GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION
                               Minutes for January 24, 2012 GCARA Meeting

Opening Introduction
The meeting was called to order by Vice President Jon Kramer, W4JRK, at 7:30 PM.
Stan Cyrway KG4UBG called attention and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. This was followed by introductory roll call which included about 58 GCARA members and guests.

Last Month’s Minutes
The November 2011 minutes, as posted on the W4BUG web site, was approved by voice vote.

Secretary’s Report
Vice President Jon Kramer W4JRK called for a motion to approve the January 2012 Treasurer’s report. That motion was presented and properly seconded. Before calling on the guest speaker, Julio Ripoll WD4NHC, Jon asked Marty Falk KI4IQZ to give us the announcements. He reminded everyone of the Miami Marathon Event that Ben Nemsar had requested our help for this upcoming weekend. He reminded the membership of the importance of our participation in this huge event as a public service. He also reminded everyone that this coming Friday, Jan 27, 2012, at the Paragon 8 Theater in Deerfield, the special showing of the movie “Red Wings” was playing with a lot of the old Vets from that era in attendance. Special guest, Lt. Col. Leo Gray will be a guest speaker at the movie. People who knew the secret password “veterans” would get in for $5.00.

The 50/50 drawing was called by Joe Ruby KJ4OW and the winner was Art Ruben K3GE.

Guest Speaker
Gold Coast was extremely pleased to hear a presentation by Julio Ripoll,WD4NHC, who volunteers for the WX4NHC Ham Station located at the Miami Hurricane Center and has done so for the last 34 years since college. He did a wonderful job showing just how essential ham radio still is in this modern day of computers and satellite phones. When all else fails, Ham Radio is there to do the job magnificently. Julio presented just how essential ham radio was to the Haiti Earthquake efforts and explained the various people involved in the planning and execution of the task. Everyone was fascinated by his talk and we will definitely have him back for those who missed it this time.

Treasurer’s report
Bob Walter, KI4BFS, presented our January Financial report and it was approved by voice vote.

Membership Report
Joe Ruby, KJ4W, gave the membership report. Several new hams joined the club and many members paid their 2011 dues. We have now a total of 291 members. The club is now requesting the members to pay up to date, their 2012 dues. Please get your dues into Joe Ruby ASAP.

VE Report
updated us on our January 2012 VE Session. We had 4 people test and we have 2 more technicians and 1 more general and 1 more extra tonight.

Technical Committee Report
Jarrod Lambert K4JJL, announced that the Technical team is busy making adjustments to the John Knox Repeater and are involved in several upcoming projects to improve communications.

The meeting was closed at 9:35 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT, Secretary of the GCARA
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