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Established in 1980, the Piedmont Chapter 126 of the Quarter Century Wireless Association promotes fellowship among QCWA members in the Piedmont region of North Carolina (this is the middle of the state; most of our members live in the area between Interstate Highways 77 and 95). Any current member of the National QCWA organization is eligible to join the Chapter.
The chapter meets on Saturdays four times a year (March, June, September and December) in different towns in the Piedmont. Meetings start with socializing, followed by a nice lunch and an interesting program. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
Pictures from the December 4, 2010 meeting in Lexington.
Pictures from the March 19, 2011 meeting in Clayton.
The next Chapter 126 meeting will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at McCall's BBQ & Seafood Restaurant in Clayton, NC, 10365 US 70 Hwy West, tel. 919-550-3877. All members and guests with their ham badges are welcome. This is our easternmost meeting location for the year so we hope many of you will join us.
Directions: From the west on I-40 get off at Exit 306 and merge onto highway 70E and go about 7.3 miles east on 70. The restaurant is 0.1 miles past Advance Auto. Both are on the right side of the road. After the meeting, those going back west should exit through the restaurant rear parking lot to access a road that will put you at a traffic light at Hwy 70 to turn left and return west.
A link to the restaurant's web site, including a map and directions, is here.
When: Plan to arrive at 11:30 AM to socialize, dinner at 12:00 noon then business and program at about 12:45 PM. Board members are requested to arrive at 11:00 AM.
Program: "The Piedmont Chapter 126 32nd Anniversary Saga" by Weldon, W4AJT and Bob, W2IKN. Weldon and Bob will talk about the Chapter's early days as a part of the anniversary. Weldon is the last surviving founding member of the chapter. His presentations at our meetings have always been well-received, so this should be a great program!
The Chapter has a weekly net; 3826 kHz at 8:45 AM each Saturday. This is conducted "round-table style" and is open to all. We also have an e-mail reflector (for Chapter members only).
The Chapter 126 Weekly Net Suggested Preamble, created by George McBride, W4DGJ, is available in PDF format here.
The Chapter is open to members in good standing of the National QCWA organization. The National QCWA organization is open to Amateur Radio Operators who were first licensed at least 25 years ago and are currently licensed (you do not need to have been continuously licensed). National dues are $25 per year (effective April 1, 2007) and entitle you to receive the QCWA Journal.
Chapter 126 Dues are only $7 per year. Life membership is also available, lifetime dues are $70.00. A printable application for membership is available online.
People often ask, "Why Join QCWA?" Some reasons illustrated by National QCWA Past President, Leland Smith, W5KL:
"QCWA membership often appeals to amateurs who want to be identified with and associate with some of the best known, respected, proficient and dedicated amateurs in the world. The knowledge that so many well-known amateurs have joined together in this unique non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the best interests of all amateurs, for now and posterity, appeals to many."
"There are other reasons for joining QCWA. Membership in QCWA is for those amateurs who truly enjoy the hobby, who appreciate the effect it has had on their lives, and who want to share their experiences and talents with others for the good of amateur radio."
Contact the Chapter President:
Chuck Littlewood, K4HF