The meeting was called to order at 19:30
The club officers and board members in attendance were:
- NY4I – Tom (President)
- W7WMS – Will (Treasurer)
- K2BHS – Bruce (Secretary/Newsletter Editor)
- KR4U – Dave (Board Member)
- KI4UIP – John (Board Member)
- KO4CEE – Alex (Repeater Trustee)
- N4GD – Dee (Board Member)
- KA4IOX – Paul (Events Coordinator)
- N2ESP – Bob (President Emeritus)
- AAØO – Pat (President Emeritus)
This was the first club meeting at the Wyoming Antelope Club, in Pinellas Park, FL.
All members introduced themselves
Recognition – POTA Activation (Alex – KO4CEE activated Caladesi Island Park on 1/1/26).
Marty – W4AFP went over a couple of additional items regarding our new location:
- Minor parking issues
- Anyone can come early and buy dinner at the WAC’s clubhouse/lodge
- Location of the restroom facilities on the property
The minutes from the December 2025 meeting were posted on the website and have been approved as distributed.
Club Treasurer, Will, W7WMS gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. He reported the balances for the month. He also reported membership stats for this month (currently 159 members, 87 of whom are current). He further mentioned that dues reminders are not sent out via email and to avoid any scams that may be lurking.
The club welcomed new members. The new members are:
- Thomas Poffenberger, KR4HAW
- Daryl Bortel, KR4IKH
- Linda Garrisson (no call)
The new members were approved by unanimous consent.
Dave – KR4U had nothing to report, but mentioned he is looking forward to the new club station
Dee – N4GD reported that the repeaters are operational and functioning at this time.
Pat, AAØO reported on VE Testing for December 2025 – It was reported that there is one new Technician and one General upgrade. Next session is on 1/20/26.
Club Secretary, Bruce, K2BHS reported that the minutes for the December 2025 meeting are on the website as previously mentioned.
Paul, KA4IOX – Events/Activities Coordinator, reported Winter Field Day will be on 1/24/26 – 1/25/26 at the Clearwater Fire Training Center on Belcher Rd., in Clearwater
Alex, KO4CEE gave the Net Manager’s report for both nets for December. The totals were as follows:
- QNI: 738 total check-ins (708 for the 2-meter net & 31 for the 220/440 net)
- QTC: 30 messages passed (28 for the 2-meter net & 2 for the 220/440 net)
- QND: 1119 minutes (18.65 hours) (1072 minutes (17.87 hours) for the 2-meter net & 47 minutes (0.78 hours) for the 220/440 net)
- There was a total of 35 (31 for the 2-meter net & 4 for the 220/440 net) sessions for December.
He further reported that Brad, KM4LTG got 1st Place for the month with a total of 33 check-ins
Tom – NY4I circulated a Thank You card for Kathy at DMI for SPARC’s 12-year tenure at DMI Research in Pinellas Park, FL.
Presentation: Winter Field Day 2026
Upcoming Programs:
- February 2026 – Homebrew Night
New Business:
Disposition of Club equipment/gear:
- We have a 16-foot PODS storage unit at Wyoming Antelope Club – donated by PODS of Pinellas County for six months free of charge.
- The radios are currently being stored at the residence of Tom – NY4I in his home office (Including the Heathkit SB-104 (King Hussein – JY1)).
- The tower is at WAC behind the shed. The beam and other antenna related items are in the semi-trailer.
- He further thanked all those who came out to assist in the move from DMI on 12/14/25.
Tom – NY4I also mentioned that there is going to be a Board Meeting sometime in January 2026 to primarily discuss logistics for the construction of a new club station. He further mentioned that he and the Board are interested in input/feedback from the membership as this is a work in process.
He also mentioned that a date for the After Holiday Party is to be determined at this time.
A motion was made to spend up to $400 for food, drinks, etc. at Winter Field Day 2026. Bruce – K2BHS motioned and Mike – K4HN seconded. The motion was passed.
Orin – KG1S suggested a program pertaining to How to Work Rare DX, etc.
It was further noted that 2026 will mark the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. You can work all states 250 (WAS 250). Endorsements (e.g. WIAW/4) will begin after Hamcation.
There was no 50/50 drawing this month.
The Meeting was adjourned at 21:01
73’s
Respectfully Submitted,
Bruce H. Solov, K2BHS