James Bennett KA5DVS/2 and his lovely wife Kathy have pulled up roots and have headed out for a new job in San Francisco. Many of us have already expressed our sadness in seeing them leave the NJ-scene, but at the same time share in their excitement and new horizons ahead on the Left Coast. In fact, James will be remaining with the NJ-QRP Club and its mailing list, in addition to being active in the NorCal Club! So as he says, we'll have a spy in amongst those guys!
Many of us have posted Fond Farewells to James and Kathy over the last couple of weeks ... we've collected these goodbye-notes here in a special page dedicated to James KA5DVS/6.
James,
As someone once said, parting is such sweet sorrow... On one hand we all are going to miss you. You've been an integral part of NJQRP, a great supporter in our efforts (a real brick for "volunteering" to be our point man on Rainbow kit ordering!), and very gracious in allowing us to invade your home periodically for our meetings. We will certainly miss you and Kathy.
On the other hand, it's a bright new beginning for you professionally and in pursuing your hobbies. All the best to you in your new job and in finding a reasonable house within commuting distance ...
And now you are close to the heart of qrpdom, the California Burger where the infamous NorCal meetings happen. You know, come to think of it, you could probably write a new chapter for the ARS, too. I can't recall anyone going out into the field on rollerblades for either the Spartan Sprints or the Bumblebee efforts.
Please think of us back on the east coast when you unearth all those goodies at the ever present elex surplus stores.
72/73,
Joe E., N2CX
James:
To echo what Joe said: It's not an ending but rather a beginning. We all wish you nothing but the best in your new position and your new environment. Sounds like the living situation will be a little dicey to start, but I'm sure that it will work out in due course.
And, you *are* heading into the heart of QRP country. I do envy you the opportunity to make a NorCal meeting each and every month. We certainly have some extremely adept homebrewers among us in NJ-QRP, and I always look forward to seeing everyone's latest projects. You'll have that in spades at the California Burger. Some of those guys are world-class builders and they do amazing work. You'll have a ball.
We'll stay in touch via the lists. Don't forget, you're still an NJ-QRP member!
72 David N2SMH
Glen Rock, NJ
James:
Without a doubt it has been my fortune to have the opportunity to be associated with you and Kathy as our paths crossed in working with NJ-QRP. I wish you both the best luck as you venture to take on CA. I know you both will do it up big. We look forward to progress reports here on the net. Good luck, take care
bfn Herb Schuler
James and Kathy,
Bye for now and don't forget that NJ isn't that far away. We will see you both again. The past events have been fun and there are many more to come.
Keep the RF flowin and the solder unrollin...
Good luck and be well.
72/73 Dean N2TNN
James,
Best of luck to you James and Kathy on your new adventure in the Left Coast. NJQRP is a considerable loss from this group. Enjoy your new home to be in the NORCAL area.
72/73,
Ken Newman, N2CQ
James,
Best of luck to you and Kathy! It's been real fun being associated with you through the NJ-QRP gang and I appreciate all your help with the club. Especially all the guidance you gave me in our field events shooting antennas up into the trees with the s____s____ (shhh .... someone may be listening here in NJ), keeping us dry during the meetings at Mercer County Park, and for all the neat gems you unloaded on us during those last couple of months.
Give us your email address once you land in CA and join up again with the mail list ... it'll be your home away from home!
Best 72,
--George N2APB
And from James himself ...
To all the NJQRP gang,
Thanks for everything over the past couple of years. This group really got me back into ham radio and especially building. I never thought that I would be involved in a kitting project such as the Rainbow but in retrospect it was fun (did I say that?).
I will miss all of you and especially the meetings. Work to keep this group going as I think it is well worth the effort.
Thanks for all the advice, suggestions and information. I wish all of you well and I will stay connected on this list once I have an email account in CA.
Take care and good luck. I look forward to building the next NJQRP kit.
James Bennett
KA5DVS/6
