PLEASE NOTE: WHEN I LEFT THE MEETING, I ASKED IF WE COULD AGAIN BE PUT ON THE CALENDAR TO MEET NEXT MONTH AND THE LADY SAID THAT SHE WAS SORRY, BUT “NO”. WE’LL HAVE TO FIND SOMEWHERE ELSE TO MEET NEXT MONTH. STAY TUNED. Minutes of the East River Amateur Radio Club August 5, 2002 Westgate ACME, Bluefield, VA. (www.erarc.com) The June meeting of the ERARC was opened at 703pm by George Dietrich KF4YGL. George welcomed all in attendance. There were 21 members and guests. George reminded all that membership dues were to be paid by August 31, 2002. ($10 primary and $1 for each family member). George asked Bob Frazier WB8NRK to give an update on his health and he did. He went into the hospital on May 29, had a 5 vessel bypass surgery and was released on July 28. June Minutes read, no July meeting. Treasurer’s report given. Don Anderson WD8OOR repeater report: ’49 and 444.45 OK. 442.45 down due to blown finals with lightening strike weeks ago, repair underway. George reminded all about the ARRL VHF contest, Sept. 21-22. We plan on sending a contingent to Round Mt. in Bland County. ARES net control ‘volunteers’: 6th George Dietrich, 13th Hooger Fisher 20 Tom Gordon WW8D, Mercer Co. EC, 27th Ed Viers KD4WOO. Gary Kadar N8GK asked if the ERARC Field Day results were mailed in, Hooger Fisher, Sec. said that they were indeed. Gary mentioned to all that the club had purchased a Yaesu FT100D, power supply and tuner, that we used them at Field Day and probably will use them also for the VHF contest in September. Hooger mentioned the ARRL WV Convention in Weston, WV, Jackson’s Mill on August 24, 2002. Bill Sowers, at George’s request, gave an update on his health since his heart trouble in May. He was in the hospital for a week and had been ‘cleared’ to resume a normal life. Bill was asked about ILINK by George and he said that ILINK is ‘dying’ and/or gone. It has been replaced by ECHOLINK. The 442.45 machine is currently connected to ECHOLINK. Hooger announced the ARRL VE test session this Saturday, Aug. 10, 9am AT THE 911 CENTER, GREEN VALLEY. Bob Frazier mentioned that he’d tried to get hold of Doug Barger, finally did, and got new EXTRA questions from the ARRL VEC. Of note: The G5RV needs to be put back up at the 911 center. It was discussed briefly and we’ll look at the situation this Saturday at the testing. Hooger mentioned that Ed Presley had emailed him via David Lester N8VFR, ERARC webmaster; Ed wanting to join the club and needing information on study materials, etc. Hooger contacted him via email and he was at the meeting tonight, just having passed his Technician license at the Vinton, Va. hamfest last weekend. Bob asked if he should send out reminders for membership renewals. Gary Kadar and others said to do so. He will. It was suggested that we notify via email, where possible, and also for Bob to ask for email addresses on the notifications. *** Please help save postage and email Bob with your intentions to renew, if you don’t mind, thanks. ***** 505 Eads Mill Road, Princeton, WV 24740, thanks!!! Bob has to mail the notice, then mail back your card(s). <<<<< Gary reminded all that elections are coming up with >>>> <<<<< nominations in Sept and elections in October >>>> Roger Stafancic KC8LGR won the 50/50 drawing for the flower fund. George asked for further business. There being none, the meeting was over at 0735pm. Respectfully submitted, George E. "Hooger" Fisher III, W4OF, Secretary