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July 2006

MINUTES OF GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING OF

SILVER SPRINGS RADIO CLUB, INC.

June 19, 2006

The meeting was called to order by President Bill Miller, N6WGM, at 7:42 p.m. Present at the meeting were Officers, President Bill Miller, N6WGM, Vice President Richard Moss, KF4ML, Treasurer, Bill Britt, KQ4UJ, and Secretary, Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA. Board Members present were Tony Blalock, K4OCF, and Walter Hill, W0WRH. There were 21 members and one visitor in attendance. A quorum was present.

The invocation was given by Gene Layerd, N4QFA.

The membership recited the pledge of allegiance.

The membership introduced themselves.

Upon motion made, seconded and adopted, the May General Membership Meeting Minutes were approved as published in The Oracle.

Upon motion, made, seconded and adopted, the Treasurer's report was approved as published in The Oracle.

Committee Reports:

ARISS: Larry Phelps, K4OZS, reported that all is in readiness for the call from the Space Station this fall.

WARP Speed event is scheduled for July 19, 2006, at N. H. Jones Elementary. The title is "The Adventures of Zack an Max".

MEMBERSHIP: The membership applications of Membership Applications of Jim Jackson, KI4OLJ, and William H. Cutherell, K4LOM, were approved.

MARCH OF DIMES: Secretary, Jeanette Frantz, read a letter received from Gloria James, the March of Dimes Walk-America Chairman.

MERT: MERT General Membership Meeting was held June 8, 2006. The secondary frequency for use in the event the 146.610 repeater goes down, will now be 147.030, KC4VFI, instead of 145.170, KG4NXO repeater.

FIELD DAY 2006: Pete Axson, WD4LST, reported on final preparations for Field Day 2006, which was discussed by the membership in lieu of a program.

There being no further business to come before the membership, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA

Secretary

THE BOARD MEETING FOR JULY

HELD JULY 9, 2006

FLORIDA HAMFESTS

June 2006

Compiled by Bill Britton KB4VOL/AAM4AFL

THESE LISTS ARE ONLY AS ACCURATE AS THE INFORMATION RECEIVED.

PLEASE SEND CORRECTIONS OR ADDITIONS---SEE BELOW. SEND PL FOR REPEATERS WHERE NEEDED.

DATE LOCATION NOTES

Aug 12 Fort Pierce At Ind. River Comm. College 3209 Virginia Ave. Talk-in on 147.345 PL 107.2 INFO: Pete, KD4SPW (772) 465-5204

Sept 23 Orlando, Bahia Shriners Tailgate, at 2300 Pembrook Drive, Talk-in on 147.390 PL 103.5, INFO: Warren, W4WHH

Sept 23 New Port Richey, at First Lutheran Church, Talk-in on 145.640, INFO: Ron, N9EE (727) 376-6575

Oct 7 Jacksonville FREE! At Terry Park Baptist Church (NEW LOCATION) 7024 Merrill Rd. > Talk-in on 146.700 PL 127.3 . INFO: Billy, N4UF (904) 765-3230

For a complete listing of Hamfests in Florida, please visit the Florida Ham Website at its new location, http:// bellsouthpwp.net/k/b/kb4vol.

Field Day '06

Summary

Another Field Day has come and gone. I hope everyone has dried out by now. Everyone that participated in the preparation and execution of Field Day 2006 is to be congratulated for their contribution to its success. There was a good turnout of people to help set up antennas and equipment, including some very energetic new hams and avid short wave listeners. The local Civil Air Patrol set up their new communications trailer. We were able to assist them in setting up an antenna so that they could make check ins for their nets. The MERT team set up a very interesting WinLink station, successfully forwarding email traffic via vhf radio. The Marion

County Mobile Command Center was also on site, re-enforcing their appreciation for the capabilites of the Amateur Radio Service in times of emergency.

Then, it began to rain.........and rain.

After the lightning subsided, we were able to get down to business. The bands were in pretty good shape. 20 & 40 meters were the bread and butter, with several good openings on 6 meters as well. When all was said and done, we made 205 contacts spanning 37 states and 2 Canadian provinces, utilizing 80m, 40m, 20m , 15m, 10m, 6m, 2m, and 70cm. Of those contacts, 126 were HF SSB, 71 were HF CW, and 8 were Satellite including 1 on the ISS cross band repeater.

Lest I leave out one of the best parts, after a day of setting up equipment and dodging rain, it was most enjoyable to relax and visit with everyone over the afternoon cook-out. Many thanks to everyone that contributed to the meal. A full belly makes for some enjoyable operating late into the night.

Once again, a big high five to everone who helped make this a success. (By the way, it's only eleven months until Field Day 2007 :)

-Pete. WD4LST

FRIDAY IS RED DAY!!!!!!!!!

Last week I was in Atlanta, Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest act's of patriotism I have ever seen.

Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camo's, as they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering. When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we
can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal. Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said "hi," the little girl then she asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. The young soldier, he didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek. The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it. After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, "I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you." He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying "your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon."

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away as this entire event unfolded. As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, their were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority". We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions.

Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is...We need your support and your prayers. Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example;
and wear something red every Friday. WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE.

THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED---- SO WEAR RED! --- MAY GOD HELP AMERICA TO BECOME ONE NATION, UNDER GOD.

HAVE A GREAT DAY.

The above article was submitted (unknowingly) by Bill Miller, N6WGM.

Educating Yourself

on Computers

Kevin Young, KC7FPF

It''s easier than you might think.

The first thing you can do is buy a book.

When you're talking about computers, the "For Dummies" series is absolutely great.

There are "For Dummies" books for everything from basic computing to Windows XP to Word Processing, you name it. I own a couple of the "For Dummies" books and I recommend them.

Another thing you can do is surf over to websites like Secure Florida.org, which is run by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

"The best thing parents can do is educate themselves and become aware. That's one of the things we hope to accomplish with Secure Florida," said Mary McLaughlin, a computer expert with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

At Secureflorida.org, you'll find topics on Internet safety, educating yourself on computer basics, and how to chat safely online.

"We're trying to give parents the information that they need to keep themselves and their children safe," said McLaughlin.

And don't be afraid to talk to your kids. They can be a valuable source of information.

Computers can be intimidating, but with a little reading self-education and time, you too, can use and understand your computers as well as your kids.

Here's a list of the best "self-education" websites:

www.secureflorida.org

Secureflorida.org is a great site run by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. On there you'll find computer basics and how to stay safe while your online.

www.komando.com

The website of the so-called "Digital Goddess" Kim Komando. Another favorite of mine, Kim makes understanding computers very easy. She hosts a nationally-syndicated radio show on the weekends dealing with computer basics. Here you'll find daily tips, basics and how-tos.

www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/

This is the homepage of the "For Dummies" book series. You can find the "For Dummies" books at any bookstore.

The following is a letter received from Romeo Elementary School relative to the ARISS Program.

Romeo Elementary School

19550 S.W. 36th Street

Dunnellon, Florida 34431

Janet C. Williams Telephone (352) 465-6700 Ryan Bennett

Principal Dean

Kathy Hultman Rosemary Burnett

Assistant Principal Guidance Counselor

May 2, 2006

Yvette Padilla

Guidance Counselor

Silver Springs Radio Club

P0 Box 787

Silver Springs, FL 34489

To the members of the Silver Springs Radio Club:

Two years ago a grant was written for the fourth and fifth grade students of Romeo Elementary School to prepare them to speak via amateur radio to the astronauts on the International Space Station. The Silver Springs Radio Club graciously offered their support as a business partner in this endeavor.

We wish to thank several members of your club for continuing to prepare our students for Romeo Elementary School's ARISS contact. The members discussed the antenna needs and placement with the Marion County Facilities personnel and they helped in mounting antennas. They also assisted students with ham radio communications in room-to-room contacts and allowed students to listen and speak to people around the world on amateur radio. Your members continue to provide us with valuable resources that will assure success of our project.

We wish to convey a very heartfelt thank you to the following members for their assistance

Tony Blalock

Bill Miller

Dick Moss

Ernie O'Berry

Cameron Magnon

Larry Phelps

We appreciate your support in expanding our students' experiences in the sciences and communications.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Janet Williams

Principal

Mrs. Pat Lakin Phelps

Library Media Specialist

Save-A-Friend Hotline -- 1-877-7FRIEND

"Equal Opportunity School"

CLUB MEETINGS are the third Monday of each month 7:30 PM At the Health Department Auditorium, 1801 Southeast 32nd Avenue, Ocala, Florida., Ocala, Florida. Coffee & Doughnuts are available.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS meetings are the first Monday of each month, 7:30 PM at the Marion County Health Department, 1801 Southeast 32^nd Avenue, Ocala, Florida.

K4GSO, club station, Green Clover Hall, is available to all members. Contact Bill, KQ4UJ, 694-1605.

MARS, club station located at 161 Oak Circle, Silver Springs Shores. Phone number is 680-1528. Contact Bill KQ4UJ, at 694-1605.

LICENSE TESTING, on the second Monday of each odd number month, except July, 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Room 18, located on East Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala.. Call Otto Hoel, N1OH, 291-4934.

RADIO NETS are conducted over the club repeater, K4GSO, on 146.610 MHz (-600).

LADIES AUXILIARY. Sunshine - Provides flowers and get-well cards for members or members' family. Also orders SSRC logo shirts and caps, Barbara Million, KE4ZTW, 694-5744.

NOTE: For change of address or corrections (with SSRC) contact the Membership Chairman.

SSRC NET, every Tuesday at 7:30 (local time). Contact Jeanette at (352) 489-0571.

MERT (Marion County Emergency Radio Communications Team) NET, every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. LOCAL time. Contact Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA at (352) 489-0571.

President William Miller, N6WGM 873-2017

V. President Richard Moss, KF4ML 873-2079

Secretary Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA 489-0571

Treasurer Bill Britt, KQ4UJ 694-1605

Trustee Bill Britt, KQ4UJ 694-1605

Board

Members: Russ Merkle, WB9GIU 624-2285

Walter Hill, W0WRH

Tony Blalock, K4OCF 622-4960

Oracle

Editor: Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA 489-0571

Oracle _editor@prodigy.net

Membership Phillip Frantz, KF4QIC 489-0571

Ladies'

Auxiliary Barbara Million, KE4ZTW 694-5744

Email: funyet2@earthlink.net

Silver Springs Radio Club Website:

http://www.qsl.net/ssrc/

Ocala Radio Amateur's Candid Letter of Enlightenment

SILVER SPRINGS RADIO CLUB

P.O. BOX 787

SILVER SPRINGS, FL 34489

July 2006