The meeting was called to order at 19:31 by the vice president Dave Green in the absence of the President. Dave called for any errors or changes to the minutes of the last meeting and getting none he asked for a motion to accept them as printed. Moved by Mike Kelly VE3FFK and seconded by George VE3BNO, the motion passed overwhelmingly.
Dave's inquiry for any visitors produced Robert Cherry, VE2AGE, a young unlicensed man named Matthew and Dick Atkinson, VE3JBO/VE3RDA a former member. Dick brought along a GLB 300 synthesizer build from a kit for possible donation to the club archives.
Dave made a few announcements to the members. With great sadness to all who knew her Debbie Norman VA3RGM has passed away. Debbie was the general manager of the RAC office for many years. Replacing her will be impossible, finding a new GM for RAC will be difficult. Our condolences to her family. Dave passed out congratulations to Dave Goodwin, VE3AAQ, sitting in the front row, on his recent election as RAC NE Ontario Director. The RAC winter contest will take place Dec 30 this year. Maurice Andre, VE3VIG, is setting up a course on satellite operations for beginners at the Science Museum station. Contact VE3VIG for further info or to sign up. IC has authorized special prefixes CG3 for VE3 and CF3 for VA3 in celebration of the 100th year of voice communi cation, during January and February. See RAC.CA and IC on the web for more. Dave noted that the FCC has made changes to the voice/cw allocations in the 80M band for US hams. This will have impact here as well, RAC and ARRL are both aware and it's possible changes may come here to harmonize.
Mike, VE3FFK, made a couple of announcements. The Calabogie race track is looking for help running their race days. Marshals, race control operators etc. are needed. Mike also discussed the battery charger project briefly. He was taking orders and money at his table fo all those who want a kit.
Janice asked for anyone who wanted a free name tag to see the membership chair and sign the sheet to get one. Janice also had previously volunteered to take the minutes in the absence of a secretary this evening.
Gord reported on the membership counts this year being at 85 up from 64 at this time last year. Seven members signed up tonight.
Dave Green led a group discussion on the need for a complete executive. We are currently short a director and a secretary. As a result of the discursion we were able to fill the director position. Thanks to Matthew for volunteering. This leaves only the secretary position open. The workload is minimal please consider giving it a try.
Dave then called on VE2AGE, Robert Cherry, to come to the front of the room in order to be presented with the 2006 Joe Norton Award. A plaque and most importantly a $500 cheque were presented to Robert.
At this point the business meeting was completed and adjourned and a round of the Christmas trivia contest was played. Thanks to Richard, VE3UNW, for this fine Jeopard style contest. A good time and many candies were enjoyed by all. Gift certificates to Tim Horton's were passed out to the many winners.
Thanks to Dave, VE3KMV, for selling the 50-50 tickets, Peter, VE3LBW left with an extra $18.50 in his pocket. The meeting dissolved for coffee and cookies at about 8:45.