Some times members feel that there has been little accomplished by SMARS. But that really is not true.  Let's look at the record.

    With the leadership of Stephanie, W8AEZ, we had a very successful Hamfest last March. Many pitched in and as a result, the club could continue support of three repeaters as well as other activities such as ----

    Bob, KC8PRL, chaired our annual Field Day in June with good results. Again, success depended upon members participation.

    Later in the year, Dave, AB8HK, climbed and installed the antenna for the UHF repeater which was now at the same site as the other club repeaters.

    When Marshall had a Fly-In at their airport, John, then KC8WMM, and now W8JRD, led the effort to set up a SMARS station during that Fly-In.

    Technically, SMARS has not been inactive. Instead, to encourage the use of the 220 repeater, Echolink was installed on that repeater by Don, W8RVT. Thus, using only a computer, 220 was available to any ham who now could talk to other hams all over the world. And Don,  W8RVT and Dave, AB8HK, have enabled

a link allowing 440 repeater to use the 220 for Echolink.

    The usage of the 2 meter repeater was expanded by establishing an APRS digipeater and Igate at the site by Don.

    Several names have been mentioned. Let's also recognize others whose help has been  of the most critical at times (feeding times.)  Nancy, N8TIA, who prepared nourishment for the workers at the Hamfest and Lou, WB8WXS, of  Mousemobile fame who did the same on the Field Day site. As we also fed ourselves during club meetings, Dave, KC8NZY, and Walt, K8AEM, maintained a supply of cookies and coffee and other drinks for the members.

    There was Larry, W8VVG, who got the generator working after a fuel problem. How about the Georges, K8GG and W8UVZ, working the CW section on Field Day? There was Paul, WD8JOM,
on his stomach, with screwdriver working at the base of the Battle Creek Special. With his vision problems, that was a very difficult thing to do. There was Erv, N8YEA, using his truck to move our Field Day trailers.

    Yes, much has been accomplished this last year. As always, the members of SMARS were the ones that got things done.