Welcome to the new web site of the ARRL Great Lakes Division (GLD).  I hope you will find the new site interesting and useful. 

The first task I wish to complete in this welcoming statement is to recognize two people who contributed greatly to the GLD having a web site.  The first of these people is Past Director George Race, WB8BGY of Albion, MI.  George was a long-time Director who was ahead of his times in recognizing the potential of the Internet.  He made it his personal responsibility to develop the first GLD web site.  The second person I wish to recognize is Vice Director Gary Johnston, KI4LA of Edgewood, KY.  When George retired as Director, it fell toGary to maintain the web site.  He has done this for the past six years.

 The intent is to have the new web site reflect current happenings in the Division and Amateur Radio and to promote communication among Division members and Division officials.  Don’t expect it to be up-to-the-minute current; but it will contain recent information along with photos, when possible.

 Because I believe it is urgent for me to learn your opinions on many issues surrounding Amateur Radio, I am pleased to announce that our new Webmeister Gary Osborne, W8XS has arranged for me to be able to conduct polls through this site.    Although I have conducted several polls through Weaver’s Words monthly newsletter, the need to hand-tabulate responses to these polls has limited the number of polls I have been able to take through it.  Poll-taking through our web site will make it possible to increase the use of polls which will allow me to develop a better understanding if GLD members’ opinions.

 A word about our new Webmeister:  Gary Osborne, W8XS of Cincinnati has been active in Amateur Radio circles in the Greater Cincinnati area for many years.  In addition to other positions he has held, he was president of the Greater Cincinnati ARA.  In addition to his knowledge of Amateur Radio, Gary recently retired from a career with the City of Cincinnati.  Among his duties was the responsibility for developing and maintaining Information systems for Engineering, Public Services and Customer Service for the Queen City.  The use of the title, webmeister for Gary reflects the German heritage of the city.

 In conclusion, the new Division website is much like a living organism.  How it looks today is not how it will appear in coming weeks.  The site will continue to evolve as new pages are completed and existing pages are updated.

 As always, enjoy Amateur Radio.  Please contact me any time you have questions about ARRL and what ARRL is doing in its effort to support Amateur Radio and you, the radio amateur.

 73,

 Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director
ARRL Great Lakes Division