MCWA Meeting Minutes of September 6, 2022
President Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) called the September 2022 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) to order at 7:09 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Dave Holmgren (K9AT). Ralph then asked for a minute of silence for Rob Leveranz (KA9RBI). He welcomed new member Stan Safranski (WJ9U). Ralph then asked everyone in the room to introduce themselves.
Board members present were Gary Dembski (W9GD), Dean Hettel (WC9C), Ralph Iden (WB9ICF), Gary Kaatz (W9TD), Dan Larson (KD9M) and Dave Whiteside (N9BSA).
A total of 38 members were in attendance and one guest: Andrew White.
Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes from the August 2022 meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. John Kalenowsky (K9JK) mentioned a typo that was subsequently corrected. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.
Membership and Financial Reports
Treasurer Dean Hettel (WC9C) presented the membership and financial reports for August. MCWA has a membership of 126 full members including 8 family members and no Associate members.
| Opening Balance | $11,249.39 | |
| Deposits | $85.00 | ($45 dues and $40 donation) |
| Expenditures | $200.00- | (MCWA Liability Insurance) |
| Interest | $0.10 | |
| Final Balance | $11,134.49 |
Dean reminded the membership to pay their 2022 or 2023 dues by PayPal, check or cash tonight at the meeting. Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.
Announcements
The Chicago Marathon will be on October 9th. Contact Rob Orr (K9RST@arrl.net) to volunteer. John Cankar (W9JM) reported that he was short one volunteer for his team.
A number of items were donated by Mike Mailloux. Gary Dembski (W9GD) is temporarily storing them. Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) inventoried the items and put it out on the reflector. Having no takers from MCWA the items will be taken to Radio Expo if the club has a table. Otherwise some could be donated to new High School station or auctioned off in the future.
There are some items donated by Larry Miglore (KB9DIP) that are looking for a good home (free).
Hamfest and Event Update
PAST
Jefferson Outdoor Fest 2022: no reports
Hamfesters Radio Club Hamfest: no reports
W9UDU Free Fest 2022: no reports
SMCFest: K9JK reported good attendance and good presentations.
UPCOMING
W9DXCC Convention, Chicago Marriott Naperville, September 16-17
Midwest Superfest, Expo Gardens, Peoria, IL, September 17-18
QSO Today Virtual Ham Radio Expo, September 17-18
HRO Superfest, Ham Radio Outlet, Milwaukee, WI, September 23-24
Radio Expo, Boone County Fairgrounds, Belvidere, IL, September 25
Contest Reports
10-10 International Summer Contest (SSB): no reports
ARRL 222 MHz and Up Distance Contest: no reports
North American QSO Party (CW): KC9GPY tried out a new 40-meter rotary dipole and made 432 QSOs with 92 multipliers in ten hours of operating
ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest: no reports
North American QSO Party (SSB): no reports
Upcoming:
Rt. 66 special event, September 10-18
Worked All Europe DX Contest, September 10-11
ARRL September VHF Contest, September 10-12
Wisconsin Parks on the Air, September 17
ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest, September 17-18
144 MHz Fall Sprint, September 19
CQ Worldwide DX Contest (RTTY), September 24-25
Oceania DX Contest (SSB), October 1-2
Upcoming MCWA Presentations
October 4 Having Fun with Morse Code – Anthony Luscre (K8ZT)
November 1 Working the Pileup – Ron Delpiere-Smith (KD9IPO)
December 6 TBD
Awards and license upgrades
Gary Kaatz (W9TD) was awarded DXCC-Digital, VUCC and WAS, 40-10 FT8.
Old Business
The club officer’s election was held. The nominating committee consists of Gary Dembski (W9GD), David Whiteside (N9BSA) and Roger Scott (KF9D) – Chairman.
The current slate consists of:
President: Dan Larson (KD9M)
Vice-President: Mike Metroka (WB8BZK)
Secretary: Gary Kaatz (W9TD)
Treasurer: Dean Hettel (WC9C)
Director: To fill opening created by expiration of Gary Dembski’s 2-year term.
Kent Dulaney (K9KMD)
Wendell Smith (N9REP)
Nominations were solicited from the floor. None were heard.
A motion to close the nominations was made by Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) and seconded by John Cankar (W9JM) was approved by unanimous voice vote.
Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) moved to elect the non-contested offices by acclamation. John Dewey (KA9CAR) seconded the motion and it was approved by unanimous voice vote.
Kent Dulaney (K9KMD) was elected to the open Director’s position.
New Business
President Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) brought up the concept of building a vibrant youth community. He had been listening to the East Coast reflector on Allstar and heard many youths carrying on a professional sounding net. He challenged the membership to figure out how we can introduce that here. He suggested helping to sponsor a High School Amateur Radio Club.
Wrap up
Jack Hudson (W9MU) will be presenting “Small Antennas for HF”, following the adjournment of tonight’s meeting.
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at the Algonquin Township meeting room. Open “eyeball” QSOs start at 6:30 PM, with the meeting starting at 7:00 PM. The program is “Having Fun with Morse Code” by Anthony Luscre (K8ZT).
A motion to adjourn was made by John Kalenowsky (K9JK) and seconded by John Cankar (W9JM). The motion was approved by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 8:07 PM.
Prepared by Gary Kaatz (W9TD), MCWA Secretary.