Batesville Area Radio Club: A Legacy of Service and Community in Arkansas

Introduction: Hello, today we will introduce the Batesville Area Radio Club (BARC), a longstanding and active amateur radio club serving the Batesville, Arkansas area.

Overview of Batesville Area Radio Club:

• Meeting Information: The club meets on the 4th Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM.
• Meeting Place: First Community Bank, St. Louis & Harrison St., Batesville, AR
• Contact Information: Larry W. Babb (W5PLB) serves as the main contact and can be reached at (870) 307-8421 or (870) 799-9057 (evening), or via email at K5BRC.PRESIDENT@GMAIL.COM.

Club Activities and Services:

• Specialties: Contest, Digital Modes, DX, General Interest, Public Service/Emergency, Repeaters, School or Youth Group, VHF/UHF
• Services Offered: Entry-Level License Classes, General Or Higher License Classes, Hamfest, License Test Sessions, Mentor, On-The-Air Bulletins, Repeater

Community Involvement:

• Membership: The club boasts 52 members, with 38 being voting licensed amateur operators and 24 ARRL members.
• Leadership:
  • Contact: Larry W. Babb (W5PLB)
  • President: Larry W. Babb (W5PLB)
  • Treasurer: Paul W. Hayward (K5PNP)
  • Secretary: Gregory W. McKinney (K5GNT)
  • Vice President: Tina McKinney (K5TNG)

Mission and Activities: The Batesville Area Radio Club, established in the early 1950s, aims to:

• Maintain and service 6 repeaters across the region, including a new Fusion Digital mode repeater under construction.
• Host a weekly net every Monday on the 147.270 repeater, fostering communication and community among members.
• Promote Christian values and camaraderie through weekly breakfasts and lunches, emphasizing community building and support.
• Engage in public service events, such as providing communication support for local emergencies and community events.
• Support a diverse membership that includes professionals from various fields and retirees, united by their passion for amateur radio.

Educational Focus: BARC actively supports:

• License Classes and Testing: Offering classes and testing sessions to help individuals obtain and upgrade their amateur radio licenses.
• Mentorship Programs: Providing guidance and mentoring for new operators, fostering skill development and growth within the hobby.

Social and Community Impact: The club's activities extend beyond radio operations, emphasizing social gatherings, community service, and fostering lifelong friendships among members.

Invitation to Visitors: The Batesville Area Radio Club welcomes visitors and new members interested in amateur radio. For more information and to connect with the club, please visit their Facebook Group or their website www.k5brc.com.

Conclusion: Thank you for learning about the Batesville Area Radio Club and its commitment to amateur radio excellence and community service. For more supporting, please visit talkpod.com.