SARASOTA AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION Minutes of the January 21,2003 Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 8:10 p.m. by President Eddie Martin. Introductions were made around the table by name and call sign. Ninteen people signed the roster. By count there were twenty present.

There were no reports from VP and Sec. The treasurer reported that she was getting records up to date and that our financial information was available to members on request.

Under old business, several noted that the December party at Sam Seltzer's Steakhouse provided good food and service.

Under new business, Don Vande Polder asked for help in setting up a radio network for several missionaries, including the use ofEcholink. Several members suggested that QST Magazine would have information about legalities and phone costs in Costa Rica and Nigeria.

It was also noted, in response to a question about license renewal, that the ARRL will automatically send free forms to its members. The FCC allows a period of 3 months to apply before the renewal date, but does not receive direct mail, due to the anthrax scare. Radio Shack has the forms and they can be downloaded from the net.

The predident noted that he had received quite a few complaints because we cancelled the January Hamfest and some media were not notified of the cancellation.

For program. Dr. Don Vande Polder spoke about "Telegraphers Arm," "Glass Arm," or what is more commonly known as Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. He illustrated the wrist nerve affected and talked about cures as simple as a slight raising of the wrist when using a key or computer keyboard, or the cushioning of the wrist with a layer of cloth. Much of what he reported was part of a recent article in QST Magazine.

Several members showed and spoke about a variety of keys that they had brought with them for display.

It was noted that January 20th. was the 100th. anniversary of Marconi's first transatlantic broadcast.

The meeting was adjourned to refreshments at 9:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted,

Elmer A. Dickson KE4EYN, Interim Secretary