Minutes – October 2018

Subject: Meeting Minutes of October 2, 2018

The October meeting was called to order by President Mike, WB8BZK at 7:01 p.m. on October 2, 2018 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Dave K9RUF.

President Mike thanked the nominating committee for their work for last month’s elections.
He extended a thank you to the previous board, and especially Jack Hudson W9MU for his extended service as a club director.
Gary Dembski KD9FML was welcomed to the board as the new incoming director.

President Mike, WB8BZK extended a welcome and asked if there were visitors or guests present. We had 3 guests: Joe KD9LQQ, Tom KC9JYF, and Tom KC9HPV.

President Mike, WB8BZK asked for any License Upgrades, New awards etc. issued since Last meeting. None noted.

Introductions around the room followed. 39 members + 3 guests were in attendance for the meeting.

Minutes from the September meeting were posted on the mcwa.org website for review at the meeting by Secretary Dan, KD9M. John K9JK moved to accept the minutes, and the motion was seconded by Pierre K9EYE. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe N9OK read the Treasurer’s September report: Started with $4611.75, Deposits ($1122.00): Dues $45, Auction proceeds $927, KB9I donated equip sales $150; Expenses ($109.78): 40th Anniv. cake/supplies $109.78; Interest $0.62. Ending balance: $5624.59. Member count is now 97 Voting members, and 9 family members. Dave NT9E moved to accept the Treasurer report, and the motion was seconded by Dennis KA9PUC. The motion passed by voice vote.

Announcements
President Mike WB8BZK gave the highlights of the 40th anniversary celebration at last month’s meeting.

It was announced that the donated equipment auction raised $927 for the club, far exceeding expectations.

It was announced that Paul Dumdie W9DWP became an SK recently, a moment of silence was held in observance.

The November social dinner was discussed and reservations were being taken by signup. Please contact Jim N7US by October 28th. More details found on mcwa.org site.

Several Ham Fests/Gatherings recently and upcoming.

    • W9DXCC Convention – Schaumburg, IL September 14th, lots of attendees, with positive reports.
    • Peoria Superfest, Peoria, IL September 15th
    • CFMC Radio Expo – Belvidere, IL September 22nd
    • HRO Superfest September 28th
    • Microwave Update 2018 Convention October 11th
    • MRC91 Milwaukee Rpt Club November 3rd

Contests

    • 432 MHz Fall Sprint Oct. 3
    • Makrothen RTTY Contest Oct. 13-14
    • ARRL School Club Roundup Oct. 15-19
    • 10-10 INt. Fall Contest, CW Oct. 20-21
    • Stew Perry Topband Challenge Oct. 20-21
    • Illinois QSO Party Oct. 21-22
    • CQ Worldwide DX Contest, SSB Oct. 27-28
    • ARRL EME Contest Oct. 27-28
    • ARRL Swepstakes, CW Nov. 3-5
    • See the contest calendar for more…

President Mike WB8BZK asked for people to think about presentations for Feb and March 2019. Planned presentations are as follows: December (Dan KD9M) Intro to Software Defined Radios, January (John N9DJ) Tower Grounding, February (Kermit W9XA) ARRL Update (pending ARRL election results).

Other Announcements
President Mike WB8BZK and Director Gary KD9FML provided an update on the Boy Scout merit badge program for October 20th.

It was noted that the quarterly ham breakfast in Algonquin is on the same day as the Boy Scout event, it was encouraged that members try to help with the event.

The business meeting was adjourned at 7:53 PM.

Following a short break, Jack W9MU gave a presentation on using software to model antennas. The program wrapped up at 9:02 PM.

Minutes recorded by Vice President Mike, ND9G