General Minutes Kitchener-Waterloo ARC

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Minutes of the regular meeting of the membership of the Kitchener-Waterloo Amateur Radio Club, October 05 1998

There were a total of 70 members and visitors present. Paul, VE3SY, called the meeting to order at 7:30pm and started by announcing the results of the Amateur Examinations held over the past fiscal year, (September 97- August 98). Of the twenty-five people who participated, 22 were recorded as having passed.

Ben, VE3BNY, introduced the meeting's speaker, Gary Hammond, VE3XN, who provided the members with a highly entertaining account of his passion for Ham Radio and DX-ing in particular. The talk entitled, "Hamming with Hammond" was supported by a slide show featuring a multitude of photographs depicting his family origins, careers, travels, radio equipment, food and a selection of personal favourites from his collection of 100,000 QSL cards! The 'pin-up' section was of particular interest to many members.

During the course of his address, Gary presented a plaque to Ernest Poole, VE3NSZ, for his contribution to amateur radio and especially IOTA (Islands on the Air). As a champion "Island activator" Ernest has succeeded in operating from at least one island in each of the Provinces and territories.

At the conclusion of his talk, Ben thanked Gary on behalf of the club and presented him with a certificate of appreciation. A request was made by Adam, VE3JZS, for volunteers to provide communication back-up during the annual Oktoberfest cycle races on October 11th. Volunteers were sought to cover the six kilometer circuit beginning in Wilson Park between the hours 8:00-12:00am and 12:00-4:00pm. A sign-up sheet was provided for those interested in participating.

On behalf of an absent John Schreiter, VE3DOS, Ben made the following announcements:

Owing to a poor turnout, a second ARES training session at the Mutual Life building has been scheduled for Wednesday October 21st at 7:30pm. To avoid further confusion, members wishing to participate in training were requested to add their names to a sign-up sheet.

A sheet was also provided for those wanting to take part in the Regional Waterloo Emergency Exercise scheduled for Friday November 20th. (details to follow) A general invitation was extended to those persons interested in taking part in the open-house tour of Kitchener-Waterloo Regional Airport control tower on Thursday October 8th.

Members broke for coffee at 9:15pm.

Meeting resumed with the business meeting at 9:30pm.

Secretary, John Holmans, VE3VRA moved that the minutes of the last meeting be adopted as printed in the bulletin. Eric, VE3VB, seconded the motion.

Greg Hollinger, VE3NXB moved that the Treasurer's report be adopted as printed. The motion was seconded by Gord, VE3NQK.

Paul, VE3SY, outlined a plan that would provide assistance to our less fortunate amateur colleagues living in Cuba. Gregg, VE3NXB, a frequent visitor to the country, described to the members the difficulty Cuban Hams experience obtaining equipment and technical literature. It was suggested the club might contribute to improving the situation by sending "relief" packages of much needed equipment e.g., computers, radios, magazines etc. Paul explained that one idea might be to "twin" KWARC with one of the many clubs (Upwards of 50) on the island. It was proposed that a committee be formed to evaluate the possibility of such a move. The committee would then report their recommendations to the executive who would in turn present them to the membership. This proposal was met with an enthusiastic show of hands.

Gord, VE3EOS, invited all interested parties to attend the packet meeting at 7:30pm Tuesday, October 6th at the Ratz and Bechtel funeral home on the corner of King and Wellington in Kitchener.

Harold, VE3DWH, reported there was still time to register for the Quarter Century Wireless Association Fall Dinner meeting . With a hundred people already registered, Harold recommended the event as a good opportunity for anyone interested to find out what the QCWA was all about. The gathering is scheduled for October 17th.

The 50-50 raffle prize, amounting to $22.80, was won for the second month running by Norm Perault, VE3DEQ. Ben, VE3BNY, announced that the subject of the next month's talk will be, "Mini-Satellite Dishes" presented by Phil Steckley.

The meeting adjourned at 9:50pm



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