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December 3 brought an almost overflow gathering to the Olathe Community Center.
What with all the food, distinguished guests, special awards, commemorative
patches, door prizes, the famous gift exchange, cake and pictures. Our celebration of
50 years of the Montrose Amateur Radio Club was memorable in many respects.
The gala affair was the best attended event of the year. Terry N0XMI ask me, in the
days before, how many to prepare for, and I said 45. After seeing the huge turn-out
(55 in all) we were glad that Phyl N0SLF had roasted two turkeys! Terry and Phyl
prepare the Turkey and Ham that headline our menu and Hearty thanks are hereby
extended. Serving tables were stacked and packed with other great covered dishes,
so no one went away hungry.
Distinguished guests were recognized. Three charter members were introduced and
received certificates of appreciation.
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President Ron KC0GKZ presented "Founding Member" Awards to from left, Norm Price
W0UNM, Ike Topless W7XG and John Flynn W0IX. These three great Hams were among
the members at the 'First' meeting 50 years ago. Norm and John have moved out of the
area. Ike is again a member after a several year absence. Our club call K0IIT is Ike's
former call.
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Bob and Connie Schaeffer KJ0G and K0GAS respectively were recognized with a
'Lifetime Achievement Award" and a standing ovation for their long years of service
and dedication in keeping the club active. We extend our special thanks for their
vision and belief that a fledgling club could come so far. They also received a special
jacket commemorating the 50 years of dedication to MARC. (shown below).
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As the jackets did not arrive in time to be presented at the 50th party, Ron
(behind the camera), Chris, Royce and Lew presented them at a later date. The
jackets are special "all weather" ones. Connie stated, " Look at all the
zippers!" (they have zip out linings and lots of pockets).
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The Presidents pick for the 2006 'Ham of the Year Award' was Steve Schroder
KI0KY, for his tireless efforts on behalf of the club in ARES, emergency training,
public awareness and all things digital, congratulations Steve!
Door prizes were won by Bob KJ0G (a very appropriate gift of a 2007 ARRL Amateur
Handbook). and Yvonne Meyers, a gift certificate to Jean's Westerner. On display
through the afternoon were the club's scrapbooks dating back to the clubs
founding in 1956, and the Clubs Public Information booth apply kept by Lew
KC0UER.
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Other Ham Clubs probably enjoy a quiet and friendly gift exchange at their
annual parties. Our club's annual gift exchange more resembles a trip thru a
minefield. Invariably some anomalous prankster manages to sneak and
innocent looking but dubious gift onto the table. Party goers, after being
advised that fire extinguishers were close by, began choosing gifts. All went
smoothly, with tool type things showing up as guy gifts, and soaps, decorative
crafts and domestic niceties showing up for the ladies. Smoothly that is, until
Steve KI0KY picked up a box that he soon wished he could have put back. How
it got that obnoxious Klaxon started is a mystery, but of course it would not
shut up. With no doubt a fresh battery in the thing, it was going to be a long
afternoon, if drastic measures were not taken. Offers of pliers and pocket
knives were offered and after interminable minutes the diabolical beeper was
silenced. Cheers and applause went up and calm was restored. Suspicion ran
amok as to who would produce such shenanigans, but culpability is hard to
prove. However there is always next year!
A 50th anniversary celebration happens only once, so it was thought fitting and
proper that group pictures be taken, and so they were, first pictures of all in
attendance then just of the licensed Hams. Our Club has come far in 50 years
and all members in good standing received a complimentary commemorative
patch that can be sewn on caps or coats. Ed KA0NEV brought a large cake made
with the same 50 anniversary logo which party goers, if they weren't already
stuffed, enjoyed pieces of this frosty confection.
Our founders and charter members seemed pleased with our progress, our club
is growing and vibrant, and with the energy and camaraderie evident at the
Christmas Party, the next 50 years will be productive and fun for sure! Stay
Tuned!
Merry Christmas and 73, Royce AA0JD
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