At 6pm on July 24th the Suffolk County Radio Club in cooperation with the Mastic-Moriches-Shirley Community Library hosted an Introductory to Amateur Radio presentation at the Moriches Branch of the library system.
The event was promoted within the Library system media. 6 library patrons attended the hour long presentation, which started with short introductions of the presenters followed by the attendees and then consisted of a short ARRL video along with a slide show presented by Ed, N2XDD, followed by a short talk about the licensing process by Nicole, AD2IM. Brian, NG2S, then spoke about some of the interesting and exciting activities within the amateur radio hobby. Pres, W2PW gave a short demonstration on repeaters with a portable duplex hot spot and an HT. Origen, KD2MRN and Joel, KC2GRN, added to the discussions. There was some intense note taking during the event. At the end of the event the attendees were provided with literature and hand outs from the ARRL and SCRC which contained information and links on getting started in the hobby as well as some more in depth info about the SCRC.
The attendees consisted of 1 current ham, 1 expired ham, 4 not-yet hams and was split 50-50 male and female.
Lots of great questions were asked of the presenters which made for fun discussion. The presentation ended a little before 7pm and the questions and answers went well past 7:30 and some did not leave until after 8pm.
Thanks to all those who attended and helped out. Thank you to the Mastic-Moriches-Shirley Community Library for hosting the Suffolk County Radio Club and assisting in bringing Amateur Radio awareness to the community.
It appeared the presentation was well received and hopefully this 1st presentation leads to many more as well as new licensed operators and club members. If we are not growing we are shrinking!