Hoosick Grange News

C.Q., C.Q., has anyone got their ears on? This is Ham Radio Operator talk. The code is short hand for calling anybody. On Wednesday night after a delicious covered dish supper, we were surprised at all the things we learned on amateur radio. Mr. Don Babbitt was our speaker along with Martha, his wife. Don told us that Ham Radio is less than 100 years old. Don and Martha are Ham Amateur radio operators. To become a Ham Radio Operator you have to pass a test. Don showed us a video on “The New World of Amateur Radio.” All amateur radio operators have personal call letters. Don is KB1-1ET. There are Ham Radio operators all over the world. They help in many disasters, like 911, relaying messages to let people know if their loved ones are alive or not. They have Ham Radio operators up in space, since 1960, in space crafts. They can communicate with their families. Some notable people who are or were Ham Radio operators are King Hussein, Barry Goldwater, Chet Atkins and Dave Bell.
The amateur Radio operators have big conventions – a big one is in Dayton, Ohio. They can talk on any frequency. When FEMA couldn’t get through in New York City, the Amateur Radio operators could.
Don called one of his Ham Radio operators up who is in West Mt. and talked. He let our Master David Cornell talk also. Ham Radio is very interesting and growing. The lecturer thanked Don and Martha for a very enlightening program.
At their meeting on March 24, the Grange were entertained by the Hoosick Falls Central School Jazz Band, and all members brought cookies.