Minutes – January 2016

Subject: Meeting Minutes of January 5, 2016

The January meeting was called to order by President Jim, N7US at 7:00 p.m. on January 5, 2016 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Jim, N7US.

President Jim extended a welcome and asked if there were visitors or guests present. Fred from Prairie Grove, Andy, Bill and Mark K9PRZ were all visitors.

President Jim stressed that many club members are interested and available to help whoever needs ham radio help. Please contact Jim to help set up a connection.

Introductions around the room followed. 32 people were in attendance for the meeting.

President Jim encouraged all to join the club Yahoo reflector, K9RN.

President Jim encouraged members to send Jerry N9AVY, our newsletter editor, more club-specific input for the monthly newsletter.

The minutes from the December meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Roger, KF9D. Jerry N9AVY moved to accept the minutes as published, seconded by John KA9CAR. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe, N9OK reported a balance of roughly $4,700 in the club treasury. 2016 paid membership is now up to 46 members. Dues for the calendar year 2016 are now being accepted. Send dues checks to Joe N9OK. John K9JK made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by John K5JRD. The motion passed by voice vote.

Dave KB9OLD announced that 2016 VE testing sessions will be held in Woodstock on the third Tuesday of each quarter (Feb, May, Aug & Nov). There is the required $15 fee. No advanced appointment is required.

Jack, W9MU, reminded the club that the “Introduction to Amateur Radio” class at McHenry County Community College will begin February 18 and continue for 5 consecutive Thursday evenings. Twenty general information amateur radio topics will be presented in the course.

Upcoming hamfests were announced for the Waukesha Swapfest this Saturday January 9th and for the WCRA hamfest that will be held at the Kane county fair grounds on January 17th.

Jim, N7US advised club members that club callsign badges can be arranged through Ken, KB9I by sending him a check for $10.

The February program “Standing Wave Ratio” will be the first installation of a three part series to be presented by Jack, W9MU.

Several upcoming operating activities, including contests, were highlighted. See QST for contest details. Up-to-date DX information can be obtained from DailyDX.com.

President Jim invited everyone to join the club member group that meets at the Cottage in Crystal Lake immediately after the club meeting for pizza and camaraderie.

Under the topic of old business, John KA9CAR asked about progress in procuring a new projector for use at club meetings. KB9JP offered his personal projector for club use for the foreseeable future.

There was no new business.

After a short break at 7:30 p.m., Vice President Mike WB8BZK led an interesting panel session with fellow MCWA members Jim N7US, Cornell KK9DX, John K9JK & Dave K9RUF. The program included discussions on a wide variety of ham radio experiences, knowledge and skills. There was something for just about everyone!

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

Meeting minutes were recorded by WB8BZK and N9ITE in KF9D’s absence.

Respectfully Submitted,

Roger Scott, KF9D, MCWA Secretary