Are you frustrated? Do you think you own a radio that is smarter than you are? Are you intimidated by a large instruction manual for your radio? If you can answer yes to either of these questions, this meeting program is for you.

No, this program will not teach you to program your specific radio. What it will do is show you how to take a logical approach to programming your equipment and prove that you are smarter than your radios every time.

One of the PAWA's newest members, Rory (KB1PLY) has accepted the challenge of revitalizing the club station (W1KVI). Rory has enlisted other members to help clear year of debris from the shack at the legion hall, flying new antennas and lighting up the old gal once more! Keep your eyes peeled for a club station special event to celebrate W1KVI being back on the air!

Huge thanks to Rory and all the members who are pitching in to make this happen!!

The club has sold the Kenwood TS-530 and TS-820 HF transceivers to Guido, K1EU and he has donated a Kenwood TS-440 with automatic antenna tuner to the club for the club station (W1KVI) and for club activities.

George E. Caswell, 63 SCARBOROUGH -- George E. Caswell, 63, of Scarborough, died peacefully at the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough on Feb. 3, 2009, after a lengthy illness.

He was born and raised in Waltham, Mass., the only child of Vera and Leslie B. Caswell. He was married in Newton, Mass., on Jan 3, 1970, to Caroline Parmenter of Palermo. In 1978 they moved to Scarborough, where they raised their two children, Christine and George Jr. George was an avid ham radio operator from the age of 13 when he received his first call sign, K1MON. In later years, after relocating to Maine, he changed his call sign to W1ME. George was particularly interested in amateur satellite operation and contacts with astronauts aboard Mir and the ISS. In February 2005, he set up his radio station at the Rockland High School as part of a PenBay radio club activity and contacted the International Space Station, allowing high school students to communicate with the astronauts aboard. It was one of the highlights of his amateur radio involvement. George was educated in Waltham, Mass., schools and attended Westbrook College for two years. He served in the U.S. Army from 1965-1968 with 27 months being served in Viet Nam. He was employed by Verizon, originally New England Telephone, for 31 years as a central office technician. George was also a private pilot for many years and a former member of the Baldeagles Flying Club in Portland.

George is survived by his wife of 39 years, Caroline P. Caswell; daughter Christine and her husband Moises Nu-ez of Somerville, Mass., son George and his wife Laura Johnston of Reading, Mass.; mother-in-law Elsie Adams of Palermo; a special niece, Sara Robinson, her husband Mike, and daughters Makayla and Jayna; brothers-in-law Jack Adams of Fairfield, and Ron Adams of Houston, Texas and their families; and several nieces and nephews. Family, friends, and neighbors are welcome to an open house at the Caswells' home at 16 Westwood Ave., in Scarborough on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 2-5 p.m. to share memories and condolences. The family will have a burial service in the spring at the Maine Veterans Cemetery in Augusta.

Donations in George's memory may be made to: Alzheimer's Association Maine Chapter 170 U.S. Route 1 Suite 250 Falmouth, Maine 04105

The upcoming March meeting of the PAWA (Wednesday, March 5) will be a very special event as we welcome Larry Szendrei, NE1S who will share his presentation entitled "Rediscovering Pre-1947 Electronics - Characteristics and Use of the Vacuum Tube".

Whether you're a seasoned ham whose enjoyed the warm glow of those vintage "lamps" on a cold winter day or someone who's new to radio and/or electronics, this is sure to be an enjoyable event for all.

This presentation is open to anyone with an interest and there is, as always, no charge.

Please join us at the American Legion Post 35, 413 Braodway, South Portland on Wednesday, March 5th at 7:00pm

Promotional plug: If you enjoy this presentation and would like to see more events of this nature, the best way to help is to participate in the PAWA club. It's our members that make us what we are and we're happy to see our membership grow. Newly licensed hams (within the past year) are eligible for a complimentary first year membership... just show up and join!