Arizona Section Manager article for May QST

 By now, you have heard of the ARRL dues increase. Yes, the ARRL board voted to increase dues to $39.00 for regular membership and $34.00 for seniors. This increase will take effect on 01 July 2001, so if you renew before this date you can get the old price. You can renew up to five (5) years at the old rate, but it must also be done prior to 01 July. Some more bad news. The Fort Tuthill hamfest, scheduled for 27-29 July, will cost you a dollar ($1.00) entrance fee for the weekend. This move was necessary due to the increase cost of the grounds and rule change by the Coconino county board of Supervisors. Also the county campground in the back of the fairgrounds has removed the outside pay showers. The campground is in a remodeling mode so it will be about two (2) more years before this remodeling is complete. This effects only those people who are tent camping. The Spring Hamfest in Scottsdale came off without major problems. It rained on Friday night but when I arrived at 0630, the sky had broken clouds and no rain. The event was very well attended. The Arcadia High School ARC had a short QSDO with the International space station on March 7th. This event was written up in the Arizona Republic. Robert St Clair, N7VVA, is now a silent key. Bob was very active as an EC for the Lake Havasu area and was an active participant/leader in the Solome flood recovery program last year. Our prayers go out to the family. The next hamfest is in Sierra Vista sponsored by the Cochise Amateur radio Association on 05 May 2001. Talk-in will be on 146.76 – (PL 162). The Arizona web site is alive and doing well. Tom Fagan, WB7NXH, has developed this web site for the Arizona section and is always providing new material and updating it every day. The address is "www.qsl.net/arrlaz/ ". At this time, it has the recent club listings, hamfest information, the Arizona volunteer listings, and several links to other clubs and special web sites. As this web site progresses, we will add more items of interest, to include the list of volunteers. If you have questions or ideas on how to improve this web site, contact Tom at wb7nxh@arrl.net or myself. The 2001 ARRL SW Convention will be in Riverside at the Holiday Inn. Starts reserving this time slot and make the necessary arrangements before you forget. I just finished making my reservations at the hotel and sent in the convention necessary paperwork. If I am not at home when you call, please leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible. 73’s Clifford Hauser, KD6XH