QCWA WILD ROSE CHAPTER 151 (Luncheon Meeting Minutes - April 24, 2010)

Minutes of Chapter 151 Meeting Held On April 24, 2010
Tuxedo Community Association
202 - 29 Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta

 

Call to order: 10:50am

Total Attendance: 26

Moment of Silence

A moment of silence was held for the following Silent Keys and hospitalised amateurs:

Jack Ambler, VE6CAQ (SK)
Denise Boisclair, VE6YL (SK)
John Smith, VE6AI (in Rosedale Hospice)
Grant Heimbecker, VE6GH (hospitalised)

New Members and Guests

Ken Oelke, VE6AFO welcomed the following new friends, members and guests:

Brian Hoyte, VE6IMB (friend)
Nancy Jenkins, VE6OTL (friend)
Bernie, VE6WIN and Shirley Feisst, VE6SUR (Now new members)>br> Gordon Williams, VE6AR (guest)
Lawrence Mitchell, VE6LWM
Dana Marcy, VE6KBI
Don Eaglesham, VA6DJE
Vic Kinderjerski, VE6PC

Awards

There were no awards to be handed out at this time.

Announcements

The SARA Fleamarket will be held on October 16, 2010.

President's Report

Ken Oelke, Chapter President, gave his report:

Our next meeting is the last one under the rental contract. Beginning in 2011, the rent will increase and liability insurance will also required.

A membership recruitment letter has been developed and will be sent out in the fall, or early in the new year. Ken emphasised that it's important for us to increase our membership.

Secretary's Report

Ken Oelke, VE6AFO gave the secretary's report on behalf of the secretary. There were no changes made to the minutes of the last meeting as circulated.

Motion: To accept the minutes of the September 26, 2009 meeting, as circulated.
Moved: Dave Watson, VE6EH
Seconded: Mitch Goodjohn, VE6SM
Motion passed.

Treasurer's Report

Gerry Linton, VE6PL presented the treasurer's report.

Motion: To accept the treasurer's report as presented.
Moved: Earle Smith, VE6NM
Seconded: Les Card, VE6CA
Motion passed.

Old Business

There was no old business.

Ongoing Business

Dave Watson, VE6EH gave an update on his involvement with the Morse code Programme at the Military Museums. He has been involved for a couple of years. The programme has been modified and the Morse code component has been reduced to half an hour, in order to accommodate other learning components for visiting students. Dave noted that the students (mostly pre-teens or middle school aged) already have knowledge of message handling through the internet or texting. Teachers believe the Morse code component is valuable because it is a 'second language'. Dave described various aspects of the Morse code programme and how he works with the students. Half an hour is not enough to teach the code, but it's considered a valuable component. More volunteers are required and it's not an onerous task. There was follow-up discussion related to giving the students ham radio related literature, and about the You Tube video showing a contest between young texters and experienced Morse code operators on the Jay Leno Show. Both Chapter 151 and the Calgary Communications Club are major supporters of the Morse Code Programme and the Military Museums.

New Business

Election of new treasurer:

Gerry Linton, VE6PL has resigned as treasurer. Dave Craig, VE6DKC, offered to stand as treasurer. No other nominations were received for the position.

Motion: That Dave Craig, VE6DKC be appointed treasurer of Chapter 151.
Moved: Les Card, VE6CA
Seconded: Earle Smith, VE6NM
Motion passed.

Rent for hall and insurance requirements:

There was some discussion related to Chapter 151's association with RAC and possibly taking advantage of RAC's liability coverage. To take advantage of RAC's liability coverage, Chapter 151 would need to be incorporated. Earle Smith, VE6NM indicated that RAC members are covered under RAC's liability coverage when participating in amateur radio activities. A straw poll was taken, and most Chapter members felt that it is worth investigating incorporating Chapter 151.

Draw and Door Prize

Max Farmer won $23.67 in the 33-33-33 draw. Dave Watson, VE6EH draw failed to cut an ace to win the 33-33-33 pot.

A crochet hanging donated by Linda-Lou Oelke, VE6LGO was won by Jean Card. Mitch Goodjohn, VE6SM won a gift certificate to Swiss Chalet (or associated restaurants).

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held September 25, 2010 at the Tuxedo Park Community Association Hall.

Meeting Adjourned

Meeting was adjourned by Les Card, VE6CA

Presentation by Bernie Feisst, VE6WIN

Bernie Feisst gave an interesting presentation entitled "Sustainable Energy for the Future". Bernie noted that the 40th anniversary of Earth Day was held recently, and cited various examples of renewable energy initiatives taking place; such as solar powered homes in Okotoks. As an instrumentation engineer, Bernie has worked in northern Alberta, providing alternative energy options to remote work camps (such as solar collectors and thermo-electric installations). Bernie reviewed the many options for providing alternative sources of energy and discussed the pros and cons of each one. He also discussed the complexities of climate change. There are many ways of developing sustainable forms of energy, and everybody has a role to play in developing and implementing them.

Submitted by:
Mitch Goodjohn, VE6SM
Secretary, Chapter 151