As we 'start' another year, let me say that I hope everyone had a very nice Christmas as well as an up-and-coming NEW YEAR. Hopefully we can ;grow' even larger than in the past two years.

Our next meeting will be held on the 14th of January (7 PM) at the usual place (EOC/OEP building). The officers haven't changed. Dave is still the President and Jimmy is still the V. President. Ashley and I are hanging on to our positions.

We have our HAMFEST coming up on June 5th, so start planning on attending .. and 'helping'. I have already informed Bill (WB5LYB) that he might get another 'pie in the face'. One thing about THAT. Bill is always a good sport about things like that. He's willing to do whatever it takes to help raise money for a good cause. I haven't ordered the prizes as yet .. But they will be 1st .. an FT-817 (all-band back packer), 2nd an FT-8900 quad bander (2 mtr-440 mhz-6 mtr-10 mtr), and last but not least an FT250 2m HT. VE testing will be held for all ranges. If you like to get your 'ticket' or upgrade, this would be a good time to do so because the TECH study guide will change June 30.

I've already talked with Jerry (Palmetto Antennas) and he will be there (if the Good Lord is willing). Robert (the one who brings the great tasting beans and potato salad) is also going to be there.

As for HamFests, Orange (Tx) will be the last Saturday in February and Crowley's will be in March. I plan to attend both of 'em.

Back to ours ..we need door prizes, cooks and just plain ol' helpers. We need people to sell tickets at the door, tickets for the food, and tickets for the prizes. Speaking of food, we need to discuss WHAT we will be serving for food. So .. start thinking.

One more thing I almost forgot about. We'll be having our FOX HUNT in the next couple of weeks. I'm not sure of when its gonna be. Dave knows and he mentioned it on the next this past week. I just don't remember.

See ya'll at the meeting    73 from W5CQG.

**Editors note: The Fox Hunt will be on Saturday, Jan 16th, Ryan (K9GRM) will be the elusive 'Fox'. More details to follow shortly.