Minutes – October 2016

Subject: Meeting Minutes of October 4, 2016

The October meeting was called to order by Outgoing President Jim, N7US at 7:00 p.m. on October 4, 2016 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Jim, N7US
Outgoing President Jim N7US introduced incoming President John Dewy KA9CAR and noted that the other three Officers (Mike WB8BZK Vice President, Roger KF9D Secretary and Joe N9OK Treasurer) were continuing for 2017. As the club’s new President, John took over the meeting.

President John extended a welcome and asked if there were visitors or guests present. Five guests were present: Mike Rockets KB9BIB, Dan Korba, Erin Stump, Jim Natonski and Benjamin Holmgren (K9RUF’s son).

Introductions around the room followed. Twenty-six people were in attendance for the meeting.

President John encouraged all to join the club Yahoo reflector, K9RN.
President John encouraged all members to send Jerry N9AVY any and all inputs for the monthly newsletter.

Minutes from the September meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Roger, KF9D. Dave K9RUF moved to accept the minutes as published, seconded by KC9Q. The motion passed by voice vote.

Jim N7US presented a short report from Treasurer Joe, N9OK who was not in attendance. Jim reported a balance of $4,272.56 in the treasury and a total paid membership of 92 full members and 1 associate member. Dave NT9E made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by KC9Q. The motion passed by voice vote.

Under Announcements,
Club Librarian Jeff Schmidt KC9WSJ announced that we have many good books in the club library that are available for members to check out including a new ARRL addition titled “Amateur Radio on the Move”.

Vice President Mike WB8BZK announced that the Board of Directors motioned and approved elevating long term club member Marty W9MLP to Honorary Member for Life. Mike read the announcement that was published in the club’s October Newsletter.

Dave NT9E stated that the next Algonquin Ham Breakfast will be held at the Golden Corral on Randall Road on Saturday November 5th. Although this breakfast is not sponsored by the MCWA, all MCWA members are very welcome to attend.

President John led a discussion to gauge the interest in the club paying for a table at the Annual Mid-Winter Hamfest that will be held in St. Charles. K9EYE said that he would be happy to sit at the table and greet visitors. Jerry N9AVY indicated that he will be placing a note in the club Newsletter on this hamfest.

Several upcoming operating activities, including contests, were highlighted. The Illinois QSO Party will be held on October 16. It was noted that there are no local hamfests occurring until January 2017. See QST for contest details. Up-to-date DX information can be obtained from DailyDX.com.

President John stated that VE exams are given every three month during the school year (November, February, May and August). Information is provided on the club website MCWA.org.
Pierre K9EYE invited everyone to join his new 6M net. The net meets every Wednesday between 7 and 8pm on 50.130 MHz.

Under the topic of old business,
Nominations & election of a new club Director (through 2017) to fill the slot vacated by John KA9CAR, who became the club’s President, were held. Two nominations were presented by the Nominating Committee: Dave NT9E and Pierre K9EYE. No additional nominations came from the floor. K9EYE won the vote 12 to 9 over NT9E by a hand vote.

Under the topic of new business,
President John opened a discussion on our club participating in the 2017 Field Day operating event. 10 to 15 members raised their hand indicating that they were interested in participating.
Jack Hudson discussed interest in the club holding amateur radio classes or maybe licensing classes in 2017. The proposal was to hold 4 or 5 Saturday classes.

Dave K9RUF volunteered to make a presentation on System Fusion for the November or December meeting.
John invited everyone for pizza and eyeball QSOs immediately after the meeting at The Cottage in downtown Crystal Lake at the corner of Crystal Lake Avenue and Walkup.

K9EYE motioned to adjourn the meeting and Dave NT9E seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
After a short break, Jim N7US presented a program on “Ham Radio Logging Software – Focusing on DXlab Suite”.

Minutes taken by Mike, WB8BZK for Secretary Roger, KF9D