It has taken awhile for me to get used to holding the PTT reins of the Santa Cruz County Amateur Radio Club, but I am honored that you would re-elect me for my second and final year of public service to lead the Club.  Unlike many in the Club, I really struggle with Zoom technology, and am only able to participate in meetings  by telephone, but very much enjoy hearing voices of the new Club members as well as the long-time members who loyally continue to participate.

I look forward to serving you and promoting amateur radio in the new year.  Many thanks to the good folks who have agreed to stay on the Board and to the two new Board members for agreeing to join.

Becky Steinbruner (KI6TKB)  President

Richard Adams (K8SQB)  Vice-President

David Dean (N6DTA)  Secretary  (taking over from John Gerhardt (N6QX) who termed-out after two consecutive years of excellent scribe service)

Allen Fugelseth (WB6RWU)  Treasurer

Don Taylor (K6GHA)  Past-President

Vince Grimaldi (KM6YHE)  Member At-Large

Gary Watson (K6PDL)  Member At-Large

Many thanks to Cap Pennell (KE6AFE) for serving so well on the Board for many, many years in various capacities, agreeing to step off the Board to allow newer operators the opportunity to serve and learn about Club leadership.

We also have Standing Committees that are lead by good folks, and I encourage you to contact them if you are interested in getting involved, too!

Repeater Committee: John Gerhardt (N6QX), Nate Preston (KM6THA), Robert Ritchey (KJ6FFP), Craig Harlamoff (N6SBN), Duane Titus (K6TS), and Vince Grimaldi (KM6YHE)

Membership Committee: Cap Pennell (KE6AFE)

Presentation and Programs Committee: Chris Angelos (KG6DOZ) and Richard Adams (K8SQB)

ARES  and Training Committee: John Gerhardt (N6QX)

RF Investigation Committee: Bruce Hawkins (AC6DN)

Website and Newsletter Committee: Ron Baldwin (K6EXT)

You can look forward to learning about Board and Committee members each month as we write about who we are and our involvement in radio.

Recently, the Board and Committees met to talk about our plans for the year.  We have great ideas that we think you will enjoy as 2021 unfolds.

Our Club’s Field Day activities on June 26-27 will happen again, hopefully again combining with the San Lorenzo Valley Radio Club.  The location is to be determined, and time will dictate the extent of whether it will be large and inclusive again or, like last year, small and by appointment.

Richard (K8SQB) has renewed the Club’s K6L Special Event Station Call Sign for the August 21-22.  This year, he hopes to lead the set-up near the Mark Abbot Lighthouse for a public education and contesting event, again dependent upon the situation with the coronavirus restrictions.

Will we be able to have a fox-hunt and BBQ at the Club station area this summer?  I certainly hope so, but stay tuned!

Will this be the year that we replace and upgrade those ancient batteries that power the Club’s K6BJ repeater?  Will we get solar panels added to help charge them during long-term power outages?  Stay tuned and get involved!

As you can see, your Santa Cruz County Amateur Radio Club is off to an optimitistic but realistic start.  I am honored to be your President, and welcome your ideas and comments,  hoping that you will think of ways you can get involved to enjoy and help support amateur radio in our community.

73,

Becky

 KI6TKB@yahoo.com>

831-685-2915