March 23rd, 2007 - Tim Quinn, KI4PVF. Wildfire! How Uncle Sam handles emergency communications in controlling forest fires.
Notes Posted By Len Hook on March 24th, 2007
VWS General Meeting, 3/23/2007
Vienna Elementary School Library, 7:30 PM
President Jim Parsons, W4JTP, ‘gobbled’ the meeting to order at 7:35 PM using his trusty Virginia Tech centrifugal bumble-puppy, a.k.a. rotary turkey gobbler squawk-box.
Attendees: 40.
Refreshments were provided by Byron Black, W4SSY. Thanks, Byron!
Refreshments for April 13: Lee Garlock, KD4RE. April 27, Bob Bowis, WB4KLJ
First-Time Visitors:
Ed Morthimer, WA3TOL (welcome, Ed!)
George Bonina, K3ROO (2nd time visitor; welcome back, George!)
License Upgrades:
Tim Quinn, KI4PVF, General (congratulations, Tim!)
As the meeting was getting under way and we had just finished our round of introductions, the membership was treated to a surprise visit by U.S. Congressman Tom Davis and his wife, Virginia State Representative Jeannemarie Devolites Davis. VWS gave them a warm welcome and invited them to a return visit in June at Field Day.
New Business.
Pete Norloff, KG4OJT, reported that at its last meeting the VWS Board of Directors recommended we increase annual dues from $12.00 per year to $25.00 per year. This would help to offset any future losses due to low-turnout Winterfest hamfests, like we had in Feb. 2007. After some discussions among the membership, the motion was passed by a vote of the general VWS membership. The new dues ($25.00) will take effect Sept. 1, 2007.
NA1SS QSL Card.
Pete KG4OJT showed a handsome NA1SS QSL card that was sent to K4HTA in gratitude for the recent ARISS QSO conducted at the Virginia Run Elementary School in Centreville, VA. Congratulations to KG4OJT, KI4HLV, N4ZPT, AF4PD, AI4JF, and the ARISS team from VWS on a job well done. Pete also announced that Cox Cable will re-broadcast the ARISS event on Channel 21 during the first week of April.
QRP To The Field.
This year’s event will be held April 28 at a new location. (Details to be announced).
VWS Net Report.
Mike Steussy, AE4R, reported that the 10-m Pow-wow net had a record number of check-ins, 17, on March 22. All amateurs are welcome to join in: Thursdays at 8:30 PM local time, 28.444 MHz.
John Transue, AF4PD, reported that VWS has tested the new 2-m repeater and it operates very well. He will adjust the CW ID and integrate the repeater with the controller. VWS thanks the Midland Radio Corp., Kansas City, MO, for its generous donation under its “Education and Scientific” donations program.
“Worked All AE4R Award.”
Dennis Voegler, WA4QMS, proudly announced the winner of this year’s “Worked All AE4R Award” was Pete Norloff, KG4OJT. Pete worked AE4R seven times during the Virginia QSO Party, a new record. Dennis presented Pete with a fine certificate to commemorate his accomplishment.
Timonium Hamfest.
Jim Parsons, W4JTP, announced that the Timonium Hamfest is scheduled for Sat/Sun, March 31/April1. There is also a QRP meeting on March 31 at a nearby hotel (contact Tom Azlin, N4ZPT, for details).
This Evening’s Special Presentation:
Wildfire! Tim Quinn, KI4PVF
Tim gave an excellent presentation, including slides and video, on the NICS, National Incident Control System. With headquarters in Boise, Idaho, this large, federal organization is responsible for the management of emergency communications used during forest fires and other emergencies. Tim’s presentation was focused on wildfires, and especially the massive fires that occurred in southern California in 2003, in the San Diego and San Bernardino areas.
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