From the Desk of AB9ZI - October 2025 Message
Last month I started out saying the weather was turning cooler. As I sit at my desk it is still in near 80 degrees!
Our September meeting was QRP Night at Emily Oakes Nature Center in Skokie. We had about 20 members and a few visitors who found us on the Internet. A great time was had by all making contacts with low power, eating snacks, and fighting mosquitos. Thank You to Howard, N9RUI for organizing it as he has done for many years!
Next up is the club Auction on October 14 at the Heller Nature Center. Doors open at 7 pm with bidding starting at 7:30. We will not be operating a Zoom session that night.
NEW this year is the on-line auction, running now!
On the club website at https://ns9rc.org/nsrc-auction you will find radios, test equipment, and accessories being offered during the on-line auction and the list of things being auctioned off live on October 14 at Heller. YES, included is an ICOM 7300 donated by a club member! Complete details of both the on-line and live auction, including how to donate equipment, are on that website page.
This is our ONLY fundraising event. Proceeds help to organize and pay for all the things the club is doing for you including operating our repeaters, meeting location rental fees, Field Day food and equipment, as well as other events. This is a great opportunity to find that one thing you really need for your shack while supporting the club.
On Saturday September 20 we set a club record of 26 attendees at the Breakfast Club at Max’s Deli in Highland Park. I wonder if we will set another one soon! Check out the website for complete details. https://ns9rc.org/activities/breakfaast-club
Our Thursday night 8 pm net on the UHF repeater is followed by an INFORMAL round table hosted by Lenny WO9X as an opportunity for new hams to “get on the air” and help them get past “mic fright”. Just like on the informal morning round table on our 2 meter repeater, hams frequently forget who is next in line and the order can be messy. Please understand these round tables are part of the FUN of our hobby and are NOT places to criticize your fellow hams for their operating errors. There is a list of our nets at https://ns9rc.org/activities/nets
One of the stated purposes of Amateur Radio and of our club is Public Service. While not a sponsored club activity, our members do volunteer to assist the medical teams at the Chicago Marathon with radio communications. The North Shore Radio Club has a proud history of supporting the Marathon. Sign up information is available on the club website https://ns9rc.org/public-service. Please consider continuing the tradition and volunteering for this worthwhile event.
The North Shore radio club is an all-volunteer organization. There are many opportunities to volunteer to assist with club events and behind the scenes. Check it out on the website: www.ns9rc.org
73, Brian Dubin AB9ZI
President