CQ, CQ, CQ, Calling all hams……..It is with a great deal of satisfaction and pride that I accept passing on the baton to the next executive board. Congratulations to the elected Board of Directors as accepted by the general membership on November 22, 2022.
The new Board has a great deal to accomplish, and I am assured that they will continue to promote the spirit of this hobby in the manner for which it is intended. First of all, in order for a hobby to be enjoyable it must be fun to its participants. A spirit of camaraderie, of giving and sharing , needs to continue in the pursuit of our higher learning about the hobby. There must be a mutual understanding that everyone has gifts to share and should be given the opportunity to do so. There must be an understanding that a club is NOT one or two people, but the whole group, who strive to accomplish the work that needs to be done to achieve the goals of the group. It is with this understanding and respect that I led this club in the past and I hope it will be led in the future.
Since this will be my last message to the club as your president, I want to commend several people, who unselfishly gave of their time and talents to improve this club in specials ways.
Charlie Artner KN4VDW, is the first on my list. He spent many hours of his free time delving into the construction of a beautiful website. He is a true artist who designed the communication forms that we all now use by habit to send information to the executive board for the good of the club. His thoughtful architecture of our website is a tribute to the man he is, thoughtful, creative and very thorough. It was he who paid attention to details, both as the secretary and as webmaster, and he found ways to remind of us of where we were going if we found ourselves off track. These are big shoes to fill in my opinion and I want to thank him for his unselfish support of the club for these past few years. Thank you, Charlie, for putting your all into the tasks at hand. You have been a valuable and unselfish club member and certainly a joy to me.
I have also enjoyed working closely with our repeater trustee, Ricky Eaton KD4HGR and his associate Eric Rodriguez KF4LZA. These two men, sometimes along with the technical assistance of Joe McGee NX4T, Al Flapan AF4FA, and Michael Samokiesyzyn KF4ZW, have been instrumental in keeping our repeaters, DMR and HF station working and in service to the club, for many years. They worked in the background, unselfishly putting in many hours to solve complex problems with equipment so that the hams of GCARA could enjoy our hobby seamlessly. As with all effective people, they shared their vast knowledge and approached each problem from their own field of expertise and worked as a team to provide a very good communication service to our club members, both as the hobby demands and in times of emergency communication needs. Thank you gentlemen for giving your all to this effort.
Jeff Stahl K4BH served as part of the technical team, provided presentations to our club from his vast arsenal of powerpoints developed over time, tested our newer hams and provided the information for them to get involved. Despite being heavily involved with Ares Races as an officer, working in the EOC, teaching courses in CPR, and teaching the ham licensure information for the Boca Raton Club, working the WINTERFEST effort, carrying out CERT responsibilities as well as his involvement in CAP, Jeff has shown remarkable ability to serve amateur radio in all aspects selflessly. It is with a great deal of admiration and pride that I worked with this gentleman to make our club the best it could be. Thank you Jeff for both your encouragement to me and your loyal support.
Thanks to the ARRL team of Barry Porter KB1PA, Jeff Beals WA4AW, and Marty Falk KI4IQZ, who gave me endless positive support in my tenure as president of this club. Thank you one and all for your time and support of our club in general.
Who could forget our club sponsor, Mike Spivak WB4RFC, who first recommended that this previous Secretary on the Board, take the lead of this fantastic club? Certainly I could not! He gave sage advice, made valuable suggestions and supported this club so faithfully throughout my tenure. He helped me collect information for Field Days, took care of the attendance sheet when the club met in person and sold the fifty-fifty tickets, cheerfully greeting all of our members and visitors each month. Those were the “good ole days” for the club when we met in person pre-COVID times. We had a lot of fun while learning all about all aspects of ham radio.
Thank you, Mike for all of the help and encouragement.
And the list goes on! I could not possibly name every person who were instrumental in my tenure. There is not enough time nor paper. Thank you to all who unselfishly worked to promote amateur radio in its highest form during my presidency. You may not be named here but I have recall of ALL of you. You reside in my mind and heart as good friends, mentors and honorable hams, whether you are alive or are silent keys. There was and is so much effort by so many wonderful people that goes into being a good club. Thank you to all of you.
In closing, I would like to extend a heartfelt wish for the happiest of holidays to all. May your signal be strong and the QRM be non-existent in 2023! God bless everyone!
73, Melanie Fernandez JK4VCT
1) Call to Order
Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) called to order on ZOOM the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association’s regular meeting at 19:30 EDT (23:30 UTC) on October 25, 2022. A quorum (20% / 14 members) was present with 17 members (see Appendix A).
2) Pledge of Allegiance
3) Secretary’s Report – Charlie Artner (KN4VDW)
Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) is not present tonight. Ben Echavarria (N7BBE) motioned to approve the minutes from September. The motion was seconded by Dirk Basting (N4AN). Motion carried.
4) Treasurer’s Report – Erik Olmer (W4EJO)
Checking Bal: $8,126.31
Strip Bal: $38.54
45 Individual members
4 Family
20 Lifetime
Total members: 69
5) VE Status Report – Jeff Stahl (K4BH)
Jeff Stahl (K4BH) reported that we will lose our testing site due to Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) moving out of the area. November 2022 will be the last session for now. If the club wants to continue test sessions, we need to find a site.
6) Repeater Report – Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR)
All repeaters are up and running. We did get a replacement for the .820 repeater in Boca. The HF station is still acting up. Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR) will send the radio to ICOM and put his own ICOM 7300 in place of the club radio.
There are no plans anymore to move the Boca repeater.
Dirk Basting (N4AN) reported that the repeater (442.2000) at Points of America is currently down. He will investigate the issue within the next week.
7) Website Report – Charlie Artner (KN4VDW)
Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) was not present tonight
8) Announcements
a) Next Club Dinner – November 20, 2022, at 19:00
9880 West Sample Road
Coral Springs, FL 33065
b) New Club Address
Please be advised that we have a new address.
Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association
7378 W. Atlantic Blvd #147
Margate, FL 33063
c) Last Board Meeting
Topics discussed: Winlink, EchoLink, HF remote Station. For more information, go to www.w4bug.org
Those who are not able to come to the next meeting to vote in person, they can vote by proxy. The club will send out the proxies this week.
d) The slate of nominations for next year – Barry Porter
President: Erik Olmer (W4EJO)
Vice-President: Ricki Witte (KJ4FSJ)
Secretary: Ben Echavarria (N7BBE)
Treasurer: Robert Ligum (KN4WII)
PIO/Director at Large: Tom Savoca (K9TJS)
Director at Large: Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT)
Repeater Trusty: Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR)
9) Speaker: Jeff Stahl (K4BH)
The easy way to connect PL-259
10) Adjournment
Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) called adjourned the meeting at 20:24 EDT (00:24 UTC).
- Appendix A
1) Members Present
|
Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) |
Jeff Stahl (K4BH) |
Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) |
|
Erik Olmer (W4EJO) |
Tom Savoca (K9TJS) |
Ricki Witte (KJ4FSJ) |
|
Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR) |
Robert Ligum (KN4WII) |
Nigel Richards (KB4F) |
|
Dirk Basting (N4AN) |
Mike Sam (KF4ZW) |
Carol Sjursen (KJ4AWB) |
|
Allan Karden (N4ALK) |
Ben Echavarria (N7BBE) |
Joe McGee (NX4T) |
|
Jerry Deitch (W4LST) |
Barry Porter (KP1PA) |
Alan Lister (NT4AL) |
18
2) Guests Present
0
As members of GCARA, we cannot forget those contributions of older members. They achieved holding the club intact by those contributions. Such is the case for Mr. Joe Ruby KJ4OW.
He was our very first webmaster and he donated his services and his own money to fund it out of his own pocket. In those days, funds were low and it was a hardship to repair the repeaters or get new equipment. Joe saw to it that funds could be offloaded from our club account by his generous contributions.
He also was the cheerful “chef” at all of our functions and having done that job myself, I can tell you it is no small undertaking. Whenever there was a job to be done, he never minded volunteering. He was part of the technical team and he certainly will be remembered for his ability to cajole members into paying their dues on time as membership committee chairman.
It is with that generosity of spirit that I remember Joe Ruby KJ4OW, SK.
-Melanie Fernandez KJ4VCT
The President’s Message for October 2022
Calling all the GCARA hams! I have some important information for you. First, allow me to remind you that as the year draws to an end, we are focusing on elections of the executive board for 2023. There are many things to be done. First, in order to vote, you must pay your dues. They must be brought current by November 21, 2022, so if you are in a grace period or you have lapsed and still want to participate in the club with us, kindly and quickly, bring your account current as soon as possible.
Second, the Board has heard people’s opinion about the opportunity to vote in the elections. We are sensitive to the people who support us but have difficulty in being present at our Zoom meetings to vote. We have decided to offer an alternative way to vote by mail or by Proxy. Upon request, we will send ballots to members by mail and they may vote and get their ballot mailed back in to the GCARA Post office address no later than November 21, 2022. You may also choose someone who will be able to attend the meeting by giving that person written permission to cast your vote for you. Just as there will be the proposed slate, we will accept nominations of people from the floor at our November meeting, who wish to run for office.
In the event that you want to help us with our many projects and do not want to hold an office, there are many ways you can help the Board execute the projects at hand. All are invited and welcome to share the experience. Please let me know and I will pass it on to the powers that be.
So far, our proposed slate is as follows:
President: Erik Olmer W3EJO
Vice President: Ricki Witte KJ4FSJ
Secretary: Ben Echavarria N7BBE
Treasurer: Robert “Liggy” Ligum KN4WII
Director/PIO: Thomas Savoca K9TJS
Director at Large: Melanie Fernandez KJ4VCT
Trustee: Ricky Eaton KD4HGR
If you wish to run for any office above, kindly contact Barry Porter KB1PA, our nominating Committee so we can get you on the ballot. Nominations will be accepted until November 22, 2022 meeting. In the event that 2 people want to run for the same office, they will have to be voted on at the time of the meeting and the quorum of paid members present will vote. Up to now, we are unaware of anyone other than those noted on the slate, who wish to run.
I wish at this time, to thank the outgoing Board members for their dedication to serving the club this past year. First, I would like to recognize our current secretary and webmaster, Charlie Artner KN4VDW. Charlie has unselfishly lent his creative talents to the club by producing impeccable, true and accurate meeting notes both for the Board meetings and the general meetings. This has taken much time to do as it means that besides attending the meetings, he reviews the tapes of the meetings to fact check and organize the information. He has made so many valuable contributions to the Board, it is hard to list them all, however one of my favorite items is the to do log of projects he keeps with “due dates”. It keep us all aware of what we are trying to achieve in a timely manner. Charlie, being both computer savvy and artistic, has given us a very nice website which has been updated in a timely manner. He has also generated all of the emails of upcoming events, meetings and general information for the club. He was responsible for obtaining some interesting speakers during the first half of the year which greatly improved the quality of our programs.
Last, but not least, he has designed the systems for contacting us and the forms for signing up for events, or membership of the club. Charlie is a very thoughtful and thorough person whose creative abilities will be hard to match. Thank you, Charlie, for all of the best that you have given us. I appreciate it and will miss you as you relocate your family to Georgia.
Jeff Stahl K4BH, has been the very able Director/Parliamentarian for the club as well as handling the VE responsibilities for the club. Although his plate is full of many important duties such as serving as Ares Officer, serving on another Amateur Radio Board (Boca Raton Amateur Radio Club), handling leadership of his CAP squadron, working on the Winterfest Parade communications with his partner Carol Sjursen KJ4AWB, being an active CERT member and offering his astute technical skills to the club, he has found time to give us his help time and time again throughout the years. I deeply appreciate his friendship to GCARA and myself, as it has made my duties easier. Now, with family members needing him more and other commitments calling him, Jeff has need to step down from this and some other activities to better serve those other commitments. Thanks, Jeff, for all of your hard work and expertise and know that it will be hard to replace you on the Board.
As most of you already know, I am stepping down from the top leadership position of the Board so that the club can continue to grow and appeal to younger people in the hobby. Every person on the slate is a go getter and a leader in their own right and I look forward to the different flavor of the Board next year. I would like to continue to serve in any capacity needed and to offer my full support of the new Board. A leader is only as good as the people he surrounds himself with and I am honored to say that I have worked with many of the best hams I know and I have learned a lot during my time as President from everyone I have worked with. Many hands make light work and it is not work when you are having FUN. I always say that with all of the cooperation that I have had during my tenure and all of the talent people have lent to me, it has been a pleasure to serve you. We may all be smart in our own ways but in combination, we can be genius!
God bless every member, every person with a servant’s heart and may 2023 outshine our every accomplishment thus far.
With love,
Melanie
1) Call to Order
Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) called on ZOOM to order the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association’s Board meeting at 14:39 EDT (18:39 UTC) on October 23, 2022. A quorum was present with five board members.
Members present: Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT), Ricki Witte (KJ4FSJ), Charlie Artner (KN4VDW), Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR), Tom Savoca (K9TJS), Jeff Stahl (K4BH)
Members Absent (Excused): Erik Olmer (W4EJO)
Guests: Barry Porter (KB1PA), Robert Ligum (KN4WII),
2) Old Business
a) Echo Link – Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR)
Still on hold
b) WinLInk – Charlie Artner (KN4VDW)
Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) started the installation and can send and receive via a telnet session. The next step is configuring WinLink to work with his radio to test the RF patch. Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) will determine at what frequency WinLink is operating.
c) HF Station – Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR)
The radio is working, but there are still technical difficulties with keeping the radio connected with TX. Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) moved to pay for any repairs/replacement of Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR) personal radio should he put it up while we are working on the technical issues with the remote station owned by the club. The motion was seconded by Jeff Stahl (K4BH). Motion carried 6:0
d) Banners
Tom Savoca (K9TJS) proposed coloring options for the logo. Jeff Stahl (K4BH) moved to table the motion to adopt the colorized logo. Second by Erik Olmer (W4EJO). Motion carried 7/0.
Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) suggested discussing the size of the banners. We need a table banner which should be 6ft x 2ft; 1 banner for the pavilion size TBD; 1 long event banner, 10ft x 3ft. Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) will get estimates from Edco, and Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR) will get estimates from the UPS store nearby.
e) Boca Repeater – Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR)
We may not have to go to a different location since the new buildings around the hospital will not be as tall as expected. In addition, the new site suggested by Robert Ligum (KN4WII) may likely have too much noise on top of the building.
f) Money Minder Status on Data
Erik Olmer (W4EJO) ensured that all members current on their dues have up-to-date data in the money minder.
3) New Business
a) November Board Elections
Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) suggested voting for each position individually this year. She also mentioned that many club members could not make the November meeting. How is proxy voting defined in the bylaws?
b) Brick for Joe Ruby KJ4OW
Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) moved to pay for Joe Ruby (KJ4OW) immediately. The motion was seconded by Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR) Motion carried 6:0
c) BARC Repeater
146.910 repeater is up again.
d) President of BARC
Al Soto.
e) New meeting location.
Eric Rodriguez will give Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) contacts at Calvary Chapel to start negotiations.
f) October ARRL Grant
Because we are not prepared for the Grant Application, we are not pursuing this at the moment.
4) Adjournment
Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) adjourned the meeting at 15:56 EDT (19:29 UTC).
1) Call to Order
Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) called to order on ZOOM the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association’s regular meeting at 19:30 EDT (23:30 UTC) on September 27, 2022. A quorum (20% / 14 members) was present with 17 members (see Appendix A).
2) Pledge of Allegiance
Secretary’s Report – Charlie Artner (KN4VDW)
Minutes from last month’s meeting are not ready yet. Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) will have them in October.
Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) also suggested that the club purchase a memory brick for Joe Ruby (KJ4OW).
Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) announced that he will not run for another term as Secretary.
3) Treasurer’s Report – Erik Olmer (W4EJO)
Checking Bal: $8,073.23
46 Individual members
4 Family
20 Lifetime
Total members: 70
The club made the purchase of a computer for WinLink.
Going forward, Hope Smith (WB3ANE) will call members when their membership is coming up for renewal.
4) VE Status Report – Jeff Stahl (K4BH)
Testing is not proving very popular. There will be no test session in October. Next test session is November.
5) Repeater Report – Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR)
All repeaters are up and running. We did find a VHF repeater to replace the temporary repeater in Boca.
Update on Boca repeater location: We do not need to move anymore. The buildings around the hospital are not going to be as tall as originally assumed. So, there will be no negative impact on the coverage of the repeater.
Dirk Basting (N4AN) reported that the repeater (442.2000) at Points of America is currently down. He will look into the issue within the next week.
6) Website Report – Charlie Artner (KN4VDW)
Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) is in the process of handing over all email and website duties to Tom Savoca (K9TJS). No major changes have been made to the website.
7) Announcements
a) Volunteers for Shelters – Jeff Stahl (K4BH)
Carol Sjursen () is in need for Shelter Volunteers
b) Simulated Emergency Drill, October 1, 2022- Jeff Stahl (K4BH)
This even has been canceled due to the Hurricane approaching Florida.
c) Next Club Dinner – October 23, 2022, at 19:00
9880 West Sample Road
Coral Springs, FL 33065
d) New Club Address
Please be advised that we have a new address.
Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association
7378 W. Atlantic Blvd #147
Margate, FL 33063
e) Last Board Meeting
Topics discussed: Winlink, EchoLink, Field Day, HF remote Station. For more information go to www.w4bug.org
f) Slate of nominations for next year – Barry Porter
President: Erik Olmer (W4EJO)
Vice-Presiden: Ricki Witte (KJ4FSJ)
Secretary: Ben Echavarria (N7BBE)
Treasurer: Robert Ligum (KN4WII
PIO/Director at Large: Tom Savoca (K9TJS)
Director at Large: Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT)
8) Speaker: Mike Sam (KF4ZW)
He will be talking about the following topics:
- Topic 1: How to test 4:1, 9:1, and 49:1 UnUns
- Topic 2: How to build a 1:1 Balun and 1:1 UnUn
- Topic 3: Intro to EZnec antenna modeler and testing a 40-meter dipole
9) Adjournment
Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) called adjourned the meeting at 20:36 EDT (00:36 UTC).
- Appendix A
1) Members Present
| Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) | Jeff Stahl (K4BH) | Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) |
| Erik Olmer (W4EJO) | Tom Savoca (K9TJS) | Ricki Witte (KJ4FSJ) |
| Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR) | Robert Ligum (KN4WII) | Nigel Richards (KB4F) |
| Dirk Basting (N4AN) | Mike Sam (KF4ZW) | Carol Sjursen (KJ4AWB) |
| Allan Karden (N4ALK) | Ben Echavarria (N7BBE) | Joe McGee (NX4T) |
| Jerry Deitch (W4LST) | Barry Porter (KP1PA) |
17
2) Guests Present
4
On a very solemn, quiet, sad night for me In February 2011, following the death of my beloved husband, Ray Fernandez K4RAY, I received a call from then President of GCARA Joey Tirritilli N4ZUW. He had a humane offer for me. He presented me with the opportunity to finish out my husband’s term as Secretary for the GCARA. I did not know then what a fabulous time I would have during the 11 years that followed. I was re-elected the Secretary for the next 4 years until an unfortunate vacancy occurred in the Presidency with the resignation of John Kramer after a one-year stint of being President following the departure of longtime President Joseph Tirritilli N4ZUW. (Jon had obtained new employment which curtailed his many duties in the club till then.) As we met in October of 2015, Club Sponsor Mike Spivak WB4RFC, shouted my name to run for President. I was shocked and overwhelmed but unopposed, and that is how I came to be President of the GCARA for 2016. I battled nerves and a bad case of inferiority due to my lack of technical matters in amateur radio. Still, I decided to give it a try with the very able help of people like Jeff Stahl K4BH, Joe Ruby KJ4OW, and Bob Walter KI4BFS. Many others helped guide and support me along the way, and to each of them, I say thank you, and I appreciate you. Hams are my most beloved friends and most stalwart allies during these times.
GCARA is now fortunate enough to have much younger people on the Board and newly joining the Club. Since I must return to the workforce in these uncertain times, I have decided not to run for President of the club this year. I am confident that the people running for the Board this year are indeed competent, technical, and very well versed in social media to benefit the club further. I have visions of these people being able to keep this club intact and thriving in the future. I want to thank everyone who has been a loyal supporter of this club and invite you to continue your loving support of this wonderful hobby. It made a world of difference in my existence, and I look forward to seeing it bless others as well.
73
Melanie Fernandes (KJ4VCT)
Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association
1) Call to Order
Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) called on ZOOM to order the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association’s Board meeting at 14:41 EDT (18:41 UTC) on September 18, 2022. A quorum was present with five board members.
Members present: Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT), Ricki Witte (KJ4FSJ), Charlie Artner (KN4VDW), Erik Olmer (W4EJO), Jeff Stahl (K4BH), Tom Savoca (K9TJS), Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR)
Members Absent (Excused):
Guests: Barry Porter (KB1PA)
2) Old Business
a) Echo Link – Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR)
Still on hold
b) WinLInk – Charlie Artner (KN4VDW)
Waiting for laptop
c) 2023 Winter Field Day / Summer Field Day
Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) and Carol Sjursen (KJ4AWB) have drafted both letters. The letter for the WFD has been submitted, but we are not sure if the SFD letter has been submitted. We will have to check with Carol Sjursen (KJ4AWB).
d) HF Station – Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR)
Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR) is taking the radio to Chris today to see if he can fix it. Rickie Witte (KJ4FSJ) moved to approve the shipping cost of up to $100. He was seconded by Erik Olmer (W4EJO). Motion carried. 7/0
e) Move WX station to Point of Americas – Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR)
It has not been moved yet because Dirk is out of town.
f) ARRL GRANT
Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) moved to give Jeff Stahl (K4BH) permission to negotiate the take-over of 146.910 repeater. The motion was seconded by Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR) and carried 7/0. Mikey Baker (N4MB) is currently the trusty of the .910 repeater. The grant submitted will be to link the 146.610MHz-146.820MHz-145.340MHz.
g) Banners
Tom Savoca (K9TJS) proposed coloring options for the logo. Jeff Stahl (K4BH) moved to table the motion to adopt the colorized logo. Second by Erik Olmer (W4EJO). Motion carried 7/0.
Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) suggested discussing the size of the banners. We need a table banner which should be 6ft x 2ft; 1 banner for the pavilion size TBD; 1 long event banner, 10ft x 3ft.
h) Boca Repeater
Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) had computer problems, and Liggie’s letter was erased.
i) Money Minder Status on Data
Erik Olmer (W4EJO) said that everything is caught up now, and in the future, every member will receive a call from Hope to remind them when their membership expires.
3) New Business
a) Nominating Committee for elections in November
For nominations, please contact Barr Porter (KB1PA) at barryp13@mac.com. Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) will not run for President anymore. Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) will not run for Secretary anymore. Jeff Stahl (K4BH) will not run for office anymore. Ricki Witte (KJ4FSJ) would prefer if somebody else is running for the office of VP.
4) Adjournment
Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) adjourned the meeting at 15:29 EDT (19:29 UTC).
1) Call to Order
Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) called on ZOOM to order the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association’s Board meeting at 14:46 EDT (18:46 UTC) on August 21, 2022. A quorum was present with five board members.
Members present: Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT), Charlie Artner (KN4VDW), Erik Olmer (W4EJO), Jeff Stahl (K4BH), Tom Savoca (K9TJS)
Members Absent (Excused): Ricki Witte (KJ4FSJ), Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR)
2) Old Business
a) Echo Link – Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR)
Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR) was absent. Report tabled until next meeting.
b) WinLInk – Charlie Artner (KN4VDW)
We are ready to purchase the laptop.
c) 2023 Winter Field Day / Summer Field Day
January 28-29, 2023, is penciled in for Quiet Waters Park. Erik Olmer (W4EJO) has not touched base with Carol Sjursen (KJ4AWB) yet to work on the letter of intent (see sample) for both field days.
d) HF Station – Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR)
Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR) was absent. Report tabled until next meeting.
e) Move WX station to Point of Americas – Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR)
Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR) was absent. Report tabled until next meeting.
f) ARRL GRANT
Tabled until next board meeting.
g) Banners
Nobody has done anything regarding banners.
3) New Business
a) Boca Repeater
Robert Ligum (KN4WII) is waiting for a friend to call him back regarding the possibility of putting our repeaters at the Boca Towers.
b) Branding
Erik Olmer (W4EJO) knows people in NY who are attending school specifically for this type of artwork. He believes that they will be willing to help the club to be able to add more examples to their portfolio and a letter of recommendation. Erik Olmer (W4EJO) will have some ideas by the next board meeting on September 18, 2022.
c) Computer for WinLink
Erik Olmer (W4EJO) will order the computer suggested by Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) and have it shipped to Charlie Artner (KN4VDW).
d) Money Minder Status on Data
The issue was resolved offline.
e) Dinner for SK – Memory Bricks
The dinner to honor the SKs will be on September 18, 2022, at 19:00hrs at Wings Plus. DCARC and Palmetto club were invited to the event.
f) October 1 – ARES/RACES exercise
ARES/RACES will conduct an emergency exercise on October 1ST simulating a cyber-attack. Follow up discussion will be on October 8 at the Melbourne HAMFEST. Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) will add this event to the GCARA event calendar.
g) Garry Metz (KQ4AYH)
Garry Metz (KQ4AYH) sent an email to some of the board members and Carol Sjursen (W4AWB). In this email, he is asking the board to “…allow American Episodes to have full autonomy to professionally edit and distribute in good taste film content captured during Field Day held on public domain without having the board pre-approve or suggest edit corrects for his documentary content…”
Erik Olmer (W4EJO) already had a conversation with Garry Metz (KQ4AYH), and Erik moved to reject his request. Seconded by Jeff Stahl (K4BH), and the motion carried unanimously. Then Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) moved to grant Erik Olmer (W4EJO) the authority to deliver the board’s decision to Garry Metz (KQ4AYH), seconded by Tom Savoca (K9TJS), and this motion also carried unanimously.
4) Adjournment
Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) adjourned the meeting at 15:23 EDT (19:23 UTC).