It’s been a long year that seems to have gone by quickly. Maybe that’s a good thing. It’s hard to believe that it’s been nine or ten months since I’ve seen your smiling faces.

We are trying to find things for everyone to do while staying safe. Ham radio is a good way to do that. You can chat on the repeaters or on HF. Now would be a great time to update your ARES training, get familiar with WinLink or get involved with the Monday night digital net. Our regular Monday night net is continually growing, make sure that you check into that. Then there is our monthly Zoom meeting on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 PM.

There are always some sort of contests running. Even casual state QSO parties. You can work them as an individual or combine our efforts as a RATS team.

Now it’s winter and getting cooler, but in nicer weather there is camping. Most of the state and county parks are open and you can just get out for the day and take a HT or a portable HF rig. It’s a nice way to get out, get some sun, play on the radio and stay safe. That is also our goal for the upcoming Winter Field Day.

It is also the end of the year. That means that your 2021 Desert RATS dues are due. The easiest way is to just pay on line on the club web site, under membership. You can pay with Pay Pal or print out the membership form, fill it out, write a check and mail it in.

So that’s about it. I hope everyone has a great holiday season. Stay safe, my friends. 73

Glenn WB6RLC

President Desert RATS ARC