The cold spell appears to be broken and the forecasts are now showing mainly positive temperatures. I think we are all looking forward to what we hope is spring! With much of February being well below normal temperatures I was amazed by what club members had accomplished.

Let's start with the public service events that were recently completed. The Cookie Race and the Cochrane Winter Rally both had their set of challenges, temperature being one of them. I had the pleasure to help setup the communication trailer at -36 for the Cochrane Rally. It was one blistering Sunday morning. A couple feed lines did not survive the cold, but in the end, we prevailed as a team and were operational for the event.

Speaking of the trailer, thanks should be passed on to those that took it upon themselves to complete several communication trailer upgrades in January and February. A few upgrades that have taken place in the trailer, which were used at the car rally, were certainly appreciated. I anticipate a demo night in the warmer weather and late ‘sun months’ at one of the general meetings later this year for all to check out.

Looking ahead there are many things to look forward to this year, such as the CARA Spring Flea Market (April 13) and the annual ARRL Field Day event (June 22-23). The club is always looking for volunteers to help host these events, so please reach out to the executive (executive@caraham.org) if you want to lend a hand, or you are not sure who the point person is for each event.

There will also be the usual onslaught of public service events in April/May/June/July, which will require many volunteers from the greater Amateur Radio Community. I encourage everyone to get involved in public service events as they are both self fulfilling and provide a critical communication service to the public to enable events that would otherwise not happen. I encourage you to reach out to your circle of amateur friends and encourage participation in these important events that help keep the hobby relevant and fun.

As I end my message for this month, it was with regret to learn of the recent passing of Hellmut Frauscher, VE6BV/VE6US (01/11/1945-03/04/2019). I had the opportunity to spend some time with Hellmut years ago, and considered him an Elmer in the time I spent with him.

73 de VE6NR, Stephane Raimbault

CARA President