After the Fall

Accidents can happen anytime. I should know after having spent the New Year’s in the hospital for eight days after I tripped on a pair of shoes in my bedroom, unable to catch my balance and ending up with fracturing three ribs. OUCH! What is the point of me telling you this? Being vigilant is a full time job, as is situational awareness. Now, after looking in the rear view mirror, I take considerable comfort in the number of members who found out and have reached out to me in various ways to offer help. While it will be a couple of months before I am back to my usual self, there are some lessons I would like to share.

Never underestimate the power of being part of something bigger than you are. Our club has served me on so many levels that I am grateful for joining and being active. I have met so many great people, gotten to know quite a few very well, and have shared wonderful experiences with each evolution of my membership. The more I became involved, the more my friendships grew as well as my knowledge about amateur radio.

Which leads me to a simple request. Become more involved. Whatever amount of discretionary time you have would be well spent getting to know the club membership better. As the new year begins, we will have multiple opportunities for everyone to get involved. From public service events, to Field Day, just taking photos at our events for publication, there is a place for you to show your talent and expertise or to learn new skills. We a fully operational Ham Station at the Northbrook Public Library that could use docents to explain our hobby to others, and we conduct regular VE sessions if you want to become a VE examiner there. If you have an interest, we have something to involve you in.

At our monthly meetings we will be calling for individuals to volunteer for specific assignments and I hope you will decide to join in the fun! The joy of knowing so many of you are so talented gives me inspiration to want to continue in my current role. So, thanks for all of your well wishes and I hope you will step up and become even more active than you. Stay warm and stay vigilant!

73,

Burt KR9T