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Amateur Radio Club Taste d'Vine I became interested in Ham Radio after I took a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) class in June. Cert members were encouraged to use walkie-talkies but I wanted to talk to the world. I needed to become a licensed ham radio operator to do this. It takes a little money and a lot of study to become a ham. In November, I contacted the local radio club about becoming a ham. I was directed to the American Amateur Relay League (ARRL). I was told to obtain a technician level study guide. I read it from cover to cover. Then I took all ten practice tests I passed them all with 75-88 percent scores. I took the exam in January and I failed it. I saw a lot of unfamiliar material and I missed passing by one question. A passing score is 70 percent or you can miss nine questions. I passed my second time and became a ham. Taking the ham radio test is a little like getting your first drivers license. You don't need to know how to build a car to drive one. In radio you don't need to know how to build a radio to become a ham. In July, six months after obtaining my first license, I took an upgrade exam to obtain the General License. Prior to 2007 there was a Morse Code requirement and many people found this intimidating. I would have become a ham either way: it just would have taken me a little longer. My approach to taking my second exam was different. I felt a little disappointed with ARRL's manuals after my first exam. I decided to do something different so I obtained a list of all of the questions for the General Exam from MFJ. I got a 50 page manual with all of the 350 possible questions and their answers. I was to review the questions and their correct answers. The idea was that when you saw them on the test that you would immediately know the correct answer. I passed the exam the first time. I will probably incorporate both ways when I study for my Amateur Extra Exam. I will use review materials from Gordon West and from MFJ. I will review the MFJ material three times, and will take the review tests from Mr. West until I am getting 90 percent. Getting your ham license is work, but it opens up a whole new world of opportunity for you. I have marshaled bicycle races, participated in a R.A.C.E.S exercise at the local hospital and gotten deeply involved with EPP in my community. The best thing is all of the great people that I have met. Our website is W6FSB.com, and meetings are on the last Friday of the month in the Lodge Ballroom at 10 am. ~Mike Mendoza 34 Important Date Change! Our meeting is on Wednesday, Sept. 18, instead of the usual Thursday. Another event is scheduled in the Ballroom on Thursday, Sept. 19, so we're moving our meeting up one day for this month only. September may bring some cooler weather, but it can also be hot and we may still want lighter and easier wines which are still food friendly and satisfying for sipping, however, do not have as much heat and heaviness. More California wine makers are taking a page from the Europeans since they have had decades of practice in making wines for drinking in hot weather. Each month at the wine club we are having a great time learning about different wines, developing and expanding our palates, and sharing our finds. Please join us on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 6 pm. We will not be having a potluck, so bring an appetizer, such as bread and cheese, a bottle of wine if you want, and a glass or two for tasting and sharing. Cost for members is $5, guests $8. Keep it light. ~ Anita Worthen Writers' Club July's Club Fair was excellent and the visitors to our table were varied and impressive. Welcome to all of them and thanks to the members who assisted them. This club is for everyone who would like to record in words or music an idea or experience to remember or share and wish to gain from an open discussion, some inspiration, evaluation and suggestions about the process. There is still time to sign up at the Lodge. The first meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 1:30 pm, in the Craft Room, will be dedicated to planning in detail about our specific objectives and the best ways to reach them. The first meeting will be very important but, if you are unable to attend it, don't worry and show up at any of the following meetings. Please inform the coordinator in advance, preferably by e-mail: josephlaurin@verizon.net. ~ Joseph Laurin FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | SEPTEMBER 2013 | clubs & Groups

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