Shortly after waking up this morning, without the usual breakfast hunger as I am still stuffed from last night, I find myself reflecting on the Sumner County Amateur Radio Association December Meeting and Christmas Party.
Yesterday evening was cold and the roads were slick from the winter mix falling from the skies but that didn’t stop the SCARA crew from gathering at Martin’s Chicken and Waffles in Gallati, TN for a much anticipated annual festival.
This was my first time attending the SCARA Christmas Party and the evening did not disappoint. I heard about it last year but was very new to the club and didn’t know anyone. That was a mistake. If I knew then what I know now I would have gone, without question. And I invite anyone reading this article to come out and join the SCARA family fun any chance you get. To say it is a friendly and welcoming group is an understatement.
The evening started with Jon, W4JDM, calling a quick formal meeting to satisfy the By-Laws. During the meeting portion the club approved the purchase of some coax for use at events like the upcoming Winter Field Day and when utilizing the SCARA Communications Trailer. Once the meeting was concluded Jason, KN4VCW, led the group in a beautiful prayer before we opened the buffet.
The service at Martin’s is always gracious and courteous. The food is always outstanding. I will say though, the Mango Habanero dipping sauce that is highly recommended by Tony, W1VS, was a bit spicy for my liking. I much prefer the Sweet Chili and Tony knows it! LOL
To rewind for a moment if I may, as guests arrived they were greeted at their seats with miniature blue 5 gallon buckets from Lowes filled with Christmas treats. Some may not know but there is an ongoing joke about the 5 gallon pail that Jon turned into a power station containing a 100ah LiFePo4 battery. A truly unique and useful design that is simple yet functional. In the true spirit of friendly humor he takes the constant ribbing in stride and proved it doesn’t bother him by providing each one of us with our own buckets. The only thing that could have made it a wee bit better would have been if there was a AAA battery inside! Well done Jon and I am already spinning my wheels to figure out a way to turn my bucket into a miniature power station!
Now, back to the party. We had 15 people in attendance. 4 less than anticipated. I can only assume the weather had something to do with that, but I am not judging. Hopefully no one was ill or worse. I would like to see more members participate and when I say I, I mean We! Jon, W4JDM, accompanied by his wife, as was Richard, WA4YQC, Tony, W1VS and Ben, KR4DXL who also brought their lovely infant son. Mike, K4VVA also brought a guest. Steve, W4STX, Tom, W4UWO, Brian, KJ4OCZ, Jason, KN4VCW and I, Brian, NG2S were all there as well.
The menu consisted of a few of the great items Martin’s makes fresh. My favorite was the Chicken Fingers, Oh My! The smoked Meatloaf was delicious as was the corn, greens and baked apples. I gorged myself on the food. 3 full plates before I had no room left. That was until the staff brought out their World Famous Banana Pudding. There is always room for Banana Pudding, even if I am going to pay for it the next day. Like I said earlier, the food was excellent. I think most ate so much they couldn’t finish the pudding. And the food was plentiful. Our glasses were kept full with their excellent Fruit Tea or any other beverage you like.
I do not recall a single moment of silence the entire evening. The guests were chatting amongst themselves about all sorts of topics. We talked about our families and jobs. We spoke about ham topics like the wonderfully frustrating world of Meshtastic. We told old stories of years past and club history. Of course there was nonsense and friendly ribbing of one another. We laughed and giggled like kids at time. We even got the XYLs laughing at some of our shenanigans. I am thrilled to be part of the SCARA family, such a great group of people.
As the evening came to a close Jon stood up and gave a short speech thanking everyone for their support during 2025 and how the club has become so great. Events and activities are on the rise and we are looking forward to an even more eventful year in 2026. I only have one comment on Jon’s speech and that is a great group flourishes under great leadership and Jon is a Great Leader. Thank You Jon!
Steve, W4STX was recognized for all his hard work over the last year as the club Secretary/Treasurer. Unfortunately for us, Steve will be leaving the area in 2026 due to work and family commitments. Thank you Steve and we wish you the best to you and your family in the future. Your shoes will be hard to fill.
A special Thanks goes out to Martin’s Chicken and Waffles and their friendly staff. Thank you for providing us with a wonderful welcoming atmosphere to hold our event.
The holiday season brings us time to reflect upon the year that has gone by so quickly. The heartache and joy we may have experienced, the interactions with others and the relationships that may have begun or ended. Life is nothing but memories because each moment that passes is a moment gone that we can never get back. Life is short, enjoy it and live it to the fullest. Cherish those special moments and memories. I have lots of great memories from 2025 and SCARA is a part of those. I hope you have some great memories too.
In closing I just want to say Thanks to all the members of the Sumner County Amateur Radio Association. A little more than 1 year ago I was new to the area and felt like an outsider at the local ham club. Today I am a proud member of the club and am willing to welcome anyone new to the group as the group previously did for me. So come down and join us. We won’t bite. Be active in the club. The club is only as good as what you put into it and it can only be what you want it to be if you get involved. I am looking forward to a great 2026 with the Sumner County Amateur Radio Association and hope you all join us!
