The Ozaukee Radio Club, Inc

The Ozaukee Radio Club, Inc. (ORC) is a non-profit corporation and is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a Sec. 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Donations are tax deductible. ORC qualifies as an ARRL Special Service Club. ORC draws its members from not only Ozaukee County but from all of the surrounding counties as well. The prime interest drawing the members together is Amateur Radio and community service. The diverse membership is comprised of all age groups as well as technical vocations. The Club operates radio repeaters on the 144, 220 and the 440 MHz bands. Family members are welcome and actively participate.

Newsletter

ORC publishes a monthly newsletter that is published on the Club web site. (Members who desire a paper copy delivered by USPS may receive one for a nominal fee.) It contains information about the monthly meeting, what is happening in the amateur radio community and news about our members.

Amateur Radio Classes

Classes leading to an Amateur Radio license are held periodically by the Ozaukee Radio Club. Persons who complete the 6-week course and pass the FCC test will receive an Amateur Radio license allowing them to communicate with other "Hams" around the world. A Federal regulation established in 2008 deleted the Morse code requirement for ALL amateur licenses. Over 650,000 persons in the U.S. are licensed Radio Amateurs. They range in age from pre-teen to senior citizens. For information on future classes please contact Ed Rate.

Meetings

ORC holds meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at the Grafton Multipurpose Senior Center in Grafton, WI. The doors open at 7:00 PM for meet and greet.  Meetings start at 7:30 PM and non-members are always welcome.  Map

Programs

A technical program is a usual part of the ORC monthly meeting. The subjects range from Ham Radio topics, to computers, to anything that would be of interest to the members. The presentations may be formal or informal and always generate lively discussions.

Field Day

The Ozaukee Radio Club participates annually in the ARRL sponsored Field Day Weekend. The object of Field Day is to set up and operate amateur radio stations using emergency power and temporary antennas. An emphasis is placed on developing skills to meet the challenge of emergency preparedness. Operators try to contact as many other amateurs radio stations as possible during this period and at the same time having fun with their families in the outdoor camping atmosphere of Field Day.  The location for the ORC Field Day event (held each year over the fourth weekend of June) is at Lazy Days Campground on Green Lake just northeast of West Bend, WI.  Map

Public Service

The ORC provides communications for civic events and in emergencies. Communications for events such as Saukville Riverfest (cleanup), Port Washington Fish Day, and the Grafton Christmas Parade are handled annually by ORC members.

Scholarships

The ORC Scholarship Fund has been established with a goal of granting a $1,000 scholarship. Eligibility requirements for the ORC Scholarship are:

1. Hold an Amateur Radio license of any class
2. Be a resident of the State of Wisconsin
3. Attend any school intending to achieve a baccalaureate degree in any course of study

The scholarship is administered by the Foundation for Amateur Radio (FAR).

Swapfests

ORC has two swapfests (amateur radio flea markets) each year. One is the saturday before Mothers' Day and the other is the saturday after Labor Day. In addition to radios, antennas, books and other "bits and pieces" there is frequently computer hardware and software.

Corn Roast

Annually, in late August, ORC has a Corn Roast ­ a family affair for members and guests. We gather at a park for boiled corn (and yet we call it a corn roast) brats, hamburgers and beverages (furnished by the club) and yummy deserts and hors d overs that are brought by the members. We also have a "Fox Hunt" (search for hidden transmitters) and children's activities.

Post Everything Party

Each February or March ORC has a catered dinner for members and their significant others with a joke "gift" exchange and awards (Ham of the Year, Turkey of the Year, and others). Why "Post Everything" - it is held after Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Valentine's Day.

Further Information

Sound interesting? For more information on Amateur Radio or the Ozaukee Radio Club, Inc. you are welcome to come to one of our meetings, ask any ORC member or write to us at the address below.

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