This past year has seen many changes to our hobby, our personal lives and our partner’s dynamics. Our hobby’s technology evolves at a rate unheard of in the past, with new apps coming on stream daily. Who would have thought ten years ago that you could check into the evening net from Florida using your iPhone. It happened Sunday when Dan VO1VCP checked into the ARES net while vacationing in Florida.
Our youth are much more electronics savvy than my generation ever was. My granddaughter Audrey sat on my lap just last week and navigated around my laptop touch screen like a pro at two and a half years old.
This evolution is not a bad thing. It permits us the advantage of drawing in some of our younger generation. It allows us to serve our partners like FES NL in a more efficient way as technologies like Echolink, North Star and others make our Province smaller.
Our personal lives have changed this past year. Paul and I have both made it to retirement but we are not getting any younger. Getting older however is not a bad thing if you consider the alternative.
As we continue to age, it is gratifying to see our younger members take on leadership positions with the Club. You are our leaders of tomorrow.
Our partner’s dynamics continue to change, but I’m happy to report that on all three fronts, Admiralty House, FES NL and Parks Canada our bond strengthens continually as we provide value added services.
Congratulations to our new executive and thank you to the outgoing members. Your contribution is appreciated.
Finally, to Paul Burggraaf, bon voyage. You will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
Our next get together is on June 13 for our annual barbeque at Admiralty House. Please email me your nominations for the various awards.
I hope that you all have a safe and happy summer.
73
Doug Mercer VO1DM
SONRA President