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CLUBS & GROUPS | LIFE IN SOLERA | DECEMBER 2021 | 27 On Nov. 13 over 80 Solera Sippers members enjoyed a casual Happy Hour that provided time to visit with friends in addition to making new acquaintances as the club continues to welcome new members. This event featured a sumptuous nacho bar with a wide choice of toppings and Sangria to wash it down. Background music added a great atmosphere to the evening. Our December event is our annual Holiday Party that will be held on Dec. 11. This event includes food provided by Hickory Ranch and Steakhouse which is well known for its excellent cuisine. Music for listening and dancing will be provided by D.J. Chuck Hornsby who is always popular with our members. Looking forward, monthly events for 2022 will include the member-favorite "Wine Bingo" in January, an Italian-themed evening in February, and our annual Membership Party in March. The Solera Sippers club website on the Solera website is constantly being updated so please make sure to check it out. In addition to upcoming events, the web page also includes an application for membership as well as current membership guidelines. As a friendly reminder, the Solera Sippers requires members to supply proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to take part in events. Additionally, we are currently limiting the number of members at a table for events held in the Oakmont Clubhouse. For questions about the Solera Sippers please contact Gary Stoh at (951) 845-1981 or via email at garymstoh@aol.com. SOLERA SIPPERS The Benefits of Two-Way Radios (Walkie Talkies) Cellular networks are crucial to everyday life. Nevertheless, cellular phones are notoriously vulnerable to downtime during inclement weather, natural disasters (wildfires, earthquakes, flooding, tornados), and man- made incidents (energy shortage, corporate dereliction, or civil unrest). Remember when… In October 2018: Hurricane Michael's assault on Florida left some cities without cellular coverage. Panama City Beach Mayor Mike Thomas said, "we're having phone troubles out here with the cellular service" and added that, "the city's carrier has done a pretty poor job," according to Wireless Estimator. Cellular coverage suffered in the area, despite battery backups that should have lasted longer than they did. Meanwhile, in Bay County 65 percent of cell sites failed. Less than a month later, cell sites in the path of the widespread California wildfires were disrupted, making it difficult for citizens to get the help they needed. In its analysis of the event, the FCC has voiced repeated concern about the resilience of cellular communication to such events. There is no question that cell phones have their place. However, when it comes to emergency situations, where reliable communication is vital for productivity, efficiency, and safety; cell phones can't compete. Here's why… Reliable communication is imperative in emergency situations. With fast connections, longer battery life and greater durability, two-way radios are the only safe choice in emergencies. Solera has a high-powered radio system in place. Cell phones, offer limited "one-to-one" conversations or one-to-three at most. Two- way radios, however, enable "one-to-many." This means cellphones are used for individual and personal calls, whereas two-way radios are a communications tool for a group of people. Brought to you by the "SOLERA RADIO CLUB." Members are poised to provide communications options if a critical incident strikes our community. When All Else Fails – Think: Radio Communications. To learn more about the club, visit our website at http://www. soleraradio.com/. ~ Ray C. Gayton-Jacob (N6KZM) RADIO CLUB