📡 January at SCARC: A Month of Momentum, Morse, and Midwinter Radio Fun

As the new year settles in across Central Minnesota, the St. Cloud Amateur Radio Club is already buzzing with activity. January has always been a month of fresh starts—new projects, renewed friendships, and the steady hum of radios warming up against the winter cold. This year is no exception. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or just dipping your toes into the hobby, there’s something happening at SCARC to draw you in.

The month begins with one of the region’s early gatherings: the Bertha Hamfest on January 10, held from 8 a.m. to noon at the Bertha Community Center. It’s a familiar pilgrimage for many of our members—a chance to shake off the post‑holiday quiet, browse tables of gear, and reconnect with friends from across the area. For some, it’s the first spark of radio inspiration for the year.

Back at the clubhouse, the calendar fills quickly. Monday Activity Nights continue at 6 p.m., offering a relaxed space for projects, troubleshooting, or simply enjoying the camaraderie that makes our club special. On Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m., the Beginning CW class gathers—proof that Morse code still has a magnetic pull, especially for those discovering the rhythm and music of dits and dahs for the first time.

Mid-month brings important club business. On Thursday, January 8, members meet for a Hamfest Planning Session at 7 p.m., followed by the Board Meeting. A week later, on January 15 at 7 p.m., the club holds its General Meeting—an opportunity to hear updates, share ideas, and help shape the months ahead.

Operators who enjoy public service will want to note the Central MN Regional Hospital Net, held on Wednesday, January 7 at 1 p.m. on the 146.940 repeater. Nets like this remind us of the essential role amateur radio continues to play in community readiness and emergency communication.

For those looking to earn or upgrade their license, LAUREL VE Testing will take place on Saturday, January 17 at 10 a.m. at the clubhouse. As always, testing is free, and walk‑ins are welcome—so spread the word to anyone ready to take the next step in the hobby.

Toward the end of the month, the club turns its attention to one of the most anticipated operating events of the winter: ARRL Winter Field Day, held January 24–25. Operations begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at the clubhouse, where members will brave the elements—indoors or out—to demonstrate the resilience and adaptability that define amateur radio. It’s a highlight of the season, blending technical challenge with the warmth of shared effort.

And just beyond the horizon, the club’s own signature event is taking shape. The Cabin Fever Reliever Hamfest, scheduled for February 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the St. Cloud National Guard Armory, promises to be a bright spot in the heart of winter. Planning is underway, and excitement is already building.

January may be cold, but at SCARC, the air is full of energy, learning, and connection. Whether you’re soldering a project on a Monday night, tapping out your first CW characters, or gearing up for Winter Field Day, we’re glad you’re part of the journey. Here’s to a year of strong signals and good fellowship.