RENDEZVOUS 9

On June 1, 2, and 3, 2001, one hundred and eighteen (118) hams from seventeen (17) states and the District of Columbia, accompanied by many friends and family members, attended the ninth annual amateur radio Rendezvous. This year’s gathering was held in Monee, Illinois and was hosted by hams local to the Chicago Metropolitan Area. Due to the great planning and coordination by the hosts, everyone had a very enjoyable and memorable time in spite of the somewhat inclimate weather.

HIGHLIGHTS

Four couples arrived two days early because Beverly (wife of N4AWU) was successful through her media contacts in obtaining four tickets for the taping of Oprah on the morning of May 31, 2001. The show aired on June 4, 2001. Special thanks goes to Charlie (W9QCI) for transporting the four ladies to and from the taping.

The Rendezvous officially began on Friday evening in the hotel conference room where food in the form of a large smoked turkey and various party platters were available to all in attendance. Activities started with a prayer by Jean (Wife of N4QBU), the group Chaplain. From there, Tony (KE9PH) assumed the role of master of ceremonies and gave the welcoming address and oversaw the introductions of all attendees. The high point of the introductions was Joe (W8HXY). At 85 years old, he and his wife had driven from Michigan. Official activities were culminated with the disbursal of the Rendezvous 9 souvenir and various printed materials from the larger radio manufacturers.

On Saturday afternoon, the Rendezvous cookout was held at the Monee Reservoir. The site was well chosen in that it was located in a very picturesque location. The covered pavilion sat atop a hill overlooking the reservoir. Had it not been for the 54 degrees, driving rain and 30 mph wind, everything would have been perfect. You can tell from the pictures that the group made the best of the situation. Eventually, everyone gravitated back to the hotel where things again perked up in the conference room. The Pennsylvania/New Jersey group received the nod to host the 2003 Rendezvous.

RENDEZVOUS X

The 2002 Rendezvous 10 will be held in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area on May 31 through June 2, 2002. Details will be posted on this site when the host group releases the pertinent information.