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RARC meeting for March 11, 2014 Meeting was called to order by President, Peter W0LLNMotion to approve February minutes was made. Motion was voted and passed. Jim, KD0ORO, treasurer was not present. Financial report was displayed on projector by NZ0S.
Technical Committee Report – Our Digipeater power supply is cutting out for no apparent reason. Turn off and on and it works just fine. It may be possibly getting some RF interference causing the cut-out. The D-STAR internet connection is dropping out again. They are unsure of the reasons at this time. Tech committee is looking for members; contact Rob, KC0FOW if interested. Public Service – Next event is March of Dimes Run on April 26th. There are only 4 sign-ups at the moment. We are still looking for another 9 to make the event easier. Other events sign-up sheets and dates are also now listed on the website. It was also mention about the Med City Marathon and beginning to think about getting more help with that event. We need about 18-20 people for that event to run smooth and cover all areas that need to be covered. If people would like to come out to see what it is all about, we can pair you with another person. ARES – SkyWarn training will be on April 1st @ 6:30pm at the Event Center by the airport. Training is required every 2 years for participation in SkyWarn events. Topic this year will be small tornados, F0 & F1 size. Homepage has more info and link to NWS page. There will be an informal social pre-meeting dinner at Pizza Ranch in Stewartville starting after 5pm. Field Day – Grant, K1KD, is heading up the Field Day committee. We will not be at Gamehaven Scout Camp this year due to getting bumped by a group renting the entire camp during that time. The KOA campground was brought up as a possibility and will be investigated when Barb and Roger return from Florida. Social Gatherings - Last Thursday of the month informal dinner is at Rooster's off of W. Circle Rd (CR-22) by Cinemagic Theater. Gathering time is at 5:30. Last month we had 10 people show up. Every Saturday morning is breakfast at Grandma's Kitchen on N. Broadway in the Silver Lake Shopping Center next to Burger King @ 7am. Also, each month before the RARC meeting we have a dinner at John Hardy's South on S. Broadway. We gather around 5:30pm then head to the meeting afterward. Contesting – Field Day is June 28-29 and location is TBD. ARRL is celebrating 100 years and is looking for W1AW/0 operators. More information can be found on the ARRL website. They are looking for around the 6/11 – 6/20 date range. Introductions were done - We had 14 members in attendance. Education – Lou, KD0RZU was looking for help with scouts for their Radio Badge. It is being held at Lourdes on Saturday, March 15th, and he needs 3-5 more people to help with demonstrations. Special Events – Neil, W0VLZ, brought up using a special event station (and explained the operating rules) for Mayo Clinic Sesquicentennial. He applied for the call K0M and has a work up of a possible QSL card for the station. Looking at the 2nd weekend of August (9th & 10th) at the KOA campgrounds (to be confirmed). Neil is working with Mayo Press Office and with local press for publicity. May keep call for the club picnic/meeting in August also. Neil has a website set up at http://radiok0m.wordpress.com with info and an image of the QSL card. Membership – Another reminder that 2014 membership dues are now due. You can pay them in-person with cash or check, or via PayPal at www.rarchams.org/PayPal.htm. Our presentation was by Greg Widin, K0GW, the ARRL Dakota Division Director. Greg presented a slideshow of the ARRL Offices and Facilities, Officers (and what they are in charge of), and spoke about different things going on with the ARRL for their 100th Anniversary. Minutes recorded and reported by Dan, N0KZO, Secretary. |