On September 5th, the ARRL advised us that they renewed the Special Service Club designation for SFTARC. This special designation is for "a club that exists to go above and beyond for their communities" and "are the leaders in their Amateur Radio communities."  We do this by providing yearly license training classes, providing promotion and publicity  for Amateur Radio through our website, newsletters, and technical projects (Tech Night, etc.), as well as sponsoring operating activities (Field Day, KS QSO Party, etc.) and special events (Tallgrass On The Prairie, etc.).  A number of our members are regularly  involved with public service organizations (ARES, ECS/RACES, SATERN, CERT and KCHeart), and also volunteer their time providing radio communication at public runs and bike rides, etc. I encourage you to not only take part in these activities, but also consider taking on a primary role in either club activities or in public service, as you will find how rewarding they can be.