With proven track records as active participants within both MARC and the greater amateur radio community, Ray KC1QLS and Dave NZ1J understand that MARC’s true strength lies in building a dynamic and inclusive club that makes every member feel valued and supported. If Ray is voted in as president and Dave as vice president, they will both be committed to making sure all of our voices are heard and they will no doubt foster a welcoming environment where individual interests within both MARC and amateur radio are encouraged, respected and celebrated.

Dave NZ1J has previously held an officer position within MARC as secretary. Dave’s willingness to try to bring members together is obvious with his well-attended informal Saturday morning classes on various aspects of radio theory, his POTA activations at Wharton Brook State Park and his initiative of starting the Sunday club fox hunts 4 years ago during COVID to keep members in touch with one and other and active in ham radio during that time when we couldn’t gather at the firehouse.

Ray KC1QLS has brought many club members and interested parties together with his balloon launches. His excitement is contagious. He is always willing to help a fellow club member or interested person. Two weeks ago, I received an email through the outreach email from a woman who is studying for her tech license, her daughter is in high school and working on a STEM related rocket project and was looking for some assistance with implementing some tracking for the rocket utilizing amateur radio. I immediately thought of Ray and Dave and their balloon projects as what she was looking for sounded similar to their balloon launches and put them in touch with each other. They were invited to the firehouse on a Saturday and showed up last week and met with Ray to discuss the project as Ray and Dave were both very enthusiastic in hearing about the project and assisting this very talented and bright young lady.

Many people do not like change, but with such a large club, in my opinion, it’s important to bring in new leadership and new ideas so that we can continue to build a strong and unified club that reflects the diversity and enthusiasm of ALL of its members.

–KC1ISI