MCWA Meeting Minutes of May 7th, 2024
President Dan Larson (KD9M) called the May 2024 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) to order at 7:00 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Andy Dyckman (N7IDE)
Board members present were: Director – Glenn Otto (K9OK), Director – Kent Dulaney (K9KMD), Secretary – Andrew White (K9AJW, Vice President – Wendell Smith (N9REP), President – Dan Larson (KD9M), Past President – Ralph Iden (WB9ICF)
A total of 48 members were in attendance and 2 guests:
Rudy Rios (N9DME)
Steve Gilbert (KE4AM)
Awards and license upgrades
None.
Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes from the April 2024 meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. Keith Schreiter (N9QDS) moved to accept the minutes and Roger Scott (KF9D) seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.
Membership and Financial Reports
Dan Larson (KD9M) presented the membership and financial reports for September. MCWA has a membership of 144 members including 12 family members and 2 associate members.
| Opening Balance | $11,339.67 | 2024-4-29 |
| Deposits/Interest/Credits | $50.09 | (Dues, Credits and Interest) |
| Expenditures | $279.22 | (Digital Ocean, Coffee, ARRL Book Donation) |
| Final Balance | $11,110.54 | 2024-4-30 |
John Cankar(W9JM) moved to accept the treasurer’s report and John Kalenowsky (K9JK) seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.
Old Business
The board had a meeting last month. Highlights included:
- Keeping business meetings focused and brief
- Attendings is going well
- Gained 17 new members since October
Suggestions:
- Still need a Presentation Chair
- POTA Group
- Fox Hunting Group
IRS 503C7 Social Club Filing:
- Make a resolution to file taxes with the IRS so that it’s documented in our club bylaws moving forward
- Playbook will add details of “be custodian for all Association Funds” to include yearly filing
Club call (K9RN) Trustee to be transferred to John Dewey (KA9CAR).
Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) gave a recap on the Maker Faire at the College of Lake County. This was MCWA’s 4th appearance at the fair. There were well over 900 attendees at the Faire. There were lots more hands on exhibits this year and the event was an overall success. The theme for the MCWA booth was “The Invisible World of Radio Waves”. The goal was to make the introduction to amateur radio more of a 1:1 setting. The highest interest was in the satellite communications setup. Educators wanted to know how they could get a program like this going at their school.
Wendell Smith (N9REP) discussed the McHenry County Century Ride and how we always need more volunteers to help the SAG team. It’s a fun way to play radio and to help a good cause. It is the Sunday before Memorial Day. See Wendell for more info.
New Business
None.
New Updates from Membership
John Kalenowsky (K9JK) played in a lot of state QSO parties in April. He mentions it as another way to get involved and active on the radio.
Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) mentioned that it is DXpedition season. He worked several all time new countries.
Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) developed a new bat signal for Comcast. He participated in the HamSci science experiment during the eclipse using WISPR at 1 Watt. About 2-3 hours into the event a Comcast truck pulled up to his house as Ralph had set off an alarm due to a tremendous reduction in upload speed from their customers.
Hamfests
Dayton Hamvention
Green Bay Hamfest
Starved Rock Radio Club Hamfest
Monroe County (IN) Hamfest
Contests and Activities
May:
Microwave Spring Sprint May 4
ARI International DX Contest May 4
Indiana QSO Party May 4
VOLTA WW RTTY Contest May 11
50 MHz Spring Sprint May 11
CQ WW WPX Contest, CW May 25
June:
ARRL International Digital Contest June 1
ARRL June VHF Contest June 8
Stew Perry Topband Challenge June 15
ARRL Kids Day June 15
ARRL Field Day June 22
Wrap up
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, June 4th, 2024 at the Algonquin Township meeting room. Open “eyeball” QSOs start at 6:30 PM, with the meeting starting at 7:00 PM. Formal program is TBD.
Tonight’s presentation will be by Tom Pusateri (W9NBG) and will cover “Your Ham Call Sign: Why did the FCC assign me this call sign?”
Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) motioned to adjourn, and Andy Dyckman (N7IDE) seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 7:46 PM.
Prepared by Andrew White (K9AJW), MCWA Secretary.