DECEMBER 2007

This is the time to rejoice and be thankful for the many club accomplishments this year. We have a number of new, active members who are participating in club events. I believe our club has grown considerably this last year and I’m confident we will keep growing. Today, we're 15 members stronger even with a loss of several long time members as silent keys this year.

The number of internet hits on a search for Oregon Tualatin Valley Amateur Radio Club grew to more than 20,000 recently. This is in direct response to the activities of our contesting group, our classes, public service and emergency commitment. W7OTV as a call sign is becoming better known. Soon we'll have more good news when participating certificates arrive.

I want to thank the OTVARC Board for their dedication to club business. I appreciate their participation and support. We are having elections this month. It is important that your voice be heard. Next year we will have new challenges and opportunities to make our club even better.
Your representation and participation is critical and supports your elected and appointed leadership. This months savage storm illustrates again how important it is to be prepared. The skilled and professional ham operators who have volunteered
wherever needed bring credit to our service and hobby. Many club members have spent hours throughout the affected areas where needed. After this emergency is over, and the hours have been logged and counted, we need to recognize the many members who participated in taking care of those needs.

Washington County hams carried the burden in District 1, as heard on the D1 net, and gave time and service where needed. We can all be proud of our members who volunteered.

Our holiday meeting, December 12th is scheduled at the Peppermill, starting at 6:00 PM. Bring exchange gifts and a happy spirit.

Don’t forget to vote.

73

Robert WN7O

NOVEMBER 2007

This month is very special. We have two holidays this month. One to thank our veterans for their service and one to contemplate what we can be thankful for.

This month on the 11th we were afforded the opportunity to thank our courageous veterans. They were and are our defenders in time of need. Too many of us fail to realize what sacrifices they are called upon to give. Our veterans members here, many who served in difficult times, testify to the strength of their commitment to both country and community. It is with great honor that tonight we can thank them personally. We are fortunate to have some here tonight. Thank you for your service.

Let us have a moment of silence to honor those who gave their last full measure of service and for those who may do so in the future.

Our second opportunity, Thanksgiving day gives us time to reflect. We have a lot to be thankful for. In this country of ours, there are problems, but when comparing our problems to some other countries, we can be thankful that solutions are available. Elsewhere few solutions exist. Our members, with many diverse backgrounds, have provided this club with the leadership, energy, and strength to insure 30 years of excellence. Our clubs commitment to each other, our hobby, and our community has resulted in recognition by the County and State of Oregon. Many of our members belong to the Washington County ARES/RACES organization, the best organized ARES County in Oregon. What more can we ask for. We have a great club and great members.

Next month's Holiday meeting will be at the Peppermill. Richard, the manager will plan a two entree dinner for $12 dollars. Depending on what the members would like, we can have Turkey and Ham, or another combination. We will have sufficient room and members are encouraged to bring guests. A full dinner will be planed. Reservations are required. Please let the board know if there are special meal requests or entrees required.

Looking forward to seeing everyone Wednesday evening, November 14, 2007 at the Peppermill.

73's

Robert WN7O

October 2007

It is now fall, the daily temperatures have dropped, and evening temperatures are at a comfortable sleeping level. The HF Bands appear to be more active. They were for me during the last weekend.

Now is the time for all of us to upgrade our license if you can. Classes are forming for both General Class License and later Extra Class License. This will allow all to enjoy further the privileges afforded. Please consider taking advantage of the classes offered.

The board has not received any adverse reports regarding our last meeting conducted at the Pepper Mill restaurant; therefore the Board recommends we continue our meeting at the Pepper Mill. The Hillsboro Elks Lodge Board, after again being contacted, stated that we would be welcome on the 1st or 4th Wednesday of the month. Food available from the kitchen would be hamburgers, chicken sandwich, and other similar items. Unless we hear further from you, the members, we will remain at the Pepper Mill. Also, arrangements are being made to obtain a small PA system. This will allow all to hear and be heard. October 10th is our next meeting; see you at the Pepper Mill.

Our repeater work party will attempt to repair the antenna, 30th September come rain or shine, per Wes. This will improve the 146.960 signal for all.

Elections are coming in December; so if any one wants to run for office or the two Trustee positions, let the nominating Chairman, Everett or his committee know. See what happens when you are out of town Everett, you get appointed.

73

Robert WN7O

September 2007

Summer is over and it is time to begin again the serious business of the club. We had two outdoor activities held at Cedar Hills Park. They were well received by all, the weather was good, and the facilities were very nice. The last event, August 8th. was a combined Ice cream and tailgate flea market. It was well attended. Sales of miscellaneous items were adequate but not brisk. The many flavors of ice cream, some home-made, the cookies and drinks provided the needed sugar high. There must have been at least six different flavors, enough to satisfy all. Next year, if the club is in agreement, the Cedar Hills Park would make an excellent out door location. Your feedback is appreciated.

This month’s meeting will be held at the Peppermill, located in the Baley’s Thriftway Shopping center, south east side. They will set up for 61 persons, which should cover our group. Drinks are available from the attached bar and everyone can order from the menu. Separate checks will be provided. The staff are very nice and the food and service should meet everyone’s expectations. It is important that the Board receive your comments, in order that, we may make a final decision as to our future meeting site.

Our Board never heard back from the Hillsboro Elks Lodge after our presentation to their Board. I assume that their silence means they do not want us back. We are looking forward to a full report from Sea-Pac, their accomplishments and recommendations for next year.

Your inputs to future events are very important to help guide your Board in planning interesting activities. Looking forward to seeing everyone September 12th.

73
Robert WN7O

BOB'S BARREL - August 2007

Greetings from the barrel.

July was a great month. We had excellent weather, a fun outdoors event, and great friendship. The Ceder Hills Park has just the right ambience, shelter, and available parking space. This shelter accommodated everyone and few additional lounge chairs were needed. The abundance of side dishes complimented the many varieties of meet destined for the grills. There were enough grills to handle everyone needs, so that no real delays were experienced. The evening was cool, not hot as some expected, and the location and scenery just right. We all enjoyed ourselves immensely.

Our August event, ice cream social and tail gate party, will also be held at the Cider Hills Park, located on Ceder Hills just north of the Walker Road intersection. We have reserved the shelter for the August 8th event. Parking is opposite the shelter and is first-come first- served. I hope everyone will attend. Maybe we can share summer events.

Our September meeting September 12th, will be held at the Peppermill restaurant. This is where the Washington County ARES group meets. We can order from the menu, the service and food are excellent. If we like this meeting place, we can have it for our regular meeting location on our regular meeting nights. Look it over carefully, we have few options at this time. We can discuss this at our ice cream social.

73

Robert Crocker WN7O

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July 2007

What a Field Day! The GOTA station had the most SSB contacts with 142. The best we have done so far. This is the result of a great location and enthusiastic volunteers. J.D. K7JDF did and excellent job in both selecting the site and organizing the weekend. Steve AD7OG did an excellent job providing networking of the computers and the power distribution. The evening meal of BBQ Ribs was excellent, Steve N7VIC really outdid himself with the ribs. We all had a great time. Next year should be better. Well done all.

Our saga with the Hillsboro Elks’ Lodge continues. Latest update, the OTVARC Board, with additional OTVARC Elk members, attended the Elks’ Board meeting, where we presented our concerns as to the new requirements requested by the Lodge. The Elks’ would like us to change our meeting night to the first or fourth Wednesday of the month. The available food would be different. The Elks board expressed surprise at the number of OTVARC attendees. Why the surprise, I don’t know as our initial presentation indicated that our normal attendance was between 45 and 65 members. The Elks’ board will advise as to if we can continue there and what evening is available. Either way it is up to our members if we want to use the Hillsboro Elks’ Lodge as our meeting place. In the meantime, during July and August, we will be meeting elsewhere. Our September 12th meeting will be at the Peppermill Restaurant in Aloha on the 2nd Wednesday evening, more details to follow.

Please let our board how you feel regarding this situation. We can still return to the Beaverton Elks Lodge at this time. See you at our July 11th PICNIC.

73 -- Robert WN7O

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June 2007

Sea-Pac is over and what an event it was. The reports from the vendors I hope were good. I heard from HRO that they started slowly, but by Saturday afternoon sales had picked up and they did very well. We had one new vendor of interest to a number of us who like to build our own radios. Elecraft was there and showed their new K3 advanced performance radio. It shows Sea-Pac has a lot to offer vendors. We need as many as we can get. Congratulations to the many volunteers who put so many hours in making the convention run smoothly. The banquet was well attended and the meals were all hot and good. Very nice jobs guys.

We now have a problem with the Hillsboro Elks' Lodge as our host location. We started out well at our new location and it looked like we were welcomed, but it turns out there are some issues the Elks' Board has with our meeting there. They want us to change our meeting night to another day of the month. The only things we can order are hamburgers. OTVARC must pay by a single check at the end of the evening.

Wes has been trying to get better terms for us, but it appears they are not very flexible. We will meet at the Hillsboro Elks' Lodge for our regular June meeting. We need to have a new location for the normal September 12th meeting. We will have an outdoor event for July and August.  I have talked to the Pepper Mill in Aloha and they would like to host us. We can discuss the new crises at our June members and board meetings. Put your thinking caps on and give us your suggestions.

See everyone Wednesday June 13th.

73’s
Robert/WN7O.

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May 2007

We will meet again at the Hillsboro Elks’ Lodge at Orenco, May 9th. This time the seating will be slightly different, along with a microphone, to allow everyone to hear the program. The main complaint about our last meeting was the inability to hear the complete program and the noise from the group behind us. Food service ends at 7:00 pm, so we should not be bothered by Elks’ arrivals for dinner. One important point we must observe is to remember to check in at the front entrance. We will have a greeter present to assist in checking.

We will have a SEA-PAC club booth again this year. Of course, we need volunteers to staff the booth. If you have a few minutes available during your time, come by and spell a member. It is a good place to rest and visit. Our booth will help in telling our story and inviting new members. We need your help as much as possible.

Field Day will be held at “Stub” Stewart State Park this year. The Park is new and we will be among the first to use it. JD Fort is interfacing with park management to insure that we will have an excellent Field Day experience. JD plans to be at our meeting to give an update. Mark your calendar for June 23-24 and participate. Come even if it is for a short time. A number of activities planned.

Looking forward to seeing everyone this Wednesday evening.

73,

Robert Crocker/WN7O