[Taken from the The ARES E-Letter for December 16, 2015]
Here are two quotes, which stunned me as much as they should you: “I had no idea what the hams were doing — they were making decisions that were not theirs to make.””The hams never integrated.” The latter may speak to the former, but these quotes come from two distinct organizations, neither having any connection with the other except for this: negative experiences with our amateur service. These same organizations eventually came back to Amateur Radio, both thanks to a refreshing change in leadership, and with an encouraging constant that held through good times and bad: the quality of our average volunteer. I hear it so often and from every organization and agency: “The hams are dedicated. They show up on time, eager to help. They are our best volunteers.” Continue reading

Florida Striders has asked that ClayARES support them for their 2016 Resolution Run on January 9, 2016. We will need a total of 10 operators to handle Net Control and points along the 5k & 10k routes. This run will start behind the Orange Park Kennel Club and run along River Rd., as well as through a few of the neighborhoods along the route. The run starts at 8:30am, so we will need to be setup and in position by 8:00am. The run should be completed well before noon.
We had a great time at the Member Appreciation Dinner. For those of you who missed it, we had great food from Sonny’s BBQ, and of course Kasey Tate’s famous Banana Pudding, Peach Cobbler & Pumkin Pies!!! Thanks Kasey, you really outdid yourself this year!!!