GCARA MINUTES OF MEMBERSHIP MEETING
August 25, 2020
Call to Order – The regular meeting of the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association, Inc., was called to order on Zoom on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, at 7:03 p.m. by Vice President Joe McGee, NX4T, who presided at the request of President Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT.
Attendance – There were 27 members and guests participating in the Zoom meeting, which was sufficient for a quorum.
Minutes – The Minutes of the June 23, 2020, meeting were approved as submitted and available on the Association’s web page.
Reports
Treasurer – Erik Olmer, W4EJO, Treasurer, reported income and expenses for the period from July 23rd to August 25, 2020.
Membership – Joe McGee, NX4T, reported 84 members of whom 17 are Life Members, and 58 are members of ARRL. There has been a decline in membership, apparently heightened by the pandemic.
Joe McGee invited members to share their thoughts and memories of three members who have recently become silent keys: Don Search, W3AZD, Roy Neiman, KJ4EGN, and Chuck Gress, K3NXH.
Testing – Jeff Stahl, K4BH, said testing is not being held due to the pandemic. Remote testing, which is allowed, is being considered, but the logistics are challenging.
COVID-19 Report – Jeff Stahl, K4BH, reported a downward trend in new cases and deaths, but said it appears likely that the threat will continue well into next year.
Repeater Report – Ricky Eaton, KD4HGR, said all repeaters are now working. The voter is not working yet but is being worked on.
Web Site – John Cole, N1QFH, is working on the WordPress framework, and will do additional training to enable board members to post content.
Old Business – John Cole, N1QFH, said there is still no decision by Imperial Point Hospital regarding when we can resume meeting there. Joe McGee added that there are no picnics or quarterly dinners scheduled.
New Business – The Board decided to join with the Palmetto Amateur Radio Club to buy an ARRL memorial brick for Roy Neiman, KJ4EGN, along with the one previously decided upon for Don Search, W3AZD.
Since Roy Neiman has become a silent key, there is a vacancy in the position of secretary. Anyone interested in serving in this capacity must be a paid-up member for at least a year with computer skills and should contact President Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT.
Announcements and Informal Discussion
Hope Smith, WB3ANE, is looking for recent issues of CQ magazine. Carol Sjursen, KJ4AWB, reported on the transportation assistance for Hope provided in recent months by Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT, as well as Roy Neiman, KJ4EGN, and his wife, Vicki.
The Southeast Florida Traffic Net needs volunteers to serve as net control, even if only occasionally. Volunteers should contact Kenny Hollenbeck, KE4NC. Carol Sjursen, KJ4AWB, thanked those who were prepared to serve in shelters if needed during hurricanes Isaias and Laura, but said many more volunteers are needed. Carol and Jeff Stahl, K4BH, will be asking members to participate in the annual test of emergency equipment and ham community preparedness on October 3rd and 4th.
Speaker – Joe McGee, N4XT, presented a program on how to use the newly created remote HF station. This program provides a way for hams who cannot put up an antenna due to condo restrictions to operate on 40, 20, and 15 meters using the internet. Software must be downloaded from the Remote Hams web site. Users must be GCARA members with a general or higher license. The physical equipment is at Joe McGee’s home, including a fan dipole mounted on a 35-foot tower. Joe McGee, N4XT, or Ricky Eaton, KD4HGR, should be contacted to obtain the necessary permission. As usage increases, scheduling will need to be resolved, but the program is currently available for any qualified member.
Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at 9:21 p.m.
Ricki Witte, KJ4FSJ
Secretary Pro Tem
Call to order – 7:00 p.m. on ZOOM meeting. The host will mute everyone
while reports are given. Please use the raise hand button to ask a question
or make a comment. Thank you.
GOD BLESS THE USA!!
Minutes of previous meeting on July 28, 2020___
Draft minutes on website. Motion to approve? Second?
All in favor say “aye.” Opposed, “no.”
Treasurer’s report. Erik Olmer W4EJO
Membership report. Joe McGee
Testing report. Jeff Stahl K4BH – Any news on when testing can start?
Corona Virus report – Jeff Stahl
Repeater report. Ricky Eaton KD4HGR
Webmaster report, if any. John invites us to submit articles for the blog.
Call for old business
We still have not heard when the hospital will be allowing our club to meet
yet so we will continue with Zoom meetings. As far as our quarterly dinners
and biannual picnics, they are on hold until the dust settles from the latest
rise in COVID-19 cases. It does not appear to be safe to meet in public with
groups larger than 10, masked or not.
Announcements
The Board would like to pursue getting a brick from the ARRL for ROY
KJ4EGN, SK. We will start taking donations this month and September.
We will join with the Palmetto ARC for that purpose.
I am taking names for the secretary position at this time due to the
unfortunate demise of Roy. You must have computer skills, time to
dedicate, the ability to be discreet with personal business matters and an
organizational ability. Anyone who is interested, please call Melanie
privately at 954-560-3706. You must have been a member in good
standing with the Club with up to date dues for at least one year. All
candidates will have the opportunity to make a case for their inclusion in
our list of choices. Thank you.
Hope Search is looking for issues of CQ Magazine for the months of March
through present for reading material. Please contact Melanie to pick up and
deliver to Hope. 954-560-3706
Kenny Hollenbeck has an announcement- SEFTN needs volunteer control
operators even if just for one day, etc.
Carol Sjursen has a ARESRACES Announcement. Need volunteers for
shelters.
Introduction of speaker Joe McGee, NX4T, will speak to us about the
HF radio the club purchased and has set up. Several of our best hams
have had a hand in the setting up of the system. Thank you to
everyone who lent a hand in the process.
QUESTIONS ABOUT TALK. HOST UNMUTE Members.
Thank the speaker.
“The chair will entertain a motion to adjourn.”
Amateur radio lost another one of the finest gentlemen to grace the hobby. Roy Neiman, KJ4EGN, went to be with the Lord today, August 12, 2020. He was quiet, humble and unassuming, gentle and the first to volunteer if needed. He was the first person to greet many of us with his outstretched hand as he shook it, smiled and introduced himself. He was a true gentleman ham, both on the radio and off. Roy served as Secretary for the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association (GCARA) for many years. In addition to the GCARA, he also belonged to the Broward Amateur Radio Club (BARC), Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES), Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) and volunteered many years for the Winterfest Boat Parade. Roy also served as a Net Control Operator for the South East Florida Traffic Net Wednesday nights, and his absence will be noticed every week. Roy leaves behind several beloved children and his greatest love of 60 years, Vicki Neiman. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his lovely family and the many friends he made along his journey.
Rest in Peace Roy.
Melanie Fernandez, GCARA President
CALL TO ORDER:
On ZOOM
12:10 PM By President Melanie Fernandez
Members Present
Melanie Fernandez, Jeff Stahl, Ricky Eaton, Joe McGee, Erik Olmer, Mike Wolfe, Barry Porter and Roy Neiman.
Field Day:
Jeff Stahl suggested that all the members that sent reports to the ARRL check and verify that your entry says “complete” to ensure that it got counted.
Repeater Report:
Rick is behind on update of Cat Controller.
HF system is still in progress. Internet connection is ready. They have 2 ea. 70 Amp Power supplies and an auto tuner. The computer is a bit slow. Rick will see if he has a better one. Joe tested and lost his QSO with a station in North Carolina.
DMR repeater lost internet for some unknown reason. It is working now..
Jeff and Barry are to check into testing possibilities during the virus times. Hopefully they can put it on the web site if it can be done.
Memorials
Regarding the Memorial Brick for Don Search, Our club, Davie Cooper City and Palmetto club has collected over $460.00. We will get a brick for Hope Smith WB3ANE, and have the ARRL put the bricks side by side as per Barry Porter. Any overage on the collections will be given to Hope.
Erik is to send those donations to Barry Porter.
Hope will be moving to a one bedroom soon. Kenny has donated a DMR radio to her and Joe McGee hopes to install a window antenna once the radio is programmed and delivered.
SPEAKERS FOR END OF YEAR:
Next month’s meeting will be a Round Table discussion on “How am I spending my radio time on the air in the present lockdown.” Erik is to develop a format for the net.
A speaker is needed for our September meeting. Joe McGee NX4T suggested training on remote HF station?
It was decided that a ZOOM Meeting will be a way to vote for the new slate, as the same people attend who are paid up in dues as attends the Winter meetings.
MEETING ADJOURNED:
The meeting was adjourned at 2:02 PM EDT by President, Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT.
Respectfully submitted by Roy Neiman KJ4EGN, Secretary.
GCARA March 24 MEETING CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19
As many of you have guessed, the March 24, 2020 meeting will be cancelled at Broward Health Imperial Point as of today. The hospital is limiting visitation to only necessary personnel and relatives visiting patients as well as scheduled outpatients. We will be advised of the next opportunity to meet at the hospital. Thank you for your interest in amateur radio and may everyone traverse the next few months safely.
God bless all.
Melanie Fernandez, GCARA President
Call to order – 7:05 p.m. in Zoom Portal
Minutes of previous meeting on February 25, 2020
Draft minutes on website. Approved by group
Treasurer’s report by Erik Olmer W4EJO for March and April 2020
Membership report. Joe McGee NX4T 75 Members
Members present on this Zoom Meeting was 39
COVID-19 REPORT by Jeff Stahl K4BH we still need to practice caution.
Call for old business.
There was no meeting in March 2020 due to the Coronavirus.
Our Spring Picnic was cancelled by the Pandemic Orders.
Announcements.
GCARA Board met to discuss the tentative start of planning of the June 2020 Field Day. We were going to wait to decide how the Field Day would run this year due to the Coronavirus until mid- May. That idea was only focusing on whether the Parks would be open and how we would be able to do it.
Since Sunday at the meeting, I had the opportunity to discuss this with some physicians, pour over the CDC site and read several WEB-MD and JAMA articles showing that this new virus is extremely contagious, dangerous and if not fatal, leaves devastating injury to the body systems affected. The Coronavirus we are presently battling is insidious. People who have NO SYMPTOMS are testing positive. The CDC and the many articles I have read describe it as a “ticking time bomb” in our bodies and NO ONE KNOWS what health events will ultimately occur with the people who test positive without fever or apparent illness presently. The virus is setting itself up in various body systems and at unknown times is coming out with a wide array of problems. For instance, the babies, once thought to be “immune” because they were not presenting with COVID-19 infections, are now succumbing to a SEVERE INFLAMMATORY Process that is killing them. It has been seen in Spain, Italy and Great Britain so far in large enough numbers for it to be noticed.
There has been another phenomenon noticed across the younger population ages from 30 to 50 years with NO CO-MORBIDITIES dying from blood clots, stroke, heart attacks and other problems, none of whom presented with fever, cough or any of the respiratory symptoms. One doctor described being in a 30 year old patient’s brain trying to remove the mega clots there and while he did so, he witnessed more clots forming in front of his eyes. This is scary folks and more serious than we realize from the information we are getting. Some people are more afraid of going broke than of dying and they want to rush back to work. Our leaders are not GOD and none of them are researchers or doctors so at this time I personally do not feel it necessary to rush back to life as usual.
For that reason, and for the reason that most of our membership who involves themselves with Field Day outside in the park, are of an older age group and have co-morbidities, I have made a decision to cancel the June Field Day at Quiet Waters Park. The lengths we would have to go through to even pretend to try and make it safe (social distancing, disinfecting equipment, tables and chairs, masks, gloves and the like) is not worth it. The club cannot assume the financial liability in the event that someone gets sick from the event, not to mention the moral consequences.
Now, this does not mean that you cannot operate from home and if there is a strong desire to do that, the Field Day Committee will work on the ways we can do that and tally the club’s points in some manner. Hams are notoriously smart and have ingenious skills so I doubt this will be a problem.
NOTE as of 5/1/2020: The consenus of the Field Day Planning Committee was to not operate as a group due to the ARRL refusal to change any FD rules, especially the 1000 foot rule. People may operate from home according to the ARRL rules.
Ricky Eaton gave our repeater report and presented a new idea for the club. He and Eric can, with minimal expense install a remote HF station for members to use. Hopefully, some of the equipment required would be donated or purchased at a low price. In order to utilize the station, one would have to have Club Dues up to date and sign up on a list to operate. A show of hands indicated a high level of interest, so we’ll proceed with the
project.
Our speaker tonight was Kai Siwiak KE4PT. He gave a presentation on propagation, explaining that the Sun’s effect on the atmosphere, enabling long distance radio communications and ways to attempt to predict it for the various frequencies and modes of operation i.e. SSB, FM, RTTY, CW, FT8 and WSPR to name a few. His presentation is available on the website.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:14 PM
Respectfully submitted by Roy Neiman KJ4EGN, Secretary.
Call to order – 7:13 p.m. in Zoom Portal
Barry Porter played a recording of the Star Spangled Banner.
Minutes of previous meeting on April 28, 2020 on website. Approved by group
Treasurer’s report by Erik Olmer W4EJO
Membership report. Joe McGee NX4T 77 Members
Members present on this Zoom Meeting was 25
COVID-19 REPORT by Jeff Stahl K4BH we still need to practice caution. Gloves are not recommended as they are porous and will spread germs. They are designed for one use only.
Call for old business.
Thank you to Joe McGee for securing the new HF radio for our project at John Knox. Eric Rodriguez, Ricky Eaton and Joe are working on the antenna installation and testing soon.
Ricky stated that the Internet on the DMR Repeater is down. It should be up in 2-3 days.
Announcements.
Our Zoom meetings are working well, however, sometimes members have a TV or other background noise which disrupts the meeting. Please mute yourself if you notice your square lights up, even though you’re not speaking.
We are accepting donations for the HF project to cover the Radio, Antenna and possibly an Amplifier. Please mail to:
GCARA PO Box 773
Pompano Beach, FL 33061
In memo section write FOR HF RIG
Dirk Basting donated an Icom 91AD HT. It was auctioned off and the winning bid was $91.91 by Roger Elliot N4RHE.
Speaker: Tony Becker N4AEB
Gave a presentation on Digital communications, describing various radios and modes. DStar, DMR systems are in general use. DMR is less expensive. He also discussed “Hot Spots” which allows one to connect to the internet, rather than having to find a Repeater. He also mentioned the “MESH” System.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 PM Respectfully submitted by Roy Neiman KJ4EGN
Call to order – 7:06 p.m. in Zoom Portal
Barry Porter played a recording of the Star Spangled Banner.
Minutes of previous meeting on May 26, 2020 on website. Approved by group
Treasurer’s report by Erik Olmer W4EJO
Membership report. Joe McGee NX4T 82 Total Members
Testing Report: Jeff Stahl no testing yet, will advise when available.
Members present on this Zoom Meeting was 26
COVID-19 REPORT by Jeff Stahl K4BH we still need to be careful.
Repeater and HF report:
Ricky Eaton. 146.61 Repeater working well. He needs to update firmware to enable him to control with his PC.
HF Station, needs coax more to come.
Call for old business.
Thank you to Joe McGee for securing the new HF radio for our project at John Knox. Eric Rodriguez, Ricky Eaton and Joe are working on the antenna installation and testing soon.
Ricky stated that the Internet on the DMR Repeater is down. It should be up in 2-3 days.
Announcements. We haven’t heard from the Hospital regarding when we can use their facility again. All dinners, picnics are canceled until further notice. Zoom meeting only for now.
Field Day June 27 and 28. Please participate at home. Reports must state: Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association to be counted. N1MM report is preferred. Erik is hosting a 1A site. The Mayor, CERT Coordinator to attend. He plans to have a GOTA station.
Marty Falk says that the Don Search Memorial Plaque has been paid for by one of the South Florida clubs. Don and Hope attended most club meetings, dinners and Field Days. Roger Elliot suggested that we apply the money collected to purchase a memorial brick for Hope. A vote was taken and passed.
Kenny H. asked members to be a Net Control for the SEFTN, even if for only 1 day.
Carol Sjursen needs AREA/RACES volunteers for shelters.
Speaker: Robert Molleda from the National Weather Bureau. He stated that we’ve already had 4 named storms and an active season is anticipated. They have reduced the size of the “Cone.” It still is difficult to predict how many storms and their intensity. He said this season that Shelter in Place is preferred, due to the Coronavirus. Go to website: weather.gov.miami for latest information.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:27 PM
Respectfully submitted by Roy Neiman KJ4EGN, Secretary.
Good morning my fellow hams! I wish you a joyous and bountiful week, full of the many blessings that we all need and desire.
First, I ask for good health for all of us as we isolate ourselves from this unseen, insidious virus, that has taken so many innocents already. It is just a powerful reminder to me that life is fragile, and every moment given to us must be cherished and appreciated. In my case, I give thanks to my Creator, who sees all, knows all and looks over all. To Him be the Glory.
Second, I ask that all people are taking this time to evaluate their lives, to do some introspection, and check to see if the way they are living their lives is consistent with what they believe they are on Earth for. This is important for ALL of us, no matter what beliefs we hold. Are we spending each moment, a gift of life, as we intend? Are we looking out for others in our daily lives? Are we cognizant of what is truly important in the act of living? “For where your Treasures lie, there is your heart”, from my favorite book.
Third, I ask that there is a great awakening in this country, a wizening of it’s people and a great ability to discern right from wrong . I ask that people really think on the premise on which this country is founded. I hope that they hold all elements intact as the forefathers wrote our constitution. Our forefathers came from tyranny and inequality of many types, and they wrote a document, our Constitution, from the lessons learned and the desire to go forward in a “more perfect union”. Let us not forget that.
I have asked that people submit to me their deepest desires or what they would like to share with their fellow hams but no one has responded yet. Please, do give thought to the days we are living in and share your thoughts with the rest of us. We are all interested in what everyone is thinking on, or , at least I am. I would like to share discourse with others.
As far as the Field Day planning is going, the Board is postponing any real planning until mid-May, the time we feel we may know for certain whether we will have to be ingenious and plant to broadcast from home, as a club, or whether we will again be privileged to meet at Quiet Waters Park. We will participate in any event and are thinking about both entities.
We are in the process of trying to put together a live presentation for the April 28th meeting. As our work bears fruit, I shall share the details. I really miss seeing all of you and I hold you dear to my heart in so many ways, as volunteers, as loving and proactive people, and as many friends and hams that you have been.
Thank you to the many of you who have made donations to the club, in leiu of our not having had a meeting with income. Your generosity is a show of heart that all hams share. You are the most forward thinking and creative people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Even those, who choose to observe and support the club with their dues, are welcome and cherished. Not every sport demands an athlete, there must be room for the audience, as well. So, those who are not able to participate for various and assundry reasons are still appreciated and welcome.
Meanwhile, it is my fervent hope that all of you have the warmth of family and friends surrounding you and if not, that your isolation is not a negative experience. There is a lot of beauty being left to one’s thoughts and activities. I, myself, have not been bored, nor depressed in the solitude. I feel the positive energy all around me in this life, if not by humans who know and love me, then by the nature that surrounds me and goes on without missing a beat.
If anyone desires to talk and just say hi, feel free to call me. My door is always open and my ears still work well. If you would like to get in touch with someone in the club, send me your contact info and I will pass the message on to them so there can be some communication. My phone number is 954-560-3706.
May the Creator who designed us and Who is always aware of our situations through our prayers, continue to bless us all. God bless the world as well as the USA!! May we continue to strive for the survival of ALL.
Melanie KJ4VCT
Note: I have been dropping off the Net at 6 pm because of microphone issues that I hope to clear up with the help of one of my Elmers’, Joe McGee. If I can, I would love to be on the FUN Net tonight at 7 pm and I invite all of you to try and make contact. It is indeed, be a FUN NET if you come!!!!!
