The official publication of the Antelope Valley Amateur Radio Club Meeting Notice

Transcription

1 The official publication of the Antelope Valley Amateur Radio Club President s Corner Dan Sherwood W6DAS Another year almost gone by. It went quickly, and quite honestly I am glad to see it done. For me, the year 2017 was defined by my right hip developing aseptic necrosis, and end-stage arthritis. The result of that was that I was pretty much crippled up by the time I could get a hip replacement done at the end of August. By June, I was barely able to make it to Field Day. I came real close to having to stay home. I managed to get through Field Day, despite the heat, and survived long enough to get Dr. Penenberg to bolt in a new hip down at Cedars Sinai. After that, things got better real fast, and I even got a threemonth taste of retirement. I plan on coming back for the Main Course of that in the middle of In the mean time, back to work for 30 hours per week. It was a rough year for the Club, in the passing of long-time members Frank Fedor N6SRZ last December, and our Treasurer Gary Barr WA6TWT, in late May. They are certainly missed. We did manage to secure a new meeting site at the Quartz Hill library. This is a space with great acoustics and state of the art audiovisual capability. We made it through Field Day roasted that is. During my disability time, I looked into some mountaintop sites, but they had issues such as cost and RV access. We also went up and visited the Tehachapi group and floated the proposal for a Field Day joint venture. Haven t heard back, so I went ahead and secured the permit for good old Sgt. (Continued on page 3) Meeting Notice Friday, December 15, is the next meeting of the AVARC at Antelope Valley First Christian Church, 1702 E. Avenue J in Lancaster. Talk-in is available on the Hauser Repeater ( MHz. PL 100) if you need directions. Note that this month s meeting is a week earlier than usual, due to the upcoming Christmas holiday, and will be on Friday instead of Thursday. The meeting will start at 6:30 pm. The room will be open at 4:30 for early setup. Be sure to mark this on your calendars! This month s meeting will feature our traditional December potluck dinner. We have collected some mighty fine prizes for this year s Christmas Party Membership Raffle. So be sure to come to the Club Christmas Party, bring a dish to share, and get in on the fun. Brian Hoffman KI6LUE, a member of the Magic Castle, will be back by popular demand, to share his wonderful magic with us. This will be a fun and entertaining event for all club members and their families. Brian Hoffman KI6LUE From The Veep December 2017 Margie Hoffman KG6TBR For one last time. Just when you know you have been used to things remaining the same for a long time, at last, things are bound to change sooner or later. What I am referring to is this: I have been an officer of the AVARC for about 12 years now, in one capacity or another. So, in 2018, I will be taking a break from serving, but will still be an active member of this club. Although, I am sad not to be an officer, I am happy to be seeing new hams step up in the important jobs of planning the club s activities and overseeing the handling of the clubs affairs. I have truly enjoyed leading this club. This month, on Friday, December 15, we hold our annual holiday party. We will begin with Adrienne Sherwood, playing holiday music on her harp as we prepare for the potluck dinner. After we eat, we will welcome back Santa Clarita s best magician (according to Alexis and many other people throughout the SCV and the AV), Brian Hoffman. Brian will once again thrill us with his magical entertainment. In the new year, we have some of the usual items on the agenda, so in January, we will have our annual State of the Club report from our president Dan Sherwood W6DAS. He will review 2017 and let us know what was good, educational and what we did that was encouraging to both new and experienced members and other interested hams. He will also go over what we can all expect as members to see for the future of this club. (Continued on page 3)

2 The Short Circuit 2 From the Secretary s Desk AVARC General Meeting November 16, 2017 Opening: Dan Sherwood W6DAS - President 7:30pm Call to order followed by Flag salute and introductions. Program Intro: Margie Hoffman KG6TBR introduced Scott Hanley WA9STI who spoke on Summits on the Air (SOTA) 8:15-9:10pm BREAK: business. 8 minutes, followed by club Minutes from last meeting: Taken by Pat Okawa. Any corrections: None Motion to approve as printed in Short Circuit was made by: Keith Hoyt K6GXO and seconded by: Frank O Dell N6FOD. Approved? Yes Treasurer s report: Matt Stewart K6MES: Balance: $ 4, (inc. cash $100.44) Invoices submitted for payment: $21.79 Membership Report: Matt Stewart K6MES: Members: # 94 ARRL members: 74 = 80.43% Members present tonight: 25 Old Business: 1) Board Meeting was held on Oct 26, 2017 right after the last General meeting. Board Meeting Discussions: A) We renewed our membership in LAACARC - $20 B) We reviewed activities of Anchors Away. C) Net Control Ops and NL Ops are still needed. Call Margie if interested. D) Reviewed summary of HAM- CON results and distribution check to come in November. E) Discussed holiday party plans. New Business: 1) Confirmations and announcements: Holiday party date is Friday December 15 and will be held at the First Christian Church. Reminders will be given on the weekly net. Both Brian Hoffman of Brian Hoffman Magic and Adrienne Sherwood WA6YEO, harpist, have confirmed that they will be able to attend and perform. The Holiday party will take place at the First Christian Church building, which is the same address where the VE test sessions are currently held. We are still discussing timelines and prizes. It was determined that we would open the doors at approximately 5pm for set up of room and food service during which time, Adrienne will play holiday music on her harp. Club renewals for 2018 will end promptly at 6:30pm. Potluck dinner served and eating will be from 6:30-7:15pm. Dan will give club announcements at 7:15, followed by entertainment provided by Brian Hoffman Magic. Drawing of prizes will follow at about 8:15pm. 2) Holiday Prize Drawing Procedures reminder: 1 prize ticket will be given to all present that were members during additional prize ticket will also be given to all that have renewed membership for 2018 prior to the dinner. New members paid for 2017 will receive 1 prize ticket. All verified life members automatically will receive 2 prize tickets. You must be present to win. Non-members do not receive tickets and no tickets will be sold. Note: If anyone has any new items to donate to this event, such as hats, other new items, please contact Dan, as he requested additional prize donations and will accept them prior to the event or evening. 3) Field Day 2018 Discussion: President Dan discussed possible sites for the event to take place in June Still going over plans and Dan will keep us informed with the updates. Dan has already put in a reservation and received the insurance updates if we choose to keep the venue at Steve Owens Park (formerly Lancaster City Park). 4) Suggestion was made to have new member highlights in Short Circuit. Discussion followed. 5) Discussion to change the date of the January general meeting from 4 th Thursday, to the 3 rd Thursday, due to many officers and others will be in Quartzsite. Motion made by Chris KM6OCH, seconded by Margie KG6TBR. Motion was approved, January meeting will be held on Thursday, January 18, Announcements: Adrienne WA6YEO: Next VE session to be held on Monday, December 4, 7pm at First Christian Church. Address: 1702 E. Ave J - Across from Wal-Mart. This is an ARRL session with fee of $15. Next board meeting: Thursday, December 4 at the Church immediately following the VE testing session. 50/50 drawing won by Frank O Dell N6FOD $18 Meeting Adjourned: 9:20pm Respectfully Submitted, Margie Hoffman KG6TBR AVARC Vice President 2017 AVARC Board Meeting December 4, 2017 Opening: Dan Sherwood W6DAS, President Call to order by Dan Sherwood W6DAS at 7:25 pm. Minutes from last board meeting: October 26, by Pat Okawa KJ6CJI. Motion to approve as printed in Short Circuit Made by: Keith Hoyt K6GXO. Seconded by: Matt Stewart K6MES. Approved by all present. Treasurer s report Matt Stewart K6MES: Checking account: $4, Cash on hand: $ Total: $4, Membership Report: 94 ARRL members: 80%. Members present today: <EDIT> Dan Sherwood W6DAS, Matt Stewart K6MES, Keith Hoyt K6GXO, Adrienne Sherwood WA6YEO, Margie Hoffman KG6TBR, Pat (Continued on page 5)

3 The Short Circuit 3 President s Corner... (Continued from page 1) Steve Owen Park, as the time for reservations is now. In all likelihood, that is where we will end up in The HAMCON convention in September was a success. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Margie, Adrienne, and all the volunteer examiners who showed up to help. Margie did double duty as CFO of HAMCON while she represented our club. The last event for 2017 will be the Holiday Potluck. Margie talked about it in her VP column. Same location as last year, Antelope Valley First Christian at 1702 East Ave. J. I appreciate help in the setup, which will start when I get there around 4:30 PM. Help in tearing down and cleanup will be appreciated after the party is over. As always, we got some great door prizes, including a QYT KT-8900D mini triband mobile rig, some books, accessories, and other prizes. All current paid-up members will receive one prize ticket. If you renew your membership for 2018 before 6:30 PM that night, you will receive a second drawing ticket. Membership renewal closes at 6:30 PM to allow our chairman to enjoy the meal and the show. Members already paid through 2018 and life members will also receive the second ticket. Remember, this is a potluck, so please bring a dish to share. Main dishes always appreciated. All members renewing for 2018 will be asked to fill out a new membership application. This is published in the newsletter and is also availab le thro ugh o ur web site Gary Barr used to be our membership chairman. When he passed, some of his computer records were never recovered. Because of this, we want to keep our records up to date to serve you better. Please download the form and complete it before the meeting as it will make things go better for Matt Stewart, our membership chairman. Lastly, the January 2018 meeting has been moved up one week to the third Thursday in January, (1/18), due to the Quartzfest event the following week. Please mark your calendars. Looking forward to I m sure it will be a better year for all of us. From the VEEP... (Continued from page 1) As I am remaining as the Assistant Communications Director for the Challenge Cup/Baker to Vegas Relay ( please keep this event on your calendar. Coming up will be the 34 th year, and the event will be held on Saturday, March 17 to Sunday, March 18, It is a rewarding experience to participate as either a ham operator or a nonham volunteer. We need over 300 folks who are willing to provide communications where needed for the entire weekend. Be sure to go to the website and explore and fill out an application. It is a great way to expand your communication skills. See you at the meeting. Antelope Valley Amateur Radio Club 2018 Officers President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Master-At-Arms Trustee Ex Officio Dan Sherwood Larry Mock Pat Okawa Matt Stewart Gary Mork Paul L Heureux Michael Beckers Keith Hoyt Carol Humpherys W6DAS KI6BKP KJ6CJI K6MES WA6WFC KD6SMC K6YQO K6GXO AF6OV

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5 The Short Circuit 5 Secretary s Desk... Okawa, KG6CJI, Larry Mock KI6BKP, Gary Mork WA6WFC, Michael Beckers K6YQO. Old Business: LA Council of Clubs report - Margie Hoffman KG6TBR: We paid our dues. Meeting on December 5 to elect officers for Upcoming Club Programs Margie KG6TBR: Friday, December 15 Holiday Potluck, January 2018 will be State of the Club by Dan Sherwood W6DAS, February Margie Hoffman KG6TBR on Baker to Vegas, March Pat Coker (call) on microwaves. Holiday potluck update: Friday, December 15 at 6:30 at AV First Christian Church. Members must complete new application and renew before 6:30 to receive a free ticket. Prize budget will be $500. Margie Hoffman KG6TBR has already purchased 8 books from ARRL for $ on Black Friday. Dan Sherwood W6DAS will purchase two radios on Amazon for $200. Margie Hoffman KG6TBR will purchase additional prizes for $ Meal-related issues: Paul L Heureux KD6SMC will donate the paper goods (cups, plates, napkins, knives, forks, spoons). Pat Okawa KJ6CJI will donate the soda pop (coke, diet coke,sprite,7- up,root beer) and the ice. Gary Mork WA6WFC will furnish the coffee. Dan Sherwood W6DAS will need a check for $100 for use of the Church for the potluck. Field Day site Dan Sherwood W6DAS: No word from Tehachapi folks on shared FD site. Secured permit for use of Steve Owen Park in Lancaster for last weekend in June. New Business: Use of Quartz Hill County Library for 2018 monthly meetings: Pat Okawa KJ6CJI was given the application to complete and turn in with selected dates. It was decided at the November General Meeting to hold January meeting a week early (January 18) as key officers will be away at Quartzfest during the normal time. Transition of officers: Larry Mock KI6BKP, Pat Okawa KJ6CJI and Dan Sherwood W6DAS will meet on Saturday, January 6 to add Larry Mock (Vice President) to the club signature card at US Bank. First Christian Church grounds usage during January and February 2018 may be impacted by the Church s participation in the Winter Sanctuary program with Grace Resources. VE Exam Saturday, January 6 and Board meeting Thursday January 4, was chosen because of this Membership renewals require a new application to be completed to update the club database. Margie Hoffman KG6TBR: Baker to Vegas run will be held on March 17-18, Announcements: Short Circuit Articles - Needed by: Sunday December 10 and Sunday January 7. Club meeting: Thursday, January 18, 2018 Program: State of the Club address. VE Exam: Saturday, January 7, 2018 at 9 am at First Christian Church. Board meeting: Thursday, January 4, at 7 pm at First Christian Church. Meeting adjourned at 8:39 pm Respectfully Submitted, Pat Okawa KJ6CJI AVARC Secretary 2017 Membership, what s new There was a suggestion given to me that seemed like an interesting way to welcome our new members. This suggestion was to introduce them to the club through the Short Circuit. As the Membership Chairman the task will fall on my shoulders. The format has yet to be set, suggestions are being accepted regarding the direction and content of the column to achieve this goal. The best way to reach this goal is to provide what you would like to know about the new members. The goal of this column is to introduce our new members to the current membership that will allow the new members will be comfortable enough to participate in the club s activity and to grow in the hobby. The current membership can assist by introducing themselves welcoming our new members. Our club gained ten new members this year, the youngest is Storm Ogan, a nineyear-old boy who is studying for his General class license. He cannot make it to many of the Thursday night meetings but when he does attend he is with his father. Currently, we do not have anything like this and if the new members appreciate being part of club that can increase their knowledge of radio and the access to Elmers who will assist them with their hobby, so they can become Elmers to assist future new hams. I am simply asking that the club s membership welcome the new members and to include them in the activities that will enhance the comradery of an active Amateur Radio Club. If you have a suggestion that will help to develop this process get started, and to provide a working process in a workable fashion, please feel free to me at membership@k6ox.club. I would like to be able to include this next column in the January 2018 edition of the Short Circuit.

6 The Short Circuit 6 Antelope Valley Amateur Radio Club 2017 Officers President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Master-At-Arms Trustee Ex Officio Dan Sherwood Margie Hoffman Pat Okawa Matt Stewart Gary Mork Paul L Heureux Larry Mock Keith Hoyt Carol Humpherys W6DAS KG6TBR KJ6CJI K6MES WA6WFC KD6SMC KI6BKP K6GXO AF6OV AVARC board meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month. All members are welcome to attend, although they should let the president or another officer know that they are planning to attend, as the meetings usually include a potluck dinner at the home of one of the officers. The club net is on Wednesdays at 8:00, on the Hauser repeater ( MHz PL 100). The net includes Amateur Radio Newsline, and all members and guests are invited to check in. The Antelope Valley Amateur Radio Club K6OX Post Office Box 1011 Lancaster, CA Place Postage Here To ARS: Amateur Radio is a National Resource FIRST CLASS