[Bgmrc-list] Nostalgia - Ira KA4JNB

[KA4JNB at aol.com]

BGMRC  Nostalgia, thoughts in light of the Club not functioning too well 
lately. Sadly submitted,  Ira  KA4JNB
 
We used to have membership between 80 and 100, now it is in the twenties, 
thirties at most (many say they did not receive a DUES notice, could be part of 
it)
 
Our meetings used to number thirty to fifty, standing room only at some 
locations.  Now it takes a visitor or two to bring attendance up to five.
 
Spouses routinely attended regular meetings, as well as eating meetings.
 
We used to occasionally set up tables, by permission, in mall locations, and 
have flea market days to raise money for the repeater maintenance or upgrade.
 
We used to routinely field 5 stations on Field Day, and many times camped out 
at Powers Crossroad, making it a social occasion for everyone.  And many HAMS 
pitched in to make it a great experience.
 
We used to keep both repeaters warm with casual conversation, or information 
sharing, or helping each other.
 
We used to be a group at most local hamfests, and people from other clubs 
recognized us. Excellent friendships over the years were from meeting others at 
hamfests.
 
We used to send in memberships through ARRL, and we used to have Special Club 
recognition with them.
 
We used to conduct training at least every two years, and some of our most 
loyal members came from those training efforts.
 
We used to have excellent programs.  Those who missed the October 24th 
meeting missed an excellent slide presentation on Vietnam War Radio communications, 
brought to us by Jere.

Our Christmas Parties used to attract major ARRL figures, and the kids all 
showed up.
(Feel free to add your own items)