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I wanted to let everyone know that Ken, KU2US, the founder and boss of 13 Colonies, has retired due to health issues.? He appointed a successor, Tony N4ATJ.? I had hoped he would leave it to the colony-managers to carry on the show but that's not happening.? We have a Zoom call tomorrow (Friday May 2) evening to discuss the Special Event going forward.?

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I've been told -- in addition to the huge investment of time and expense I already make -- I am asked to pay for 1,000 QSL cards, costing about $150, this year.

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In the past, Ken paid for these -- I understand from the monies he netted on certificate fulfillment ($5 solicited, actual cost of certificates and postage $2, leaving a net of about $4,500 a year on 1,500 certificates sent out;? some of this revenue was used to pay for QSLs).? (I also assume Ken donated his own funds to this event, which is why I usually sent him $25 or $50).

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Two other colony managers told me they get donations to pay for their QSLs.? Any idea who I would solicit?? Should I ask K2B ops for small contributions?? I've always been happy to invest my own funds (a) as annual donation to Ken to help him cover costs, (b) to pay to have full-color certificates printed and mailed to K2B ops, (c) for mugs for top 5 ops, for Ken and for Rhonda our QSL manager, and (d) occasional bling (except that Steve KO4ENU has contributed very generously in the bling department!).? Also thank K2B ops for sending me occasional extra monies (thanks Carol, KG4DTM and others).? But last year I invested over $300 -- starting to sound like real money!

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May I solicit K2B ops input/consensus opinion:

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1.? Should we have a rule that all K2B ops contribute $5 to $10 each to defray these expenses?

2.? If not, does anyone know where/how I could solicit donation of a small sum annually to defray costs.

3.? Would you prefer I not send the hard copy certificates -- instead I could do digital ones?? (that saves maybe $100)

4.? Should I not buy mugs for top ops? (that saves about $120)

5.? If I don't have expenses #3 and #4, I can buy the QSL cards.

6.? This also means no more bling.

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Thoughts?

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Also, anyone who has not already contacted me, but who would like to participate in K2B this year, please contact me by email.

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Thanks,

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David, K2WPM

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P.S.,? Did you see that the 13 Colonies wannabe guy is having a special event July 1 - 13, 2025 celebrating America's 250th birthday (which isn't until 2026 by my math)?

That will really help to confuse everyone!

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