QCWA WILD ROSE CHAPTER 151 (Luncheon Meeting Minutes - September 26, 2009)

Minutes of Chapter 151 Meeting Held On September 26, 2009
Tuxedo Community Association
202 - 29 Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta

 

Call to order: 10:45am

Total attendance: 30

Welcome

Chapter President, Ken Oelke (VE6AFO) welcomed everyone. A special welcome went out to chapter member Al McNeil, VA7QQ and his wife Lois, who travelled all the way from Penticton, BC.

Silent Keys

Although there were no silent keys within the Chapter, a moment of silence was held for Andy Berry (VE6NDY) who was known by many in the Calgary ham community.

Other Announcements

John Smith (VE6AI) is recovering well from his illness. Don Wilcox (VE6CG) broke his leg and is recovery, and Norm Sproule (VE6AQH) has not been feeling well.

President’s Report

Ken Oelke reminded members of the upcoming SARA Fleamarket and that QCWA Chapter 151 would be having a booth there. Also, the Chapter continues to help with International Space Station (ISS) school contacts. There was an ISS sked arranged with R.T. Alderman Middle School on September 28, 2009. Another ISS sked was arranged with Glenmore Christian Academy on October 14, 2009.

Chapter 151 Secretary’s Report

The May 9, 2009 meeting was the Chapter 151 25th Anniversary Dinner Event. As it was not a formal meeting, there were no minutes recorded, although Ken Oelke and other members indicated that it was a successful event. The Minutes of the September 27, 2008 meetings were circulated for those who had not received them by e-mail. No changes to the minutes were indicated.

Motion: Acceptance of the Minutes of the September 27, 2008 meeting as circulated.
Moved: Dave Watson (VE6EH)
Seconded: Max Farmer (VE6SL)
Motion passed

Treasurer’s Report

Gerry Linton (VE6PL) presented the treasurer’s report. As of the September 28, 2008 meeting, income was $1756.48, expenses were $1743.60 and the bank balance as of August 31, 2009 was $6953.79. The chapter subsidized the 25th anniversary banquet, which increased expenses.

Motion: Acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report
Moved: Al McNeil (VA7QQ)
Seconded: Doreen Hammond (VE6GQ)
Motion passed.

Old Business

1. Ken Oelke and other members noted that the Chapter 151 25th Anniversary Event was enjoyable and that people had a good time.

2. More volunteers are always needed to help conduct Morse Code classes for the Calgary Military Museums.

3. Ken Oelke reported that a group of military cadets travelled from Regina to the Military Museums to participate in the Morse Code programme. Dave Watson added that part of the motivation for the Military Museums to conduct the Morse Code programme is that it teaches people a new language.

New Business

1. Ken Oelke indicated that Chapter 151 needs a newsletter editor.

2. Awards:

a. Valerie Hepburn (VE6VMH) and Howard Hepburn (VE6GT) received appreciation awards for their assistance in organising and setting up for the Chapter meetings.

b. Earle Smith (VE6NM) received a QCWA certificate to recognise his 60 years as a ham radio operator.

Earle Smith, VE6NM (l) receives his QCWA 60 Year certificate from Chapter President, Ken Oelke, VE6AFO (r)

c. Tony Howard, VE6QY received a QCWA certificate to recognise his 50 years as a ham radio operator.

Chapter 151 Elections

Elections were held for the Chapter 151 executive, and the results were:

President - Ken Oelke (VE6AFO)
Secretary - Mitch Goodjohn (VE6SM)
Treasurer – Vacant (Gerry Linton, VE6PL agreed to continue as acting treasurer until a replacement could be found.)
Les Card (VE6CA) remains as Past President.

Draw and Door Prize

Earle Smith (VE6NM) won the 33-33-33 draw ($22.25). Max Ohlhauser (VE6MVO) failed to cut an ace from a deck of cards, so the 33-333-33 main jackpot now stands at $117.11.

Doreen Hammond won a gift certificate for Tony Romas Pizza.

Adjournment

Next Meeting: April 24, 2010 at the Tuxedo Park Community Association Hall

Presentation

After the business part of the meeting, Jason Nishiyama, a science teacher and member of the Royal Astronomical Society, gave an exciting talk on “The Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence”. He reviewed the theory behind calculating the probability of finding intelligent life beyond our solar system, and gave an overview of the various methods by which the searches are made, including piggy-backing onto existing radio telescopes used for radio astronomy. Jason spoke of the SETI League, and SETI@Home programme, and told the Chapter members how they could become involved. In view of the increasing competition for research time on radio telescopes, Jason believes that amateur radio operators have the potential to become an important component in the search for intelligent life in other parts of the galaxy.

Secretary, Mitch Goodjohn, VE6SM (l) thanks Jason Nishiyama (r) for a his SETI presentation

Respectfully submitted
Mitch Goodjohn (VE6SM)
Secretary