As the year draws to a close, I want to thank every member of our club for another successful and memorable year. From our gatherings at Mora Hill for Summer Field Day to braving the rain at Mount Madonna during Winter Field Day, you once again demonstrated the skill, cooperation, and good humor that define the WVARA community.

Field Day remains a highlight of our calendar, and this year was no exception. Whether you were operating, logging, setting up antennas, or stopping by to support the effort, the event showcased our ability to work together under real-world conditions. Both Field Day’s  sharpen our emergency communications skills and remind us how much fun radio can be when shared with friends.  Oh, and remember that Field Day is not a contest.  Right Jim?

Parks on the Air was another strong theme throughout the year. Many members took advantage of POTA activations to get outside, learn their portable gear, and put creative antenna solutions to the test. It’s been great  to see the enthusiasm this style of operating continues to generate.

Our Tuesday repeater nets and regular Wednesday meetings remain the core of the club. Weekly nets keep us connected, informed, and learning and practicing good operating habits, while our meetings provide a place to learn, plan, and simply enjoy each other’s company. Thank you to the net controls, presenters, and volunteers who make these activities possible week after week.

As we enter the holiday season, I hope you take time to relax, reflect, and enjoy time with family and friends. Looking ahead to the new year, We are excited for more Field Days, more POTA activations, lively repeater nets, engaging meetings and, potentially some exciting new community events.

On behalf of the club leadership, We wish you a warm and happy holiday season and a healthy New Year. We look forward to hearing you in-person and on the air.

73,

Tim, KN6FGH and Scott, KK6IK

President & President Elect, West Valley Amateur Radio Association

WVARA does not have a monthly evening meeting in December. Instead, we have a Holiday Party.

When:	Noon to 3pm, Sunday December 7
Where:	Silicon Valley Red Cross Building outdoor patio
	2731 N. First Street, at Plumeria Drive in San Jose
	(The Red Cross building is on the southwest corner of that intersection. The patio is on the east, or First Street-facing, side. By parking on the building’s east side, you will have a short no-stairs walk to the patio.)
Who:	Members, family and guests are all welcome to attend.
Weather:	Rain or shine. We will shift indoors to the Break Room / Kitchenette and Room 3 if it is inclement.
Bring:	Your own meat / main-dish items, and maybe a desert or side dish to share.
	Your own beverages, or a water bottle (we have access to the Red Cross’s Break Room to refill). We will bring some bottled water from our “flea market horde” as well.
Available:	Hot charcoal and grilling utensils.
	AC outlets are in the Break Room just off the patio if you wish to plug in a hot plate or crock pots. Bring a long extension cord to reach out to the patio. (Crock pots filled with wonderful chili have been known to appear at past parties.)
	A limited supply of disposable plates, cups, serving utensils, cutlery, and napkins (but it is a big help if you bring what you will need).
Drawings:	The WVARA tradition of drawing for Holiday Door Prizes continues. Santa Claus has made arrangements for some great prizes this year!
	Another WVARA tradition involves those attending donating other interesting items they want to rehome. If you have such items, at least tangentially radio-related, bring them: we keep drawing door prize tickets until everything is gone. This is a good chance to find a new home for things like gently used mag mounts that don’t work on a vehicle with fiberglass body panels, USB-B cables or heliax that is just too awkward to carry on SOTA activations.
Eligibility:	Every attending member in good standing (e.g. 2025 dues are paid) is eligible for the door prizes drawings (you must be present to win).