle with Antenna and power connection.
Click here for the Vehicle Transaction Application (Form 812)
SUNSHINE COMMITTEE
MARA members, if you know of a member who needs cheering up because they have lost a loved one, or are laid up with illness or injury, or if someone is in the hospital, please let one of us know. We would love to send a ray of sunshine in their direction.
Help us spread the cheer. Donations are always appreciated and can be made at the general meeting or directly to Tabitha or Pam.
Contact Tabitha at tabithainak@gmail.com (best way), or text or phone 907-414-2281.
Pam at pam.whitehead@gmail.com, or 907-376-9281.