Metro DX Club
Meeting Minutes
October 24, 2014
The meeting was called to order by President Jim Mornar,
N9TK at 7:39 with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. We were pleased to
welcome new member Matt, KA9BBQ and visitors Jerry, K9LOT and Tony, KD9CAU.
Jerry, K9LOT lives on ½ acre in New Lenox and enjoys working QSO parties with
his 706. Tony, KD9CAU is a new Technician who has just ordered a TS-590 and is
studying for his General ticket.
Old Business
a.)
Health and welfare:
N9TK reported on the passing of
Jerry, KE9I. A motion to donate $50 to the St. Anthony Hospice in Crown Point,
IN was made by K9PY and seconded by N9ORD. The motion passed and our donation
will be made in Jerry’s memory.
b.)
The September minutes are posted on the web site. The minutes were
accepted.
c.)
The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed by W9ILY. Approval was moved
by N9LAH seconded by K9CJ.
d.)
A report about the WUST award activity was made by W9ILY. One
award was issued during the month to NR9J. It had been suggested last month that
an updated listing of active WUST operations be added to the web site. N9LAH
will research this with the DXLabs group.
e.)
N9TK updated the group on the status of the K9BWQ estate sales.
Frank’s XYL Delores has generously agreed to our club retaining 20% for
DXpedition donations in Frank’s memory. Also, we purchased on Delores’
behalf a memorial brick at ARRL headquarters. It is inscribed “In memory of
Frank K9BWQ an avid DXer”. An acknowledgement letter from the ARRL was read by
W9ILY. N9TK reported that the acknowledgement certificate received by Delores
was greatly appreciated and she plans to have it framed.
f.)
K9BWQ’s antenna still needs to be completely removed as this
work was not completed. An antenna party at Frank’s QTH was suggested for
November 8. N9TK will keep us updated.
g.)
Our Special Event Station using the callsign W9TY will be held on
November 22. N9TK will have an open house at his QTH. At least five club members
will be participating. A sample certificate was displayed by W9ILY for those who
contact W9TY and request a confirmation. It was suggested that we have a special
event station in the Joliet area next year.
New Business
a.)
Past contests were reviewed by W9ILY. Metro finished 6th
from the bottom in the CQ 160 meter contest with 40,460 points and four scores
submitted. CQWW-SSB is currently in full swing throughout the weekend. It was
noted that NV9L won the first place plaque for CQWPX-SSB in the USA. Operators
were NV9L, WB9Z and N9TK.
b.)
Current DXpeditions were noted and all members were given a
listing of current operating DXpeditions and some upcoming ones.
c.)
Dues: members were reminded that our current dues of $10 will
increase to $15 after December 31. Several members paid their dues. W9ILY noted
that we have PayPal available for the convenience of the members. Dues payment
via PayPal should be sent to w9ty@arrl.net. Contact W9ILY with any questions.
d.)
Board elections will be made in November. N9TK, K9CJ and W9ILY
have volunteered to continue in their current posts.
e.)
Winter Dinner: N9TK is having discussions with the Harvest Room
where we enjoyed our 2014 dinner. Their growing popularity and our request to
have separate checks may present a problem. N9TK will continue to work with
them.
f.)
W9ILY noted that a 4KW generator that was donated to the club by
W9AEB has not been used since 2009 as we have not participated in Field Day
since then. W9AEB agrees that the generator can be sold with the proceeds going
to a DXpedition donation. Members were offered the opportunity to purchase the
generator for $100. Guest Jerry, K9LOT, expressed interest.
g.)
Club Name Badges: A question has been raised as to why we do not
have club name badges. W9ILY presented one that he had from NIDXA and was
available from the Sign Man of Ohio for $9. AT least 10 members are interested
and W9ILY will continue the research and report next month.
h.)
K9LOT noted that his club will be operating a special event
station in September 2015 from Joliet as part of the Route 66 celebration. The
call will be W9U.
i.)
A motion was made by N9ORD and seconded by K9DRS to close the
meeting. Meeting closed at 9:04.
We all enjoyed a refreshment period that was followed by
general discussions among the members. Unfortunately, our program presenter,
K9CS, was ill and could not make his presentation. We will look forward to
Carl’s presentation at a future date.
Attendees: K9DRS,
K9PY, new member KA9BBQ, N9LAH and XYL Cindy, K9LSH, N9ORD, N9TK, NV9X, WA9LEY,
W9ILY, W9NKV who could not stay for the meeting, visitors Jerry K9LOT and Tony
KD9CAU.
Submitted by W9ILY, Secretary/Treasurer