New graduates of the AARC Technician Licensing Class are receiving their call signs today, after finding them on FCC and ARRL databases. The class, which was conducted at Our Lady of Peace retirement community between January 11 and March 15, added 13 new Technician licensees to the ranks of local hams. It’s likely that 2-3 more will take the test in June, after having schedule conflicts on exam day.
The class received good reviews from the students, and several mentioned that our instructors were especially good at conveying excitement about the hobby.
Our instructor team included Bob Pattison K4DU, Jim Owen K4CGY, Bill Phillips AD6JV, Skip Thacker WD4LT, Ron Richey K4RKA, Dave Damon K4DND, Mike McPherson KQ9P and Rick Oliver W3KDR. Michael Rein KA4JJD appeared as special guest speaker.
Harry Dannals W2HD and Joe Giovanelli W2PVY were key in obtaining permission from Our Lady of Peace to hold the class in their excellent DePiro room. The OLOP staff were excellent hosts and accommodated our every need.
Keep an extra ear on the repeaters, in case some of the new hams would like to make their first contact. They will appreciate a welcome, and advice on how to make the most of the hobby.