MESSAGE FROM INTERIM PRESIDENT KEN OELKE, VE6AFO MARCH 28, 2002

Dear Fellow QCWA Members:

The time has come for me to write to the members of QCWA National. This letter is going out to those who are QCWA National members and were Chapter 151 members who have expressed an interest to continue with QCWA and Wild Rose Chapter 151. As well I send this to those who once belonged to QCWA National and encourage you to consider joining us again.

Please allow me to explain what has transpired since December 31, 2001. Recent members of Chapter 151 were informed in a letter from former Secretary Bruce Collisson VE6BAC, dated January 7, 2002, that QCWA Wild Rose Chapter 151 is disbanding as of December 31, 2001. This decision was also made known to QCWA National Headquarters in Eugene, OR. This effectively ended QCWA Wild Rose Chapter 151 to be an active Chapter on the QCWA National Headquarter books.

After much discussion with former President Les Card, VE6CA and other QCWA members, it was decided to resurrect QCWA Wild Rose Chapter 151. Why? As you know it only requires 5 Amateurs who have been licensed longer than 25 years to form a Chapter within QCWA National. It was determined there were at least 10 to 12 Amateurs wishing to maintain an Alberta Chapter within QCWA. Of these 10 to 12 Amateurs, 6 are Life Members of QCWA National and 3 were Life Members of QCWA Wild Rose Chapter 151.

In this regard I personally contacted QCWA National Headquarters explaining the situation as it had unfolded up to December 31, 2001. From this information QCWA National General Manager Jim Walsh mailed out the Chapter Annual Report form to former President Les Card, VE6CA. The report was completed and returned and I am pleased to announce that we have confirmation from QCWA National Headquarters that QCWA Wild Rose Chapter 151 has been reinstated effectively immediately. The records state the interim President as Ken Oelke, VE6AFO and the interim Secretary/Treasurer as Les Card, VE6CA.

This now brings up the question where do we go from here? We have no funds (Chapter 151 money was divided and reimbursed to previous members) and as interim President it is my goal to begin rebuilding Chapter 151 to where it once was when the late Charles Tyrrell, VE6PV was Secretary/Treasurer. I envied his passion for QCWA and the way he made you feel good when joining the Chapter. QCWA Wild Rose Chapter 151 has a proud history and will soon be celebrating its 20th anniversary in May 2004. Do you want to be part of this? I certainly do and planning for our 20th anniversary should begin now with all of us contributing toward its success!

Of course rebuilding will not take place over night. Each active QCWA member should invite their numerous eligible friends to join us. Make them feel good about joining a proud organization which brings 'like minds' and years of radio experience together in fellowship. As well, mention the many awards they are eligible for in QCWA. Membership growth is a responsibility of all of us, not just one or two.

In closing, it is hopeful this letter will be the beginning of many to communicate Wild Rose Chapter 151 activities. Also watch for future Chapter reports in the QCWA Journal. We are also investigating the possibility of setting up a website for Chapter 151 to provide more visibility. This will make it easier to point your friends who are on the internet to our Chapter activities, upcoming events and membership application forms. We are also planning for an annual dinner meeting in the early fall of 2002. Plan now to attend this special meeting in fellowship.

Thank you for listening and taking an interest in promoting QCWA Wild Rose Chapter 151. If you have any questions I would be pleased to answer them. I can be reached via e-mail at

73
Yours truly,
Ken Oelke, VE6AFO