RIP VAN WINKLE AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY
CLUB HISTORY
There are no records available at this time (with one exception explained later) to indicate
with precision the clubs antecedent organizations; therefore this brief history of its recent
rebirth will be given verbatim as it was sent to me(AA2Y, S. Evans and other AREC members) on
November 12, 1975.
“Dear Columbia-Greene County AREC Members:
For several months, a Steering Committee of the Columbia-Greene AREC members has been drafting
a constitution and by-laws for the purpose of forming a local radio club. At the October
meeting of the AREC group, this constitution was accepted unanimously and officers were
elected to serve until the next annual meeting in September 1976:
President Joe Johnson W2DW
Vice-President/Activities Mgr. Bob Turner WB2DUW
Sec./Treasurer Peggi Garrison WB2RZZ
The standing committee chairmen, appointed by the President are:
Repeater Comm. Bill Roth WA2PVV
Training Comm. Dick Leavitt WA2CSQ
AREC Comm. John Klimek W2KHQ
Under the new constitution the annual dues are $5.00, payable at the annual meeting.
As a member of the Columbia-Greene AREC, you are cordially invited to become a member of
the Rip Van Winkle Amateur Radio Society by filling out the enclosed application form and
submitting it to the Sec./Treasurer accompanied by your dues for 1975-1976.
The Bavarian Guest House has been sold and is no longer available as a meeting place.
Accordingly, all future meetings of the Society will be held in room 115, Columbia-Greene
Community College, Route 23, Greenport, NY. The date and time remain the same...third Monday
of each month at 7:00 p.m. local time. Due to the Society’s limited finances, meeting notices
will not be sent unless there is a change.
Your membership in the Columbia-Greene County AREC is not affected in any way by the
formation of this Society. Whether you desire to join the club or not, you are welcome and
encouraged to attend the meetings, especially since AREC matters will be discussed.
73’s
Joe Johnson, W2DW
P.S.: The November 17th meeting has been designated “Visitors’ Night.” Come and bring a
friend interested in amateur radio. A special program is planned, including the ham movie
“Fine Business.”
On November 17, 1975, the Columbia County Repeater Association and all its assets were
absorbed by a new organization known as the Rip Van Winkle Amateur Radio Society.
Having said this let me now state, however imprecisely, what is known about the antecedent
to our club as reflected in records found dated 1951. A club known then as the Rip Van Winkle
Amateur Radio Society received approval from the ARRL for its application to be an affiliated
club. The club at that time had 23 voting members and 9 associate members. Twelve members
belonged to the ARRL.
The officers of the club were Loy Tice, President; Gordon Wildey, Vice-President; Louis
Teator, Treasurer; and John Rappleyea, Secretary. They met in the Legion Hall, Green St.
Catskill. They held their meetings on the 1st Friday and 3rd Saturday monthly. They had a
constitution similar to ours. The members of the club follow:
Harold (Red) Bailley W2QIS Windham
Gordon Wildey W2FVP Medway
Louis Teator W2VCY Hudson
Robert O’Keefe W2ESL Greenville
Harold Schect W2NOC Catskill
Frank Mitchelson W2EYG Coxsackie
John Rappleyea W2WGE Catskill
Henry Ousterhoudt W2HUM Claverack
Henry Barsch W2VP Kingston
Werner Stiefel W2HSK Oak Hill
Loys Tice W2FQL Catskill
Delores Ricketson novice awaiting call Catskill
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON OUR FIRST PRESIDENT, JOE JOHNSON,
W2DW
I(AA2Y) have been unable to find the reason why Joe wrote this unless it was for a
presentation he did at the Pine Plains School in Red Hook. The information was hand-written
and undated. I include this exactly as he wrote it. I think it is nice to have this as part
of our history since Joe was an outstanding gentleman and elmer. Again, what follows is
verbatim:
Joseph A. Johnson
Background Information
Born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, where my father was an engineer with the Ontario Power Co.
Became interested in radio in my junior high school and build my first short wave radio
received from an article in Radio News. Could only get one station on it-W2XE, CBS New York.
Got my first amateur radio license in 1931 after studying with a high school friend. We still
meet on the air every Sunday morning.
Graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1935 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering.
Worked for the New York Power and Light Corp. in Albany for 7 years as an electrical engineer.
Married a girl from Philmont.
At start of WWII, tried to join the Navy. They had no interest in power engineers, but when
they found out I was a radio amateur sent me post haste to the Brooklyn Navy Yard and gave
me a job as an electrical engineer in the newest field-radar.
Was responsible for installation, calibration, test, and repair of all types of navy radar
from the second radar ever installed at Brooklyn. I got there too late for the first one.
Had charge of all fire control radars at the yard-those are the radars which control the
guns and the guided missiles.
Transferred to the design division at the yard where I was in charge of the design of all
fire control and interior communications systems and all electrical power calculations and
tests.
When the Brooklyn Navy Yard was closed in 1965 transferred to Washington, D.C. where I
worked in several electronics engineering positions.
Ended up as a program manager in the fleet maintenance division responsible for initiating
and developing multi-million dollar programs for the improvement of the hull, machinery,
and electrical systems on ships in the active fleet-everything except electronics.
Retired in 1973 and moved to Claverack.
Have been an active amateur for 46 years (which indicates this was written in 1977) and now
hold an Amateur Extra Class license as well as a second class radiotelephone license with
radar endorsement.
Hold code proficiency certificate for 35 wpm.
Hold A-1 operators certificate.
AUCTIONS
The first auction held by the RVWARS was held April 30, 1977 at the Hudson High School.
Admission was $1.00. A flea market was also held with the club getting the same commission
via the honor system as for the auction; i.e.,10%. Invitations were sent to the Mt. Greylock
group for inclusion in their newsletter. The auction was conducted by Shelly, WA2ZLQAA2Y);
Cliff, WA2DOA(N2FN); and Jerry, WA2LSU.
EARLY LOCAL HIGHLIGHT
The following is a letter dated January 24, 1979, from the Germantown Telephone Co.
“Dear Sirs:
We would like to extend to you and your organization our sincere appreciation for providing
your services to us in a time of need.
On Sunday, January 21, the power lines were torn down by an ice storm. The toll cable for
Germantown and Route 9G was badly damaged by the high voltage lines. Len and Shawn stationed
themselves in Germantown for the day, handling all our traffic in and out of our territory.”
This was signed by Bruce Bohnsack, Vice-President. The letter was in recognition of the
effort of Len Sawicky, WB2UEB and Shawn Smith, AB2H.
REPEATER AGREEMENT
On August 21, 1978, the Village of Philmont and the RVWARS entered into an agreement to
provide mutual services. The agreement specifically provided for lease rights, building
specifications, accessibility rights, club responsibilities to the Village, and length of
the agreement.
AREC(S)
The is the first formal statement concerning an AREC. On May 1, 1974 an “Amateur Radio
Emergency Corps Emergency Plan” was drafted and revised in 1977. Following is a list of
the 1977 members:
Peter H. Avery WB2AEA Hudson
Reuben W. Pike WA2CRS Niverville
Dick Leavitt WA2CSQ Hudson
Clifford J. Miller WA2DOA Ghent
Robert T. Turner(EC) WB2DUW Craryville
Joseph A. Johnson W2DW Claverack
William Eggleston WA2EFK Pallenville
Peter Jaworski WA2GVC Ancram
Adolph F. Elster W2FSL Ancramdale
Jim Scholz WB2FVP Surprise
Skip Benjamin WB2GYZ East Jewett
Oliver Adams WB2IEO Pine Plains
Allan Pizer W2IVZ Catskill
Dick Aggers KI2S(not his call at the time) Hannacroix
Dick Snow Philmont
John Klimek W2KHQ Valatie
David Fein WB2KRS New Lebanon Center
Jerome F. Walsh WA2LSU Hudson
William G. Roth(Asst.EC) WA2PVV Chatham Center
Louis Weiss WB2QKZ Copake
Ernest Weiss WB2QLA Copake
Dow B. Hover WA2QQY Germantown
Margaret A. Garrison WB2RZZ Claverack
Leonard Sawicky(Asst.EC) WB2UEB Hudson
J. Shawn Smith WB2UOZ Hudson
Joyve Stupplebeen WA2UYE Schenectady
Gary McLarnon(Asst. EC) WA2YAW Earlton
Jan. L. Welch WB2YGI Schenectady
Shailer “Shelly” Evans WA2ZLQ Claverack
The following amateurs were on a list for 1977, but it is unclear whether it was AREC or
club. It should be noted that most if not all AREC members were also club members.
Joseph Blasco WB2HJA Craryville
Donald Bartless Hudson
Ann L. Clapper WA2KCU Hudson
David L. Clapper WA2FTI Hudson
Sean Gallagher WA2FGJ Catskill
Charles Link WA2HHS Catskill
William Nightingale WB2HJB Chatham
Ellen Rettus WA2KCK East Durham
Richard Rettus WB2KCK East Durham
Lewis Sharpe WN2HHI Hudson
Robert Shelato Catskill
Anna Shook WB2KEZ Ancramdale
Romolo Toigo WA2LGO Chatham
Harold S. Warner WA2QMF W. Coxsackie
Peter Willis WB2KEX Coxsackie
HIGHLIGHTS OF MINUTES
1975-1976 officers:
President Joe Johnson W2DW
Vice-Pres./Act. Mgr. Bob Turner WB2DUW
Sec./Treas. Peggi Garrison WB2RZZ
These officers were elected October 20, 1975. Dick Leavitt, WA2CSQ, moved that the club be
known as the Rip Van Winkle Amateur Radio Society. It was seconded by Pete Avery, WB2AEA,
and the motion was carried.
The following is the 1975-1976 roster:
Peter H. Avery, Jr WB2AEA Hudson
Adolph F. Elster W2FSL Ancramdale
Shailer ”Shelly” Evans WA2ZLQ Claverack
Dow B. Hover WA2QQY Germantown
Joseph A. Johnson W2DW Claverack
Gary McLarnon WA2YAW Earlton
Reuben W. Pike WA2CRS Niverville
J. Shawn Smith WB2UOZ Hudson
Robert T. Turner WB2DUW Craryville
Margaret A. Garrison WB2RZZ Claverack
George Hazelton W2MNQ Philmont
W. Richard Leavitt WA2CSQ Hudson
William Roth WA2PVV Valatie(Chatham)
John Klimek W2KHQ Valatie
John Klimek, Field Day chairman reported that W2FSL’s call will be used for field day which
will be held at Beebe Hill which we used last year. There will be six operating positions:
3 HF and 3VHF. Cw and ssb in Adolph’s van, a novice position, 6 meters, and cw and ssb on
2 meters. We had 14 participants and ran 5 transmitters with 1 novice position. We scored
2673 points in 1976 and 1670 in 1975.
1976-1977 officers:
President BobTurner WB2DUW
Vice-President Shelly Evans WA2ZLQ
Sec./Treas. Peggi Garrison WB2RZZ
Repeater Comm. Chrn. Dave Fein WB2KRS
AREC Comm. Chrn. John Klimek W2KHQ
Training Comm. Chrn. Pete Avery WB2AEA
Field Day was co-chaired by Shawn, Shelly, Joe, and Cliff. At the July 18,1977 meeting,
President Bob Turner canvassed the group about having their own repeater. (This may be the
first formal indication of our club’s intent.) As a footnote I believe it is fair to say
that Bob Turner was mainly responsible for the electrical and schematic work. At the August
1977 meeting, Dick Leavitt was made the repeater trustee.
1977-1978 officers:
President Bob Turner WB2DUW
Vice-President Shelly Evans WA2ZLQ
Sec./Treas. Peggi Garrison WB2RZZ
Activities Manager Peter Jaworski WA2GVC
Program Manager Pete Avery WB2AEA
Historian Ellen Rettus WA2KCK
Property Manager Dick Rettus WB2KCK
Training Comm. Chrn. Joe Johnson W2DW
Repeater Comm. Chrn. Dick Leavitt WA2CSQ
ARES Comm. Chrn. Len Sawicky WB2UEB
Public Relations Chrn. Ellen Rettus WA2KCK
At the June 19, 1978 meeting we were informed that the Village of Philmont and our club
reached an agreement with respect to a repeater site and our mutual responsibilities.
1978-1979 officers:
President Shailer ”Shelly” Evans AA2Y
Vice-President Dick Aggers KI2S
Sec./Treas. Len Sawicky WB2UEB
There are no records of the other officers and committee chair people.
1979-1980 officers:
This year the office of Sec. Treas. was split.
President Dave Clapper WA2FTI
Vice-President Cliff Miller N2FN
Secretary Lowell Christman WA2DJO
Treasurer Adolph Elster W2FSL
One set of minutes indicates that the office of treasurer was held for a while by Den
Connors, WB2SPK.
Repeater Comm. Chrn. Len Sawicky WB2UEB
1980-1981 officers:
President Dave Clapper WA2FTI
Vice-President Len Sawicky WB2UEB
Treasurer Adolph Elster W2FSL
Secretary Anita Orsino KA2DLF
It appears from the minutes that Len still chaired the repeater committee, that Jim Hedrick,
WB2LKZ, was AREC chairman, and that Shawn Smith retained the training committee chairmanship
On October 20, 1980, the club received a letter from the Village of Philmont thanking us
for inviting them to the dedication of the tower at Forest Lake.
1981-1982 officers:
President Len Sawicky WB2UEB
Vice-President Jim Hedrick WB2LKZ
Treasurer Adolph Elster W2FSL
Secretary Peter Jaworski WA2GVC
ARES Comm. Chrn. Jim Hedrick WB2LKZ
Education Comm. Chrn. Cindy Maurer N2CFR
Repeater Comm. Chrn. Jerry Walsh WA2LSU
It was noted in the minutes of March 1982 that Jim Orsino, KA2DLE, was Asst. EC for Greene
County.
The minutes of September 21, 1981 tell us that Adolph, W2FSL, proposed that the club build
its own Port-O-Let to avoid the cost of rental for next year’s Field Day. Action on this
proposal was delayed until the spring of 1982. (Where it apparently languished.) No one
had proposed whose house it would be stored in. Hi-hi.
It was noted in a report to the ARRL that we had 45 licensed, voting members of whom 40
belonged to the ARRL.
On May 25, 1982, a letter of thanks was sent to Jules Madey,K2KGJ, for the donation of a
Station Master Antenna. the club had no money at this time so this was a major donation.
Field Day was held at the pavilion in Ancram owned by the Ancram Landowner’s Association
and a letter was sent thanking them for its use by us.
I have two rosters; one from March 1981 and one from April 1982. I will combine the two
here rather than list each one separately:
Oliver Adams WB2IEO Pine Plains
Dick Aggers KI2S Hannacroix
Oris Babcock(later moved) WA2KEV Greenville
Sidney Berger KA2FYK Copake
Joe Blasco WB2HJA Craryville
Ann Burdick KA2FZZ Elizaville
Bernard Burdick WB2UHB Elizaville
Lowell Christman WA2DJO Hudson
Ann Clapper WA2KCU Hudson
Dave Clapper WA2FTI Hudson
Tom Cody KA2MYJ Hudson
Rev. LaurenceConnaughton WA2DWH Philmont
Bill Connelly KA2IGD West Point
Ron Coons WA2UYY Surprise
Fred Deubert WB2VYB Athens
Jim Dodd KA2DKX Catskill
Vincent Doto KA2NBT Hudson
Bill Eggleston WA2EFK Palenville
Adolph Elster W2FSL Ancramdale
Shailer”Shelly”Evans AA2Y Claverack
Jim Hedrick WB2LKZ Stuyvesant
Bob Hoffman(dad) N2DAZ Hudson
Robert Hoffman(son) KA2HIC Hudson
Dow Hover WA2QQY Germantown
Peter Jaworski(dad) WA2GVC Ancram
Peter Jaworski(son) KC2KK Ancram
Regina Jaworski(mom) WA2UYM Ancram
Tom Jaworski WA1MJE Great Barrington, Ma.
Joe Johnson W2DW Claverack
Edward Long W2JYB Chatham
Linda McLean Hudson
William Maurer(dad) KG2W Hudson
Billy Maurer(son) KO2B Hudson
Lisa Maurer(daughter) KO2C Hudson
Cindy Maurer(mom) KC2HR Hudson
Cliff Miller N2FN Ghent
Jackie Miller KA2GAD Ghent
Pat Mugan KA2KTC Hudson
Reuben Pike WA2CRS Niverville
Hal Post AK2E Schenectady
Ellen Rettus WA2KCK East Durham
Dick Rettus KC2H East Durham
Karl Roeben KA2ANP Catskill
Jeff Russack N2CSO Catskill
John Russack KA2DLH Catskill
Mark Russell KB2MG Climax
Len Sawicky WB2UEB Hudson
Elizabeth Scott N2DFF Craryville
Tom Shearer W2LVZ Rensselear
John Smith KA2MYL Valatie
Warren Smith K2IOT Germantown
Shawn Smith AB2H Hudson
Richard Snow KJ2S Hillsdale
Frank Stegville KC2T Climax
Earl Turner KA2DLK Niverville
Bob Turner WB2DUW Craryville
Bob Tannenbaum(dad) N2CYH Ancram
Peter Tannenbaum)son) KA2HTF Ancram
David Tannembaum(son) KA2HTG Ancram
Susan Tannenbaum(mom) KA2HTE Ancram
Jerry Walsh(dad) WA2LSU Hudson
Steve Walsh(son) WA2SXK Hudson
John Weber KA2IXW East Chatham
Peter Willis WB2KEX Coxsackie
Chris Heidenberg KA2IFM Climax
David Van Benthuysen WB2UYO Greenville
John Mumby KA2ETR Catskill
Paul Vydareny WB2VUK North Tarrytown
Later additions in 1982
Ray Cornelison KA2PJC Catskill
Betty Lisle Swanson WB7RSE Hudson
Joan Hintermeister KA2PSB Germantown
1982-1983 officers:
No records.
1983-1984 officers:
President Sue Tannenbaum KU2Q
Vice-President Barry Barris KA2QYG
Secretary (volunteered in Oct. 1983) by Pete Jaworski KW2D
Treasurer Tom Cody KA2MYJ
President Tannenbaum resigned on January 16, 1984.
In March 1984, Dan Barton, N2EBQ, became the new president. By the July meeting of 1984,
Jim Dodd, KA2DKX , became the new secretary.
1984-1985 officers:
President DanBarton N2EBQ
Vice-President Barry Barris KA2QYG
Secretary Jim Dodd KA2DKX
Treasurer Tom Cody KA2MYJ
The March 18, 1985 minutes reflect the first time we sought permission to use the Chatham
Fair Grounds for Field Day. The April 15, 1985 minutes show that permission to use the
Chatham Fair Grounds for Field Day use was granted.
Follows is a listing for Rip’s Report mailing list for June 1985:
Oliver Adams WB2IEO Pine Plains
Alex Albino N2FHM Germantown
Cy Balson KD2MP Malden Bridge
Barry Barris KA2QYG Hudson
Dan Barton N2EBQ Chatham
Sid Berger KA2FYK Copake
Charles Bruns WB2FIP Earlton
Ann Burdick Elizaville
Bruce Birke WA2ZNO Purling
Ray Carito KA2VHC Copake
Denise Castano Catskill
Dave Clapper WA2FTI Hudson
Tom Cody KA2MYJ Germantown
Rau Cornelison KA2PUC Catskill
Fred Deubert WB2VYB Athens
Jim Dodd KA2DKX Catskill
John Drewes WB2JKN Saugerties
Bill Eggleston WA2EFK Palenville
Adolph Elster W2FSL Ancramdale
Shelly Evans AA2Y Claverack
Walter Fogg N2FZS W. Coxsackie
George Ford KA2RBN Saugerties
Pat Harman KA2YMC Catskill
Paul and Angela Hearns Cornwallville
Jim Hedrick WB2LKZ Stuyvesant
Joan Hintermeister KA2PSB Germantown
Bob Hoffman N2DAZ Hudson
Dow Hover WA2QQY Germantown
Paul Jaronsik KC2IK Catskill
Tom Jaworski WA1MJE Great Barrington,Ma.
Peter Jaworski KW2D Ancram
Simon Jaworski KQ2V Kings Park
Joe Johnson W2DW Claverack
Bernard Lanza KA2WEI Kinderhook
Jules Madey K2KGJ Hillsdale
Bill Maurer KG2W Hudson
Cliff Miller N2FN Ghent
Jim Orsino KA2DLE Greenville
Kurt Pfortner KA2GAE Valatie
Floyd Phillips KA2QYK Saugerties
Hal Post AK2E Ballston Lake
Karl Roeben N2EEK Catskill
Len Sawicky WB2UEB Hudson
Thomas Sloane WB2JZY Germantown
Warren Smith K2IOT Germantown
Dick Snow KJ2S Hillsdale
Jeanne Spica KA2QYL Saugerties
Fred Stark KA2YLZ Elizaville
Frank Stegville KC2T Climax
Bob Tannenbaum N2CYH Ancram
Jim Walker KD2LB Albany
Jerry Walsh WA2LSU Hudson
Dave Watrous KA2MZZ Schodack Landing
Cliff Wexler KA2YLY Valatie
Dave Wheeler KA2MYU Hudson
Bill Willenbaker WA2JWL Valatie
Dave Woodin KA2VKH Catskill
It should be noted that this list is a mailing list and does not list those members who
are relatives of those listed.
The club, with Pete Jaworski, KW2D, presiding as Master of Ceremonies, presented Adolph
with an achievement award plaque for his advancement to extra class licensee at the age
of 86.
The formal minutes stop there. Further reconstruction will be done from editions of Rip’s
Reports, Treasurer’s reports and any other reasonably reliable sources.
1985-1986-no records; it is believed that Dan Barton, N2EBQ was President.
1986-1987-no records; it is believed that Barry Barris, KA2QYG was President.
1987-1988-no records; it is believed that Barry Barris, KA2QYG was President.
1988-1989-no records; it is believed that Dave Watrous, WD2K was President.
1989-1990-it is believed that Mike Alecksynas, N2JVE was President..
Follows the club roster for 1990 consisting of call and name only:
AA2Y Shailer ”Shelly” Evans
KA2DKX Jim Dodd
KA2MYU Dave Wheeler
KB2CBZ Lou Welch
KB2CCB Lou Lindert
KB2CCC Josh Kuperman
KB2CLE Jim Fross
KB2IBK Chuck Kolb
KB2IBM Ray Toumilin
KC2H Dick Rettus
KD2NN Gus Muchitsch
KW2D Pete Jaworski
N2EUT Fred Stark
N2FMH Alex Albino
N2FN Cliff Miller
N2FZS Walt Fogg
N2HRC Rich Brash
N2IWB Steve Hadcock
N2JVE Mike Alecksynas
N2CLA Bill Adriance
N2LDR Marty Miller
W2FSL Adolph Elster
WA2FUZ John Fendl
WA2JWL Bill Willenbaker
WA2KCK Ellen Rettus
WB2LKZ Jim Hedrick
WB2TCV Carl Roby
WB2UEB Len Sawicky
WB2UYR Bob Sturtecky
WD2K Dave Watrous
WE2G Tom Cody
WT2C Claude Kearney
1990-1991 officers:
President Shelly Evans AA2Y
1991-1992 officers:
President Shelly Evans AA2Y
1992-1993officers:
President Shelly Evans AA2Y
For the above three terms I have records of my agendas, but no minutes were found.
1993-1994-the President may have been AA2JN
1994-1995 officers:
President Joe Nooney AA2JP
Vice-President Ken Goetz N2SQW
Treasurer Tony Hobson N2OJZ
Secretary Wayne Gearing N2ROR
This is a roster of members listed in the April 1995 newsletter:
Al Lamarre KB2PQB East Chatham
Al Price WA2QEC Acra
Alex Zagajewski N2UAO Hillsdale
Arthur Petrick N2ZRF Elka Park
Barb Kolb N2NBO Niverville
Bill Adriance AA2DC Nassau
Bill Connelly AA2RY Columbiaville
Bill Hasbrock N2ZRG Red Hook
Bruce Birke WA2ZNO Purling
Carl Lindmark N2SQV Old Chatham
Carl Roby WB2TCV Columbiaville
Chris Carlsen KB2NUV Philmont
Chuck Cogswell N2RKC Albany
Dave Clapper WA2FTI Hudson
Dave Owens AA2GR Valatie
Dave Watrous WD2K Schodack Landing
Dick Rettus KC2H Cornwallville
Donald Chittenden N2USM Valatie
Ed Pough N2TSY Catskill
Fred Stark N2EUT Cairo
Fritz Dorflain KB2OHR Chatham Center
Gary Stoller N2JOH Hillsdale
Gus Muchitsch KD2NN Tivoli
J.G.Ortiz N2ZRE Philmont
James Fross KB2CLE Red Hook
Jeff Ostertag N2RCF Leeds
Joe Nooney N2PBP Valatie
John Barbato N2LND Hoboken,NJ
John Fandl WA2FUZ Carrabelle, FL
Kathleen Long N3SSA East Stroudbere,PA
Ken Goetz N2SQW Cairo
Len Sawicky WB2UEB Hudson
Lou Welch KB2CBZ Chatham
Marty Miller N2LDR Philmont
Mike Alecksynas N2JVE Valatie
Mike Sanders Chatham
Neil Anderson N2LOD Averill Park
Oliver Adams WB2IEO Pine Plains
Paul Robideau N2PEN Cohoes
Pete Jaworski KW2D Ancram
Peter Jannsen N2JXT Kinderhook
Richard Brash KF2CE Hudson
Robert Sturtecky WB2UYR Hunter
Robert Turner WB2DUW Craryville
Ronald Coons WA2UYY Athens
Scott Runyon N2VHJ Copake
Shailer “Shelly” Evans AA2Y Claverack
Stan Engle WA2UET Ghent
Stanley Marcus KB2LUR Ghent
Steve Hadcock KE2WO Stuyvesant
Tom Cody WE2G Germantown
Tony Hobson N2OJZ Ghent
Victor Borghi N2OUT East Chatham
Warren Smith K2IOT Germantown
Wayne Gearing N2ROR East Chatham
Additional names found to be members:
Joe Nooney AA2JP Valatie
Maryhelen Welch KB2MWH Chatham
Greg Roby N2LUA Columbiaville
Mildred Adriance N2PBM Nassau
Betty Parker N2POS Cohoes
Jerry Jackson N2QIP Troy
Carol Carlsen N2REY Philmont
Darlene Alecksyna N2SUV Valatie
Pete Jannsen N2XJT Kinderhook
Ann Clapper WA2KCU Hudson
Bob Sturtecky WB2UYR Hunter
1995-1996 officers:
President Ken Goetz N2SQW
Vice-President Jeff Ostertag N2RCF
Secretary Wayne Gearin N2ROR
Treasurer Tony Hobson N2OJZ
The October 1996 newsletter mentions that KF2CE, Rich Brash, became a silent key. Dave’s
article in memoriam is a must. Rich will be respected by those who knew him as a man who
overcame extreme deficiencies to obtain his advanced class license. I was very saddened
by his loss.
1996-1997 officers:
President Ken Goetz N2SQW
Vice-President Jeff Ostertag N2RCF
Secretary Wayne Gearing N2ROR
Treasurer Stan Engle WA2UET
KB2CLE, Jim Fross, has been collecting for the needy kids for Christmas for a few years
(and continues to this day in the year 2000). He imbues the Christmas spirit in all who
meet him for his energy for this project. His love of children and his work to ease their
pain of not having presents or essentials for Christmas is worthy of the utmost respect
and admiration.
The April 1997 newsletter reported the passing of Jerry Walsh, WA2LSU. Jerry was known for
his efforts to upgrade our repeater. He was responsible for an IBM grant to allowed us the
funds to build and equip the repeater site. He was also available if you ever had trouble
with a rig and needed help.
The April 1997 newsletter contained the following roster:
Dave Owens AA2GR Valatie
Joe Nooney AA2JP Valatie
Shelly Evans AA2Y Claverack
Everett Rossman AB2CS Ghent
Gary Stoller K2GS Hillsdale
Wayne Gearing K2WG East Chatham
Jackie Miller KA2GAD Ghent
Jim Fross KB2CLE Red Hook
Stan Marcus KB2LUR Ghent
Fritz Dorflein KB2ORH Valatie
Al Lamarre KB2PQB East Chatham
Dana Hommel KB2UUK Elka Park
Dan Clum KB2UUL Hudson
Ron Hoose KB2UUO Haines Falls
Roger Elliot KB2UUP Copake
Frank Maloney KB2UUQ Earlton
Bina Evans KB2UUR Claverack
Charles Havlick KB2UUS Catskill
David Delaney KB2YNU Hudson
Steve Tuthill KB2YUV Pine Plains
Phil Goodsill KB2ZBQ Hillsdale
Manny Barros KB2ZST Saugerties
Neil Osborn KB2ZYS Hunter
John Gabrielson KC2AGM Earlton
Dick Rettus KC2H Cornwallville
Gus Muchitsch KD2N Tivoli
Steve Hadcock KE2WO Stuyvesant
Jarred Jackson KF2MR Troy
Ric Warren KF2YC Stuyvesant
Kevin Erickson KM2E Hudson
Pete Jawoski KW2D Ancram
Fred Stark N2EUT Cairo
Nancy Fallon N2FMW Cairo
Cliff Miller N2FN Ghent
Mike Alecksynas N2JVE Valatie
Stan Murawski N2BLX Valatie
Marty Miller N2LDR Philmont
Neil Anderson N2LOD Averill Park
Greg Roby N2LUA Columbiaville
Barb Kolb N2NBO Niverville
Tony Hobson N2OJZ Ghent
Mildred Adriance N2PBM Nassau
Ellen Nooney N2PBP Valatie
Paul Robideau N2PEN Cohoes
Betty Parker N2POS Cohoes
Jerry Jackson N2QIP Troy
Jeff Ostertag N2RCF Coxsackie
Ben Webster N2ROQ Stuyvesant Falls
Ken Goetz N2SQW Cairo
Darlene Alecksynas N2SUV Valatie
Alex Zagajewski N2UAO East Chatham
Don Chittenden N2USM Valatie
Scott Runyon N2VHJ Copake
Pete Jannsen N2XJT Kinderhook
Ed Czyzewski N2XPW Hudson
Jose Ortiz N2ZRE Philmont
Bill Hasbrouck N2ZRG Red Hook
Jim Fallon NK2F Cairo
Ben Bond W2PS Latham
Dave Clapper WA2FTI Hudson
Ellen Rettus WA2KCK Cornwallville
Ann Clapper WA2KCU Hudson
Al Price WA2QEC Acra
Stan Engle WA2UET Ghent
Ron Coons WA2UYY Athens
Bruce Birke WA2ZNO Purling
Bob Turner WB2DUW Craryville
Oliver Adams WB2IEO Pine Plains
Frank Chaffee WB2T Catskill
Carl Roby WB2TCV Columbiaville
Len Sawicky WB2UEB Hudson
Dave Watrous WD2K Schodack Landing
Tom Cody WE2G Germantown
1997-1998 officers:
President Ken Goetz N2SQW
Vice-President Dave Clapper WA2FTI
Secretary Wayne Gearing K2WG
Treasurer Stan Engle WA2UET
The February newsletter report s the passing of Ellen Rettus, WA2KCK. She and her husband
Dick, KC2H, were some of the earliest students I (AA2Y) had at the college. They have
always been warm people who would go out of the way to assist you. Ellen will be missed.
The May 1998 RVWARS roster is as follows:
Dave Owens AA2GR Valatie
Shelly Evans AA2Y Claverack
Gary Stoller K2GS Hillsdale
Wayne Gearing K2WG East Chatham
Jackie Miller KA2GAD Ghent
Jim Fross KB2CLE Red Hook
Fritz Dorflein KB2ORH Valatie
Al Lamarre KB2PQB East Chatham
Dana Hommel KB2UUK(N2KN) Elka Park
Ron Hoose KB2UUO Copake
Roger Elliot KB2UUP Copake
Frank Maloney KB2UUQ Earlton
Bina Evans KB2UUR Claverack
Charles Havlick KB2UUS Catskill
Rose Bulger KB2WUG Rensselaer
Steve Tuthill KB2YUV Pine Plains
Neil Osborn KB2ZVS Hunter
John Gabrielson KC2AGM Earlton
Laura Guido KC2ASQ Pine Plains
Jonathan Gould KC2BNE Catskill
Ed Garber KC2BTH Hudson
James Krom KC2BTI Hensonville
Jennifer Krom KC2BTJ Hensonville
Ron Vincent KC2BTK Stottville
Clayton Vedder KC2BTL Catskill
Pat Hogan KC2CVJ Hudson
Dick Rettus KC2H Cornwallville
Gus Muchitsch KD2N Tivoli
Bill Macfarlane KE1HT Pittsfield, Ma.
George Call KE2EB Coxsackie
Ray Quintero KF2GX Germantown
Kevin Erickson KM2E Hudson
Pete Jaworski KW2D Ancram
Everett Rossman N2ER Ghent
Fred Stark N2EUT Cairo
Cliff Miller N2FN Ghent
Joe Nooney N2JN Valatie
Stan Murawski N2LBX Valatie
Marty Miller N2LDR Philmont
Greg Roby N2LUA Columbiaville
Barb Kolb N2NBO Niverville
Tony Hobson N2OJZ Ghent
Mildred Adriance N2PBM Nassau
Ellen Nooney N2PBP Valatie
Paul Robideau N2PEN Cohoes
Betty Parker N2POS Cohoes
Jeff Ostertag N2RCF Coxsackie
Ben Webster N2ROQ Stuyvesant Falls
Ken Goetz N2SQW Cairo
Alex Zagajewski N2UAO East Chatham
Don Chittenden N2USM Valatie
Dennis Bulger N2USN Rensselaer
Scott Runyon N2VHJ Copake
Chrissy Bulger N2WUB Rensselaer
Pete Jannsen N2XJT Kinderhook
George Smith N2YXC Rensselaer
Jose Ortiz N2ZRE Philmont
Ben Bond W2PS Latham
David Clapper WA2FTI Hudson
Ann Clapper WA2KCU Hudson
Al Price WA2QEC Acra
Stan Engle WA2UET Ghent
Ron Coons WA2UYY Athens
Bruce Birke WA2ZNO Purling
Bob Turner WB2DUW Craryville
Oliver Adams WB2IEO Pine Plains
Frank Chaffee WB2T Catskill
Carl Roby WB2TCV Columbiaville
Len Sawicky WB2UEB Hudson
Dave Watrous WD2K Schodack Landing
Tom Cody WE2G Hudson
Erika Goetz KC2DMI Cairo
The November 1998 newsletter noted the passing of Oliver ”Ollie” Adams, WB2IEO. Pete, KW2D,
wrote movingly of his friendship with Oliver in this issue. Ollie was still an active ham
at age 91 years of age. A friendly man with a kind word for everyone.
1998-1999 officers:
President Wayne Gearing K2WG
Vice-President Dave Clapper WA2FTI
Secretary Erika Goetz KC2DMI
Treasurer Stan Engle WA2UET
1999-2000 officers:
President Wayne Gearing K2WG
Vice-President Dave Clapper WA2FTI
Secretary Erika Goetz KC2DMI
Treasurer Stan Engle WA2UET
Historian Ken Goetz N2SQW
This year a new constitution was approved. One of the most important items in it was the
creation of the office of Historian on the same level as the other officers and who will
be elected annually also.
FIELD DAY
What Field Day information exists is sketchy for any particular year and most years efforts
are missing. What follows comes from minutes, actual field day summary sheets, and Rip’s
Reports:
Field Day 1975: total score of 1670 points.
Field Day 1976: total score of 2673 points.
Field Day 1977: total score of 2048 points; 339 cw qso’s and 346 phone qso’s.
Field Day 1978: total score of 2122 points; 248 cw qso’s and 565 phone qso’s. Field Day
was held in Hannacroix. The Field Day was coordinated by Jerry Walsh, WA2LSU, and the site
and power were provided by Dick Aggers, WB2KBW.
Field Day 1984: total score of 2192 points; 230 cw qso’s and 536 phone qso’s.
Field Day 1989: total score of 3028 points; 461 cw qso’s and 392 phone qso’s. The Field Day
was held at the Chatham Fair Grounds using the call of W2FSL. AA2Y was Field Day coordinator.
Thirty two people participated and we ran two transmitters plus a novice station.
Field Day 1990: total score of 1478 points: 125 cw qso’s and 284 phone qso’s. The Field Day
was held at the Chatham Fair Grounds using the call again of W2FSL. AA2Y was again Field Day
coordinator. Twelve people participate and we ran two transmitters plus a novice station.
Field Day 1991: total score of 2312; 454 cw qso’s and 248 phone qso’s. Field Day was held at
the Chatham Fair Grounds. Twenty five people participated and we ran two transmitters plus a
novice station. AA2Y was used as the Field Day call. Twenty five people participated and we
ran two transmitters plus a novice station.
Field Day 1993: total score of 2772 points; 271 cw qso’s and 394 phone qso’s. The Field Day
was held at the Chatham Fair Grounds. WD2K was used as the Field Day call.
Field Day: 1997: total score of 2492.
Field Day 1998: total score of 3456; 285 cw qso’s and 1138 phone qso’s.
Field Day 1999: total score of 3746; 252 cw qso’s and 1211 phone
NEWSLETTERS
The first newsletter was done by AA2Y. Only one copy exists (thank goodness). The title was
hand-written and not in my writing; therefore, I have no idea who titled it. The handwritten
title is “The Nameless Newsletter” and my contribution is the rest of the title ”Containing
Articles of Lasting Insignificance.”
The first copy offered an invitation to offer things for a swap, buy, and sell column. It
advertised in advance stimulating articles such as: Proper Operating Procedures by C.W.McCall;
EME the Hard Way by John Glen; and Long Wire Antenna Maintenance by Carl Walenda. It also
showed a picture for a multi-band notch filter using a 2 inch pin inserted into coax. It
guaranteed to white noise etc. The feature for next month was how to make planters out of
burned out linear tubes.
Rip’s Report (done in a more sane and informative manner, but not as much fun) highlights
the “Over The Hill Gang” picnic at the QTH of Dick Aggers, KB2EZ, September 9, 1979.
There is a huge gap of missing Rip’s Reports from February 1979 to 1994. The January 1979
report featured a list of newly licensed operators:
David Van Benthuysen WB2UYO General
Karl Roeben KA2ANP Tech
The following were new novices:
Evan Boardman KA2DKW
Jim Dodd KA2DKX
Charles Fleischhauer KA2DKY
Robert Hoffman KA2DKZ
Edward Konow KA2DLA
William Maurer KA2DLB
William J. Maurer KA2DLC
Henry Nelson KA2DLD
James Orsino KA2DLE
Anita Orsino KA2DLF
Mabel Reid KA2DLG
John Russack KA2DLH
Mark Russell KA2DLI
Elizabeth Scott KA2DLJ
Earl Turner KA2DLK
Catherine Weissman KA2DLL
RIP’S REPORTS FOR 1994
EDITOR IN CHIEF(FOR LIFE)-DAVE WATROUS, WD2K
Many of the articles which appear in Rip’s Report are similar; nevertheless they are of
interest and will be viewed best in the cd that will be produced by Ken, N2SQW. There is
simply too much to include in this “brief history.” It must be noted here that WD2K has
done a fantastic job with his humor and writing abilities such that mere thanks can not
convey the value of his contribution. The same must be said of WB2UEB, Len, for his tireless
efforts to put these articles into a newsletter worthy of our club and then publish the same.
March 1994:
Field Day was coordinated by Alex, N2UAO.
N2LDR,Marty , and N2ROR, Wayne offered classes at the college.
April 1994:
N2ROR, Wayne, arranged for HAZMAT training.
August 1994:
Reference is made to John, WA2FUZ compiling to rules for our local sprint VHF contest. John
was avid VHFer and did an excellent job initiating our own contest modeled after the ARRL VHF
QSO Party.
January 1995:
The club found out that Bill Adriance passed away. He was a true gentleman, a friend of all
who knew him, a real classy man. Dave’s eulogy if you will was memorably moving. I remember
Bill and I chatting at Field Day’s and being impressed with his humor and ease of accepting
whatever life offered. Bill’s call was AA2DC.
April 1995:
Lou Welch, N2ROH, passed away. He came to amateur radio later in life and worked hard to get
his general license. His wife Maryhelen is also a ham and I was lucky enough to run into her
in a restaurant in 1998 or 99. She was one of a bunch of us who used to meet at a local
restaurant for breakfast once a month.
This is not a complete history of the RVWARS. All the rosters are not included nor are 99%
of the minutes. A complete history will be done by N2SQW, Ken Goetz, and will be available
on a CD or otherwise be distributed to club members.
In some cases calls and names may be either copied incorrectly into the rosters and minutes
or I copied them incorrectly. I take responsibility for any such errors. The disk I have
written and which you should receive via email to copy is write able so errors can be
corrected. At the time of this writing, Dave, WD2K, is planning to email these to members
and I will be glad to give a floppy disk copy to anyone who does not have email.
This project has been a labor of love for me. It has brought back a flood of memories while
also causing me to furrow my brow trying to recall people and events. To look back at the
people who formed the club, built the repeater, and maintained the club structure and the
continuity of events and activities which bind us together has been a joy for me.
In my humble way I dedicate my very modest efforts to the memory of us all. 73 all from
Shailer “Shelly” Evans-AA2Y.
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