QCWA Alberta Wild Rose Chapter 151 Quarterly Report

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The spring luncheon meeting of Chapter 151 was held at the Tuxedo Park Community Association Hall on April 24, 2010.  Chapter President, Ken Oelke (VE6AFO) reported that recruiting new members continues to be a priority and that a recruiting letter has been developed. Dave Craig (VE6DKC) was elected treasurer, to replace Gerry Linton (VE6PL).  The Chapter thanked Gerry for his time and valuable contribution as treasurer.  Brian Hoyte (VE6IMB) also volunteered to help with the Chapter's newsletter.

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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.

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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'.

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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.

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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.

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Both Chapter 151 and the Calgary Communications Club are major supporters of the Morse Code Programme at The Military Museums.

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Following the meeting, Bernie Feisst (VE6WIN) 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, AB.

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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.


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Chapter 151 also pays tribute to the lives and service of the following Silent Keys:

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o Jack Ambler (VE6CAQ)<br>
o Denise Boisclair (VE6YL)<br>
o John Smith (VE6AI)

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Respectfully submitted,<br>
Mitch Goodjohn (VE6SM)<br>
Secretary