Humming “Olympic Fanfare” by John Williams (1984) our turkey gobbler called the meeting to order along with our President Jim W4JTP at 7:37 pm.
ATTENDANCE: 37
NEW VISITORS:
Bob Faerman W4RNF
Keith Lynch - No Call
Doug Goyne - No Call
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Sheila KI4WKY, our Secretary, announced:
(a) It’s your final chance to sign up for this year’s banquet that is being held on August 21 – (Thursday!) So, there will be no Friday meeting. The location is the Marco Polo Restaurant on Maple Avenue, in Vienna, VA. The time is 7:00 pm. Each member can bring as many guests as they wish. The cost is $26 per person, half-price for kids under 18 yrs. old and children under 5 eat free. This is an all-you-can-eat buffet consisting of prime rib, chicken, several salads, veggies, breads, dessert, etc. The $26 per person includes the cost of the meal, plus restaurant tax, the tip and drinks. You are to give your money to our Treasurer, Pete KG4OJT or mail your money in.
Sheila also said that this year would be a lot of fun. She’s giving out some great door prizes, except for one. One prize is going to be a boobie prize! To win the prizes, we will be having a drawing of call signs (members only). And, then everyone can (voluntary) join in the fun and play Ham Radio Bingo. So, don’t forget to bring a pen to write with!
Sheila needs to contact the Marco Polo Restaurant at least 7 days prior to give them a head count. So, please sign-up soon! Everything that she said can also be found on our Website’s front page in the NEWS section.
(b) She also reminded those who did not sign up for our Birthday Surprise activity that they are still free to do so. Just let her know your birthday (Month and Day) so you the club can send you a birthday greeting when the time comes. We currently have 55 members signed up. This information is confidential and only she has it.
2. Pete K6BFA, reported about our recent NAQP-CW event last weekend that was at his house. Dave K2VX, Terry N4ZH, and Eric KJETF also participated, giving them a total of 65 contacts and a lot of fun memories. Pete said that he also learnt a new code: QRS from Dave, which was very helpful.
He also presented some items from our recent Field Day “Lost & Found” box for members to claim.
3. Jim W4JTP, our President, announced that next weekend is NAQP-SSB at Lake Fairfax. All information about this is on the NAQP reflector.
Pete, KG4OJT, showed up a little late but then informed the members of more details about this event saying that plans are to be at Lake Fairfax around 9:00 am to set up. The event runs from 2:00 pm to 2:00 am. We still need someone to help out with food management. Information on how to get there will be posted on the NAQP Reflector.
Jim also reminded everyone about signing up for the upcoming Marine Corp. Marathon on October 26. All information about that can be found at their website at:
http://www.ncacdc.com/
4. Mike AE4R once again reminded everyone of his Home Brew building challenge, in which the transmitters are to be judged the first week in July.
5. Charlie KI4AZU, showed a photo of radio towers in Arlington, VA. And, said that the building in the photo still exists and if anyone knew what this building was?
After the food break, Charlie said the answer is:
It’s the Defense Communication Building on Washington Blvd,
Arlington, VA.
6. Steve N5SK asked about the food plans for our NAQP-SSB at Lake Fairfax next weekend.
7. Mike K3MT asked for directions to Lake Fairfax.
Note: Pete KG4OJT answered both of their questions when he arrived later on. (See Item #3)
8. Pete KG4OJT, our Treasurer, also announced that the club has received a check for $500 from the Town of Vienna for its support.
PRESENTATION:
Dr. Kerry Kingham WA4BQM, talked about propagation as it relates to the solar sunspot activity, solar flux, K & A Indexes, and meteor showers, which can reflect radio waves off their trails. He informed us that the minimum solar flux number is 66 and the maximum is ??? The SSN (Smooth Sunspot Number) currently is 0 and the maximum is 200. Several members had numerous questions to ask Kerry and it was an enjoyable, lively and informative presentation.
REFRESHMENTS:
Steve N5SK once again kept us refreshed with drinks and also provided us with a great variety of snacks.
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