It is time for "Field Day". Yes, this is the month when we show the world that we can communicate during any emergency situation. When you set up your field day operation, invite the public and make sure the local news media is also informed and invited to participate during this event. Let your community know that you are ready to support your town, county, state, etc, with any type of emergency communications. This is also a great way to show young people what amateur radio is all about. By now you have heard of the ARRL dues increase. Yes, the ARRL board voted to increase dues to $39.00 for regular membership and $34.00 for seniors. This increase will take effect on 01 July 2001, so if you renew before this date you can get the old price. You can renew up to five (5) years at the old rate, but it must also be done prior to 01 July. Some more bad news. The Fort Tuthill hamfest, scheduled for 27-29 July, will cost you a dollar ($1.00) entrance fee for the weekend. This move was necessary due to the increase cost of the grounds and rule change by the Coconino county board of Supervisors. Also the county campground in the back of the fairgrounds has removed the outside pay showers. This will only effect the people who dry camp using tents. Th e campground is in a remodeling mode so it will be about two (2) more years before the remodeling is complete. If you have not made any room reservations, do so quickly as the motels fill up because this is the tourist season. ARCA has set aside several rooms at the Econo Lodge for people who want to stay there. Call the motel directly and ask for the ARCA special. The DeVry hamfest in Phoenix was nicely done and well attended event. It rained on Thursday and Friday morning, but Saturday was very nice with sunshine and weather in the low 60’s. If you are in to emergency communications preparedness, the state has an emergency net every Sunday morning at 0800 on 3990 kHz and PIMA County has an emergency communications preparedness net at 0845 on 3995 kHz every Sunday. Other counties also have this type of communications preparedness so no matter where you live within Arizona, we can become prepared to provide communications during any emergency. The Arizona web site is alive and doing well. Tom Fagan, WB7NXH, has developed this web site for the Arizona section and is always providing new material and updating it every day. The address is "www.qsl.net/arrlaz/ ". At this time it has the recent club listings, hamfest information, the Arizona volunteer listings, and several links to other clubs and special web sites. As this web site progresses, we will add more items of interest, to include the list of volunteers. If you have questions or ideas on how to improve this web site, contact Tom at wb7nxh@arrl.net or myself. The 2001 ARRL SW Convention will be in Riverside at the Holiday Inn. Starts reserving this time slot and make the necessary arrangements before you forget. I just finished making my reservations at the hotel and sent in the convention necessary paperwork. Call, write, or e-mail me if you need help or questions answered. 73’s Clifford Hauser, KD6XH