Author: Ralph

From the West Allis Radio Amateur Club’s website (https://warac.org/swap/index.htm):

The West Allis Radio Amateur Club is, unfortunately, cancelling the Mid-Winter Swapfest event. The 2021 Swapfest cancellation was due to the COVID. Beginning for year 2022, club-related issues force us to abandon the Swapfest despite our best efforts. We understand the planning and effort that our sellers put forth to in order to attend the swapfests and provide interesting and useful goods to sell or swap. We thank all of our sellers and attendees for 48 successful Mid-Winter Swapfests. We have no specific plans to get back into the swapfest business; however, as we all know, never say never. The Mid-Winter Swapfest has been a remarkable success throughout the years, and we have enjoyed being part of that success and we value the relationships which naturally spun off of the event. We will miss the excitement and action. If you have questions or comments, please e-mail us at: info@warac.org. Thank you for your support and understanding.

 

Each year on the fourth full weekend in June, the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) holds a special operating event known as Field Day where more than 35,000 radio amateurs in the US and Canada meet to operate from remote locations.

Field Day provides an opportunity to observe amateur radio in action, practice radio techniques, and enjoy good food and fellowship.

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This year the McHenry County Wireless Association will hold its Field Day event at the Rush Creek Conservation Area in Harvard, IL.  The site is located off of McGuire Road, just east of Route 14. For reference, the Walmart is located on the corner of McGuire Road and Route 14.

MCWA invites you to stop by during the Field Day weekend to have an opportunity to get on the air or just observe. Stay as long as you wish!

For more information, email the Field Day team at info@mcwa.org 

Steve Maresso (KB9OLD) announces that VE testing will resume in August.

Please call Steve at 847-477-3518 in advance of each test date to secure your spot. 

NO WALK-INS WILL BE ALLOWED.

Two testing sessions have been announced: August 17^th and November 16^th, both at 7:00 PM.  

Location will be at the Free Methodist Church, 934 N. Seminary, Woodstock, IL  60098.

For more information, visit VE Testing Information

The first Lake County Maker Faire will be held virtually on April 17th from 10 AM to 3 PM.  Admission is free, but you need to register in advance by visiting the website Maker Faire Lake County .

MCWA is delighted to be part of the Faire and was looking forward to showcasing ham radio last year until the event was canceled due to COVID.

MCWA will be presenting a program titled “Amateur Radio in the 21st Century” at 10:45 AM.

 

 

 

Complete schedule of presentations

The inaugural McHenry County Century Bike Run will be held on May 30th from 6:30 AM to around 3 PM. 

MCWA was contacted to ask if any amateur radio operators would be able to assist in event communications.  Wendell Smith (N9REP) has been in touch with the coordinators and is looking for volunteers to assist in the event.

Wendell says that it is a lot of fun and a great opportunity for the newer hams to get involved in public service. It is also a way to showcase amateur radio’s capabilities.

Please contact Wendell for more information and to sign up to help.