QSL Card
Card Submitted by Martin, AA1ON Write-up by Bob, W1RH

FARA - The Early Years
Transcribed by Karen Hess

The Framingham Amateur Radio Association, formerly called the Community Radio Association, is fortunate to have the notes dating back to the Club's first meeting.  Karen Hess, W1RH's XYL, has transcribed the hand written notes, verbatim. They make for fascinating reading!
April 27, 1934
The 25^th regular meeting of the C.A.R.A. was called to order at 8:15 p.m. by Vice-pres. Dr. Crosby.  The secretary's report was read and accepted.
The treasurer was called on to give a report of the club's finances.  The treasurer announced that dues were deficient and members were asked to be more prompt in paying.
Herb Blanke, chairman of the supper committee, was called on for a report. Activities Mgr. Thompson reported that the two contests were still in progress.  He also announced that the code class will be continued for those who wish it.
The question of discontinuing meetings during the summer was brought up and it was decided to wait until a later date before deciding definitely.
No further business being before the meeting, it was adjourned by unanimous vote.
After the business meeting, two reels of motion pictures were shown by Herb Blanke and then members visited W.M.P., the State Police radio station.
Respectfully submitted                     
A. L. Schaltenbrand, Sec.

Martin, AA1ON, provided this month's QSL for the Circuit.  Martin worked 4W/W3UR three times, in 2000.  This was the first-ever Dxpedition to the new DXCC entity of East Timor.  Martin worked them on 15 meter SSB, 15 meter CW and 20 meter SSB.
East Timor is the eastern part of the island of Timor, which lies between the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is an island in the Indonesian archipelago, located about 400 miles northwest of Australia.  The eastern part of the island of Timor was a Portuguese colony from the 16th century until 1975.  Indonesia then annexed East Timor shortly after Portugal abruptly left.  Indonesian rule continued until 1999. 
From the back of the card:
On August 30, 1999, the people of East Timor voted for independence as the rest of the world stood by.  After the ballots were cast an overwhelming 75%

of the people agreed now was the time.  The United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) was then instituted to govern the territory and execute legislative and executive power during this transitional period.  Thanks to an earlier than expected decision by the ITU on March 1, 2000, the United Nations was provisionally allocated the 4W international call sign series.  This then opened the door for East Timor to be added to the DXCC list.  After many months of following the situation and setting the stage in this new fledgling nation the decision was made to lead a team to put on the first Dxpedition to this new DXCC entity.
By resolution, in January, 2001, the Security Council extended the mandate of UNTAET until 31 January 2002, bearing in mind the possible need for adjustments related to the independence timetable.