April 28, 2018 - "What Love Sees" at the Cicero Public Library — The 220 MHz Guys A.R.C.

April 28, 2018 - "What Love Sees" at the Cicero Public Library

As advertised, the Cicero Public Library's Book Club reviewed the book What Love Sees, and were fortunate enough to have in attendance a member of the family the book was written about, our own Hap Holly.

Hap and Stephanie Holly were very gracious with the group, answered many questions, and even got Hap's sister, Faith, on the phone to assist in answering questions the group came up with in a Question & Answer session, during the program.

A special treat after Book Club - the movie, based on the book, was shown. Before the movie, Stephanie shared photo albums that she crafted from pictures taken on set of the movie. The pictures included both Hap's family members, and the cast and crew for the movie.

The 220 MHz Good Guys and Gals would like to heartfully thank Hap and Stephanie Holly for letting us share this personal day with them. It was quite the journey.

January 7, 2018

220 Good Guys After Holidays Holiday Party - held at Vince's Pizzeria, Chicago, IL

Karen Shampine, and granddaughter, Sydney.jpg

November 4, 2017 -

220 Good Guy General Meeting - held at Zion Lutheran Church, Lyons, IL

Coffee, notes, gavel,... hockey puck? Time for the meeting.

Director nominations were written down with care... with hopes that they would be fulfilled in the new year.

Bob Jurgaitis - KA9CQE gave us a great presentation and demonstration on 220 MHz antennas.

October 28, 2017 - Day in the Woods

Mini Field Day - Bemis Woods South

It was a very windy, and cold day if you didn't dress for it, but we finally got to see Dick's drone fly. Despite the weather, we had a pretty good-sized group. In attendance were: Kathy Cady (KC9ESY), Laura Plecki (KD9EID), Jim Zalumsky (WG9J), Bob Jurgaitis (KA9CQE), Dick Lieber (WA9NNN), George Zardecki (N9VTB), John Plecki (KD9BYW), Brian Rudnick (KD9EOL), Andy Bowe (AB9EW), Mel Marcus (NE9A) and Kelvin Jackson (W9BBQ).

George (N9VTB) measuring for the antenna placement.

Dick (WA9NNN) at the other end of the tape measure.

Dick, Andy (AB9EW), and George in conference.

Kathy (KC9ESY) and Laura (KD9EID) under the protection of the pavilion. We think it was acting more as a wind tunnel.

Didja ever notice that quite a lot of ham pictures include photos of people looking up?

George, Jim, Dick, Andy, John and Brian (KD9EOL)

Andy, and a very happy, fearless leader, Kelvin (W9BBQ)

Laura (KD9EID) - Two coats on, still cold.

October 21, 2017 - Radio Fall Event (Portableradio.org)

Mini Field Day - Bemis Woods

We had a nice group come out on a beautiful Saturday and join us at Bemis Woods for another mini field day. Kelvin (W9BBQ), George (N9VTB), Bob (KA9GQE), Jim (WG9J), joined Dick (WA9NNN) at this fall operating event sponsored by the group, portableradio.org. Dick (WA9NNN) was giving demonstrations about drones. We were hoping to see his drone launch an antenna over the trees, however, Dick felt that it was a little too windy. Oh well, maybe next time!

Bob (KA9GQE) - Kelvin (W9BBQ) - Dick (WA9NNN)

October 8, 2017 - Mini Field Day - Bemis Woods

Another impromptu mini field day, this time at Bemis Wood, with Dick (WA9NNN), Rick (KA9THK), George (N9VTB), Tim (KD9CWY), and Tim’s twins, Archer and Hunter. Jim (W9JGH) joined in on his three-wheel motorcycle. Dick brought his new drone for some practice flying in anticipation of field day drone-based antenna launching. Thanks to Bob (KA9GQE) and George (N9VTB) for taking the photos.

Dick (WA9NNN) - Rick (KA9THK) - George (N9VTB)

September 16, 2017 -

220 Good Guys General Meeting - held at Zion Lutheran Church (our first General Meeting held outside of our regular meeting place)

Dick (WA9NNN) ran a great presentation on digital radio.

Nightcrawlers Net - 1 Year Anniversary -- September 2, 2017

It all began with Episode 1 of the Nightcrawlers net, which convened beginning the eve of September 1st, and the morning of September 2, 2016, and has been running every night (99.99%), at midnight, on the Good Guys ARC 224.52 repeater in Chicago. For a good portion of that year, it had been run by one net controller, and that was John Plecki (KD9BYW). The 220 MHz Guys and Gals surprised him with an anniversary gift celebrating all those late, long nights. One net even ran till 5:00 am! We even have some audio of the one-year anniversary net below. Many thanks to our own Hap Holly (KC9RP) for the tremendous audio gift.

Hmmm... what could it be? A dual band radio? A new ham shack?

John (KD9BYW) and Steve (KB9DSQ), our Vice President and Net Director.

Kelvin (W9BBQ) our President, John, and Steve.

A Day in the Woods - Bemis Woods -- September 2, 2017

George (N9VTB) was out in the woods early to save our spot at Bemis Woods. He set up a great antenna.

Tim (KD9CWY), Mike (N9PLG) and George (N9VTB).

It was a beautiful day, and the group was happy to be outside - Kathy (KC9ESY), Dick (WA9NNN), Kyle (Strango), and John (KD9BYW).

John (KD9BYW) waxing nostalgic before radio time.

George (N9VTB), the back of Orlando (KD9EVC), and Kathy (KC9ESY).

Tim (KD9CWY) and his future hams, Archer and Hunter (in the background), and Dick (WA9NNN) and his digital set-up.

Tim (KD9CWY) with his set-up, and his sons Archer and Hunter (the future "Super Hams") in the background.

Future "Super Hams", Hunter and Archer, discussing their strategies. Dad, Tim (KD9CWY) - so proud!

Break time for Future Super Hams - Archer and Hunter !!

Kyle (Strango) and John (KD9BYW) - hitting the waves.

Tim (KD9CWY), George (N9VTB), and future "Super Ham". George was imparting wisdom to the group.

Mike (N9PLG), Kyle (Strango), and John (KD9BYW). BYW pointing out nature in the upper foundation of the outdoor structure.

A Day in the Woods -- Bemis Woods -- August 12, 2017

Another beautiful day in the woods. We set up in Bemis Park. George (KC9KU), Dick (WA9NNN), Frank Wilker, and Mel (NE9A).

A very happy man, John (KD9BYW) and his station. Ready to make contacts.

Frank Wilker, Dick, Mel, and George. A brain-storming session.

Tim (KD9CWY), Tim's twin boys - Hunter and Archer, and John (KD9BYW) - enjoying the day.

20 "Ham"mers in a Pontoon Boat (1st Annual Boat Outing)

Shabbona Lake -- July 31, 2017 --

Afterwards, we all agreed that the fish all went home... but not with us.

Patty (DSQ's wife), Steve (KB9DSQ), Alex (Patty and Steve's grandson), Gene Thompson, and Kelvin (W9BBQ). Ready to set sail on a 4-hour tour?

Our special guests - Stephanie (KA9WKD) and Hap (KC9RP) Holly.

With a little instruction from Skipper Steve.

Jim Cady (KB9THM)'s Birthday Extravaganza Celebration! (June 21, 2017) --

A birthday celebration for Jim at Cafe 63 Restaurant (in Chicago). A great place to stop for breakfast or lunch. Attendees included Kelvin (W9BBQ), Mike (N9PLG), Mel (NE9A), John (KD9BYW), Laura (KD9EID), Jim (Man of the Hour - KB9THM), Kathy (KC9ESY), Frank, Joe (KD9EJX), Jim (WG9J), Brandy Plecki, and Steve (W9DSQ).

Jim - sporting his new call sign badge (a gift on behalf of the 220 MHz Guys ARC).

Kelvin, Mel, Kathy, John, Laura, Jim C., Mike, Jim Z. (When we take over a restaurant, we REALLY take over a restaurant. Hi Hi)

Cermak Woods Outing (June 10, 2017)

An outing to Cermak Woods (in Lyons, IL) for some radio fun. Attendees included George (KC9KU), Kelvin (W9BBQ), Dick (WA9NNN), and John (KD9BYW).

No trouble here officers. They actually stopped to get information on amateur radio, and the club!

Looks like Dick is ready for Field Day! (Who isn't by this time?)

Breakfast Meet & Greet (June 3, 2017)

Just a quick pic from a random meet & greet breakfast. (We have these every Saturday - feel free to come out and join us. You don't need to be a member to join us. Information about our Meet & Greet Breakfasts is under the tab "Club Events - Events".)

This breakfast in particular, we finally got to meet newest member, Andy (KB9EW). Great to meet you Andy! Also in the picture are: Dave (WB9HWE), Kathy (KC9ESY), Kyle (Mike's grandson), Laura (KD9EID), Dick (WA9NNN), Jim (W9JGH), Andy (KB9EW), Kelvin (W9BBQ), Bill (WA9HIR), Jim (KB9THM), John (KD9BYW), and Mike (N9PLG).

Dave, Kathy, Kyle, Laura, Dick, Jim, Andy, Kelvin, Bill, Jim, John and Mike.

A Day in the Woods (Veteran's Park) - April 8, 2017

Dan (KD4AEN) and Kelvin (W9BBQ) enjoying the day.

Mel (NE9A) and Joe (KD9EJX) - enjoying some soup. (Provided by Joe.)

George (KC9KU) and John (KD9BYW). Looks like someone's up to no good.

Vacation Gathering - Monticello, IN - October 12, 2016

A small group followed John (KD9BYW) and Laura (KD9EID) while they were on vacation in Monticello, Indiana. We all met in Monon, Indiana at the Monon Connection Railway Museum and Whistle Stop Restaurant. A fun place to visit and tour, and the food is good too! (Great reuben burgers when they offer them.) We did some elbow bending (lunch), posed for a picture, and did a tour. In the picture are Laura (KD9EID), John (KD9BYW), Jim (WG9J), Joe (KD9EJX), and Mel (NE9A).

Dam Fishing (August 2016)

We enjoy some dam fishing, and the great weather - when we can. Here are some pictures from a previous impromptu fishing outing at the Hofman Dam, located just behind P.J. Klems Restaurant in Lyons, IL. Come for the breakfast, stay for the fishing.

Included in the pictures our own very own Steve - KB9DSQ and his grandson Alex, John - KD9BYW, Brian - KD9EOL, and George - AC9KU.