MEETING OF SILVER SPRINGS

RADIO CLUB, INC.

February 20, 2006

The meeting was called to order by President Bill Miller, N6WGM, at 7:35 p.m. Present at the meeting were Officers, President Bill Miller, N6WGM, Vice President Richard Moss, KF4ML, and Secretary, Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA. Board Members present were Tony Blalock, K4OCF, Walter Hill, W0WRH, and Russ Merkel, WB9GIU. There were 24members and one visitor in attendance. A quorum was present.

The invocation was given by Walt Hill, W0WRH.

The membership recited the pledge of allegiance.

The membership introduced themselves.

Upon motion made, seconded and adopted, the January General Membership Meeting Minutes and February 2006 Board 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 the ARISS program at Romeo Elementary would have its turn for communication with the International Space Station between May and September of this year. Larry also reported that the county is working with the ARISS Committee to ready the antennas for this program. In addition, Larry also reported that the committee would be working with fourth and fifth graders with two meter radios in a program on March 15, 2006.

MEMBERSHIP: Two membership applications were approved, Early Sweeney, KI4NPS, and Associate Member Helen M. Smith.

MARS: Allen Albinger, K9VNM, announced that 165 Air Force phone patches were completed between December 15-24.

BOY SCOUTS: Tony Blalock reported that the Boy Scouts have an event scheduled for April 1, 2006.

In addition, Tony Blalock announced that the School Board is putting heavy emphasis on technological areas, including space travel.

VFW DONATION: Johnny Williams, K4ANJ presented a check issued by VFW Post 10208, Charles F. Whitacre Memorial VFW, $500.00 from the VFW Post and $100.00 donated by one member of the VFW.

TECH CLASS: Tony Blalock also reported that the Tech Class continues to have good attendance and participation.

MERT: Jeanette Frantz reported that inquiries had been received requesting MERT's assistance for Levy County Emergency Management.

NET CONTROL: The Net Control Schedule has been distributed to those who have agreed to assist in calling the nets.

BUDGET: The proposed budget as printed in The Oracle was unanimously approved by the membership.

HAMFEST: Brochures for our HamFest were prepared to be distributed at the Orlando HamFest.

PROGRAM: A short program was presented by Tony Blalock on the Peter I DXpedition.

There being no further business to come before the membership, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA,

Secretary

MINUTES OF MEETING OF BOARD OF

DIRECTORS OF SILVER SPRINGS

RADIO CLUB, INC.

March 6, 2006

The meeting was called to order at 7:47 p.m. by President Bill Miller, N6WGM. Present at the meeting were Bill Miller, N6WGM, Vice President, Dick Moss, KF4ML, Secretary Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA, Treasurer Bill Britt, KQ4UJ, and Board Members Tony Blalock, K4OCF, Walter Hill, W0WRH, and Russ Merkel, WB9GIU..

The Treasurer's Report was approved.

The Secretary's Report was approved, as corrected.

Bill Britt, KQ4UJ, announced that he had received an additional donation of $300.00 for the MARS Station, this time from the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Salt Springs VFW Post 10208.

A net control schedule has been implemented and is working very well.

One new membership application has been received for a family membership, from George K. Fornshell, KG4QWW, and Nancy H. Fornshell, KG4WMH.

Tony Blalock, K4OCF, announced that "A Taste of Scouting" would be held on April 1 at the County Complex. Tony will contact Ernie O'Berry to obtain a site for the club. Also for the "Kids' Roundup Day".

There was some discussion about Field Day 2006 and club participation in that event.

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

Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA

Secretary

FLORIDA HAMFESTS

March 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

Mar 18 Ft. Walton Beach, at NW Florida Fairgrounds, 1958 NW Lewis Turner Blvd., talk-in on 146.790; INFO: Gene, KK4IB (850) 515-2784

Mar 25 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

April 15 Tampa, at TARC Operations Center. 7801 North 22^nd Street, Talk-in on 147.105, PL146.2

April 15 Coral Gables, FREE! at U of Miami Physics, 5001 San Amaro, Talk-in on 146.865, PL 103.5, Info: Bill, WA4TEJ (395) 264-4465

April 22-23 Gainesville, at Alachua County Fairgrounds, 3400 NE 39^th Avenue (SR 222), Talk-in on 146.820, PL 123.0, Info: Ray, W4YTC (352) 339-4210

July 14-15 Milton, at Santa Rosa Auditorium, Talk-in on 145.490. INFO: Dave, KC4HKJ (850) 626-7663

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

IS AMATEUR RADIO REALLY

"DUMBING DOWN?"

Debate is hot and heavy on the purported "dumbing down" of amateur radio. Many seasoned amateurs are quite incensed about proposals to alter amateur testing and requirements, including "No Code". They express indignation that new licensees "have it too easy" and that new licensees should have to "earn" their license privileges, just as they did when they attained their general and extra class license privileges.

Then, there are those who openly accuse some old timers of "buying their licenses from VEC's. Anyone who engages in "buying" a license is guilty of reprehensible behavior and should lose his operating privileges unless and until he is re-tested by the FCC.

The issue in amateur radio is not necessarily how many questions an examinee can answer correctly, but whether the licensee conducts his or her radio operations in a responsible, courteous and legal manner. Please don't mistake this writer's intent. This writer has great respect for knowledge. Knowledge opens many doors and its wealth cannot be measured. But knowledge has many faces, including academic accomplishment. Common sense, motivation and participation all affect knowledge.

A review of only a few months' worth of FCC Enforcement Letters published on the ARRL Website reveals an all-too-prevalent lack of knowledge, an impaired vocabulary and total lack of common sense. How many licensees are recipients of FCC Enforcement Letters due to profanity and obscenities? Far more than most of us would believe. These licensees have privileges ranging from Novice class to Extra; yet they spout profanity and obscenities over the amateur frequencies. Repeated violation of rules against profanity and obscenities can result in fines, seizure of equipment and loss of operating privileges.

The old adage that "Little pitchers have big ears" is one that should be remembered by every amateur. It is an absolute certainty that youngsters who hear bad language will ultimately use the same expletives. The same holds true for young hams - one who hears profanity or obscenity over the frequencies spouted across the spectrum of license privileges will follow the examples he hears.

One never knows when he will influence another, either for good or otherwise; therefore, it behooves each and every licensed amateur to comply with FCC Rules and Regulations.

This writer submits that perhaps more emphasis should be applied to operating principles and procedures rather than calculus or engineering problems. While it is true that the ability to solve calculus and engineering problems is invaluable in all technological areas, that ability does not necessarily translate to make that individual a better ham.

Knowledge, combined with motivation, participation and common sense, yields a more skilled amateur operator.

Although amateur radio operation is a hobby, one that is very enjoyable, the ability to communicate over the amateur frequencies is a privilege that can be lost. Ham radio is fun, but the potential for public service through emergency communications and radio communications for events such as the March of Dimes Walk-America, Boy Scouts JOTA, ARISS, and the local Christmas parade is virtually unlimited.

Amateur Radio, in short, is what we make of it. As amateurs, we have the ability and opportunity to make a difference. Let's make that difference a good one.

Your Editor

"It's a delusion that power means something (it doesn't).

People suffer from the misconception that titles make a difference (they don't).

They are under the impression that earthly authority will make a heavenly difference (it won't).

Can I prove my point? Take this quiz:

Name the ten wealthiest people in the world.

Name the last ten Heisman trophy winners.

Name the last ten winners of the Miss America contest.

Name eight people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.

How about the last ten Academy Award winners for best picture or the

Last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do? I didn't do well either. With the exception of you trivia hounds, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday too well.

Surprising how quickly we forget, isn't it? And what I've mentioned above are no second-rate achievements. These are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are for-gotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

Think of three people you enjoy spending time with.

Name ten people who have taught you something worthwhile.

Name five friends who have helped you in a difficult time.

List a few teachers who have aided your journey through school. Name half-a-dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier? It was for me, too. The lesson? The people who make a difference are not the ones with the credentials, but the ones with the concern."

Author Unknown

As Hams, are we making a difference?

RED SKELTON'S VERSION OF OUR

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The following words were spoken by the late Red Skelton on his television program as he related the story of his teacher, Mr. Laswell, who felt his students had come to think of the Pledge of Allegiance as merely something to recite in class each day.

Now, more than ever, listen to the meaning of these words.

I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you. If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?"

I - me, an individual, a committee of one.

Pledge -- dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self pity.

Allegiance -- my love and my devotion.

To the flag -- our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there's respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!

United -- that means that we have all come together.

States -- individual communities that have united into 48 great states.

Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose; all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that's love for country.

And to the republic -- a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

For which it stands, one nation -- one nation, meaning "so blessed by God"

Indivisible -- incapable of being divided.

With liberty -- which is freedom -- the right of power to live one's own life without threats, fear or some sort of retaliation.

And Justice -- the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.

For all -- which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country and two words have been added to the pledge of Allegiance

UNDER GOD

Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer and that would be eliminated from schools too?

Folks, our country may not be perfect - nothing made by man ever was - but it's the very best place on earth. Love it, support it, stand up for freedom from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

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

March 2006