MCWA Meeting Minutes of February 1, 2022
President Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) called the February 2022 meeting to order at 7:03 PM by Zoom. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Dave Holmgren (K9AT). Ralph noted that the program will be recorded and that the approval of the minutes and treasurer’s reports will be streamlined without motions unless there are objections. Ralph reported the passing of Dave Stump (KD9ESL), a former member. Ralph also welcomed new member David Cushman (KC9CTI) and returning member JoAnne Maenpaa (K9JKM).
Board members present were Gary Dembski (W9GD), Dean Hettel (WC9C), Ralph Iden (WB9ICF), Gary Kaatz (W9TD), Dan Larson (KD9M), Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) and David Whiteside (N9BSA).
A total of 40 members were in attendance and four guests; Thomas Beebe (W9RY), John Zietlow (K9WIC), Sid Siddalingaiah (KC9JPJ) and our speaker for tonight, Tim Duffy (K3LR).
Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes from the January 2022 meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.
Membership and Financial Reports
Treasurer Dean Hettel (WC9C) presented the membership and financial reports for December. MCWA has a membership of 134 full members including 7 family members.
| Opening Balance | $10,838.94 | |
| Deposits | $169.41 | (dues) |
| Expenditures | $162.00- | (Field Day Pavillion Rental) |
| $57.00- | (Field Day Campsite Rental) | |
| Interest | $0.10 | |
| Final Balance | $10,789.45 |
Dean reminded the membership to pay their 2022 dues by PayPal, check or cash tonight at the meeting. Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.
Announcements
Although some programs are in the works, a program is needed for the March meeting and possibly April.
Dave Whaley (NT9E) reminded everyone via chat of the monthly ham breakfast, this coming Saturday, February 5, 8 AM at Kim & Patty’s Café, 731 Ridgeview Dr, McHenry.
Hamfest and Event Update
PAST
Winterfest, ARRL Midwest Division Convention: Thomas Beebe (W9RY) noted that the attendance and presentations were good.
UPCOMING
Orlando Hamcation, ARRL National Convention, February 10-13, 2022, Central Florida Fairgrounds & Convention Center, Orlando, FL
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, March 12-13, 2022, on-line
Jefferson Hamfest, March 30, Jefferson County Fairgrounds Activity Center, Jefferson, WI
Dayton Hamvention 2022, May 20-22, 2022, Greene County Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Xenia, OH
Contest Reports
ARRL RTTY Roundup: WB8BZK and W9TD reported good scores
North American QSO Party (CW): WB8BZK and W9TD participated
ARRL VHF Contest: K9JK in a couple of hours roving made 224 QSO’s on 5 bands and 66 on Sunday, all on SSB
North American QSO Party (SSB): KD9M participated in the last few hours
CQ 160-meter Contest (CW): WB8BZK reported 576 QSO’s and all states
Winter Field Day: W9GD reported that “The 415” group of 13 ops made 713 QSO’s on SSB. K9OK, KD9FMJ and K9AT all commented on how enjoyable it was.
Upcoming:
10-10 International Winter Contest (SSB) – February 5-6
North American Sprint (CW) – February 5-6
CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest – February 12-13
ARRL School Club Roundup – February 14-18
ARRL International DX Contest (CW) – February 19-20
Russian PSK WW Contest – February 19-20
CQ 160-meter Contest (SSB) – February 25-27
North American QSO Party (RTTY) – February 26-27
ARRL International DX Contest (SSB) – March 5-6
Upcoming MCWA Presentations
None scheduled
A program coordinator is still needed since programs are an important part of our monthly meeting. Please contact Ralph (WB9ICF) or Mike (WB8BZK) for more information as to what is involved.
Awards and license upgrades
For the 2021 Illinois QSO party, K9RN (OP N7US) placed second in the fixed low power category, KA9OZP placed first for Iowa and Roger Scott (KF9D) placed first in the single county portable category.
Angelo Franzone (KD9QVW) upgraded to General in January.
Old Business
A picnic Committee needs to be formed now:
- Volunteers needed
- Select a date and secure/rent the location
- Begin to plan the food and activities
Later, the menu needs to be finalized, budget made and approved and the activities planned in detail.
New Business
Dan Larson (KD9M) reported on the 2022 Field Day planning meeting held on January 27. We have the campground reserved for Saturday night and all are invited. The plan is to have three stations, CW, SSB and digital with free VHF, GOTA and satellite stations. The next meeting will be on February 15 at 8 PM using Zoom.
The board approved a Field Day budget of $750 at the October 2021 meeting. The MCWA Constitution requires membership approval for expenses above $300. Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) motioned to approve the Field Day budget and John Dewey (KA9CAR) seconded it. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.
Wrap up
Tim Duffy (K3LR) will be presenting “Antenna Construction” following the adjournment of tonight’s meeting.
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, March 1, 2022 hopefully 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 TBD.
A motion to adjourn was made by Joe Robin (N9OK) and seconded by Dan Larson (KD9M). The motion was approved by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM.
Prepared by Gary Kaatz (W9TD), MCWA Secretary.