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THE AM BULLETIN BOARD => QSO => Topic started by: W3GMS on May 05, 2019, 05:55:19 PM



Title: NEAR-Fest AM Dinner
Post by: W3GMS on May 05, 2019, 05:55:19 PM
Fantastic AM dinner at Johnson's Steak and Seafood this year.  A grand total of 31 folks attended. 

As usual, NEAR-Fest was great this year even though we had some rain on Friday afternoon.  Saturday was well attending while enjoying some great weather.  Lots of gear was changing hands.  The best part is the social aspect, which just can't be topped. 

Martha and I had a great time and it was fantastic meeting folks I have talked to over the last 53 years on the air and never previously met.

Joe-W3GMS

 


Title: Re: NEAR-Fest AM Dinner
Post by: wb1ead on May 05, 2019, 07:26:35 PM
Great pics Joe as always!..what was most surprising was the "no rain on" Friday until 2:00pm..ya know Joe I didn't see Todd KA1KAQ
anywhere on the grounds or in ur pics..?..did I miss sumptin..?..he probably showed up Sat and we didn't..lookin' forward to Oct event..
tnx for posting ur pics!   73 de DAVE


Title: Re: NEAR-Fest AM Dinner
Post by: W3GMS on May 05, 2019, 10:32:37 PM
Hi Dave,

Thanks for the comments on the pictures Dave. 

Todd typically attends the Fall session of NEAR-Fest and like me, attempts to make it once per year due to the distance.   Its not an easy drive for me from southeast PA and for Todd its even further.  The next session for me will be the Fall of 2020. 

Joe-GMS 


Title: Re: NEAR-Fest AM Dinner
Post by: K2FW on May 09, 2019, 04:52:55 PM
Joe, Any way to identify who's who in those pictures?

Steve  K2FW


Title: Re: NEAR-Fest AM Dinner
Post by: Todd, KA1KAQ on May 10, 2019, 03:08:47 PM
Todd typically attends the Fall session of NEAR-Fest and like me, attempts to make it once per year due to the distance.   Its not an easy drive for me from southeast PA and for Todd its even further.  The next session for me will be the Fall of 2020. 

Yes, the time/distance thing caught up with us. For the first 6-7 years of NEAR-Fest Steve/K4HX and I attended both events, 'JN too when he wasn't stationed overseas. But after my daughter was born things changed on this end. I know Steve and I discussed it at length and decided it was just too much. It was 5-6 days each time, much of it on the road. I think Father Age crept in a bit.

No worries though, Dave - I always try to make it a point to track you down and harangue you about getting a dipole up for 40 & 80m.  ;) 

I do want to say Thank You to Joe for running point on the AM Dinner in my absence. He not only did a fine job, he had one of the largest turnouts since NEAR-Fest began!

Looking forward to the fall installment. In the meantime - get some wire up in the air, Dave.  ;D


Title: Re: NEAR-Fest AM Dinner
Post by: W3GMS on May 10, 2019, 06:52:26 PM
Joe, Any way to identify who's who in those pictures?

Steve  K2FW

Sadly, no Steve.  I know some of the guys very well by names and calls, but some I just do not know.  Bruce-WX1O sent around a list to use as a contact sheet and he said he was going to send it to me, but nothing as of yet.   Next year, I think I will have everyone go around the table and introduce themselves and maybe someone can video it.

The best way to get to know all of those characters is to attend the event  ;) .
 
Joe-GMS


Title: Re: NEAR-Fest AM Dinner
Post by: KL7OF on May 10, 2019, 07:07:22 PM
The man and woman closest to the camera in the first picture are 2 of my favorite people..Brian (W1LYD) and Anita (KL4KZ) LaFont. currently on a whirlwind tour of the East Coast...


Title: Re: NEAR-Fest AM Dinner
Post by: wb1ead on May 11, 2019, 08:19:07 PM
Great comments Joe!..and Todd I must say ur memory is still 100% sharp!..Joe Todd and I have had this "thing" goin' for quite awhile..him ragging on me on putting up sumptin for 80/40..and myself explaining my love of the higher bands..well I was hopeing real hard that he wud be there as very definite plans for 80/40 ant is a done deal for this upcoming fall season..even got the QRO power ready (SB-200)..for now I'm throwing in the towel on 20/15/10..hopefully we'll see all of ya in Oct   73 de DAVE


Title: Re: NEAR-Fest AM Dinner
Post by: Todd, KA1KAQ on May 15, 2019, 03:04:36 PM
I'll hold you to that, Dave. In the midst of a move myself, so I'll need to hustle to get my wires back up before you're in a position to bust my chops.  ;)

Joe was kind enough to give me a call from the dinner so I could talk with some of the crew. Talked with MrMike, Ross, Bruce/WX1O, and Brian/LYD whom I haven't talked with in years. Was sorry I missed seeing him but very glad we got the chance to talk at least.

Sure was loud there!

BTW, if any of you are train buffs and ever watch PBS, there's a show on there about the best train rides, most scenic, whatever. Was watching it a couple months back and who should appear at the controls of a steam engine in Skagway, AK but W1LYD, giving a little interview as he chugged along. Cool!
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