I intended this to be the Events Committee report at the September
quarterly meeting, but since we are unable to assemble a quorum, I will
pass this along to the mailing list.
Over the past year, I have attempted to repeat our presentation at the
Strategic Air and Space Museum in Ashland for their Family Day in April.
As you recall, we did attend Family Day in 2003, with an interactive
exhibit assembled by the Newmans (W0NSA and K0NSA) and a balloon launch
by the NSTAR project (N9XTN). I tried to contact the Deputy Director,
Steve Prall, early in 2004 to seek his approval to return to the
Museum. Mr. Prall left me a phone message in March of 2004. He
informed me that the Museum had already booked a full day of activities
for Family Day. He did, however, say that he would be willing to
further discuss having us back at another time.
Due to the constraints of weather for a balloon launch, and other
conflicting activities in the local amateur radio community, the best
time to attempt this again was the early fall. This was also when the
(now defunct) Air Force Anniversary QSO Party was scheduled, in which
the SACMARC participated in 1997 and 1998 at members' homes, and in 1999
and 2000 on the Museum floor. Attempts over the late summer and early
fall, via letters and phone calls, to contact the Museum and attempt to
plan something, were not successful. Mr. Prall's phone message above
was the only reply received this year. It is possible that Museum
officials are very busy, already have a full slate of activities, or
that our availability does not fit in with the Museum's. It may not be
enough that we offer something to the Museum free of charge. We may
also be subject to the requirements that it fits in with the Museum's
larger plans, and contributes to attendance and fundraising. Sometimes
it may be difficult for those in authority to give a direct "no" answer.
For the time being, I will assume that this non-response is at least a
passive "no thank you, at least for now" answer. I will put our plans
for this type of activity on hold for the time being. If Museum
officials want to contact us, I would certainly be willing to consider a
future activity, but will leave the ball in their court.
Thanks to our members and other volunteers who were willing to
contribute to the SACMARC's proposed activity at the Museum this year.
73, Paul, K3FU
SACMARC Events Committee
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