METRO DX CLUB MEETING MINUTES – November 20, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 pm by President Bob Adamitis K9MDO who then led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.  He then read the Minutes and Treasurer’s report as W9NJB is experiencing throat problems.  The minutes and treasurer’s report were approved by the membership.

Bob Ellison N9MKZ sent an e-mail thanking the club for the card sent to him on the loss of his father saying it was very much appreciated.

John Holmes W9ILY gave his report on Contest and DX activity:

Bob Jacobson K9CJ took first place in the 2008 CQWW - CW as single operator, high power in the 9th Call area on 40 Meters and displayed his certificate.   W9ILY displayed a very nice plaque received by W9TY for First Place Illinois Rover in the 2008 Illinois QSO Party.  K9CJ reported working Mongolia on 40 meter SSB this past week. Several Mongolia stations will be active through the CQWW-CW contest.   Field Day results have been published and W9TY finished #17 in the USA in 1A, #3 in Illinois with 1,077 Qs and 4,264 points. Last year we were 4th in Illinois with 4,520 points.

Seven Metro members participated in the 2009 CQWW-SSB contest. Upcoming contests are: CQWW-CW next weekend (Thanksgiving weekend); December 5-TARA RTTY; Dec. 4-6 ARRL 160 Meter CW; Dec. 12-13 the ARRL 10-Meter (both SSB and CW). Certificates for working W9M, the Special Event Station on October 3^rd, were issued to three club members N9ORD, W9PDS, W9NKV in addition to 17 non-members.

A short discussion of antennae took place with K9CJ educating the group.  Bob will present an antenna program at a future meeting.

K9MDO reported that the Ashford House has our reservation for the Annual Winterfest Banquet on Friday January 15^th.  We will order off the menu.

On December 5^th W9ILY will have a demonstration of RTTY and any members interested are invited to John’s house that day.  Further information will be from John.

The replacement of club officers was then discussed with K9MDO leading the conversation.  The busiest office is that of Vice President held by W9ILY.  He will keep the office while being relieved of some of the duties.  Phil Snyder N9LAH has volunteered to take over as Contest and DX Chairman.  Pat Skerrett W9PDS then volunteered to be Webmaster.  W9NJB’s health will not allow him to continue as Secretary/Treasurer and Jerry Celmer K9PY volunteered to take over that position for one year as soon as K9MDO, W9NJB and K9PY can get together at a mutually agreeable time to transfer the bank account from Jack to Jerry’s control.   Jerry's backup will be Rick, W9NKV. Jerry is a founding member of Metro and has in the past held every office of the club.  At this point the position of club president will be discussed further at the December meeting.

The program this evening was a DVD entitled “VK9DWX Willis Island by the Bavarian Contest Club”.

The following members were at the meeting: W9ILY, N9LAH, K9CJ, W9PDS, N9ORD, K9PY, W9NKV, K9MDO and W9NJB.

Respectfully submitted by Jack Nienhaus W9NJB Secretary’Treasurer