Welcome to this edition of our newsletter.

     November brings a thrilling on-the-air operating opportunity for SFTARC, as Kansas sponsors its second month of the ARRL America 250 event. Our very own member, Jeff (KSØJD), is coordinating this effort for Kansas as part of the year-long ARRL Worked-All-States operating event celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. I encourage every member to get on the air, log some contacts, and make this historic milestone a massive success for Kansas.

     In line with our club mission, everyone should actively help and encourage fellow operators to take that next exciting step, whether it means trying out a digital mode, upgrading your station equipment, or putting up an improved antenna. I encourage you to find out what another member might like to do and offer your help, or form a group to help them.

     We are also actively looking for fresh ideas, guest presenters, and new topics to make our Tech Nights even more engaging. Please suggest speakers or topics you are interested in or know other club members would be interested in.

     Looking back at our summer volunteer schedule, SFTARC found itself a little short on docents for our assigned months at the historic Ensor Park and Museum. Our club and Amateur Radio have a unique connection to preserving and sharing the legacy of Marshall and Loretta Ensor, and I urge you to consider stepping up to support docent shifts next year. The grounds of Ensor Park and Museum offer many possibilities for club activities. Let your ideas for outdoor radio operations and special events there (or anywhere) be known.

     On a logistical note, our club is currently searching for an evening meeting location. We need a space that can accommodate our members while perhaps also allowing us the freedom to host hands-on radio building projects. If you know of a community room, church hall, or local facility that might fit our needs, please reach out to a club officer with your suggestions.

     Leadership and community involvement go hand-in-hand, and our upcoming November business meeting will feature elections for club offices. I encourage every member to participate by nominating candidates, running for an office yourself, or volunteering to serve on a committee. Above all, be sure to cast your votes by attending the meeting or joining on Zoom. True enjoyment of this hobby comes from actively participating in club events and rolling up your sleeves to help organize events.

MEETING TO ORDER:

       President George, WBØCNK, called the meeting to order around 8:00 AM CST on October 17, 2026. A total of 21 members attended the meeting. There were 17 members in person and 4 attended via zoom.

SECRETARY-TREASURER REPORT:

      Marty was not able to attend so George WBØCNK provided an update on the club finances and the monthly financial report. Jason provided a Secretary's report including membership updates. There was no official club correspondence to report on.  

 AGENDA ITEMS:

Conventions/Hamfests [George - WBØCNK]

      On the agenda was highlights from the Wichita Area Hamfest and Spark-Con: ARRL Midwest Division Convention. The focus of the discussion was on Spark-Con. This year Spark-Con was a well planned event, but attendance was light. Members are encouraged to attend Hamfests to support these events. If people do not attend, then the event may not be held the next year. 

Annual Business Meeting November 14th 

     The club is planning to hold elections on November 14, 2026 during the monthly business meeting. If anyone is interested in being an officer (President, Vice President, Treasurer or Secretary) or to serve as one of the two Board Members at Large, please contact George. If there is anyone you would like to nominate, please talk with that person first to assure they are willing to serve. Nominations can occur up to the day of the election.   

TECH NIGHT [George - WBØCNK]

      Jim will KØNK will be giving the next Tech night on October 29th at 7:30 pm. The request was to have a Tech night on Portable Operations.      

Education and Public Relations Committee Report [Jim – KØNK]  

     There was a proposal to fund the classes in 2027. Tom made a proposal to spend an additional $300 beyond the $250 allowed by the constitution for commities.  The motion passed. The plan is to offer two classes one Tech class and one CW class.  Each class would be for eight weeks in January and February. The plan is to hold the classes at the Salvation Army building. Our club request to use the building is still being considered.  

REPEATER UPDATE [Jim – KØNK]

     Jim provided a repeater update.  

W1AW/Ø Operation, November 11/10 to 11/17 [Jeff KSØJD]

      Jeff is coordinating the W1AW/Ø operations for the state of Kansas. He would like people to sign up and help operate.    

Volunteering AT Ensor Park & Museum [Jeff KSØJD]  

     There was limited involvement with Ensor Museum this fall for the two months that we were responsible for volunteer coverage. We need more people to help volunteer at the Museum on our assigned months. If you are planning to volunteer, please be sure to sign up. The goal is to have two volunteers at the museum each weekend.  

ADJOURN:

      The meeting was adjourned around 9:00 am. 

     On a particularly busy day at Ensor Park and Museum earlier this month, Don Catlin of Kansas City, Missouri and his younger sister, Brenda (Catlin) Taylor of Overland Park, arrived in a van eager to tour the 40-acre historical site owned and operated by the City of Olathe.

     Despite being in a wheelchair, Don was able to view everything on the first floor of the Ensor home and everything in the north room of the Peg Barn, but the threshold at the barn's south door prevented him from getting a good look at the woodworking shop, which was unfortunate since he was a student of Marshall Ensor during his years at Olathe High School.

     Don graduated from OHS in 1956 and lived in Arizona for 30 years before he moved back to the Midwest several years ago. His father was Howard Catlin, a 1932 graduate of OHS. He, too, was a student of Marshall Ensor.

     Brenda graduated from OHS in 1958 and later married Larry Taylor, a 1956 graduate of Hoxie High School. This is the same Larry Taylor who was the head football coach at Shawnee Mission North High School for 15 years, during which his teams won six state championships. Later, the football field at SMNHS was named after Larry, who taught Mathematics at the school for 38 years. He passed away in 2019.