Metrocrest Amateur Radio Society
News
December 12, 2025
Christmas Wrapping
American Legion Post 597 in downtown Carrollton hosted MARS’ annual Christmas Party on December 11. Over 40 hams and guests enjoyed the fun and a fine meal prepared with care by Post volunteers.
Gregory Maddra, KG5CKX, took home the big raffle prize—a Kenwood TH-D75A versatile analog+digital portable. President Andy Smolenski, KI5YLX, handed out many terrific door prizes to lucky winners.
MARS thanks Main Trading Company in Paris, Texas, for their generosity as well as Gary Rodgers, KI5X, Dave Lane, N5GDL, and Tom Yenny, K5LOL, for donating extra prizes. Thanks go also to Liz Brown, K5EMB, George Williams, KG5GXU, David Gilpin, K5GIL, Mike Brown, W5MDB, and Andy S for making it all happen.
Festival at the Switchyard
Saturday, November 8, 2025—
MARS hams were at their usual spot during Carrollton’s annual Festival at the Switchyard. We had a good crowd stop by to ask about Amateur Radio and we were glad to brag.
Many thanks go to those who worked the booth: Ron Reeves, NN5R, Andy Smolenski, KI5YLX, George Williams, KG5GXU, Liz Brown, K5EMB, Gregory Maddra, KG5CKX, Mike Brown, W5MDB, and Tom Yenny, K5LOL, for all their help. The Hams from MARS are looking forward to next year’s event.
Next Regular Meeting
Thursday, January 8, 2026, 7:00 PM
David Vest, K8DV, on DXCC
You’ll find more details on the EVENTS page.
License Testing
Allan Batteiger, WB5QNG, will have an in-person test session on the third
Saturday, January 17, 2026.
*** No in-person testing in December ***
Check the EVENTS page for details. Allan continues to offer remote testing sessions as well. Please visit https://wb5qng.org/ to learn how to sign up.
Carrollton
Farmers Branch
Addison
ARES/RACES
Next scheduled nets
ARES® Training
January 11, 2026, 8:00 PM CT
145.210 Tone 110.9
RACES Training
January 18, 2026, 7:45 PM CT
145.210 Tone 110.9
Donate to MARS
Support MARS When You Shop
A percentage of your purchases can be donated when you visit Tom Thumb, or Kroger at no extra cost to you. Please go to the SUPPORT page to learn how.
“ARES®” and “Amateur Radio Emergency Service®” are registered service marks of the American Radio Relay League, Incorporated and are used by permission.