SCARC Meeting Minutes August 27, 2009

The regular meeting of the County Amateur Radio Club was held at the American Red Cross Office on Valleydale Road in Hoover, Al. Vice President Jim McAlester, W4YXU asked atttendees to identify themselves by name and call letters
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There were no new member applications or Treasurer's report.

No visitors were in attendance.

Tom Appleby, W4TCA, Mgr. EC reminded the Club that a simulated emergency drill is planned for September 15 at the Alabama Power Company Wilsonville Plant and will simulate a chlorine gas leak. On September 12 an ARES FM simplex exercise will take place. Data sheets and further information would be available on the SCARC web page.

Bob Thomas, KC4AF, Repeater Trustee reported a donation of hardline coax by the Alabaster Fire Department, and the receipt of antennas by the Birmingport Fire Department. Bob stated that approximately $600 is needed for secondary repeater equipment. He also announced that Les Rayburn would not be able to accept the nomination of MEC.

Joe Ford, K4NVJ announced that the next testing session would be on September 6.

A slide show presentation was given on antenna basics and discussion followed.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM

SCARC Minutes for August 13, 2009

A regular meeting was openeded at 7:00 PM, August 13, 2009 at the American Red Cross Office on Valleydale Road. Members present were recognized by name and call sign. One visitor was introduced, Kurt Fattig, KJ4OAN.

President Davidson KW4J reminded members of the Huntsville Hamfest to be held August 15 and 16.

Vice President Jim McLester, W4YXU informed the Club that the next meeting's program will be given by Bob Thomas KC4AF on Amateur Radio Public Relations.

One new member was approved for membership – Chuck Comkell, N4MLN

Treasurer Jack Evans, KC4PZA gave his report as follows:
Checking account $237.58
Savings account $2,090.64
Special account $1,384.18

Bob Thomas, KC4AF, Chairman of the nominating committee gave his report.
President – Harold Taylor N4AFC
Vice President – Marcus Thomas KF4YHP
Treasurer- Jack Evans KC4PZA
Secretary – Barbara McLester W5YXU
MEC – Les Rayburn N1LF
Director – John Outland K3FP

Tom Appleby W4TCA, Emergency Communications Manager reported on his meeting with Shelby County Medical Center and the status of their amateur communications setup. Tom also announced plans for a simulated drill to be held at the Alabama Power Company Wilsonville Steam Plant on September 15. This will consist of a supposed chemical spill and will include participation of Shelby and Jefferson County emergency personnel. The club VHF and UHF equipment will be utilized.

Bob Thomas KC4AF, Repeater Trustee, said that an antenna swap was planned with Birminghamport and that equipment had been offered to the Club by the Alabaster Fire Marshall. Jim McLester gave information on work being done for a second repeater..

Joe Ford, K4NVJ, VE Testing stated that the last session produced 4 technicians, 1 general and 1 extra class.

President Davidson named Bob Thomas and Jim McLester to a web site committee to assist and support John David Murphy KA4ZXL, Webmaster for simplifying the Club's web site.

Ron Andrews KC0I said he needed students for license instruction.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM

Matt Thomason K4FQF Secretary

Soapbox About Profanity

This is not another complaint about profanity on the air waves, even though that is a sore subject with me. Instead, I really want to vent about some emails that I have recently seen between several of the local hams. Actually I was just a copy on the correspondence but it disturbed me enough that I wanted to vent about it. The writers are respected local hams who I personally know, and I think that is what made me so sensitive. My respect for these individuals has dropped considerably but I hope it is a temproary situation. I rarely hear profanity among my many ham buddies, perhaps an occasional off-color joke but no constant raw language - certainly not like what we hear on TV. In most gatherings - big and small - the converastion could be held inside a church. So I was shocked when I opened an email and read a foul-mouthed dissertation which was a complaint concerning a received email. The ham was upset and incensed over its contents and vented in an improper way. To make matters worse, the respondent sent an email replying in like manner with similar language. I felt ashamed for both of them. They are intelligent hams who know better. I just hope that they do not convey this demeanor when on the air waves.

Proper language should be used at all times lest we forget and use profanity when it could really damage something as important as our images as amteur radio operators.