MCWA Meeting Minutes of September 5, 2023
President Dan Larson (KD9M) called the September 2023 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) to order at 7:00 PM. Dan noted that the program may be recorded. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Keith Schreiter (N9QDS). A photograph of the members in attendance was taken to commemorate the 45th anniversary of MCWA’s founding. Dan welcomed new and returning members, Don Bryant (N9NLE), James Ferree (KD9NZL), Paul Anderson (KD9YNR), Gil Etheridge (KD9YUN) and Richard Kittredge (KB9EJZ). Dan then asked everyone to introduce themselves.
Board members present were Kent Dulaney (K9KMD), Dean Hettel (WC9C), Ralph Iden (WB9ICF), Gary Kaatz (W9TD), Dan Larson (KD9M) and David Whiteside (N9BSA).
A total of 49 members were in attendance and 4 guests: Mark Thomas (N9UM), Chris Danneil (KD2ADG), Lawrence Lea (KD9FLL), and Harold Tellefsen.
Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes from the August 2023 meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) moved to accept the minutes and Dave Whaley (NT9E) seconded the motion. 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 138 full members including 11 family members and no Associate members.
| Opening Balance | $11,555.12 | |
| Deposits | $135.00 | ($35.00 Dues, $100.00 donation) |
| Expenditures | $206.53- | ($6.53 Digital Ocean, $200.00 MCWA liability insurance) |
| Interest | $0.09 | |
| Final Balance | $11,483.68 |
Dean reminded the membership to pay their 2023 dues by PayPal, check or cash tonight at the meeting. David Whiteside (N9BSA) moved to accept the treasurer’s report and John Kalenowsky (K9JK) seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.
Announcements
The monthly McHenry Ham Breakfast is held the first Saturday of every month at Buddyz in McHenry at 8:00 AM. The next one will be October 7th. Contact Dave (K9AT) for more information.
Hamfest and Event Update
Past:
Elkhart East Hamfest: no reports
Riverland ARC Swapfest: no reports
Hamfesters 88th Annual Hamfest: no reports
Circus City Swapfest: no reports
ORC Annual Regional Fall Swapfest: no reports
Upcoming:
Peoria Superfest, September 16-17, Three Sisters Park, Chillicothe, IL
HRO Milwaukee Superfest and ARRL Central Division Convention, September 23, HRO Milwaukee, WI
Radio Expo, September 24, Boone County Fairgrounds, Belvidere, IL
Contest Reports
ARRL June VHF Contest: no reports
ARRL Kids Day: no reports
Stew Perry Topband Challenge: no reports
ARRL Field Day: reported above
13 Colonies Special Event: a number of members participated
CQ WW VHF Contest: no reports
NAQP – RTTY: no reports
Lewis & Clark Special Event: a number of members participated
VOTA, all year long: no reports
Upcoming:
Route 66 on the Air Special Event, September 9-17
ARRL September VHF Contest, September 9-11
ARRL EME – 2.3 GHz & Up, September 9-10
WAE DX Contest – SSB, September 9-10
ARRL 10 GHz & Up, September 16-17
Wisconsin Parks on the Air, September 16
North American Sprint – RTTY, September 17
CQ WW DX Contest – RTTY, September 23-24
VOTA, all year long
Upcoming MCWA Presentations
October 3 – Tentative: Pico Balloons and Youth in Ham Radio by the Northern Illinois Bottlecap Balloon Brigade
Awards and license upgrades
Ron Rogers (KC0ZN) became VEC qualified.
Old Business
Elections
Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) reported on the Nominating Committee’s (WB9ICF, K9KMD and N9BSA) activity. A full slate of nominees up for election was presented including short bio’s for each.
Director – Glenn Otto (K9OK)
Secretary – Andrew White (K9AJW)
Treasurer – Bob Temes (KD9IDD)
Vice President – Wendell Smith (N9REP)
President – Dan Larson (KD9M)
President Dal Larson (KD9M) then opened the floor for additional nominations. None were heard.
A motion to close nominations was made by Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) and seconded by David Whiteside (N9BSA). The motion was approved by unanimous voice vote. The nominees as presented were elected by acclamation.
New Business
None
Wrap up
Following the adjournment of tonight’s meeting, cake will be served in celebration of MCWA’s 45th anniversary. Following cake, Lyle Giese (W9LRG) will be presenting “Introduction to Remote Operations and the W9LRG Shack”.
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, October 3, 2023 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 tentatively: Pico Balloons and Youth in Ham Radio by the Northern Illinois Bottlecap Balloon Brigade. A motion to adjourn was made by David Whiteside (N9BSA) and seconded by John Cankar (W9JM). The motion was approved by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 7:37 PM.
Prepared by Gary Kaatz (W9TD), MCWA Secretary.