Come one, come all, to see what Ham Helpers has received in donated radio equipment. The Free Flea will take place at 2725 NE 14 Ave. Wilton Manors, 33334 from 8 am to 2 pm on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
It is open to all hams, family and friends. Free tailgating.
There will be an ICOM IC-7610 for auction with a starting bid of $750.00. The winning bid will be announced Saturday at 2 pm. Contact information : kennyh4600@gmail.com (ke4nc).
You must come and see what Kenny has scooped up in his trips around Florida. We will see you there!
Submitted by Melanie Fernandez KJ4VCT
Many of you do not know what goes on in planning a Field Day so I thought I would review some of the processes of this past Winter Field Day.
When someone volunteers to head up the committee, in this case Joe McGee NX4T, they map out what they would like to see happen. Joe wanted to see as many different hams as well as club members attend the Field Day and have a good experience. He first thought of how to bring that about and came up with an idea to reach out by Post Cards to hams all over the Broward County area. Normally we had only used the emails we have in our database in the past. The Board agreed to support the project and Joe went to work designing the post cards with the help of Tom Savoca K9TJS, our PIO and webmaster over the December break period. After the design was complete it was sent off to the printer and when they were received by Joe, he went busily to work hand addressing the Post cards using the info from the FCC database for all the general and extra license holders in Broward County. He addressed some 400 cards and since he had not included call signs on them and the general thought was that it would be a better way to bring attention to the cards, a great friend to the club and most gregarious member, Aurora Figueiredo WD4AGF, then took the cards and added all of the call signs to them and sorted them by zip code for easy mailing. I then took all to the post office and put them in the mail.
Of course, although the hopes were that people would RSVP for food prep purposes, we did not get any and thought perhaps the Post cards may not yield any results. On WFD, we found that we got a 3% response in attendees and the visiting hams were delighted to be invited and meet our worker bees for the club. Some had issues with their antennas and other things in their shack but they were introduced to Jeff Stahl K4BH, Ricky Eaton KD4HGR, Tom McClain N3HPR, and Joe McGee NX4T to discuss the issues and get better ideas and the promise of future help with the problems.
It was wonderful to have satisfied people in our midst and we felt the Post Card effort was not in vain.
Joe McGee NX4T also felt that it was of the utmost importance for all visiting hams get a chance on the air during a Field Day so Joe again enlisted the able aid of Tom Savoca K9TJS to write a program where people could register for a time slot on the air of their choosing in half hour increments. This would, one, insure everyone got a chance to get on the air when convenient for them and two, the radio would be busy all day and night long. Thanks to these two gentlemen, who worked all through the Christmas holidays on the program project, its objective was met. Someone was on the radio at all times supporting the club by operating. We had over 15 different operators as opposed to the usual 3 or 5 we normally had on the radio. Some were first time operators and were given a chance to get their feet wet on the air. The GCARA Board were all happy with the result of the efforts of Joe and Tom and the support staff at the WFD. It was a first and it won’t be the last!
Now, if this intrigues you, we would like to invite your participation in the summer ARRL FIELD DAY. With the new ideas Joe spawned for inviting and operating, we managed to gather 54 visitors, all of whom were treated to a good time. The opportunities to shine are endless and Joe has more fun up his sleeve for the summer, as a consultant, to the contest. I admire his enthusiasm and genuine desire to mentor hams. He works with many newbies or shut ins who need help with equipment or whatever. He is one of the most socially active hams among us and I am so pleased he serves as a director in the club. I am also pleased with the hard work and creative designs of Tom Savoca KJ9TJS who saw these 2 involved projects through all of the time constraints and effort it took with such positive feedback and energy. Gentlemen, GCARA thanks you.
……….and that’s the rest of the story!
Submitted by Melanie Fernandez KJ4VCT
Saturday morning ” ham” breakfast.
From 7 to 9 AM interested Hams meet since 1994 at JJs Cafe for breakfast.
Everyone is welcome to join.
JJs Cafe
6051 NW 31st Ave,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
http://jjcafefood.com/
Dear Members,
As the year draws to a close and we embrace the festive spirit of December, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments we’ve achieved together throughout the year and express my gratitude for each of you.
2025 has been a remarkable year for our club. From our monthly meetings to field days and community events, each gathering has strengthened our bonds and expanded our knowledge of amateur radio. I am proud of the enthusiasm and dedication our members have shown, whether you participated in contests, provided support during emergency communications, or simply shared your passion for the hobby.
During this holiday season, let us remember the spirit of giving and sharing that embodies our community. I encourage everyone to reach out to fellow members, especially those who may be new to the hobby or could use a helping hand. Our strength lies in our camaraderie and willingness to support one another.
Looking forward to 2026, we have exciting plans in the pipeline: new workshops, guest speakers, and opportunities to engage with the wider amateur radio community. I am eager to hear your ideas on how we can make our association even better.
Winter Field Day is upon us, January 24 and 25. The last weekend of January, If you are interested in attending please sign up on our website as soon as possible so we can get a head count for operators, setup, meals, and other necessary participants. We need our members and other club members to participate in this yearly event. That’s what makes it work. So, thank you in advance.
As you celebrate the holidays with family and friends, I wish you all a joyous season filled with laughter, warmth, and of course, some time on the airwaves. May the new year bring us all good health, happiness, and plenty of successful QSOs!
Thank you for being an integral part of the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association. I look forward to seeing all of you in the new year!
Warm regards,
Benjamin Echavarria N7BBE
President, Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association
December President’s Message
Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association
Dear Members,
As the year draws to a close and we embrace the festive spirit of December, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments we’ve achieved together throughout the year and express my gratitude for each of you.
2025 has been a remarkable year for our club. From our monthly meetings to field days and community events, each gathering has strengthened our bonds and expanded our knowledge of amateur radio. I am proud of the enthusiasm and dedication our members have shown, whether you participated in contests, provided support during emergency communications, or simply shared your passion for the hobby.
During this holiday season, let us remember the spirit of giving and sharing that embodies our community. I encourage everyone to reach out to fellow members, especially those who may be new to the hobby or could use a helping hand. Our strength lies in our camaraderie and willingness to support one another.
Looking forward to 2026, we have exciting plans in the pipeline: new workshops, guest speakers, and opportunities to engage with the wider amateur radio community. I am eager to hear your ideas on how we can make our association even better.
As you celebrate the holidays with family and friends, I wish you all a joyous season filled with laughter, warmth, and of course, some time on the airwaves. May the new year bring us all good health, happiness, and plenty of successful QSOs!
Thank you for being an integral part of the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association. I look forward to seeing all of you in the new year!
Warm regards,
Benjamin Echavarria
N7BBE
ARES/RACES
Skywarn
President, Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association
Click BELOW to download and print the PDF version NOTE: Meeting minutes are posted online as a draft for review until approved at the following meeting. Corrections can be sent to the Secretary, currently rickiwitte4@gmail.com.
Click BELOW to download and print the PDF version NOTE: Meeting minutes are posted online as a draft for review until approved at the following meeting. Corrections can be sent to the Secretary, currently rickiwitte4@gmail.com.
Dear Members of the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association,
It is with mixed emotions that I share with you the news that our President, Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT, has stepped down from her role as of September 28, 2025. On behalf of the entire GCARA, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and deepest appreciation to Melanie for her extraordinary leadership and dedication.
For the past 8 years, she has guided this association with vision and commitment, and for 15 years she has faithfully served on the Board in various capacities. Her contributions have helped shape GCARA into the strong, vibrant organization we are today.
As Vice President, I will be assuming the role of President for the remainder of 2025. I look forward to carrying on the work that Melanie has championed and to ensuring that our association continues to grow and thrive.
GCARA has always been more than just a radio club — we’re a network of passionate operators, learners, and friends. I’m excited to continue fostering that spirit, supporting our members, and exploring new opportunities for growth, education, and service.
My goal is to engage with each of you, to hear your input, and to foster stronger connections within our membership. In the coming weeks, I’ll be working closely with our board and volunteers to ensure a smooth transition and to keep our events, nets, and initiatives running strong. If you have ideas, concerns, or simply want to connect, I’m here.
Together, we can continue to strengthen GCARA, expand our reach in the community, and advance the spirit of amateur radio that unites us.
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. Let’s keep the airwaves alive and the amateur radio community thriving.
Warm Regards,
Ben Echavarria, N7BBE
President, Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association
Click BELOW to download and print the PDF version NOTE: Meeting minutes are posted online as a draft for review until approved at the following meeting. Corrections can be sent to the Secretary, currently rickiwitte4@gmail.com.
Click BELOW to download and print the PDF version NOTE: Meeting minutes are posted online as a draft for review until approved at the following meeting. Corrections can be sent to the Secretary, currently rickiwitte4@gmail.com.
Click BELOW to download and print the PDF version NOTE: Meeting minutes are posted online as a draft for review until approved at the following meeting. Corrections can be sent to the Secretary, currently rickiwitte4@gmail.com.
Click BELOW to download and print the PDF version NOTE: Meeting minutes are posted online as a draft for review until approved at the following meeting. Corrections can be sent to the Secretary, currently rickiwitte4@gmail.com.
