From the Desk of AB9ZI - September 2026 Message
On Saturday, August 29, 2026, our club set a new record. We had 28 attendees at Max’s for breakfast! No, it’s not going to be in Guinness Book of World Records, but still we are a force to be reckoned with. From 8 am to about 9:30 there were more of us than all the other patrons combined. Now if we could just get the coffee pot refilled faster… Please join us at 8am every Saturday at Max’s Deli, located in the Crossroads Shopping Center, 191 Skokie Valley Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035.
Speaking of coffee, there will be coffee and s’mores at our club’s QRP Night Tuesday, September 8 at the Emily Oakes Nature Center in Skokie. Bring out your antennas and low power radios; make contacts while enjoying a bonfire and the aforementioned refreshments. Full details are on the club website: https://ns9rc.org/qrp-night
Two cautions: First the Skokie Park District isn’t as “user friendly” as Heller or the Glen. Our time there begins promptly at 7 pm and not a minute before! Please don’t get there before 7.
Second, along with the bon fire and snacks, we will likely have mosquitoes. Plan ahead for them…
In October we are back at Heller for our club fund raiser The Auction. Over the past year the club has received donation ranging from accessories, test gear, transceivers and more. You never know when that one piece of gear you need for your shack will come across the auctioneers block! The auction is the club’s only fund raiser and pays for our network of repeaters and club events. Help support our club and you never know what you might find to buy. Just so you know our official policy is that what happens at the auction never gets repeated after the auction. So bid with confidence with the knowledge that outside of those at the auction, nobody will know what you bought.
Also in October our club provides support for the Chicago Marathon on Sunday October 11. Hams provide critical communications for aid stations throughout the event. Information is available on the club website: https://ns9rc.org/public-service And sign up to help!
Two months after that, the club will hold an election of officers to lead the club in 2027. In 2027 we will have a new President, Vice President, and Secretary. In addition to those positions, there are many opportunities to assist your club. Our Director of Communications and Publications, Udo Koch N0LSR, is always seeking those who could assist with press releases, newsletter content, and license exams. More information is available on the website, https://ns9rc.org/open-club-positions.
“See” you on the bands, 73.
Brian AB9ZI
President