Dear Parrot Amateur Radio Club Members,

As we reflect on the accomplishments of 2023, our start-up year, we can take pride in the progress we’ve made as a club. However, I’m thrilled to inform you that 2024 promises to be an even more exciting and fruitful year for us, with a lineup of events and presentations that will enhance our skills and camaraderie within the amateur radio community.

I encourage each of you to visit our website where you’ll find detailed information about our upcoming events and presentations. We’ve worked diligently to curate a schedule that caters to the interests and needs of our members, and I am confident that you’ll find something to pique your interest.

Before delving into our future plans, I must extend my heartfelt gratitude to Melanie Fernandez, President of the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association, for extending a warm invitation to the Parrot Club to participate in their winter field day event. Such opportunities not only enrich our experiences but also strengthen the bonds within the amateur radio community.

I’m delighted to announce that the club now offers an array of merchandise for our members, including shirts, badges, and hats, with more items to be added soon. Your support in purchasing these items not only showcases your pride in our club but also contributes to our growth and sustainability.

On a more somber note, it is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of one of our esteemed members, Anna Jean Karden (callsign K4KAJ), who has become a Silent Key (SK). In honor of her memory, we initiated a fundraising campaign to purchase an ARRL Memorial Brick. I’m pleased to report that we are at our goal as of the writing of this letter,

Recently, we held an antenna testing event at the Parkland Equestrian Facilities in preparation for our Parks On The Air (POTA) event in March. Members who attended were treated to lunch and had a productive day testing and fine-tuning their equipment. The POTA event is scheduled for March 23, 2024, at the Arthur R Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. Directions can be found on our website. I invite you all to participate in what promises to be an exciting opportunity to make contacts on the radio, meet fellow members, and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Your participation and engagement are vital to the growth and success of our club. Together, we can continue to expand our knowledge, foster connections, and promote the amateur radio hobby within our community.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.

Warm regards,

Gerald Deitch President Parrot Amateur Radio Club