MCWA Meeting Minutes of November 7, 2023
Vice President Wendell Smith (N9REP) called the November 2023 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) to order at 7:05 PM. Wendell noted that the program may be recorded. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Dave Holmgren (K9AT).
Board members present were: Director – Kent Dulaney (K9KMD), Director – Glenn Otto (K9OK), Secretary – Andrew White (K9AJW), Treasurer – Bob Temes (KD9IDD), Vice President – Wendell Smith (N9REP).
Wendell Smith (N9REP) extended a warm welcome to new MCWA members Kelly Bochniak (KD9YHT) and Kevin Potter (KD9YYO).
A total of 40 members were in attendance and 7 guests: Matt Squire (NM1S), Ken Neilsen, John Kidis, Lance and Barb Lawrenz, Andrew Kodet and Neil Joslum
Wendell Smith (N9REP) regretfully shared the loss of two Silent Keys in October:
Terry L Garrett (K9HA) went Silent Key on October 20, 2023.
Dr. Don Brandeau (K9QID) went Silent Key on October 24, 2023.
Awards and license upgrades
None.
Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes from the October 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
Bob Temes (KD9IDD) presented the membership and financial reports for September. MCWA has a membership of 141 full members including 11 family members and no Associate members.
| Opening Balance | $10,846.69 | 2023-09-30 |
| Deposits | $130.00 | ( $40 Dues, $90 Donation) |
| Expenditures | $149.53 | (DigitalOcean, PO Box) |
| Interest | $0.10 | 2023-10-31 |
| Final Balance | $10,837.26 | 2023-10-31 |
Glenn Otto (K9OK) moved to accept the treasurer’s report and Angelo Fanzone (KD9QVW) seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.
Announcements
Wendel Smith (N9REP) reminded everyone that memberships run from January 1st to December 31st. Membership dues are $10 per year and can be prepaid for multiple years. Send $10 to MCWAPaypal@gmail.com & select “Sending to a friend” to avoid processing fees for the club. You can check your membership expiration year by visiting the MCWA membership roster and searching your name or call.
Dave Holmgren (K9AT) mentioned that we have a multi-club ham breakfast once a month and he encourages all to attend.
Club Member Updates
No updates given.
Board of Directors Meeting Recap
Wendell Smith (N9REP) recapped the board of directors meeting that took place in October.
Club Health:
Membership is stable. Had some SK’s and new members. Meeting attendance was lower during the pandemic but is rebounding. In-person is rebounding as people are returning to in-person meetings from Zoom. Finances are very strong due to revenue from equipment auctions and spending under budget.
Activities for 2023-2024:
- Dinner Social
- Pizza Party with Program (Spring and Fall)
- Ham Radio Boot Camp
- Other suggestions included: Fox Hunt, POTA, Radio in the Park and others
Proposed 2023-2024 Budget:
| Item | Budgeted | Notes |
| Field Day | $750 | Requires club ratification for over $300. May need to increase based on food and facility cost increases |
| Insurance | $200 | |
| Pizza Social | $300 | Looking at December again for the social. Board decided to pay $300 for the pizza and to charge the membership $5-10 per person to attend. |
| Spring Social | $300 | Family friendly, tickets sold to cover the balance of the cost. |
| Outreach | $500 | Scouts, etc. |
| Zoom | $150 | |
| Website | $130 | DigitalOcean, Google Domains and PO box |
| Meeting Room Enhancements | $500 | Microphones for meetings to replace the ones on loan from Dan |
| Miscellaneous | $50 | To cover unbudgeted expenses |
| Total | $2,880 |
Hamfests
Friendly Fest – Milwaukee 11/4/2023
Keith Schreiter (N9QDS) mentioned that attendance was down this year.
Starved Rock Radio Club Hamfest – Mendota, IL 6/2/2024
Midwest Superfest – Milwaukee 9/22/2023-9/23/2023
Radio Expo – Chillicothe, IL 9/21/2024-9/22/2024
November Contests and Activities
November Sweepstakes – CW Nov 4-6
Several members participated and made contacts.
November Sweepstakes – Phone Nov 18-20
Keith Schreiter (N9QDS) mentioned that we will have members setting up stations at Pioneer Tree Farm for November Sweeps and encourages all members to stop by.
EME 50 to 1296 MHz Nov 25-26
Old Business
No old business.
New Business
Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) spoke about Winter Field Day on Jan 27th and 28th out at Gary’s farm. 415 will have a nice setup and they encourage everyone to attend. The address for Gary’s farm is 3298 Bay Rd in Crystal Lake.
Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) mentioned that he participated in the Illinois QSO Party last month and thanked everyone that participated.
John Dewey (KA9CAR) wants us to register as a club for November Sweepstakes so that we can earn points for the club.
John Cankar (W9JM) made a motion that we instruct the board to look into whether or not we should put our additional money into a high interest vehicle to get a better return on our investment. Loren Burkett (K3RFC) seconded the motion and a decision will be made by the next regular meeting in December.
Wrap up
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, December 5, 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 to be determined.
Mike Dusa (W9MJD) will present our program tonight on antenna and radio communication – when it began.
Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) motioned to adjourn and Glenn Otto (K9OK) seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 7:58 PM.
Prepared by Andrew White (K9AJW), MCWA Secretary.