Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1531976
50 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | FEBRUARY 2025 TOPS After a month or more of holiday decorating and eating, it was time to put away those habits and get rid of that dried out tree, if you had one. It was also time to shed those extra pounds that crept on with Hanukkah and Christmas snacking. So, to help us do that, members of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) are making a small holiday contest tree. There will be no big winner except for the loss of that holiday weight. Each member received a small tree, which they divvied into sections, one for each pound added in November, December, and January. For each pound shed in the next few meetings, a star will decorate the tree. When the tree is full, it can be torn up and discarded. You may find that a group like TOPS can help you as well. We meet on Tuesday at 8:30 am in the Ballroom. For more information, call Andi Henderson at (918) 497-6491. ~ Andi Henderson Amateur Radio – How it all started and its contributions. The first amateur radio licenses were issued in 1912 and radio operators, also known as "hams," were free to set up stations wherever they wanted. But during World War I, the U.S. Government shut down all amateur radio operations, as most operators were in the armed forces. Eventually, radio operations resumed after World War I on Oct. 1, 1919. Amateur radio operations were canceled again during World War II. After the war, amateur operators used war surplus radios to amateur use. Amateur radio operators have contributed to science, engineering, industry, and social services. Their research has led to the creation of new industries, the building of economies, and the saving of lives. Automated message systems made by amateur radio operators throughout the 1980s were used for the first time to distribute communications during and after disasters. Amateur (ham) Radio is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics, and communication together. People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the internet or cell phones. It's fun, social, educational, and can be a lifeline during times of need. Amateur Radio operators come from all walks of life — doctors, students, kids, politicians, truck drivers, movie stars, missionaries, and even your average neighbor next door. They are of all ages, sexes, income levels, and nationalities. Whether through Morse Code on an old brass telegraph key, voice communication on a hand- held radio or computerized messages transmitted via satellite, all hams use radio to reach out to the world. Our Amateur Radio Club is for anyone interested in radio communication and radio technology and who is willing to use these tools to help other residents of our community in times of need. We have our weekly informational Nets (on the air meetings) each Wednesday at 5:30 pm on frequency 145.645 MHz. Four Seasons at Beaumont residents are welcome and encouraged to check into these Nets after regular roll call as a visitor. Our monthly in-person meetings are on the last Friday of each month at 10 am in RCN Room #3. Our next meeting will be Friday, Feb. 28. Anyone is invited to join us, find out what we are about, and become a member. Please visit our website at www.w6fsb.org. ~ Henry Ciesielski, hwciesielski@yahoo.com Amateur Radio The tile project is back in operation. The cement slab has been poured and is being prepared for installation of the tiles. There are 90 veterans who have paid for their tiles plus eight tiles for the Service Branches and POW/MIA and Purple Heart. Tiles purchased before March 15 will be installed prior to the dedication on April 17. ~ Len Tavernetti, ltavernetti@ hotmail.com FS Veterans Club