Think I received this as the former President – anyway, for all who might be interested – here it is……………
-----Original Message-----
From: Norman Schklar
[mailto:norman@schklar.com]
Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2007
10:36 PM
To: halken@comcast.net
Subject: Invitation to GARS
TechFest
South East Contest Club
Harold E Kennedy, N4GG
Gwinnett Amateur Radio Society (GARS) TechFest 2008
Free Admission - Bring your friends
Free Tailgating - Bring equipment to sell or trade
Free Indoor table for demonstrations - Sign up to share your expertise or interest (reservations required).
January 12, 2008
TechFest : 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Tail Gate from 8:00 AM till 12:00 Noon
Location:, St Marguerite
D'Youville Church
85 Gloster Rd NW, Lawrenceville, GA 30044
Just off Highway 29 SW of Lawrenceville Price: Free
You are invited to attend, participate and publicize this event in your Amateur Radio publications.
The Gwinnett Amateur Radio Society with the help of The Gwinnett Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) will host our 10th annual TechFest. Last year we began inviting regional radio groups to participate by setting up a table with information about their activities. This will be an opportunity for the community to become aware of several modes of operation of Radio Amateurs and view some of the preparations taking place by public service volunteers in the Ham radio community. Unlike Field day, this is not a contest or race. It is a chance to experience parts of our hobby that you might never have seen. Or show your friends and family what Ham Radio is about.
· See demonstrations of Packet Radio, APRS, IP based communications.
· Learn how Amateur Radio and Scouting are having fun and working together to improve everyone’s world, and how you can get your kids and grandkids involved.
· Take one of the Amateur Radio Exams (please read the VE testing requirements).
· See Amateur Radio Digital Modes in operation.
· Talk to Amateur Radio Emergency Services personnel.
· Visit the Tailgate lot for that special purchase.
· HF,VHF and UHF radios will be operation.
· Participate in the Chili Cook-Off.
Get the Crock Pot Ready! Look up that recipe for the best chili in town. It’s time for the GARS Tech Fest and Chili Cook-off. Mark you calendar: Saturday January 12th, 2008 10:00-2:00 at the First United Methodist Church in Lawrenceville. Directions are available on the GARS web site
The idea of Tech Fest was first tested 10 years ago when Kevin Berry, KF4RMA expressed interest in an event who's primary function was to expose members of the community to the many facets of Amateur Radio.
It's a chance to hear the truth about radios and antennas, without the flashy spin that a salesperson might put on it. It is an event that encourages the free exchange of ideas and knowledge. Watch the GARS web site for the latest information on this year’s TechFest. TechFest is an inside event, so unless there is some really strange weather, it should take off as scheduled.
We will have our second outside tailgate which will start at 8:00 and runs until about 12:00. There is no charge again this year for tailgate space. We will supply the parking space, but we do not have tables.
If you, or your club, have a special interest in some mode of amateur radio or electronics and would like to share your equipment and experiences with the community, please give David, KA4KKF, a call @ 678-602-2690 or email him at ka4kkf@arrl.net to arrange for a table to showcase your project. Space is somewhat limited, so go ahead and reserve a table. This is also a good time for our Elmers to show up and share some tales of HAM radio history.
We’ll do setup around 9:00 and start at 10:00 and serve lunch along with the Great GARS Chili Cook-off around noon. We hope to demonstrate fellowship, HF, VHF, UHF, QRP, digital communications, CW, antennas, portable operations, electronic gadgets, Satellite, D-Star, Club and Ham Services, our association with the ARRL, great chili and hamburgers.
Be sure to invite your non-ham friends. This should be a great family experience and a time for some of our younger citizens to become interested in the Magic of Amateur Radio.
To view few photos from 2007 http://www.gars.org/images/2007/TechFest%202007/index.html
Questions or comments can be directed to me, Norm Schklar, WA4ZXV, home 770-840-9664, Cell 770-313-9410, David Adcock, KA4KKF 678-602-2690 ka4kkf@arrl.net. Tech Fest information is available on the web site www.gars.org .
Event Contact Info: www.gars.org
Contact Person: Norman Schklar Email: wa4zxv@schklar.com Phone: 770-313-9410
This is preliminary information and subject to change. July 7, 2007