While discussing the solutions to the worlds problems over coffee with our Treasurer Greg VE3NXB, a seed of an idea came forward that I will table at the meeting on Monday eve. For those who recall the trip made last January by three of our members to Cuba, the story published in the March issue outlined the difficulties faced by Cuban Radio Amateurs. Items that every Radio Amateur takes for granted such as TCA, QST, CQ magazines, 6146 tubes, and many basic building parts, are very difficult if not impossible to obtain in Cuba. Greg and I discussed about adopting one of the Cuban Amateur Clubs as a Sister Club to KWARC. As a sister club KWARC members would agree to provide support to members of this club. Now of course this idea needs to be accepted by a club in Cuba of which we have yet to approach with this concept. I foresee that KWARC members would supply their surplus Radio Magazines such as QST, CQ, Popular Electronics and other builders magazines as well as surplus equipment and parts. These donations can be forwarded through several channels already in place or simply, in the case of magazines, sent by the club via Canada Post. Now, should this concept get the support of our membership on Monday, and a yet to be named club in Cuba, I would like to challenge other Canadian clubs to Sister with other clubs on the island. Table your thoughts on Monday night. FUTURE OF HAM RADIO IN CANADA I urge all members to review the RAC report on the future of Amateur Radio that can be found elsewhere in this issue. Here is a portion from the summary…. There is a disconcerting apathy in the Amateur Radio community. Few Amateurs are aware of the changes revolutionizing the hobby, and even fewer are interested in confronting the threats and challenges. Ways must be found of communicating our enthusiasm for what is going on, and engaging our fellow Amateurs in the excitement of the new millennium. Apathy towards our hobby appears to be on an unprecedented increase. This concerns me and should concern the younger radio Amateurs for whom apathy today will have a severe impact. Current lack of interest towards upgrading ones licence is just one issue that needs to be worked on. Your personal feedback can be directed to the club and we will be happy to forward same to RAC. I look forward to meeting everyone at the meeting Monday night 73 de Paul VE3SY, President KWARC President BACK TO MAIN MENU For more information email info@kwarc.org [ TOP ] © 1998 Kitchener-Waterloo Amateur Radio Club 1513 Comments and bugs reports to webmaster@kwarc.org