MBARC In-Person Meeting
Poughkeepsie Galleria Community Room
January 11, 2024
17 members and 3 guests (who were voted in as members) in attendance
President Rich, W2REV, called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm and led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Steve, KB2TAT, read the minutes. The minutes were unanimously approved.
Officer Reports
President Rich started a round of self-introductions. He then led a discussion about reinstating
a suspended member, as per the terms of the suspension. During the discussion
Adam, AE2AN, said we should identify the member for the minutes. The member is Dominick
Guerra, KC2VTJ. After discussion, during which it was noted that there was no evidence that
the member caused any interference or committed any other negative actions during his
suspension, Adam moved the member be re-instated provided he pay the dues for the year of
his suspension. The motion was seconded by Lon, KB2UPZ. The motion passed unanimously.
Rich mentioned a proposal that went before Congress to no longer require that AM/FM radios
be factory installed in new cars. Fortunately, the proposal was withdrawn. Lon spoke about
most newer cars now being connected to the internet despite how unreliable the internet can
be in an emergency.
Rich led a discussion about the possibility of Club members giving talks about amateur radio in
local schools. There was general agreement that doing so would be a worthy endeavor.
Vice President Tom, N2FZC, reported that he is always looking for Net Control Stations for the
Monday night on-air MBARC meetings.
Treasurer Andrew, W2BOS, reported the following (note that negative amounts are
contained in parenthesis):
• The current bank balance as of the end of the preceding full month (as of 31
December 2023) was $15,113.93. This consisted of income of $228.80 and
expenses of ($556.54) over our last reported balance 2 months ago of
$15,441.67.
• For the rolling 12 month period 1 January 2023 through 31 December 2023, we
had a net gain/(loss) of $814.12 reflecting income of $2,593.39 and expenses of
($1,779.27).
Extraordinary items:
• We are now on a calendar year basis with our insurance company that previously
was on a fiscal year. Their annual premium remains $300.00 . Adjustments
were made to cover all of 2024.
Andrew reported on four applications for new membership:
KC2BOC Carol Torresson
KE2CDG Alex Torresson
KE2BBS Ryan Edmundson
KE2AUV John Tucker
A vote was taken and all four were approved unanimously.
Andrew also reported that the new Baofeng HT that was donated by the Orange County
Amateur Radio Club for a new ham licensed at MBARC’s October test session is not
needed by the new ham – the young man’s father had already purchased him one. The
radio will be held for another young ham licensed after a future test session.
Andrew reported that the annual Wappinger’s Falls St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held
Saturday, March 2, and the Club normally buys an advertisement in the printed
program. A motion was made to purchase a $50 ad in this year’s program and was
unanimously passed.
Steve, KB2TAT, reported on an e-mail poll of the Membership to see if those interested
in Club logo T-shirts and those interested in polos would be willing to combine for one or
the other to reach a minimum order quantity. A total of 24 would be willing to get a Tshirt
if that were the only option, and 25 would be willing to order a polo if that were the
only option. A minimum of 25 was required by the printers already contacted. Bob,
N2BOC, and Lon, KB2UPZ, both thought they had heard of printing firms that did not
require minimums. Both Bob and Lon asked Andrew to supply them with the current
MBARC logo (which Andrew did Jan. 12, 2024). They will investigate other firms.
Bill, KB2SSP, stated it would be very good looking if all shirts were the same color.
Comments
Tom, N2FZC, reported that the N2FZC, repeater was working well.
Andrew, W2BOS, mentioned that Club elections are coming up in March.
Adam, AE2AN, stated that volunteers to be positioned along the parade route were
needed for the March 2, St. Patrick’s Day Parade. He also mentioned that volunteers
would also be needed for a marathon in Clinton in May. Details would be provided as
the date of the event draws closer.
Adam reported that MBARC will offer a Technician Class Review Seminar April 19-21,
at the Dutchess County Office of Emergency Management on Creek Road in
Poughkeepsie. A VE testing session, open to all, will be held on Sunday afternoon, April
21. The seminar flyer is on our club’s webpage: https://wr2abb.org/home/.
The meeting adjourned at 7:21 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Force KB2TAT