Click here for PDF copy of the September minutes
ORANGE PARK AMATEUR RADIO CLUB MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 2017
The OPARC September 2017 meeting was called to order by the President, Don Ahlskog, and guests were welcomed and introductions were made, and new members welcomed.
A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes from the August 2017 meeting.
The next testing session will be at the Orange Park Public Library on Saturday, September 23, 2017.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Checking – $ 765.89
Savings – $ 2,237.66
Cash – $ 402.75
TOTAL – $ 3,406.30
REPEATERS: The repeater is still at Obie’s house which was flooded during Hurricane Irma. The QRP group met to work at his home to help clean up the damage. The Repeater is fine. Both repeaters remained working during the storm.
We have a request for an Elmer, Argyle Forest area. Please contact Don or Scott if interested.
ARES REPORT:
Clay ARES went active for the hurricane, with 6 open shelters, plus the Orange Park Medical Center and the EOC. It was then reactivated on Tuesday at Keystone Heights due to no communications in that area. A HUGE thanks to all who participated and monitored during the activation.
The goal of having 2 operators at each shelter did not happen for this event. If equipment is needed, it can be provided.
Clay County ARES meets the first Tuesday of each month at the Pinewood Christian Academy on Knightboxx Road.
UPCOMING ELECTIONS:
It’s that time again! Nominations for officers for 2018 will be online soon and you can also submit written nominations to either Don or Scott.
TOYS FOR TOTS:
The deadline for Toys for Tots is the November meeting. Please remember the age group 10-14 as this is the most overlooked category. Thanks!
SKYWARN:
If you are interested in SKYWARN, please contact Scott Roberts. Remember, SKYWARN members do not chase storms – they report occurrences of hail, tornadoes, flooding. Online spotter classes are available.
The net amount for the club from last month’s auction was $118.00. Good job everyone!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
MS-150: October 14-15th, beginning at Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, to Daytona, and back to Sawgrass.
Orange Park Fall Festival – October 21-22. Contact Scott Roberts if interested in volunteering.
NOFARS TAILGATE – October 28th. This begins at 7:00 AM (or first light). It will be held at Terry Parker Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL.
CONTACTS FOR PUERTO RICO:
Scott Roberts stated that the Red Cross can be contacted for Wellness reports. Scott has also been contacted by parties in Texas who have relatives in Dominica (via the Clay ARES website), and information was provided that relatives were safe.
The only communication at the moment are satellite phones and HAM radio.
NEW BUSINESS:
A motion was made, seconded and passed to raise the dues to $10 per year immediately for renewals. Life members stay the same. New members are free for the first year.
50/50 winner was Patrick!
Meeting was adjourned.
