Central Michigan Amateur Radio Club
Morse code CQ CQ DE W8PLP LANSING, MI 73 K

Ralph Ziegenbein W8PLP & Don Devendorf W8EGI
Ralph Ziegenbein (W8PLP) and Don Devendorf (W8EGI), circa 1955. Don brought this photo to each Ladies’ Night for the past several years and now, thanks to Don’s Family, we will keep that tradition alive, with a beautifully scanned copy, which is ready for this year’s Ladies’ Night. If you want a copy of this photo, contact Erv (W8ERV) and he can get one for you. There is much history in this photo and it is the only photo we have of Ziegenbein, too. A BIG thank you to the Devendorf Family for their help in preserving a piece of CMARC history for future generations...

SEND YOUR NOMINATIONS TO:

Your Mailing Label should look like this:

Dan Dembinski KD8YDE
9749 Peacock Rd
Laingsburg, MI 48848

ATTN: Ziegenbein Nomination

OR

Email to: kd8yde@inbox.com


CRITERIA:

The final Chapter in this story, and one that is still being written today, was the creation of the Ziegenbein Award. This award is presented each May to the Full CMARC member who has contributed the most to Amateur Radio, in general and CMARC, in particular for the previous calendar year. The Ziegenbein Committee consists of recipients of the award for the previous three years.

Ziegenbein Nomination Guidelines

  1. The recipient must be a full, current member of CMARC.

  2. Nominations to be made in writing, in your own words, no chain letters to be accepted, stating nominees contributions to CMARC and Amateur Radio.

  3. All nominations are to be kept secret until award is presented.

  4. All nominations are to be mailed (regular postal mail OR email).

  5. The same person can receive the award more than once.

  6. The Committee shall consist of the last three recipients; the senior member shall be the chairman.

  7. All nominations are to be closely checked and discussed by the Committee.

  8. If the Committee feels the nominees are not deserving, the award does not have to be given.

  9. Nominations are to be submitted before March 15th of each year, so the Committee can make the selection and have the plaque engraved.

  10. The recipient will be announced at the annual Ladies’ Night.

2022 Recipient Dale Cole, K8TS
Dale Cole K8TS receiving the 2022 Ziegenbein award


2021 Recipient Michael Wetzel, W8QF
Michael Wetzel W8QF with the 2021 Ziegenbein Award


2020 Recipient Daniel Dembinski, KD8YDE
Daniel Dembinski KD8YDE receiving the 2020 Ziegenbein award

The nominee this year is a behind-the-scenes problem solver.

Dan volunteers resources and time whenever the need arises without a lot of fanfare. He has graciously taken over the morning drive net on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Dan also hosted last years Ziegenbein Award Banquet when we were unable to have the banquet elsewhere. He is eager to help the club in any way possible, unselfishly donating time and money. Furthermore, Dan has contacted several vendors for CMARC’s Hamfest in September.

Our 2020 Ziegenbein Award person is Daniel Dembinski, KD8YDE.


2019 Recipient Shannon Ranes, WA2NVK
Shannon Ranes WA2NVK receiving the 2019 Ziegenbein award

The nominee this year is what I would call a “behind the scene person”.

She oversees all the contributing businesses for our Field Day operation. Besides many other things she also sees that all the food is always ready for us at every CMARC club meeting. Last, but not at all least, she is the CMARC club treasurer. I'm sure I am leaving out many other things she does with a smile on her face and a wonderful personality.

Our 2019 Ziegenbein Award person is Shannon Ranes, WA2NVK


2018 Recipient Tom Rocheleau, WA8WPI
Tom Rocheleau WA8WPI receiving the 2018 Ziegenbein award

Tom Rocheleau, WA8WPI, this year’s Ziegenbein award winner, truly represents what it means to be an active and involved member of CMARC and the greater amateur radio community.

Tom commits himself fully to CMARC and its activities by selflessly giving of himself and of his time, often behind the scenes, and without recognition of any kind. He is a man of integrity who stands by his word by showing up when he says he will and works hard without complaining.

Tom has served on the CMARC Board in various positions. He stepped up to become President upon the passing of our late President, Julie McLain, KB8ZXR.

Tom is our club’s Webmaster and works hard to keep our website current and full of engaging content. He is a Volunteer Examiner and is an Instructor for our Technician and General licensing classes. He is a key player on our antenna committee, who brings his wealth of knowledge of antenna assembly along with his ability and willingness to climb our towers.

On behalf of the Ziegenbein Award Committee, it’s with great pleasure that we present the Ziegenbein award to Mr. Tom Rocheleau, WA8WPI.


2017 Recipient John Doornhaag, KD8NNQ
John Doornhaag KD8NNQ receiving the 2017 Ziegenbein award

For 2017 we recognize a Ham who has served on the CMARC Board of directors serving both as a director and an officer. He has invested much in time, energy, and resources during his time as a CMARC member. This member has taken initiative in bringing and welcoming new people into our hobby, including being the head VE for the Ingham County VE Group. This member has also put a lot of hard work into ensuring we had a smooth transition from our Salvation Army location to our current location at the Mason / Lansing Ambulance training center. Whether it was taking down our old tower installation, putting up our new towers and antennas, fabricating materials to keep costs minimal, bringing his own equipment to help in the installation, keeping up on the grounds of our club location, or even making sure that our new club area was well stocked and clean, this member has been there helping out.

With dedication not only to CMARC, but the entire Amateur Radio community, I am honored to be able to recognize a member who has done what he could, above and beyond the expectations, John Doornaag KD8NNQ as the recipient of the Ziegenbein Award for 2017.

Congratualations John!!

Dan Beuchert / WX8MOJ Ziegenbein Award Committee Chairman


2016 Recipient Leota Strobel, KD8SQD
Leota Strobel KD8SQD receiving the 2016 Ziegenbein award

Leota has not been a Ham for very long, but she helps out whenever she can. She brings food to the CMARC meetings and helps out in the kitchen. She supports the Club’s activities and events, whether they are regular meetings or special events. Please join us in congratulating Leota KD8SQD on this very special award.


2015 Recipient Chris Ranes, NS8Q
Chris Ranes NS8Q with Shannon WA2NVK receiving the 2015 Ziegenbein award

Our Ziegenbein winner is an Extra class ham who has been licensed for about 20 years, and works quietly in the background. This person enjoys contesting and has been on the CMARC Board. This person is always there to lend a hand, like helping with the website. He has a full-time job, goes to college, volunteers for his Church, and is married to Shannon/WA2NVK. He is also the Club Contesting Chairman, and the Club Station Manager. Last but not leaset, he is the Scope editor and spends time looking for interesting articles to put in the Scope.

The 2015 Ziegenbein Award winner is Chris Ranes NS8Q.


2014 Recipient Dan Beuchert, WX8MOJ
Dan Beuchert WX8MOJ with daughter Abigail receiving the 2014 Ziegenbein award

Don McLain KB8RAD presents the 2014 Ziegenbein Award to Dan Beuchert WX8MOJ with daughter Abigail at the 2015 Ladies Night Banquet on May 8, 2015.
[Kenneth Hazlett N8BVV photo]

As you all know, each year a member of the Central Michigan Amateur Radio Club is selected to receive an Award named in honor of Ralph Ziegenbein, W8PLP, who became a Silent Key in 1960. This Award is bestowed upon that member who we feel has done the most for Ham Radio in general and CMARC in particular in the past calendar year and who exemplifies the spirit of Ralph Ziegenbein. The choice was a difficult one, but we, the Ziegenbein Award Committee, have come to a unanimous decision and are here tonight to present the Award to the following Club member:

Compared to some, the recipient of the Ziegenbein Award this evening is a relatively “new” Ham, yet has had a positive impact on CMARC way out of proportion to their years. In that “brief” time, this Ham has served as a certified SKYWARN Weather Spotter, has been active at Field Day, has been a worker at our Hamfest, has volunteered for many of the different Public Service Events in support of their community, has been an active member of ARPSC and LCDRA, is the CMARC ListServ manager and web manager for the ARPSC, has helped teach CMARC’s Technician classes, was Co-Editor of our Club Newsletter (the SCOPE), and has done things as menial as setting up and tearing down tables and chairs at our meetings (even sweeping up the floor and taking out the trash afterward, being the last one to leave the building). This receipient has even shoveled and salted the sidewalk at our meeting place in Winter! But this receipient has also done something as lofty as serving on the CMARC Board of Directors (most recently as President). This person led CMARC with dignity and a cool head and was equal to any task or situation that presented itself.

By now you ALL know who I’ve been speaking about and as you can see, the role this person has played during the short time of his being a Ham Radio Operator makes him the undisputed choice for winner of the 2014 Ziegenbein Award!

Therefore, it is with great pleasure that the Ziegenbein Award Committee bestows CMARC’s highest and most prestigious honor upon this deserving Ham. Introducing the winner of the Ziegenbein Award for the past calendar year of 2014....Mr. Daniel M. Beuchert, WX8MOJ!

CONGRATULATIONS, DAN, on a job well-done!!

~Don McLain/KB8RAD, Ziegenbein Award Committee


2013 Recipient Jane Hosford, KC8FSK
Jane Hosford KC8FSK with husband John Hosford KC8QZB

As you all know, each year a member of the Central Michigan Amateur Radio Club is selected to receive an Award named in honor of Ralph Ziegenbein, W8PLP, who became a Silent Key in 1960. This Award is bestowed upon that member who we feel has done the most for Ham Radio in general and CMARC in particular in the past calendar year and who exemplifies the spirit of Ralph Ziegenbein. The choice was a difficult one, but we, the Ziegenbein Award Committee, have come to a unanimous decision and are here tonight to present the Award to the following Club member:

The recipient of the Ziegenbein Award this evening has been a licensed Amateur now for about 18 years. In that time this Ham has served as a certified SKYWARN Weather Spotter, has helped with Field Day, has volunteered for the many different Walk-a-thons and other events in the community, has served as a Director on the Board of CMARC for at least a half dozen years (as Secretary for at least two), has been the Cards and Flowers Chair for at least a half dozen years, has helped with the planning and implementation of the Ladies Night Banquet and the CMARC Hamfest in recent years, as well as, back in the ’90s, has also helped with kitchen duties at Club meetings and has been the Club Printer for years. There are many other things they have done to help our Club “behind the scenes”, but suffice it to say that whenever the call went out for help, they always responded with, “YES!!”

As you can see, the role this Amateur has played over the years in Ham Radio and CMARC makes them the undisputed choice for winner of the 2013 Ziegenbein Award! They have been passed over for this Award since the ’90s and we think it’s high time that they be acknowledged.

Therefore, it is with great pleasure that the Ziegenbein Award Committee bestows CMARC’s highest and most prestigious honor upon this deserving Ham. Introducing the winner of the Ziegenbein Award for the year 2013.... Mrs. Jane Hosford, KC8FSK! CONGRATULATIONS, JANE!! You have worked long and hard and are truly deserving of all of our appreciation for your dedication to our Club and Hobby!

~Don McLain/KB8RAD, Ziegenbein Award Committee


2012 Recipient John Hosford, KC8QZB
Don McLain KB8RAD and Bob Berger K8RDN congratulating John Hosford KC8QZB, the 2012 Ziegenbein Award Winner.

CMARC Members,

“Introducing the winner of the Ziegenbein Award for the year 2012.... Mr. John Hosford, KC8QZB!” John is a very humble and unassuming person, who doesn’t do anything for recognition or praise, but just because he wants to help! He truly has that “Ralph Ziegenbein” attitude, because after all, it’s not just WHAT a person does but WHY they do it that counts, right? John never complains or utters an unkind word; he is kind, patient and more than willing to help!

He’s only been licensed for about 12 years and shortly after getting his ticket, he became a part of CMARC. It was around 2004, when the Club was about to close its doors because of lack of interest and an ever-decreasing membership, that John first became involved in the leadership of CMARC. Since then, John’s been on the Board of Directors for EIGHT YEARS, serving as President for 2 years, Vice-President for 2 years, and Secretary for 4 years! Because of John’s dedication and the dedication of the other Board Members he’s served with, CMARC has continued to grow and flourish. Then, a few years ago, John got his Extra and immediately became an ARRL-Sanctioned Volunteer Examiner, actively serving with the “Ingham County VE Group”. Some other things John has done to his credit are:

CONGRATULATIONS, John! You are truly deserving of all our appreciation for your dedication to our Club and Hobby!

~Don McLain, Ziegenbein Award Committee


2011 Recipient Don McLain, KB8RAD
CMARC President Corey J. Bulock KD8BOQ congratulating Don McLain KB8RAD the 2011 Ziegenbein Award Winner.

Don McLain (KB8RAD) was honored as the 2011 Ziegenbein award winner! Don has spent countless hours actively promoting and supporting amateur radio. He has served on the CMARC board for many years, including serving as Vice President and filling in wherever and whenever needed. Don founded the “Breakfast Club Net” specifically to encourage licensed amateurs to actually USE their license priviledges. Don also founded the “Lending Library”, “RAD’s Coffee Break”, the “Mid-Michigan Information Net”, and serves on the Ingham County VE Team. Congratulations, Don, and thanks for all that you do!


2010 Recipient Bob Berger, K8RDN
Bob Berger K8RDN receives the 2010 Ziegenbein award

Bob Berger (K8RDN) was honored as the 2010 Ziegenbein award winner! Bob served for several years on the Board of CMARC and specifically worked as the Vice President. He has been actively involved in local, state, and regional traffics nets, helping hams be prepared for emergency traffic handling. We thank Bob for his service to the hobby, and to CMARC and are honored to announce he is now part of a historic group of Ziegenbein winners.


2009 Recipient Ronald Harger, WD8BCS
WD8BCS and KD8BDI WD8BCS2 and KD8BDI2

WD8BCS & W8BCI
Ron Harger (WD8BCS) was honored at the Annual Ladies’ Night/Ziegenbein Banquet. There was a large turnout for the dinner and the room erupted into applause when Ron’s name was revealed. Shortly thereafter, his Father Dan (W8BCI) posed for this photo with his son. It was nearly 45 years ago to the day that Dan was honored, making Ron the first second generation Ziegenbein Recipient in the history of the award. Congratulations, Ron! Well done...


2008 Recipient Richard McGuire, KI8C (SK)
KI8C and AB8RX
Richard McGuire (KI8C) is congratulated by the 2008 Ziegenbein Recipient, Roger Barnhill (AB8RX) at the June, 2009 CMARC meeting. Dick wasn’t present at the Ladies’ Night celebration, which necessitated a CMARC presentation, but we were ALL pleased to know that Dick got it. WAY TO GO, Dick


2007 Recipient Roger Barnhill, AB8RX
AB8RX and KB8PSF Roger (AB8RX)
Roger Barnhill (AB8RX) receives the 2007 Ziegenbein Award from Pam Denomme (KB8PSF) at the Annual Ladies’ Night Banquet on Saturday, May 2, 2008. CONGRATULATIONS, Roger!


Who Was Ralph Ziegenbein (W8PLP) ?

Some members wonder for months, or even years about the annual award CMARC bestows on its most active and contributive member. Some even struggle with the pronounciation of the award’s name, but after reading this bit of information, you can amaze your friends and relatives with the story...and the man behind it.

Ralph Ziegenbein (pronounced Zig-en-bine) held Amateur Callsign W8PLP. He was popular barber in the Lansing area, with a shop located on Michigan Avenue, near Clemens and made a large impact on our Club. "He would ask if you were a Ham when you came into his shop", said longtime CMARC member, Currin Skutt (W8FSZ). "If you said yes, he would open a drawer and hand you a QST, if you said no, he would direct you to the magazines on the table."

There is little information on the man known affectionately as "Mr. Ham Radio" and he has no Family in the area, according to Currin Skutt, but he is remembered as the man who spearheaded the push to bring the Novice Class license to Amateur Radio. According to Currin, Ziegenbein came up with the idea, sent it to the Club Secretary and had it typed up for submission to the ARRL. "The League took it from there", Skutt remembered and Amateur Radio added the Novice Class to its list.

Ziegenbein was among the last of the sparkgap users in the Lansing area. Currin tells a story about how Ralph’s transmitter would weld the electric meter when he used his transmitter, which caused some problems with the electric company. A man of good humor, Skutt also told of Ziegenbein’s homespun phonetics. "He called himself a modular fruit stand", said Skutt. "Peaches, Lemons and Prunes".

W8PLP assured himself a place in the hearts of CMARC members of that day. Currin shared that Ziegenbein was a "man of his word. If he told you he would do something, you could expect a report on it at the next meeting". His dedication to the Hobby was apparent and Skutt also said the Lansing barber never missed a meeting.

A member of the Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA), Ziegenbein was traveling to the Upper Peninsula for a meeting in 1960 when he and his wife were involved in a terrible auto accident near Houghton Lake, Michigan. Ziegenbein died in the accident, but his wife was taken to a Grayling hospital with injuries.

Following his death, Currin tells that a group of Hams known as "The Lush Wells" (all CMARC members) decided to preserve Ziegenbein’s callsign, "If not for the Club, then for a worthy organization." After navigating a sea of red tape, the group’s efforts were rewarded and W8PLP was issued to CMARC for the station at the American Red Cross, Lansing Chapter shortly thereafter.

The final Chapter in this story, and one that is still being written today, was the creation of the Ziegenbein Award. This award is presented each May to the Full CMARC member who has contributed the most to Amateur Radio, in general and CMARC, in particular for the previous calendar year. The Ziegenbein Committee consists of recipients of the award for the previous three years.

Below is a list of all previous Ziegenbein Award Winners

Year Name
2022 Dale Cole K8TS
2021 Michael Wetzel W8QF
2020 Daniel Dembinski KD8YDE
2019 Shannon Ranes WA2NVK
2018 Tom Rocheleau WA8WPI
2017 John Doornhaag KD8NNQ
2016 Leota Strobel KD8SQD (SK)
2015 Chris Ranes NS8Q
2014 Dan Beuchert WX8MOJ
2013 Jane Hosford KC8FSK
2012 John Hosford KC8QZB
2011 Don McLain KB8RAD (SK)
2010 Bob Berger K8RDN
2009 Ronald Harger WD8BCS
2008 Richard McGuire KI8C (SK)
2007 Roger Barnhill AB8RX (SK)
2006 DeAnna Barnhill KD8BDI
2005 Don De Feyter KC8CY (SK)
2004 Joe Denomme N8VYS (SK)
2003 Gregg Mulder WB8LZG
2002 Jaymes Kenyon KC8DJH
2001 Mark Humphreys N8DEF (SK)
2000 J. Ervin Bates W8ERV
1999 Pam Denomme KB8PSF
1998 Julie McLain KB8ZXR (SK)
1997 Roy Uchigashima N8GAQ
1996 Pete Elrod N8EST (SK)
1995 Don Cote KD8BD (SK)
1994 Dick Pennington W8SFA (SK)
1993 Dick Thomas W8VJC (SK)
1992 Ken Kruger W8AAX (SK)
1991 Bill Chapman W8TJQ (SK)
1990 Don Devendorf W8EGI (SK)
1989 Inez Pearson KY8V (SK)
1988 George Wood K8GHX (SK)
1987 Don Tillitson WB8NUS (SK)
1986 Marion Stoner W8VWY (SK)
1985 John “Tiny” Hewitt K8DHN (SK)
1984 Rowena Elrod KA8OBS (SK)
1983 Linda Haigh KA8HHA
1982 Jere Haigh WA8BAP
1981 Harold Mahlke W8QG (SK)
1980 Beverley Stoner K8ZJU (SK)
1979 Lee Hamilton K8CDM (SK)
1978 Dale Moore K8YRD (SK)
1977 Larry Alman WA8QCW
1976 Lloyd Brox K8ZKM (SK)
1975 George Croze K8VKX (SK)
1974 Carl Hunsaker K8ILF (SK)
1973 Lyle Brooks W8TIJ (SK)
1972 John Sheldon WA8MVH (SK)
1971 Mert Henry K8ETU (SK)
1970 Wally Beck W8QQL (SK)
1969 Harold Bell WA8LAY (SK)
1968 Duane Cross K8ATU
1967 Dick Kelly K8BZV (SK)
1966 Ben Hassell W8VPC (SK)
1965 Dan Harger W8BCI (SK)
1964 Don Rickerd W8BQD (SK)
1963 Pete Gossett W8CKK (SK)
1962 Currin Skutt W8FSZ (SK)
1961 Gordon Maine W8OCK (SK)