LW Ham radio operator contacts Santa in North Pole to delight of kids

CHRISTMAS CONNECTION

The grandchildren of Bev and Jack Nevin, Mutual 14, had a unique opportunity to talk with “Santa on the Air” Dec. 22.

The children spoke with Santa via the magic and wonder of ham radio on the Catalina Repeater. They had plenty of questions for Santa, who was 3,050 miles away in the North Pole. Logan, 11; Addison, 8; and Dagny, 3, were amazed that Santa had information about each, making the event magical. Santa knew that Logan had an “Elf on the Shelf” and plays ice hockey; that Addison plays soccer, loves reading and has an American Girl doll; and that Dagny has been riding her bike with training wheels and wants to go to Disneyland.

The children received acknowledgment cards that they had used a ham radio with the third-party participation of Midge Bash, W6LIK. The Mutual 14 resident is the emergency coordinator of Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) of Seal Beach and Los Alamitos and Catalina Repeater Association Board Member.

This was the first event of its kind on the Catalina Repeater, which is located on Catalina Island, 26 miles off the Southern California coast with an elevation of 1,600 feet. The repeater is uses solar power. The goal was to introduce amateur radio to children in a fun way. Grandparents and parents received information on Amateur Radio and emergency procedures for families. The evening ended with a pizza party.

Ham radio expert, and Santa's friend, Midge Bash of Mutual 14 (above) helped connect Addison Kroese, 8; Logan Kroese, 11; and Dagny Woodard, 3 (seated), with Santa, who was 3,050 miles away at the North Pole. Santa was reached via a ham radio network using the Catalina Repeater. Kathleen Weishampel designed the acknowledgement card (below) that each child received after talking to Santa.

Catalina Christmas Santa Net Logan Kroese

Talked with Santa on Ham Radio

December 22, 2021