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/
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@w4bug.org
🚤📻 2026 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is Saturday, December 12, 2026
🇺🇸✨ This Year’s Theme: “Party in the USA!” ✨🇺🇸
It’s almost time for one of South Florida’s most spectacular holiday traditions — the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade — and we need YOUR help to make it another outstanding success!
Each year, amateur radio operators play an important role in supporting this incredible event. Our dedicated ham radio volunteers serve as the eyes and ears of Winterfest, providing vital communications support and situational awareness along the 12-mile parade route.
From monitoring activities along the waterways to relaying important information to the Winterfest communications team, our operators help keep everyone informed throughout the evening.
This is amateur radio at its best — putting our communications skills, training, and spirit of volunteerism to work in support of our community!
** 📅 IMPORTANT VOLUNTEER DATES
🔧 MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 – ANTENNA INSTALLATION
Before the boats light up the waterways, we need volunteers to help install antennas and prepare our communications equipment for parade day.
Whether you’re an experienced antenna installer or simply willing to lend a hand, your assistance will be greatly appreciated. Many hands make light work!
🍽️ WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 – TRAINING DINNER & CREDENTIALING
All amateur radio operators working the parade are required to attend our training dinner and credentialing session.
We’ll review communications procedures, operational assignments, and important information to help ensure a smooth and successful event.
It’s also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with fellow operators and welcome new volunteers to the Winterfest communications team!
🎄🚤 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 – PARADE DAY!
IT’S SHOWTIME!
Our amateur radio operators will be positioned at strategic locations along the 12-mile parade route, serving as the eyes and ears of Winterfest.
As the beautifully decorated boats make their way along the waterways, our volunteers will provide communications support, relay observations, and help the Winterfest team maintain situational awareness throughout this spectacular event.
🎉 2027 – VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION PARTY!
Date to be announced
And the fun doesn’t end when the last boat passes!
Winterfest will host its fabulous volunteer appreciation party in 2027 to celebrate and thank the dedicated volunteers who help make the parade possible.
It’s a wonderful way to recognize the hard work, commitment, and community spirit of everyone involved!
** 📣 WE NEED YOU!
Whether you’ve been volunteering with Winterfest for decades or this would be your very first parade, we would love to welcome you to our amateur radio communications team!
This is a fantastic opportunity to put your amateur radio skills to work, gain valuable experience supporting a major community event, enjoy the camaraderie of fellow operators, and be part of one of South Florida’s most beloved holiday traditions.
Your time, talents, and willingness to serve make a difference!
** 📧 INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?
Please email Carol Sjursen, KJ4AWB, at KJ4AWB@arrl.net (mailto:KJ4AWB@arrl.net) and include the following information:
- Full name
- Amateur radio call sign
- Cell phone number
- Preferred email address
- Mailing address (snail mail!)
Please also let us know if you’re available to help with antenna installation on Monday, December 7.
To our returning volunteers — THANK YOU! Your continued dedication and support are what make our communications operation so successful year after year.
To our first-time volunteers — WELCOME! We look forward to having you join our Winterfest family!
📻🚤🎄 Let’s make the 2026 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade another spectacular success!
73,
Carol Sjursen, KJ4AWB
Winterfest Boat Parade Communications Co-Chair
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@w4bug.org
Ed Wheeler, K4ADD (SK)
Ed was first licensed while in high school on Cape Cod in 1950 and upgraded to General while serving in the U.S. Air Force at Charleston AFB, South Carolina, in 1954. Amateur radio remained part of his life for more than 75 years.
Ed went on to a remarkable career in aviation, flying for Capital Airlines and United Airlines and retiring as a United Captain after 40 years. He also operated a charter boat business for 42 years and served 35 years as a Miami-Dade Police Reserve Officer in the Aviation Section.
His amateur radio interests included maritime mobile operation and participation in numerous amateur radio nets and organizations, including the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association.
February 6, 1932 – August 30, 2026
Memorial Service: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Obituary and Memorial Service Information
GCARA September General Meeting – September 22, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Remote Operation with GCARA – Using RemoteHams to Get on the Air from Anywhere
Presented by Ricky Eaton, KD4HGR
Ricky will demonstrate how GCARA members can use RemoteHams to remotely access and operate our club station — getting on the air from virtually anywhere.
Broward Health North – Conference Center
201 E. Sample Road
Pompano Beach, Florida
In-person meeting
About the Presentation:
Ever wondered how you can operate an amateur radio station when you’re away from your shack?
Ricky will show how RemoteHams makes remote operation possible and demonstrate how GCARA members can connect to and operate the club’s remote station. The presentation will be especially useful for hams dealing with HOA restrictions, antenna limitations, or anyone who simply wants the flexibility to get on the air while away from home.
Remembering Marty Falk, KI4IQZ SK
GCARA has ordered a memorial brick in honor of our longtime friend and fellow amateur radio operator Marty Falk, KI4IQZ SK. Contributions toward the memorial are greatly appreciated.
Hope to see you at the meeting!
73
Dirk, N4AN
MEETING RSVP
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@w4bug.org
Great news for GCARA – our new Motorola SLR5700 DMR repeater has been installed and is now on the air!
A very special THANK YOU to Ricky Eaton, KD4HGR, for his work on the project, and to Eric Rodriguez, KF4LZA, for providing the new repeater to GCARA at a very favorable discounted price and for his assistance with the installation.
Their support helped make this important upgrade possible. Our new repeater gives GCARA a modern and reliable DMR system that will serve our members and the South Florida amateur radio community for years to come.
443.350 MHz | +5 MHz Offset | Color Code 11
In memory of our longtime friend and fellow amateur radio operator Marty Falk, KI4IQZ SK, GCARA has ordered a commemorative brick through the ARRL for $280
The brick will provide a lasting tribute to Marty and his contribution to amateur radio and our community.
Donations are welcome to help support the acquisition of this memorial brick.
Thank you to everyone who helps us honor Marty’s memory.
Jerry Felski, Jr. WB4LGR passed away December 31, 2025 but the news of his passing was just made known to me this week. A GCARA member of several years, he was instrumental in helping the club cover John Knox Village, Cassels Towers during hurricane season. The club has long helped perform this duty as a thank you to JKV for allowing us to place our antennas on top of their building.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/pompano-beach-fl/jerry-felski-12688452
