MINUTES FOR MARCH 11, 2010            

                                                By Bob, KT4KS

 

At 7:32PM the Club’s meeting was called to order by Vice President Pat WJ0T, as President Howell KG4CKJ had work related responsibilities.  Pat welcomed the 15 in attendance, and then led group in recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.  Pat proceeded to initiate introductions, which introductions included guest, Henry KC0WD, who resides at Fort Belvoir, and who expressed an interest in joining the club.  

 

MOTION TO PASS THE MINUTES:  A motion to pass the Minutes for the January meeting, and the motion was approved.  (Note: There were no February Minutes due to the February meeting being cancelled due to the snow storm of ‘10)

 

GEORGE WASHINGTON SPECIAL EVENT:  Membership discussed the recent special event which included 3 operating stations at Mount Vernon on February 20,21.  The event resulted in over 80 contacts.  Carol WA4GFW had a pile of requests for certificates in his possession at the meeting (which he obtained from Steve K3IZ and/or Mike KE4ER).  Bob handed Carol the log sheets, which listed all of the contacts.  Carols expects that the club will obtain about 60 requests from the 80+ contacts.  Carol will print up personalized certificates for each of the requestors, make sure that each requestor is on the club log, and then mail.  Mailing costs are $1.34 for each large enveloped, and it is hoped that the requestors have provided sufficient postage.  Otherwise, the certificates may be mailed in tiny envelopes the size of a 6 year old’s birthday invitation.  

 

REPEATER REPORT:  The repeater is working well.  (Note: That was highlighted by 4 mobile check-ins on the Tuesday night net just 2 nights earlier).

 

WEB SITE:  The web site is healthy, and up.

 

TEST SESSION:  There is a test session this Saturday.

 

COAST GUARD:  The MARS station is still there.  Pat reminded all that to operate at the station, members must contact Keith K6JNW to provide him with the necessary information (i.e. name, copy of car registration) so that they can get on the entry list.  Those with DOD stickers need not provide that information, as the sticker will provide for entry.

 

NEW BUSINESS:  John K2VPR stated that George N1BV reserved the club table at the Annandale hamfest, but that it was John who paid for it.  A motion was made for the club to reimburse John the $25 he paid for the rental, and the motion was approved.  John WQ4L mentioned that “smart” kids in school may be interested in ham radio, and inquired as to whether any (retired) MVARCers would be interested in providing a demonstration during the week.  John was of the impression that the teacher was interested enough to provide space in school for such a station.  Pat WJ0T thought that was a good idea.  John said that he would obtain more information.

 

FIELD DAY:  Carol will reserve 4 lots at Pohick Bay for Field Day 2010.  The 4 lots is a reduction from last year’s 8 lots, and should reduce costs.  Carol stated that the club needs a lap top for each station, and expressed an interest in using the “Write Log” program.  John WQ4L mentioned that the “Write Log” program works well.  Pat WJ0T then reviewed Field Day particulars (i.e. location, set up time, lunch, dinner, breakfast, overnight operation, breakdown time, and need for operators) for those in the group who are less than familiar with the event.  It was not a coincidence that 40% of the review was culinary based.  John WQ4L then reminded the membership that MVARC was the only club whose stations were ever inspected by the FCC during Field Day.  The FCC inspected the stations for danger of RF radiation, and all were happy with the positive results.

 

SHOW AND TELL:  Greg AJ4QZ showed off his fancy dual band J-pole which was recently advertised in a May ham radio magazine.  The cost of shipping almost equaled that of the antenna.  The antenna has been mounted to Greg’s deck.  

 

REMINDER:  Pat WJ0T reminded everyone that the club is receptive to anyone who wishes to provide a program about any topic of interest.

 

DOOR PRIZE:  Leila WN4PP won a set of helping-hands, a tiny stand that will hold up objects that are being worked on.  The item was donated by Fred W3DM, who earlier had mentioned that he recently had upgraded in that department.    

 

COOKIE MONSTER:  Debra KG4URO was kind enough to be the March Cookie Monster, and she satisfied all with her brownies.  Debra had a level of unexpected competition, as a group that had just previously used the meeting room left a ton of food, which included fish, vegetables, rolls, soda and coffee (with real half and half).  Paul AA80 was impressed with the real rolls, and Bob was impressed with the half and half.  As always, the membership was not shy with all of the food on the tables.  Leila volunteered to be the April Cookie Monster.  

 

CLOSE: Pat WJ0T closed then closed the meeting, and the membership retired.