MINUTES FOR JANUARY 14, 2010 By Bob, KT4KS At 7:30PM the Club’s meeting was called to order by President Howell KG4CKJ. Howell welcomed the 19 attending members with his wish for all to have a happy New Year, and then subsequently led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance. MOTION TO PASS THE MINUTES: A motion to pass the November Minutes was not necessary, as a motion was made and approved during the December Holiday Party. REPEATER REPORT: It was reported that the repeater is working well. Members mentioned that the unit has been working fine during the Tuesday evening net, while Bill W2BSA expressed that the repeater operated well during the “Scouting for Food” event. Repeater Chairperson, Dick WA4USB, always monitors the repeater. GEORGE WASHINGTON SPECIAL EVENT: Howell mentioned he has yet to confirm the February 10/21 Special Event with the Mount Vernon organization, but that has “never been a problem in the passed”. Carol WA4GFW and Leila WN4PP will not be present at the event, so at the meeting Carol gave the club’s FT-990 to Bob KT4KS who will deliver the rig to the event. Mention was made that an antenna was needed, as in the passed Carol provided an antenna. Steve K3IZ expressed his intention to be at the event, and Doug WA3WEP expressed a desire to provide some calories for those who participate. No doubt the antenna issue will be revisited during the club’s February meeting. Bill stated that the Venture Crew may participate in the event this year. JANUARY TEST SESSION: Carol stated that the turnout for the session was small, but that the session was successful. In addition, at present Dick has 11 people signed up for his class. The class will be over 4 Saturdays, with the last Saturday (i.e. February 6) including a 4PM test. Bill stated that “we can teach anyone”. (Heck of a statement Bill) INTRODUCTIONS: Howell then initiated membership introductions. Oddly, no one commented on the oversight at the start of the meeting. HOLIDAY PARTY: The event was a success. WEB SITE: Maki K4RQZ updated the web site, which now proudly has a photo of Howell providing Vice President Pat WJOT with the Ham of the Year award during the holiday party. (See immediately below) In addition, Maki mentioned that the club will stay with the present web site provider. SHOW AND TELL: Pat spoke about a magazine that included an article about Lennox. John K2VPR displayed a photograph of an establishment that advertised “MakiRolls”, and gave the photo to Maki. Maki mentioned that that a MakiRoll is a food item. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Bob stated that he has 6-8 large rolls of RG 214 cable, and that he can give it to any members present at the meeting. (NOTE: Prentiss and Nick stopped over Bob’s house after the meeting, each taking a roll.) Prentiss K4PDJ mentioned that former Arlington Club President Jack Reed WA4FXX was buried at Arlington Cemetery earlier that day. Steve stated that Haiti emergency operations are presently taking place on 7.045, 3.720, 14.265, 7.265 and 3.977 MHz, and thus all hams should stay off of those frequencies, so as not to interfere with emergency personal. (Note: One MVARCer received an e-mail that he caused QRM to some stations exchanging traffic, and was asked to stay off of one of those 5 frequencies.) Gary KA2HAN brought it to the club’s attention that MVARC is not listed as an ARRL affiliate, which listing certainly needs to be addressed. COOKIE MONSTER: Bob was the January Cookie Monster, and provided the club with Keebler cookies, Ginger Ale and Seven Up soda, and Juicy Juice Apple juice. For the first time ever an ice dispenser was employed at the meeting, comments were encouraging. The cookies were all eaten. Debra KG4URO volunteered to be the February Cookie Monster. FIELD DAY: Carol stated that March 1 is the 1st day when the club can reserve space at the Pohick Bay Park for June Field Day. Last year, the club reserved 8 lots (as compared with 12 lots in years passed). As the lot rental costs money, if any club members have a better (less expensive) idea, please speak up! DOOR PRIZE: Carol won a hook for a microphone. The hook will permit his microphone to hang from a rear view mirror. At that time, Howell reminded membership that he has many parts and power supplies “for the asking”. CLOSE: President Howell closed the business portion of the meeting, and the membership subsequently retired for discussion while having visiting the Cookie Monster bar. PRESENTATION: Maki provided a presentation regarding alternatives to Microsoft Windows operating systems. The presentation was well received, especially with regard to the FREE software. Fred W3DM stated that he has effectively used such alternatives. .