Helen was licensed in February 1992 as VE2YAK. Within days on the air, Helen was directed to CLARA and the CLARA nets. She became an active participant on the 40 & 20 meter nets and checked in on 80 when she could.  Her OM is a ham as are both her children.

 February 1992 and every February since, Helen has participated in GOTA Guides on the Air.

 When Jeanne VE2JZ moved from VE2 land to VE3 land, Helen took over Jeanne's seat as NCS of the CLARA 40 meter net, a position she continues to this day.

 In 1994, Cathy VE3GJH stepped aside as GOTA coordinator for Canada. She asked Helen to take over. Helen instituted the GOTA webpage.

 In 2001 when Audrey VE1PK was President, Helen became Vice President of CLARA. In 2003 Helen became President.

 Helen is also assistant editor of the Clarion.

 Outside CLARA, Helen has been part of the West Island Radio Club DXpedition group and later the Halifax ARC DXpedition group. She has been on 10 DXpeditions between the two groups.

 In Quebec, Helen was one of the instructors in the Westminster Amateur Radio School and an officer of the school for several years. For about 3 years the school was taught at her QTH.

 In 2003 Helen moved to Nova Scotia and became VA1YL.

 In both Nova Scotia and Quebec, Helen took part in ham radio support for Equestrian Events. Last year Helen was part of the ham support group for the MS Bike Rally.

 Helen is trained in EMO procedures and on the call out list for EMO in Kings County.

 Helen has taken part in club field days with both WIARC and HARC; about 14 altogether.

 Helen and Fred have done several public relations events for ham radio - a Lighthouse activation in Canning and two Harvest Festivals in Sheffield Mills.

 Helen has earned the DXCC award with over 200 countries confirmed. She also has the CLARA 10 DX YL Award, and the CLARA Family Award.  She has worked over 50 YLs for the CLARA Work 40 YLs in 2007 Certificate.

 Helen and Fred have been active participants at all three DX Forums put on by HARC.

 Helen has made a number of presentations on ham radio to ham radio groups and Girl Guide groups.

 The Kings County ARC has been running the RAC Canada Day and Canada Winter contests from the VA1YL/VE1FA QTH for several years. The VE1LD team has done very well in the contests.