SARASOTA AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION Minutes of the February 18,2003 Meeting

We began at 8:00 p.m. with introductions by name and sign. There were 19 people present, with 18 signing in by call.

The Secretary read the minutes, which were approved. He also handed out a current roster of paid members, asking for any additions or corrections.

The President reported several venders were eager to see a SARA Hamfest again next year.

The Vice President indicated that Robarts had several possible dates for a Hamfest, some of which would not provide an adequate setting for a tailgate sale along with the Hamfest. An additional concern was to obtain a date that did not conflict with neighboring Hamfests. Those dates should be known shortly.

The Treasurer noted that anyone desiring information on the finances of the association could obtain them at the executive committee to follow the evening program. Vivia also asked for help in providing refreshments at future meetings.

Donald Fritinger reported for the Nominating Committee the following proposed slate of officers:

President - Eddie Martin Vice President - Don Vande Polder Treasurer - Vivia Martin Secretary - Elmer Dickson

Executive Committee: Donald Fritinger, Charles Michael, Ed Neely, Hans Nepfel, Joe Rubin and Danny Zirpoli.

Nominations will be open at the March 18th. meeting, then the election will be held and new officers will take their positions that night.

Eddie Martin invited all present to share a brief statement about any interesting recent radio experiences. A variety of responses were given.

Don Vande Polder indicated that he had asked Joe Rubin to speak briefly on a QST article about DX-ing on ships. Joe did so, from ground technology to marine net information.

Hans Nepfel presented a slide and sound program about his January 2002 trip to South America and the cruise he and his wife took from Brazil to Antarctica and around Cape Horn to Chile. We enjoyed a good presentation with pictures of icebergs, penguins and remote settlements on the frozen continent. The cold was so real that twice Hans' computer froze!

The meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m. for refreshments.

Respectfully submitted,

Elmer A. Dickson, Secretary