It has been a long tradition in the NEWN to hold a luncheon in August, usually the third Saturday of the month). It’s been not only an opportunity to put a face on a call sign but also a chance for group discussion of issues (or non-issues). It has also been an opportunity to pass the reins of Net Manager if a new Net Manager had been elected by the members at the turn of our fiscal year, May 1st.
Interest in the annual luncheon has waned over the past few years with declining attendance. The usual reason has been the distance traveled to get to the luncheon in Swanzey NH. So, this year I decided to see if we could expand the luncheon venue to the primary areas of the membership. My plan was to hold four luncheons on the four weekends of the month of August. The first was to be held in Connecticut, the second in Maine, the third in New Hampshire (as usual at Pappagallo’s), and the fourth meeting on Cape Cod.
Well, the best laid plans of mice, men, and Net Managers often go astray! Although I handed the Net Manager role to Jack Caoron, W1AYX, in May, I continued to take responsibility for the annual get together.
The first problem was that there was almost no interest in a luncheon in Norwich, CT. But I thank Jim, KB1KCA, from East Lyme, CT for trying to help. So we cancelled the first luncheon. The second luncheon was held in Hudson, ME and was hosted by Stes, K1WXY, at his camp just north of Bangor, ME on Little Pushaw Pond. Four members attended: Jack, W1AYX, our new Net Manager, Stes our host, Andrew, N1WMR, from Bar Harbor, ME, and myself, K1MGH after a two day trip to northern ME. Jack and I brought our wives (and my dog, Seamus) and the six of us had a very nice luncheon. The third luncheon was cancelled because the venue, Pappagallo’s, was sustained a lightning strike that wiped out most of their facilities. The fourth luncheon was held at the Parrot Bar & Grill in Bourne, Cape Cod. Five members attended: Tom, WA1KDD, Gene, KX1C; Henry, K1WCC; Doug, N1JBG; Greg, W1SOO; Charlie, K1CB and his wife Helen. We had a good time and good food.
Hudson, ME:
Bourne, Cape Cod