1982 YLRL Convention
1982 YLRL 9th International Convention
June 18th ~ 20th Arlington VA
The festive spirit began early in the third week of June as YLs from all points of the compass converged on Washington, D. C. to take advantage of the myriad of sightseeing opportunities offered in our nation’s capital.
A VIP tour of the White House was arranged, in addition to visits to the Goddard Space Center, the Pentagon, State Department, Kennedy Center for a performance of “Sugar Babies,” the Smithsonian, and many other points of interest.
Registration opened on Thursday, and the Crystal City Marriott hotel lobby really came to life as groups of YLs arrived, stepped inside, and immediately recognized friends. Those voices heard over the air through the years were also soon attached to faces, and the scene resembled a huge family reunion as hugs and kisses and animated QSOs were the order of the day. Swaps were passed around, and as soon as the new arrivals registered, they were whisked upstairs to the Hospitality Room, where the same scene was replayed. An HF and a VHF rig were installed and operating, using W3CDQ, Liz Zandonini’s call. After a get-acquainted party at 6:30, Bip Bachman, W6BIP, explored the causes and cures of RFI and TVI in a well-attended forum.
Everyone turned out bright and early for the White House tour on Friday morning, and the afternoon was free for sight-seeing or just more visiting. There was another social bash on Friday night, followed by an entertaining slide presentation made by Jean Chittenden, WA2BGE , and Harvey McCoy, W2IXY. Jean had traveled to China with a delegation to convince the Chinese government that the resumption of amateur radio
activities would promote good will throughout the world. Her talk was fascinating, and the slides provided an intimate view of life in China.
On Saturday morning, the YLRL Forum began. After recognition of the speakers, officers, and other dignitaries, some short reports and announcements brought everyone up-to-date on the current state of affairs in YLRL, and the Forum opened for the business at hand. Due to the cooperative spirit of the attendees, we were able to cover several subjects and we heard a wide range of varying viewpoints which helped to clarify the issues and resulted in a most constructive discussion. A more detailed account of those issues can be found in the President’s Message.
The morning flew by without a break until time for the luncheon. Adjourning to the banquet room, we found beautifully decorated tables and more swaps waiting. Our luncheon speaker was Lenore Jensen, W6NAZ, and she inspired every member of the audience with her speech on ERA–the Enthusiastic Radio Amateur. She pointed out how YLs can take the lead in promoting amateur radio and why it is essential that we do so. Ethel Smith, K4LMB, YLRL founder and Convention Chairman, was presented with a dozen red roses as a token of our immense appreciation and affection for her. A corsage was pinned on her 92-year-old mother, who had decorated the ceramic mushrooms found at each of our place settings. Letters of Appreciation for Enid Aldwell, KH6IHW; Beth Taylor, W7NJS, and Ethel Smith, K4LMB, were displayed for signatures of the members.
A short ARRL Forum was also conducted by Gay Milius, W4UG, ARRL Roanoke Division Director.
The afternoon portion of the Forum was devoted to DX. Ellen White, WIYL/4, was the featured speaker and she gave us her own answers to the question “How’s DX?” and then went on to tell us “How-To DX” and “Why-To,” as well! Ellen’s speech was entertaining, as well as informative, and captured everyone’s attention. Verline, KI8V, YLRL DX Chairman, then took the floor and introduced eight DX YLs: Christa, DJITE; Sheila,GEHCQ; Yoko, JG3FAR; Nozomi, JG3SQN; Agnes, PA3ADR; Raija, SM2HNV; Edna, VP9IX, and Usha, VU2UGI. Each of them made a warm and moving presentation, telling a little about amateur radio in her own country and/or her own personal experiences. Each was unique and was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone present. The afternoon program was highlighted by Usha’s classical Indian dance, which was beautifully performed.
The Saturday night banquet was delightful, from start to finish. Agnes, PA3ADR, had brought a beautiful VERON banner which was hand-made by the Dutch YLs, and it graced the wall above the head table. The featured banquet speaker was Lauren “Pete” Belvin, legal assistant to the FCC Chairman, and she immediately caught and held the attention of the audience with two words–NO CODE! She related how old Samuel F. B. Morse himself had communicated his feelings that “NO CODE” was “NO GOOD” through a Ouija board. Her fast-paced speech was interrupted several times with applause and. laughter, but on the serious side, she encouraged hams to keep the lines of communications open between the amateur fraternity and the FCC. After-dinner entertainment was provided by Hal Diamond and Co., a magic act designed to amuse and amaze–and it did!
Audience participation added to the fun, and all present agreed that the hand is quicker than the eye.
Prior to the official closing of the assembly, Kay, WAQWOF, YLRL President, presented certificates for specific contributions and achievements to these YLs: Liz Zandonini, W3CDQ; Viola Grossman, W2dZX; Jean Peacor, KIIJV; Marte Wessel, KPEPE; Martha King, WD4NKP; Irma Weber, K6KCI; Ellen White, WIYL, and Lenore Jensen, W6NAZ.
On Sunday morning a brief YLRL Forum was conducted by Kay, WA@WOF, to complete the business on the agenda. After a buffet brunch, many YLs
and OMs boarded a river boat for a leisurely cruise on the Potomac with a stop at Mt. Vernon. Those returning home on Sunday reluctantly bid old and new friends au revoir until their next meeting on the air, and plans to meet again for more eyelash QSOs at the next YLRL convention were already being made.
Prize drawings were held throughout the convention. Stu, W2GHK, won the main prize, an ICOM IC-2A, and Ginny, KAYAK, won the“YLRL Scholarship prize, a Yaesu FT-208. YLs and OMs took home many more prizes, including the coveted two-volume autograph book, compiled by YLs in the U. S. and Canada and assembled by Marte, K@EPE. Alverta, K5MIZ, was the lucky winner, and she plans to bring it back for display at the next convention. Several rousing song fests were also held, utilizing the talents of Leo, WOGFQ, at the organ, and the dual pianos of Elsie Backman and Harvey McCoy. Youngsters and oldsters alike enjoyed reminiscing with tunes from yesteryear.
YLRL members have much to be proud of. Some of our members have achieved national and worldwide prominence as a result of their contributions to amateur radio. Many were at the convention; still others were with us in spirit. Our meeting in Washington strengthened our group and the warmth and friendship experienced there will leave a lasting impression.
~Thank you, WAYLARC!
