Subject: Meeting Minutes of Aug 2, 2016
The monthly August meeting was called to order by President Jim, N7US at 7:00 p.m. on August 2, 2016 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.
The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Jim.
President Jim extended a welcome to all and asked if there were visitors or guests present. New member Jim, NB9Y from Huntley was introduced to the group.
Introductions around the room followed. Twenty-seven people were in attendance for the meeting.
President Jim encouraged all to join the club Yahoo reflector, K9RN, visit the club website at mcwa.org, and join the MCWA Facebook page to keep up on club news and information. Jerry N9AVY is the newsletter editor, and if you are not receiving the newsletter via email, you should notify Jerry. Dave NT9E keeps the Facebook page up to date while Ken KB9I is the webmaster.
The minutes from the July meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Roger, KF9D. Dave, NT9E moved to accept the minutes as published, seconded by John, KA9CAR. The motion passed by voice vote with one abstaining.
Treasurer Joe, N9OK was absent but passed along a report of $4468.81 in the club treasury. Paid membership for 2016 is now up to 92 plus 1 associate member. Kent, K9KMD made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by Joe, K9DMV. The motion passed by voice vote.
Under the topic of announcements, Club Librarian Jeff, KC9WSJ brought several older license manuals to the meeting to give away to anyone interested, along with several publications to lend out.
It was noted that Marty, W9MLP is in an assisted living home in Crystal Lake. Several members have made visits and have brought radio magazines to him.
Ken, KB9I announced that the 145.41 Mhz repeater now operates in Moto P25 digital mode as well as analog FM. Ken will also arrange to get members a club name badge for the cost of $10.
A VE testing session will be held August 16th at 7 pm at the Free Methodist Church in Woodstock. Steve, KB9OLD is the contact person.
Jim reminded the group that the W9DXCC Convention will be held on Sept. 17, 2016 at the Hyatt Woodfield in Schaumburg, preceded on the 16th by DX and Contest University sessions. See W9DXCC.com for further details.
Further on the topic of announcements, several contests and operating events of interest were discussed including the NAQP, 50 Mhz sprint, and UHF contest (AugustUHF.org). See the newsletter and QST for further details.
John, K9JK and Mike, WB8BZK recently returned from the Central States VHF 50th Conference in Rochester, Mn. They reported several interesting seminars, exhibits and demos, including portable moonbounce.
Dave, K9RUF advised the group that the Dayton Hamvention will relocate this year to the Greene County Fairgrounds in Xenia, Ohio. Dave also mentioned the closing of the Amateur Electronics Stores (AES), with the Milwaukee location planned to reopen as a Ham Radio Outlet store.
Dave, NT9E informed club members that a ham breakfast has been scheduled at Kim and Patties Restaurant in McHenry on August 6th at 8:30 am. All are invited to attend.
Under the topic of New Business, Gary, KD9FML had previously suggested on the reflector that it might be of interest for members to have hats, shirts, or jackets containing the club logo. Gary had checked into a shop in Huntley called “Just for You Embroidery” that could supply embroidered articles, and had a copy of their catalog available. Gary will set up a digital copy of the club logo with them for those members interested.
John, KA9CAR had checked on pricing with a local screen-printing shop for club logo attire and will show a sample of their product at the next meeting.
President Jim reminded the membership that the September meeting will be election of officers. Dave, KA9OZP chairs the nominating committee with BOD members John, KA9CAR and Jack, W9MU. Anyone interested in running for a club office, should contact KA9OZP. President Jim invited everyone to join the group that meets at the Cottage in Crystal Lake immediately after the club meeting for pizza and camaraderie.
A motion to adjourn the business meeting by John, K9JK and seconded by John, K5JRD was made and approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:43 pm.
After a short break, Mike, WB8BZK gave a very interesting and informative program on the ARRL’s National Parks on the Air (NPOTA) program, which celebrates 100 years since inception of the National Park Service. Mike is actively chasing the Parks on the Air stations.
Respectfully Submitted, Roger Scott, KF9D, MCWA Secretary
