OSCARC Newsletter for September 2011
The regular monthly meeting was held Sept/06/2011 at the Leaside Retirement Residence and called to order @ 1932 EDT by Chairman, John VA3JE.
Members Present: John VA3JE (Chairman), David VE3SB, Alex VE3XLO, Ori VA3XW, Bill VE3WTT (Treasurer), Ward VE3WGK, Fai VE3FAI, Peter VE3EYI (President), Jean VE3WAD, Jay VE3EMP, Jeff VE3PRX (Secretary), Paul VE3PAW, Cristo Risteski, Tim VE3IXN, Gary VE3NMI Regrets: Bill VE3RYE, Ian VE3IJS, Arun VA3UMA, Dave VA3ETE Guests: Ben Lo, Richard Bozec
Reading of the Minutes: The Secretary read the Minutes from August/02 meeting. A Motion to adopt as presented was made by Alex XLO, seconded by Jay EMP. Motion carried.
Business arising from the Minutes:
- John JE proposed a vote of thanks to outgoing President Neil NGS, seconded by Peter EYI. Approved unanimously. JE challenged the group to see who would be the first to contact Neil under his new call ZL1NZ.
-Setting up a licence course will be delayed until mid-October as things have been in flux and no planning has been done yet. Details to come. Promotion will start as soon as dates are locked in.
-Jay EMP pointed out we need to work out technical issues if we are going to install a shack at LRR.
-The Residence has offered to host our annual Christmas social. This offer will be discussed further at a subsequent meeting.
Future Presentation topics:
- Ori XW suggested we contact Ian Gallamore VE3ODA, who has a large collection of military radios, to see if he would talk to us about it.
- John JE wants to check out the giant HF antenna farm at Carrying Point (Trenton). Some further investigation is required because it is a military facility.
- Ori XW will coordinate with the downtown train museum about setting up an event station there (ca.
Victoria Day 2012)
President’s Report:
- Peter EYI spoke about the growing disconnect between OSCARC and OSC and presented the options from his letter emailed to the membership. Namely, 1) Can we continue to exist as the Ontario Science Centre Amateur Radio Club given that the Science Centre shows no interest in supporting us nor wants support from the Club and 2) Should we accept the offer from LRR to operate a shack at their facility and use it as a base for interaction with the Residents of the facility and interested members of the public.
- Peter asked for pro or con feedback in writing as soon as possible so it can be factored in to the decision on what course to take. He said he would issue a follow up email blast to remind members not present.
- Members present had a discussion about name for new club which included “Valley Park”, “Central Toronto”, and “East York”. Jean WAD said that the Club had existed as the Central Toronto Amateur Radio Club before changing to OSCARC around 2003.
- The President suggested there be a vote in principle about changing our Club name and affiliation, however a Motion to disband OSCARC and reactivate the Central Toronto (CenTor) ARC was made by Ori XW seconded by Jay EMP. Carried unanimously. To be implemented at the October meeting if feedback from members not at the meeting raises no objection.
- Ward WGK was asked to look into obtaining a new club call. Jeff PRX said he would look into what was involved in setting up a new Club website.
- It was suggested that an inventory of Club-owned material currently stored at OSC be done with a view to moving it to our new location.
- There was general discussion about how we would equip the proposed new shack.
- A quick update was tabled regarding RAC’s progress on getting Ontario Hams an exemption from the provisions of Bill 118.
Secretary’s Report:
-Current website hardware issues are being addressed.
Treasurer’s Report:
-Bill WTT recommended that we should collect dues for this new season. He also reported that, although we do have a small cash reserve, some of the proposed initiatives of the Club would be easier to manage if the balance was higher. Members can contact the Treasurer for specifics on our finances. New members who joined in 2011 will be considered to be paid up for our new session. Dues remain the same at $10. Please get your renewal to the Treasurer as soon as possible.
Members on-air activity:
-John JE worked Thailand (E2) on 15m at VE3OSC.
-Ward WGK worked UAE (A6) on 20m from VE3OSC
-Bill WTT helped 2 German visitors to the Science Centre talk back to Munich, Germany via IRLP.
Milestones etc:
-Bill WTT birthday will celebrate his 81st birthday this month.
-Jean WAD had a birthday in August and claims to be 88. (we think she is just wishing everyone hugs and kisses.)
-Peter EYI has his 69th birthday this month. (so he didn’t get his licence when he was 2.)
-Paul PAW acquired a Kenwood TS-520 HF rig and is on the air!
Break for refreshments was called from 20:39 to 21:09. Thanks to Jean WAD for supplying the cookies and LRR for coffee.
Presentation: Ward WGK continued from last month with Part 2 of his CanWarn Storm Spotter training presentation, illustrated with more videos and diagrams. He included practical advice on how to protect yourself in periods of extreme weather.
After the Presenter was thanked the Meeting was adjourned at 22:06 EDT.
The Club meets at 1930 local on the first Tuesday of the month, unless it is a holiday, in which case the second Tuesday. Check in with Front Desk at Leaside Retirement Residence, 14 William Morgan Drive, in Leaside. North off Overlea Blvd, West of Don Mills Rd. Parking on the West side of the building. Keep an ear on VE3TWR 145.410/r on the drive in. Visitors are welcome. /p
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