Category: Minutes

There was no MCWA meeting in November because of the Dinner Social

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Meeting Minutes of October 1, 2019

President Mike Metroka WB8BZK called the October 2019 meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room. The Pledge of Allegiance followed led by Dave Holmgren K9AT.

Board members present were John Dewey KA9CAR, Gary Dembski KD9FML, Dean Hettel WD9FOO, Ralph Iden WB9ICF, Dan Larson KD9M, Mike Metroka WB8BZK, and Mike Salak KC9Q.

A total of 38 people were in attendance including one guest, Bill Graf K9RR from Hoffman Estates. After the attendees introduced themselves, Mike WB8BZK asked if there were any recent license upgrades or awards. Steve Butski stated he was just issued the new vanity callsign WO0DEN (Whisky-Oscar-Zero-Delta-Echo-November) to replace his old call, KD9NMF.

Approval of Minutes

The meeting minutes from the September 2019 meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. Doug Mather KD9PK motioned to approve the minutes with Fred Soop AC9RQ seconding the motion. The motion was approved by voice vote.

Membership and Financial Reports

Joe Robin N9OK presented the membership and financial reports as of September 30, 2019. MCWA has a membership of 115 full members and 9 family members for a total of 124.

Opening Balance	5,406.94
Deposits	1,092.00	Auction proceeds
	1,296.00	Banquet reservations
	20.00	Dues (via Check)
	10.00	Dues (via PayPal)
Expenditures	0.00
Interest	0.28
Final Balance	7,825.22

A motion to approve the financial report was made by Ed Finnegan K9ECF with a second by Joe Jaax W9JCS. The motion was approved by voice vote.

2019-2020 Officers and Board of Directors

The officers elected at the September 3rd, 2019 meeting were installed and the club thanked the Nominating Committee (Chairperson Kent Dulaney K9KMD and Directors-at-Large Gary Dembski KD9FML and Roger Scott KF9D) for their work selecting the nominees.

A round of thanks was given to the 2018-2019 Officers and Board of Directors:

Mike Metroka WB8BZK – President
Mike Ricketts ND9G – Vice President
Joe Robin N9OK – Treasurer
Dan Larson KD9M – Secretary
Roger Scott KF9D – Director
Gary Dembski KD9FML – Director
John Dewey KA9CAR – Director/Past President

The 2019-2020 Officers and Board of Directors were installed and welcomed:

Mike Metroka WB8BZK – President
Dan Larson KD9M – Vice President
Dean Hettel WD9FOO – Treasurer
Ralph Iden WB9ICF – Secretary
Mike Salak KC9Q – Director (two-year term)
Gary Dembski KD9FML – Director
John Dewey KA9CAR – Director/Past President

Announcements

There will be a meeting of the MCWA Board of Directors on October 22, 2019 at the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. The agenda will include discussion of the Board of Director Roles and Responsibilities and planning for 2020. The meeting is open to all members.

The MCWA Donated Equipment Auction was a success with $1,092 being raised.

MCWA VE Testing is held quarterly on the third Tuesday of the months of February, May, August, and November. Testing sessions are by appointment on those days between 7 PM and 8 PM at the Free Methodist Church, 934 N. Seminary, Woodstock, IL 60098. Contact Steve Maresso KB9OLD at 847-477-3518 to make an appointment. See the MCWA website for additional details.

The MCWA Dinner/Social will take the place of the November meeting and will be held at the Village Squire in Crystal Lake. There are a handful of seats left and members who are interested in attending should see Joe Robin N9OK as soon as possible.

The McHenry Monthly Ham Breakfast normally held on the first Saturday of the month at Kim & Patty’s Cafe, 731 Ridgeview Dr, McHenry has been rescheduled for October 12th for this month only due to the Scout Camporee that will be held on October 5th.

The fall Algonquin Ham Breakfast will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at the Golden Corral located at 1591 S Randall Rd, Algonquin, Illinois. The event is open to all amateurs, their families, and anyone with an interest in radio. The breakfast starts at 8 AM.

Hamfest/Conference Reports

W9DXCC Convention was great, as usual. The new venue was good with a great speaker and many prizes. Attendance was estimated to be around 200.

CFMC’s Radio Expo in Belvidere was hampered by rain. Those who had indoor tables did well.

The HRO Superfest was “okay” with many of the same vendors.

Upcoming MCWA Presentations

Our members have a wealth of knowledge and experience that other members are eager to receive. Everyone has something to share that will benefit others. Would you consider sharing your knowledge and present a talk at an upcoming meeting?

November 5th, 2019 – MCWA Dinner/Social, program TBD
December 3rd, 2019 – Ham Radio in the mid-1950’s by Tom Pusateri W9NBG
January 7th, 2020 – Jack Hudson W9MU
February 4th, 2020 – TBD
March 3rd, 2020 – ARRL Update by Kermit Carlson W9XA

Old Business

Plans are in place for the Scout Camporee (Jurassic Luau) on Saturday, October 5th. SSB and FM stations as well as a CW sending activity area will be set up in the Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center. It is estimated that between 250-400 scouts between the ages of 6 to 18 years old, boys and girls will be at the Camporee. Nine MCWA members will be on-site and another eight to ten will be operating mobile or at home for the scouts to contact. Members are encouraged to check in and listen for scouts calling CQ. The frequencies in use will be 50.180 MHz USB and 146.415 MHz FM.

New Business

There was no new business.

Wrap up

An invitation to interested parties to gather later at The Cottage to enjoy eyeball QSOs and 1/2 price pizza was offered.

The attendees were reminded that there will not be a November meeting because of the MCWA dinner social. The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room. Doors open at 6:30 PM, with the meeting starting at 7:00 PM.

Ralph Iden WB9ICF will be presenting “Arduino and ESP-8266 in the Ham Shack” following meeting adjournment.

A motion to adjourn was made by John Cankar N9GUU and seconded by Dennis Ryan, KA9PUC. The motion was carried by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM.

Prepared by Ralph Iden WB9ICF, MCWA Secretary

Meeting Minutes of September 3, 2019

The September meeting was called to order by President Mike, WB8BZK at 7:00 p.m. on Sep 3, 2019 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Dave K9AT.

President Mike, WB8BZK extended a welcome and asked if there were visitors or guests present. We had 2 guests: Gary W9TD, and Karen KB9DGN.

President Mike, WB8BZK asked for any License Upgrades, New awards etc. issued since Last meeting. None noted.

Introductions around the room followed. 43 members and 2 guests were in attendance for the meeting.

Minutes from the August meeting were posted on the mcwa.org website for review by Secretary Dan KD9M. John K9JK moved to accept the minutes with emailed updates, and the motion was seconded by Mike KC9Q. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe N9OK read the Treasurer’s September report:
Started with $5566.72, Deposits $40.00: Dues $40.00;
Expenses ($220.00):ARRL Insrance for 2019-2020 $200.00, Interest $0.22.
Ending balance: $5406.94
Member count is now 122 Voting members, 114 full members and 8 family members. Joe W9JCS moved to accept the Treasurer report, and the motion was seconded by Mike ND9G. The motion passed by voice vote.

Announcements
President Mike WB8BZK anounced Gary’s KD9FML mother passed August 23rd, President Mike’s WB8BZK Father-in-law passed away. President Mike asked for a moment of silence.

Several Ham Fests/Gatherings recently and upcoming.

Quincy IL Hamfest Paloma, IL Aug 11th
Racine Megacycle Freefest – Racine, WI Aug 11th.  nt alot of stuff.
Ozaukee RC’s Fall Swapfest – Cedarburg, WI September 8th
W9DXCC Convention- St. Charles September 14th
Peoria Superfest – Peoria September 15th
CFMC Radio Expo – Belvidere September 29th
Superfest HRO – Milwaukee September 27th/28th

Contests

See the contest calendar …

Upcoming MCWA Presentations

October Arduino and ESP-8266 in the ham shack Ralph WB9ICF
November MCWA Dinner / Social
December Ham Radio in the mid-1950s Tom W9NBG
January TBD TBD
February TBD TBD
March ARRL Update Kermit W9XA

Other Announcements
Kirk KD9KPA If you are interested in some old QSTs contact him.
Pierre K9EYE anounced Dave KD9ESL returned from Florida and is listening on the repeater but still not able to speak after the stroke. Reach out and say hi.

New Business
Scout Camporee October 5th. Jurassic Island theme. Would like us to setup communications to the outside world “if something went wrong”
Requesting 2 Amateur Radio Stations, Morse Code Demo & Activity
Activity will be on 2 Meters and 6 Meters
Need Volunteers for the following

Projet Co-Leader
Bring & Setup two stations & Antennas
Station Operators
Morse Code Demo & Activity
Quick Introduction to our Activity
Provide ready Local Home / Mobile QSOs
Ham Related Video for 60 inch monitor
Tear Down

Dave K9AT is building a resource list. Please send Dave where you get parts for Ham radio projects and other needs. This will be posted to the web site when finished.

Election of new Officers & Director
Nominating committe:
Chairperson: Kent Dulaney K9KMD
Directors-at-large: Roger KF9D & Gary KD9FML

2 Officers have agreed to serve again if elected:

President – Mike Metroka WB8BZK
Vice President – Dan Larson KD9M (move over from Secretary)

 
Nominating committee has selected these additinoal canidates:
Secretary – Ralph Iden WB9ICF
Treasurer – Dean Hettel WD9FOO
Director (2-year term) – Mike Salak KC9Q

Nominations from the floor
Pierre K9EYE nominated Ralph Iden WB9ICF for President
Ralph declined this nomination to keep the nomination for Secretary
Pierre K9EYE nominated Dave K9AT for Vice President
Dave declined this nomination at this time
Pierre K9EYE nominated Ken KO9H for Director
Ken declined this nomination at this time
President Mike WB8BZK asked for a voice vote of acclamation for the nominations. 1 abstain, 41 Voted Yes

The business meeting was adjourned at 7:52 PM.
Loren K3RFC moved to adjourn, and the motion was seconded by Dean WD9FOO. The motion passed by voice vote.

Following a short break, President Mike WB8BZK Started the Auction The program wrapped up at 8:52 PM.

Minutes recorded by Secretary Dan, KD9M

Subject: Meeting Minutes of August 6, 2019

The August meeting was called to order by Vice President Mike, ND9G at 7:00 p.m. on August 6, 2019 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Dave K9AT.

Vice President Mike, ND9G extended a welcome and asked if there were visitors or guests present. We had 4 guests: Mike not licensed, Karen KB9DGN, Mike KD2RP, Steve KD9MFF.

Vice President Mike, ND9G asked for any License Upgrades, New awards etc. issued since Last meeting.

Introductions around the room followed. 42 members and 4 guests were in attendance for the meeting.

Minutes from the July meeting were posted on the mcwa.org website for review at the meeting by Secretary Dan KD9M. John K9JK moved to accept the minutes, and the motion was seconded by John N9GUU. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe N9OK read the Treasurer’s July report:
Started with $6192.64, May Deposits $0.00: Dues $0.00;
May Expenses ($626.71):Mike WB8BZK Laptop Battery $26.99, Mike WB8BZK November Dinner Deposit $100.00, Dan KD9M Field Day Reimbursments 104.50, John KA9CAR Field Day Reimbursments 382.92, Stamps $12.30; May Interest $0.79.
Ending balance: $5566.72
Member count is now 121 Voting members, and 8 family members. Jim N7US moved to accept the Treasurer report, and the motion was seconded by Fred AC9RQ. The motion passed by voice vote.

Announcements
Vice President Mike ND9G announced John Zelz W9ZE’s wife passed July 1st, Dave KD9ESL is recovering from a stroke. VP Mike asked for a moment of silence.
Officer & Director Elections will be at the September 3rd meeting. If you are interested please contact Kent K9KMD, Roger KF9D, or Gary KD9FML.

Several Ham Fests/Gatherings recently and upcoming.

• • South Milwaukee Amateur Radio Club July 6th, John K9JK said it was about average but lots of rain made the lot small.
  • Karsfest, Peotone, IL July 21st, Pierre K9EYE said it was small.
  • Hamfesters Radio Club, Peotone, IL August 4th
  • Free Fest, Racine, WI August 10th
  • W9DXCC, St. Charles, IL September 13th

Contests

• See the contest calendar …

Upcoming MCWA Presentations

• • September Auction + MCWA Elections
  • October WiFi Microcontroller for the Shack Ralph Iden WB9ICF
  • November MCWA Dinner / Social
  • December TBD

Other Announcements
VP Mike ND9G announced Save the date for November 5th Village Squire 6pm Social 7pm Dinner. In September will start taking reservations.
Dinner will be at the Village Squire 4818 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Cost will be $27 each Spouses & Guest welcome, There will be individual drink checks

New Business
Scout Camporee October 5th. Jurassic Island theme. Would like us to setup communications to the outside world “if something went wrong”
Requesting 2 Amateur Radio Stations, Morse Code Demo & Activity
Need Volunteers for the following

• • Project Co-Leader
  • Bring & Setup two stations & Antennas
  • Station Operators
  • Morse Code Demo & Activity
  • Quick Introduction to our Activity
  • Provide ready Local Home / Mobile QSOs
  • Ham Related Video for 60 inch monitor
  • Tear Down

Dave K9AT is building a resource list. Please send Dave where you get parts for Ham radio projects and other needs. This will be posted to the web site when finished.

The business meeting was adjourned at 7:20 PM.
Joe W9JCS moved to adjourn, and the motion was seconded by John K9JK. The motion passed by voice vote.

Following a short break, VP Mike ND9G allotted time for each of the show and tells that were brought in or pictures sent in. The program wrapped up at 8:45 PM.

Minutes recorded by Secretary Dan, KD9M

Subject: Meeting Minutes of July 2, 2019

The July meeting was called to order by President Mike, WB8BZK at 7:00 p.m. on July 2, 2019 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Mike KC9Q.

President Mike, WB8BZK extended a welcome and asked if there were visitors or guests present. We had 3 guests: Steve Butski, George Lin KD9NLI, Karen KB9DGM.

President Mike, WB8BZK asked for any License Upgrades, New awards etc. issued since Last meeting. George KD9NLI passed tech and General.

Introductions around the room followed. 46 members and 3 guests were in attendance for the meeting.

Minutes from the May meeting were posted on the mcwa.org website for review at the meeting by Secretary Dan KD9M. John KA9CAR moved to accept the minutes, and the motion was seconded by Doug KD9PK. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe N9OK read the Treasurer’s May report:
Started with $6371.85, May Deposits ($20.00): Dues $20.00;
May Expenses ($220.74):Field Day Site Rental 210.00, reimbursement for May speaker dinner 10.74; May Interest $0.81.
Ending balance: $6171.92
Member count is now 117 Voting members, and 8 family members. VP Mike ND9G AC9RQ moved to accept the Treasurer report, and the motion was seconded by John K9JK. The motion passed by voice vote.

Announcements
President Mike WB8BZK announced Officer & Director Elections September 3rd meeting. Nominating committee consist of Chairperson: Jim McDonald N7US and Directors-at-Large: Roger Scott KF9D & Gary Dembski KD9FML.

Several Ham Fests/Gatherings recently and upcoming.

• • Wheaton Hamfest June 16th, Several attended had great weather most things were gone by 11:00.
  • South Milwaukee Amateur Radio Club July 6th

Contests

• • See the contest calendar …

Upcoming MCWA Presentations

• • August Show & Tell
  • September Auction + MCWA Elections
  • October TBD
  • November MCWA Dinner / Social

Other Announcements
Presdent Mike WB8BZK announced Save the date for November 5th Village Squire. In September will start taking reservations.
Pierre K9EYE thanked the club for all the emails and cards after the passing of Smokey.
Hank – Storm took down his antenna and needs help putting up a MFJ vertical.
Mike KC9Q – has microwave book if someone is interested in borrowing.
Ken KB9I – donated 2 handheld radios from Motorola.
John K9JK – CQ VHF contest Grid is the exchange on 2M and 6M only.
Motorola will be having special event celebrating 1st Man on the moon.
Pierre K9EYE suggested tables to be changed for the show and tell meeting allowing easier movement to see and touch items.

Old Business
None noted.

The business meeting was adjourned at 7:46 PM.
Doug KD9PK moved to adjourn, and the motion was seconded by John K9JK. The motion passed by voice vote.

Following a short break, President Mike WB8BZK gave a presentation on the survey results. The program wrapped up at 8:57 PM.

Minutes recorded by Secretary Dan, KD9M