This was our 3rd Winter Field Day event, and they seem to get better every year. Despite the bitter cold temperatures we had, it kept only a few people home. It was a very good turnout, and it also seemed like we met a brand new crowd this year. We really enjoy making new friends in this hobby, it’s really what it’s all about.

Friday night’s Nightcrawler’s net was a great success, as we were surrounded by a round table of people who decided to join in on the merriment.

Saturday was when the true WFD show began, as we ran 3-i (indoor). We had a couple of dipoles and a vertical that went up quite easily, with very little tweaking. We like to believe that this was accomplished due to our many weekends in the woods over the past year. We’ve had lots of practice.

Saturday afternoon also included our club’s traditional Baofeng toss. This was our 2nd annual toss. (No actual Baofeng radios were injured during the game.) This year’s big winner was Larry Noyes - KD9AFF. We would like to thank everyone who took the challenge.

One of our true radio MVP’s was Adonis, KB9DSQ’s grandson, who had made over 100 contacts on multiple bands. He had started out logging, and moved on up to racking up points - he was unstoppable. As is always our promise at WFD, “anyone who wishes to operate, will operate.”

Saturday’s Preservation Net was great fun, since it was run by our President Kelvin W9BBQ, with the inclusion of Steve KB9DSQ’s “Are You Smarter Than a Net Controller?”, and Hap Holly’s KC9RP’s RAIN Archive.

Saturday night’s Nightcrawler’s Net was a beta test, as we tried a net with two net controllers, Brian KD9EOL and Orlando KD9EVC. We also had a round table for this net, and it was quite a lot of fun for all. After the net seemed to end, it was time for the reverse net, where we called out people. Who does that? We even had someone come back to us a couple times during the night. The net went on from midnight till almost 3:30. Good times.

We would like to say thank you to everyone who took the time to come out in the frozen tundra to visit with us. We really appreciate the time you took, and also for us getting the chance to meet and talk with you.

While we are thanking people, many many thanks to:

- Scott DeSantis, KB9VRW, Assistant Section Manager ARRL, for taking the time out of his busy day to come out and visit with us. Not to mention, he brought us Dunkin Donuts - many many thanks, Scott!

- Patty Hill, who was instrumental in keeping us well-fed with her amazing chili, corn bread and greens; and for housing our supplies from last year.

- Kelvin Jackson, W9BBQ, who gave us 2 amazing breakfasts, despite not having the appropriate pots and pans.

- April Bayne for her stuffing muffins and yummy fruit cobblers.

- Orlando Garcia for local pizza; and coffee cakes.

- Mike Hawes for White Castles.

- George Zardecki for the intoxicating deli sausages he brings every year.

- Brian Rudnick for the use of his coffee maker, keeping us filled to the brim with coffee, and bottled water all weekend.

- John Plecki for shortbread cookies, and coffee supplies.

- and, Brandy Plecki for running to the store. We couldn’t have made it without you.

Our final business this year at WFD, was the passing of the Committee Chairman torch from John - KD9BYW to Brian - KD9EOL. We thank John for getting the club started 3 years ago with WFD, and for all the fun we’ve had. We also look forward to where Brian will take us next year at Winter Field Day 2020.

We hope to see you there!!