Thank you GCARA for being a wonderful group of people! I am so proud of you and your contributions to radio this winter at the Winter Field Day in Quiet Waters Park in 2020.
We started the year off with a successful bang, so to speak and there are many of you to thank. I am starting off with publishing the list of attendees, all of whom contributed in some way and made the day a success!
Erik Olmer W4EJO, Jeff Stahl K4BH, David Crane K4RU, Dan Vasilca AI4WW, Martin Caminos KI4DK, Richard Trowell Wd4FCJ, Joe McGee Nx4T, Jerry Deitch W4LST, Chuck Gress K3NXH, Howard Alexander KM4TMW, Carol Sjursen KJ4AWB, Charlie Artner KN4VDW, Henry Garcia KC3DEX, Mickey Baker , Jeff Beals WA4AW, Stephen Martin W4NQR, Roy Neiman KJ4EGN and his wife VIcki, Scott Taylor K4RZR and his wife Stef, Allan Karden KJ4SWF, Martin Falk KI4IQZ and his wife Edna, Hope Smith WB3ANE, Tony Becker N4AEB, Half Moon AJ4JG, Michael Wolf K2HXC, Kenny Hollenbeck KE4NC , Mike Sams, Sally Hollenbeck KD4ZFW, David Warner KB4ICU, and yours truly, Melanie Fernandez KJ4VCT. There were many drop ins asking questions but we missed the opportunity to get their IDs, sorry to say.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are the movers and shakers, the worker bees that make us all successful, whether you manned a radio, help set up and break down or came to socialize with each other, it was truly appreciated.
At the meeting, I was told there were only 28 people who came but I saw that a few of you were not on the check in sheet so I feel there may have been many more whose names we missed. My apologies.
We tried something different this year, in that we used vehicles to operate from since we only had the Bald Eagle Pavilion for Saturday and we wanted to operate for two full days. Joe McGee NX4T, Chuck Gress K3NXH and Dan Vasilca AI4WW, planned to operate at a remote site from the pavilion and used vans to set up their equipment in. It provided comfort for the varying 55 to 70 degree temps we had day to night. The hams were able to keep operating all night and in the day with ease. It is a shame if you missed it because the weather was truly beautiful with blue skies and only traces of wispy clouds. No rain, no flies or mosquitos, nor other pests were evident. It was really a delightful time.
Although the weather may be a little warmer in the summer, please consider coming out and visiting or eating or operating with us. We don’t like to leave you all at home!!!!
Melanie Fernandez KJ4VCT
CALL TO
ORDER:
8:10 President, Melanie Fernandez J4VCT Opened the meeting
Members Present
Melanie Fernandez, Jeff Stahl, Ricki Witte, Rick Eaton, Joe McGee, Erik Olmer
and Roy Neiman. Mike Wolfe was absent as he had to work.
Resources: Steve Martin, Jerry Deitch, Chuck Gress and Kenny Hollenbeck
Rick: The new antenna will be installed when the wind is calmer and Eric returns from his trip. The recent problem on the 146.610 was a Coax problem. The site at Sample and University, building #3 was mentioned for use in the future. Eric Rodriguez will hopefully be able to attend our future meetings.
Dirk still has the DStar running, however, it’s not connected to the Internet.
The Boca Repeater site has had some personnel changes. Rick needs to establish who can gain access to our repeater. The repeater overheated when the Boca Club used it for their nets while their repeater was down.
The DMR Repeater needs some attention as some of the signals are garbled.
Rick is to keep Jeff Stahl in the loop and take him up to the Repeater sites.
Joe McGee: Agreed to spearhead the Winter Field Day again, along with Jeff Stahl and Dan on January 25th of 2020. The Committee will meet tomorrow (Jan 12th @ 4 PM) We will have 3 transmitters. Joe and Kenny will bring generators. Unlike last year, we will transmit until 8 PM and then move to a truck in the parking lot to continue through the night and Sunday.
Chuck Gress will handle the VHF and Satellite (1500 points) contacts. Rick and Chuck will do PSK31 and RTTY.
Ricki Witte is setting up a day and time for the members that can sign checks. Melanie would like to minimize members using their own money to make purchases and then having to be reimbursed.
MEETING
ADJOURNED:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:14 AM EST by President,
Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT.
Respectfully submitted by Roy Neiman KJ4EGN, Secretary.
The Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association will observe the annual Winter Field Day exercise on Saturday, January 25, at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach.
We will begin setup at 8 AM, the communications contest will begin at 2 PM, and we will cease operations at 8 PM. We will operate three stations, using SSB, CW, and digital (RTTY and PSK-31) on self-generated power. There will also be an attempt to make satellite contacts. And additionally there MAY be a fox hunt if there is sufficient desire.
All Amateurs are invited to attend and join in the fun. We will welcome licensed Amateurs who wish to operate (especially SSB) and setup/teardown assistance will be especially appreciated. Those who wish to observe and/or socialize will certainly be welcome.
The park is located at 401 Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach, and there is a $1.50 per person entrance fee.
There will be food available for a fee of $10.00 prior to 1/25 and $15.00 at the park. Included will be coffee and donuts, and lunch. Early payments may be tendered at Mike’s Electronics.
RSVP is requested (but not by any means required) so that our President Melanie will know how many to prepare for. Please call or text Joe, NX4T at 954-782-3543 or email at mcgee3534@bellsouth.net
We hope to see you there. This is one of the biggest annual activities in Amateur Radio. Thousands will be participating. You will surely find it to be a rewarding experience.
Call to Order: 7:42 PM
President Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT, called the meeting to order and lead the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call:
Roll call of the entire membership present was given. Thirty two (32) people were in attendance.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting were approved as they appeared on the website. A correction to the attendance was made.
Treasurer’s Report:
Ricki gave the report
Membership Report:
Joe McGee 81 members in 2019, 53 are ARRL members & 16 Life
Testing Report:
Three people tested 2 new Generals and 1 new Technician
Repeater Report:
None as Rick was out of state.
Webmaster Report:
John Cole, N1QFH send in blogs
Annnouncements:
Carol Sjursen re the Boat Parade: December 14th. Dec. 9th installation of the Antennas. Nov. 11th mandatory training meeting.
Kenny Hollenbeck said that we still need SEFTN net control operators. Also he mentioned that the net information is reported monthly.
Winter Field Day January 25. Joe McGee outlined the plans. Setup at 9 AM and session ending at 8 PM. Dan Vasilca, Ricky Eaton and Jeff Stahl will all work with Joe to finalize the plans. Last June’s Field Day was highly successful. We placed 5th in the Southeast and70th nationwide.
Election of Officers
Al Flapan announced the slate for 2020. Ricki Witte stepped down as Treasurer. Erik Olmer agreed to be the Treasurer. Otherwise, the existing officers agreed to stay on for another year. John Cole moved that the nominations be closed and the slate accepted. It was seconded and agreed to by the group.
The 2020 officers are: Melanie Fernandez, President, Joe Mcgee VP, Erik Olmer, Treasurer and Roy Neiman, Secretary, Jeff Stahl Dir at Large, Mike Wolf, Director PIO, Rick Eaton Trustee
50/50 Raffle: Was won by Jeff Stahl K4BH.
2 Afgans donated by Barry Porter’s mother were auctioned off. One to Al Nevares N4ACN for $40.00 and the other to Sherry Tullo KB5VWW for $20.00
Speaker
Kenny Hollenbeck gave a brief presentation on the dangers of electricity if not handled properly. Also, he gave a variety of “Tips and Tricks” regarding Antennas and Radios
Meet adjourned at 9:02PM.
Respectfully submitted by Secretary Roy Neiman KJ4EGN
Ok Club Members I would like to say well done by all members who helped and attended FD2019. We were 5th place for the South Florida Section and Category with a score of 3,864 points. We also came in 7th Place for Category 3A and Power Multiplier of 2 in the South East Division. The South East Division covers Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. So I would like to take this time and say Great Job and Well done to all as we can only get better at Field Day 2020.
73’s
Ricky Eaton KD4HGR
Trustee GCARA
The GCARA meeting year is coming to an end among all the holidays to come. We give thanks for all of our members and volunteers and all those people, too numerous to mention, that instill the best spirit into GCARA. We have our tireless workers, our organizers, our facilitators and many talented people. Thank you one and all.
The November 2 Vista View Picnic was a successful outing for many of us in different clubs. The total attendance was 25 and there were 15 present at any time during the day. We had member of Davie Cooper City, Knights of the Round Table, GCARA, Palmetto Club, and the SE FL. Traffic NET. It was wonderful getting to meet new people and greet our older friends. We had a Fox Hunt and the Fox was discovered by Hank from the Palmetto Club with the best teachers of all, Roy Neiman and Joe McGee. Direction finding is a skill that comes in handy for an amateur radio operator.
Special thanks to the man with the most “spirit”, Kenny Hollenbeck, who is so faithful in bringing in a lot of equipment for our picnics, grills, gas, antennas, ham helpers equipment to give away free. He is always full of interesting stories about ham radio and is the smiling “ham for all seasons” in many of our S. Fl. Clubs. Thank you Kenny for all that you do for everyone! You are a blessing.
The GCARA Board met to discuss Winter Field Day and we have two more volunteers for the Food Committee, Jerry Deitch W4LST and Steve Martin W4NQR. They graciously offered to “lighten the load” for Field Day Food Purchasing and bringing to the various Parks. This is a tremendous relief to myself and Ricki Witte who has to date done most of the shopping, storing and lugging to the picnics. I have a favorite saying, “Many hands make light work.” It is especially true for feeding the crew as large as this! Thank you Jerry and Steve!
In the weeks to come, I wish you all good health, pleasant thoughts and the warmth of family and friends as you celebrate the Holidays. May there be a peace come over our Nation as well as the rest of the World and Goodwill to every single person. Live, give and do your best. Amen…….
Attendees:
Melanie, Jeff Stahl, Ricki Witte, Ricky Eaton, Roy and Joe McGee
Guest: Carol Sjursen
Mike Wolfe was excused due to work.
Call to Order: 3 PM
President Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT
Repeater Report:
Ricky Eaton, KD4HGR, TRUSTEE, Mentioned that the Christmas lights are going up, so we’ll have some noise on the Repeater.
Announcements: Carol Sjursen suggested that everyone should pick their spot for the Boat Parade being held on December 14.
Winter Field Day: January 25th This will be simpler this time. No Beam antenna, only easily erected ones. Maybe smaller generators.
We will work the station until 8 PM. We have to vacate the site by 10 PM. Joe and Jeff will head the disassembly of the equipment.
Melanie needs someone to take over handling the food for the various activities. She will bring the credit card and pay. Jerry W4LST and Steve W4NQR agreed to do the heavy lifting. Melanie will also bring it up at the meeting to see if others will volunteer.
Ricki still has no current information regarding the Tax number.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:26PM.
Respectfully submitted by Secretary Roy Neiman KJ4EGN
Call to Order: 7:30 PM
President Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT, called the meeting to order and lead the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call:
Roll call of the entire membership present was given. Thirty-five(35) people were in attendance.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting on September 24, 2019 were approved as they appeared on the website.
Treasurer’s Report:
Ricki Witte, KJ4FSJ, gave the Treasure’s Report
Membership Report:
Joe McGee reported that there is a paid membership of 79 people so far this year. About half are ARRL members. He introduced new member David Warren. It’s time to start collecting dues for 2020.
Testing Report:
Three people took the test 1 Tech and 1 upgrade to General resulted.
Repeater Report:
Ricky Eaton, KD4HGR, TRUSTEE, gave us the updated report for the repeater projects being worked on. The Boca site will be serviced in the upcoming months. The new 146.61 antenna is expected to be in and installed by next month.
Webmaster Report:
John Cole, N1QFH is on vacation, need members to submit blogs.
Call for Old Business: Mike Wolf, K2HXC gave out the club shirts.
Annnouncements: Carol Sjursen suggested that everyone should pick their spot for the Boat Parade being held on December 14. She also mentioned the mandatory meeting on December 11th.
The Skywarn class is November 2nd. Please RSVP.
Jeff Stahl said the Cy Harris “Free Flea” will be November 16th. He also invited everyone to the Boca Radiator Grill. Next Saturday.
The Vista View Picnic is Saturday November 2nd $10.00 food donation.
50/50 Raffle:
The raffle was won by Mike Spivak. He donated it back to the club.
SPEAKER: Ricky Eaton gave an interesting presentation on FT8. He demonstrated in real time how easy it is to make contacts with weak signals. He has many awards for contacts all over the world.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:08PM.
Respectfully submitted by Secretary Roy Neiman KJ4EGN
CALL TO ORDER:
The regular meeting of the Gold
Coast Amateur Radio Association, Inc., was called to order on Tuesday,
September 2019, at 7:37 pm in the Auditorium of Imperial Point Medical Center
by President Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT. A quorum was present. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the 35
persons in attendance introduced themselves by first name, call sign, and city.
MINUTES: The Minutes of the July 29th meeting were approved as posted on the website.
REPORTS:
Treasurer
Ricki Witte, KJ4FSJ, gave the treasurer’s report
Membership
Joe McGee, NX4T, reported a total current membership of 79, of whom 63 have renewed for 2019. There are 16 life members and 52 are members of the ARRL.
Joe also gave a preview of our plans for Winter Field Day.
Volunteer Examiners
Jeff Stahl, K4BH, reported five persons had taken licensing tests all five passed.
Repeater Trustee
Ricky Eaton, KD4HGR stated that the 146.610 Repeater is working well. He and Eric decided to wait until after Hurricane season to install the new Antenna. The strange noise on the Repeater has fortunately gone away.
Webmaster Report
John Cole invited members to send articles for the “Blog.” Prepare them in Word, Ariel,14 pt.
Carol Sjursen thanked everyone that manned the shelters for Dorian. Erik presented those persons with symbolic Turtles as a thank you.
The Boat Parade is December 14th this year.
The 50/50 raffle was won by Al Nevares, N4ACN, who donated it back to the club.
October 12th will be our last Quarterly dinner at Wings Plus. Please plan to attend.
Kenny KE4NC asked for volunteers to conduct the SEFTN.
November 2nd is the date for our combined picnic at Vista View Park. $10.00 food donation is suggested.
PROGRAM: Mike Samokiszyn KF4ZYN gave a very informative presentation on the details of DMR radio setup and programming. He emphasized the ease of setting up and using the new system.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 9:07 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Roy Neiman, KJ4EGN, Secretary.
