Warren, KD4GUA, our Newsletter Editor, has produced the first ever *.pdf version of the MARCO Newsletter. It is full of great content, as usual.
Subscribers to the MARCO-list listserv should have received a copy by email. If you didn't, visit our Website at http://www.marco-ltd.org to download it.
73,
Bruce, KM2L
Monday, May 29, 2006
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Hospital Hams
Chip, N5RTF, at the MARCO Board of Directors meeting expressed his wish to see hospitals throughout the nation equipped with amateur radio stations for emergency communications. (His experience during Hurricane Katrina may have had just a bit to do with this!)
His comments resulted in the following dialogue on the MARCO listserv:
Mary K. Favaro AE4BX:
====================================================================================
Joe Macera, KG6ECQ:
The group here in Southern California that supplements the intra and interhospital communications for hospitals during internal and external disasters is Hospital Disaster Support Communications System. Their website is http://members.aol.com/emcom4hosp/. The inspiration and leader of this group is April Moell, WA6OPS.
His comments resulted in the following dialogue on the MARCO listserv:
Mary K. Favaro AE4BX:
Just got back from a long locum tenens, and hardly ever get out on my crummy antennas sans sunspots anyway, but saw the note about the hospitals.
In the mid 90's when I was the Charleston County Emergency Co-ordinator I set up 5 hospitals with ham radios and then we had classes and trained a sizable number of ham operators from the employees. We recommended that interested people mainly from non-critical areas i.e. medical librarians, med records, front office, etc train. But we also got many nurses, maintenance people, and several docs as well. We also found nobody would come back at 7 pm for class, but had a successful group at 2:30-4 pm split from 2 shifts.
We found that the hospital auxiliaries were the places to go for the money. It really doesn't take a lot of $$$ to set up a 2 Meter and antenna. The club provided the labor free and we checked the radios semi-annually.
The problem we hadn't predicted was that many of our licensed cadre of hams never touched a radio from season to season. Very few became functioning hams and stayed up with it. So - o refresher classes and hospital nets in pre-hurricane season were set up. We had a group who would come into the hospital and help anyway. We could set up all five hospitals quickly with one call to the switchboard of the 'main' hospital in the group and then the cascade of predetermined calls would alert all the rest and get them manned.
Two years ago I was involved in the group setting up 10 hospitals on the NC/SC border with their own ham network. They had formed a group primarily to share purchasing and equipment, then got their own ham network. SC only had 2 of the hospitals so NC ran things mostly. They elected to go with 6 Meters, and there ensued over a year delay just getting towers and antennas and disagreements over all of the above. The hospitals provided the money from a common fund. Disadvantage there was that the average helping community ham had 2 M not 6 M. They were up and running last year for the first time, not tested yet with a real emergency but have run some practice sessions on anthrax powder contamination, and a dirty bomb.
Best hospital ham group is in California. I can find a web site if anyone is interested. They have community hams that go in and run intra-hospital as well as inter-hospital stuff for earthquakes and other disasters.
Still here, need to retire again.
====================================================================================
Joe Macera, KG6ECQ:
The group here in Southern California that supplements the intra and interhospital communications for hospitals during internal and external disasters is Hospital Disaster Support Communications System. Their website is http://members.aol.com/emcom4hosp/. The inspiration and leader of this group is April Moell, WA6OPS.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
MARCO Grand Rounds for May 21, 2006
From Warren, KD4GUA:
This Sunday we will discuss "STEM CELLS." There is a lot of dysinformation out there concerning the basic story and we hope that when you close shop on Sunday morning, you will have a better concept about what it is all about. Very interesting subject--like abortions!
All the Daytonians apparently arrived home safely, their bags stuffed with things they didn't need along with aching arches. (One fellow said, "Dayton is like taking a shower with an umbrella that leaks--I won't buy any junk, but MFJ strikes again!
I bought a brand new green camoflaged electric motor scooter for $160 delivered. When it gets delivered I will be forced to move out! "WHY DID YOU BUY THAT PIECE OF JUNK!"
Tx to Harry WB9EDP, for keeping the fire burning. We picked up 14 new members.
This Sunday we will discuss "STEM CELLS." There is a lot of dysinformation out there concerning the basic story and we hope that when you close shop on Sunday morning, you will have a better concept about what it is all about. Very interesting subject--like abortions!
All the Daytonians apparently arrived home safely, their bags stuffed with things they didn't need along with aching arches. (One fellow said, "Dayton is like taking a shower with an umbrella that leaks--I won't buy any junk, but MFJ strikes again!
I bought a brand new green camoflaged electric motor scooter for $160 delivered. When it gets delivered I will be forced to move out! "WHY DID YOU BUY THAT PIECE OF JUNK!"
Tx to Harry WB9EDP, for keeping the fire burning. We picked up 14 new members.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
An Interesting Discussion of Dreams From MARCO-list
Bob Conder K4RLC:-Woke up after interesting dream (playing pickup basketball) and wondered-------------------------------------------------------------------------
what technology it would take to record the visual imagery of dreams, then
capture and download it to a medium (dvd).
-Have any of you been invovled in such endeavor, probably govt related?
-Recording the brains's electrical activity during sleep, and identifying
dream (REM) sleep is a piece of cake now, but it would be really
fascinating to have an external video image of one's dreams, for personal
and research purposes.
-Just dreamin'
Gaby Bader, SM6HUG:Very interesting idea but I would not like to "dream" about how such a-------------------------------------------------------------------------
system will be used by Big Brother. As a Sleep Medicine specialist we
already face a few problems with e.g. RBD (REM behavioural disorders - i.e.
(often) agressive behaviour during dream states...).
David Rathke,KI5NG:Makes you wonder what format our brains store our video in, doesn't it?
This ought to be discoverable. It's probably stored in a physically 3D
way (which IS currently being worked on, because the storage density
would be far greater than it currently is.)
I remember wondering about that a number of years ago when the father
of a close friend of mine was dying of cancer, which at this point had
spread to his brain. As the family was all in their den watching TV, he
announced that he was hallucinating, seeing very real-appearing things
being acted out on a stage of reality. (He was amused by it at first
... it was like a, "Hey, guys, guess what I'm seeing now?!" moment.
Later, it became problematic, as he began to loose his ability to tell
which was reality and which was not.) After listening to his
descriptions, it dawned on me that he was dreaming -- but
while still fully awake. Somehow, the barrier between his conscious
mind that perceives reality and whatever mind we have during REM sleep
while we are sleeping, had broken down. You know how incredibly real
dreams can be? He was seeing both at the same time while retaining his
ability to tell one from the other.
Dreams must feed the same part of our mind that our other senses feed,
like two video cameras plugged in to one monitor: one camera is pointed
to reality, the other to a mind-created world ... but the monitor can't
tell the difference if they are both fed in the same format and into
the same port (input.) In my friend's father's brain, the switch
between the two cameras had failed and was allowing both cameras to
feed the input simultaneously. It must be left up to our higher
cognitive functions to sort out the difference. (My rat terrier must
think she's really chasing the squirrels and deer she must see
in her dreams.)
Surely, somebody is researching this. The implications range from
sorting out schizophrenia to helping the blind to see again (and the
deaf to hear again - vision is only one of the senses....we
could even transport a Helen Keller into a world where she would be
fully functional [remember the Star Trek episode, "The Menagerie?"])
Just dreamin' a little more....
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fred Simowitz, K0FS:
The gentleman with the metastatic brain tumor might have been having complex visual hallucinations as part of a seizure. This would be likely if the tumor were located in the posterior temporal lobe or the parieto-temporal association areas. Although such seizures originate in visual and visual-associated areas, they also may sometimes bring in auditory components as well. Most of the time, at least at the outset of a given episode, the patient is aware that they are illusionary. Regardless of the source of the man's hallucination (ie, dream vs. seizure), the camera 1/camera 2 theory may have merit. Whichever biochemical "director" was at the control room console at the time momentarily switched both cameras to the main feed, and the subject got what you described.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Dayton HamVention, May 20,2006
The day dawned crystal clear and beautiful, although it remained cool throughout.
Yours truly made his way to Hara Arena by 9 AM and took care of a few items on the shopping list. The exact nature of these purchases must remain classified against the possibility that my spouse reads this posting. I will have a little bit of smuggling into the house to accomplish upon my return home tomorrow.
Some interesting acquaintances were made during the morning's wanderings. I met Piero Begali, I2RTF, the gentle artist who creates breathtakingly gorgeous CW paddles. His charming daughter, Bruna, was taking care of business at their booth. I also ran into Steve, VK2TSB, who may have traveled the furthest to attend the convention. He came all the way from Austraia's east coast to have a chat with me! I also had the chance to meet the crew from K1CRA, based in Orchard Park, NY, about 20 miles from my home. I was also able to put faces to a few of the participants on various email lists to which I belong.
Although attendance appeared to be down from years past, I spoke with a flea market exhibitor and a representative from Timewave, Inc., both of whom indicated that sales had been quite good. Apparently, the serious buyers made the trip to Dayton, while the browsers stayed home.
One vendor noticeable for its growth was DX Engineering. They offer an expanding catalog of clever antenna-related products. Kenwood was showing an APRS/mapping application that looked interesting. Timewave has a bluetooth adaptor allowing you to remote your digital terminal functions from your radio
Lastly, I swung through the impressive ARRL area and exchanged greetings with a few old friends like Ed Hare, W1RFI. The ARRL presence was similar to last year's show, and in my opinion they are doing a great job at Dayton.
With sore feet and a depleted wallet, I spent the rest of the day at MARCO's booth, relaxing, greeting current and former members, and helping WB6OJB and N5RTF in their efforts to gain new recruits. They were highly successful, I might add. We welcome our new members - I would list them, but I don't currently have the information.
In the evening, 32 of us gathered for dinner at the Holiday Inn North. Lou, WA1HGE led a remembrance for those members who have become silent keys in the past two years. We then enjoyed either chicken or prime rib. Following the banquet, Chip, N5RTF, presented a most compelling narrative of his experiences in New Orleans during and after Hurricane Katrina. Suffice it to say that not everything developed the way it was portrayed. Several excellent questions were generated by Chip's comments.
Following his talk, Chip handed the gavel to incoming President Arnold, WB6OJB. He, in turn, invited the membership to attend the 2007 Annual Meeting, to be held in the Los Angeles area.
Most of us lingered a while longer, talking with friends new and old. With travel plans looming for the next day, we slowly dispersed to pack and to rest.
See you next year...
-KM2L
Yours truly made his way to Hara Arena by 9 AM and took care of a few items on the shopping list. The exact nature of these purchases must remain classified against the possibility that my spouse reads this posting. I will have a little bit of smuggling into the house to accomplish upon my return home tomorrow.
Some interesting acquaintances were made during the morning's wanderings. I met Piero Begali, I2RTF, the gentle artist who creates breathtakingly gorgeous CW paddles. His charming daughter, Bruna, was taking care of business at their booth. I also ran into Steve, VK2TSB, who may have traveled the furthest to attend the convention. He came all the way from Austraia's east coast to have a chat with me! I also had the chance to meet the crew from K1CRA, based in Orchard Park, NY, about 20 miles from my home. I was also able to put faces to a few of the participants on various email lists to which I belong.
Although attendance appeared to be down from years past, I spoke with a flea market exhibitor and a representative from Timewave, Inc., both of whom indicated that sales had been quite good. Apparently, the serious buyers made the trip to Dayton, while the browsers stayed home.
One vendor noticeable for its growth was DX Engineering. They offer an expanding catalog of clever antenna-related products. Kenwood was showing an APRS/mapping application that looked interesting. Timewave has a bluetooth adaptor allowing you to remote your digital terminal functions from your radio
Lastly, I swung through the impressive ARRL area and exchanged greetings with a few old friends like Ed Hare, W1RFI. The ARRL presence was similar to last year's show, and in my opinion they are doing a great job at Dayton.
With sore feet and a depleted wallet, I spent the rest of the day at MARCO's booth, relaxing, greeting current and former members, and helping WB6OJB and N5RTF in their efforts to gain new recruits. They were highly successful, I might add. We welcome our new members - I would list them, but I don't currently have the information.
In the evening, 32 of us gathered for dinner at the Holiday Inn North. Lou, WA1HGE led a remembrance for those members who have become silent keys in the past two years. We then enjoyed either chicken or prime rib. Following the banquet, Chip, N5RTF, presented a most compelling narrative of his experiences in New Orleans during and after Hurricane Katrina. Suffice it to say that not everything developed the way it was portrayed. Several excellent questions were generated by Chip's comments.
Following his talk, Chip handed the gavel to incoming President Arnold, WB6OJB. He, in turn, invited the membership to attend the 2007 Annual Meeting, to be held in the Los Angeles area.
Most of us lingered a while longer, talking with friends new and old. With travel plans looming for the next day, we slowly dispersed to pack and to rest.
See you next year...
-KM2L
Dayton HamVention, May 19, 2006
After the close of the MARCO membership meeting, we all headed by various means to Hara Arena, site of the ham fest, where we were joined by, oh, 25,000 others.
Although at the start of the day the weather promised to resemble me - grey and in the upper 50's, in fact the clouds broke and we were treated to very pleasant conditions. Thus emboldened, I explored the flea market first. There was the usual assortment of boat anchors, surplussed computer equipment, and the occasional military set. Mendelson's, the huge surplus store in Dayton, was back after being absent last year. Several attendees were heard to remark about the scattered empty spaces, something that was unthinkable a few years ago. Likely the high price of gasoline and the ease of selling gear on eBay have had a negative impact.
I escaped with light damage, picking up a few rechargable batteries and an optical mouse for $6.99.
I had time for only a cursory look around indoors, where the joint was jumpin'. One of the most widely-offered items was a color wireless TV camera. Yaesu, as always, distributed free baseball caps. This year's model is black with a logo proclaiming "50 Years" (presumably of Yaesu's existence, as HamVention is older than that). They also displayed their $13,000 flagship FT-9000 radio, although I would prefer to own Ten-Tec's $4000 Orion II.
Meanwhile, back at the MARCO booth, WB6OJB had prospective new members throwing money at him. He should have been a salesman. We had many interested stoppers-by, as usual.
In the evening, WF1R celebrated his grandson's passing the Technician exam, while W8CRK, WD8NMV, W1QDV, and WB8ES ventured to Anticoli's for more Italian cuisine. The merry band of KD4GUA, WB6OJB and wife Joan, WA1HGE, N3IM, N5RTF, KM2L, W4DAN, and N5QF shuttled to the Pine Club. Initially threatened with a 1-hour wait, we were seated in 30 minutes and dug into some great steaks. Pine Club is crowded, noisy, friendly, cash-only, and added to my "recommended" list.
Although at the start of the day the weather promised to resemble me - grey and in the upper 50's, in fact the clouds broke and we were treated to very pleasant conditions. Thus emboldened, I explored the flea market first. There was the usual assortment of boat anchors, surplussed computer equipment, and the occasional military set. Mendelson's, the huge surplus store in Dayton, was back after being absent last year. Several attendees were heard to remark about the scattered empty spaces, something that was unthinkable a few years ago. Likely the high price of gasoline and the ease of selling gear on eBay have had a negative impact.
I escaped with light damage, picking up a few rechargable batteries and an optical mouse for $6.99.
I had time for only a cursory look around indoors, where the joint was jumpin'. One of the most widely-offered items was a color wireless TV camera. Yaesu, as always, distributed free baseball caps. This year's model is black with a logo proclaiming "50 Years" (presumably of Yaesu's existence, as HamVention is older than that). They also displayed their $13,000 flagship FT-9000 radio, although I would prefer to own Ten-Tec's $4000 Orion II.
Meanwhile, back at the MARCO booth, WB6OJB had prospective new members throwing money at him. He should have been a salesman. We had many interested stoppers-by, as usual.
In the evening, WF1R celebrated his grandson's passing the Technician exam, while W8CRK, WD8NMV, W1QDV, and WB8ES ventured to Anticoli's for more Italian cuisine. The merry band of KD4GUA, WB6OJB and wife Joan, WA1HGE, N3IM, N5RTF, KM2L, W4DAN, and N5QF shuttled to the Pine Club. Initially threatened with a 1-hour wait, we were seated in 30 minutes and dug into some great steaks. Pine Club is crowded, noisy, friendly, cash-only, and added to my "recommended" list.
Friday, May 19, 2006
MARCO Annual Meeting, May 19, 2006.
The annual membership meeting of the Medical Amateur Radio Council took place on the morning of May 19, 2006 at the Dayton Holiday Inn North.
Members in attendance: N5RTF, President
WA6OJB, President-Elect
WA1HGE, Treasurer
WF1R, Secretary
W4DAN, Assistant Treasurer
KD4GUA, Newsletter Editor
N5QF, MediShare Chairman
W8CRK
KM2L
N3IM
K6JW
The meeting was called to order at 8:30 AM EDT by N5RTF.
1. Minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed and approved.
2. KD4GUA reported that the printer of the Newsletter now requires eloectronic submission of copy. It had been suggested last year that the Newsletter be published in *.pdf format, an dit now becomes imperative to do so. It was moved and seconded that KD4GUA be reimbursed any expenses incurred in making the changeover to electronic publishing of the Newsletter. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Discount coupons for an initial $10 membership were a great hit at Dayton last year, as we recruited 12 new members. We will do this again this year.
4. WF1R is emailing up-to-date membership rosters to WA1HGE and W4DAN. Overall, the training of the Assistant Secretary has gone quite well. It is anticipated that he will take over the reins within the next six months. All checks are now to be mailed to WA1HGE, not to WF1R.
5. Several years ago we offered the option to renew membership for a ten-year period. This represents no problem as far as book keeping is concerned, and we will continue to offer this service.
6. It has been suggested that we develop and print a MARCO QSL card. The card could include information about membership and our nets, and perhaps a short biography of Bob, WB5D. The front might be a collage depicting MARCO's various activities. It could be printed as a template, so that individual members could use it with their own call signs. WF1R will work on creating a prototype.
7. The idea of a MARCO special operating event was discussed. We have attempted similar things in the past. WF1R suggested that we do a special event in conjunction with next year's annual meeting.
8. Chip, N5RTF, will be originating streaming audio of Grand Rounds directly from his home. The quality of the feed would be much improved if a well-located station with "good ears" could supply him an *.mp3 stream. WB9EDP was suggested, and will be contacted.
9. The CW net prior to Grand Rounds is once again operational under the leadership of VE3OQM. Participation is encouraged.
10. WA1HGE presented the Treasurer's report. Overall assets amount to a bit over $17,000. Our major annual expenses include approximately $1800 for the Newsletter, $1000 for the annual meeting, $400 for advertising in QST, and $100 for a donation to Handi Hams. It was moved and seconded that the Treasurer be authorized to expend amounts under $750 without the approval of another Board member. MOTION CARRIED. We had some discussion of establishing a fiscal year for the organization, however it was learned that we do have a specified fiscal year of January 1 to December 31.
11. The Secretary reported that current paid-up membership is 223. Guest membership has been a successful idea, adn in the past year three such members have renewed on their own.
12. N5QF reported on MediShare activities.
We collected $830 for Hurricane Katrina relief. This followed fundraising of $5000 for tsunami aid and $10,000 for projects in Africa.
We received several boxes of old dental instruments, and these have been donated to a school training native American dental assistants.
One dental student from New York City was placed aor volunteer work at the Hastings Indian Medical Center in Oklahoma.
With the help of a $1000 donation from Marilyn Currier, we have now collected the required $5000 sum to fund the Sri Lanka project. This entails providing the hospital and ambulances with a VHF repeater and hand-held radios. MARCO member Hemantha Gamage is heading this project.
N5QF receives requests for funding every week. Most of the requestors disappear when he asks for additional detail.
Current requests for consideration include purchase of a flexible laryngoscope for the hospital in Dominica (requested by Alfred Greenwald), books and teaching materials for a biomedical technology school in Ethiopia, and a request from a Kenyan medical student at Vanderbilt University for aid to a clinic that he and his brother are building in Kenya.
The MediShare net on Monday evening on 7.228 MHz with alternate frequency of 14.308 MHz is enjoying success, wiht typically three to six check-ins.
We are at times confused with Christian MediShare, an entity that provides insurance for medical missionaries. We had placed a link to them on the MediShare website, but it was suggested that this be removed and that N5QF monitor for problems.
MediShare part B, under which we attempt to place volunteers, has not been very active. It was recommended that we de-emphasize this program, but keep it on the books in case the opportunity arises.
A communication was received from Mike Marks of the Bush Hospital Foundation. He reported that the clinics in Tanzania are functional and adequately supplied. They have 4x4 ambulances and mobile phones. As electric power is sporadic, BHF is fundraising for generators and two desktop computers.
WF1R then described his assembly of a self-contained emergency communications station in a waterproof box. This would be suitable for portable operation in an emergency.
WF1R also remarked that one of Ed Ludin, K2UK's dreams was an endowment fund for MediShare, sufficient that some projects could be funded in perpetuity. The was to start this would be to earmark 5% to 10% of donations for the endowment fund. We would have to form a foundation once the fund reached $25,000.
N5QF was commended by those present for his hard and effective work.
13. A replacement for WB6OJB as 6th call-area Director is necessary. Jeff Wolf, K6JW, was nominated. Chip, N5RTF becomes a Director-at-Large automatically upon completion of his term as President. With those exceptions, it was moved and seconded that the Officers and Board of Directors remain as they were before. MOTION CARRIED.
14. Harry Przekop, WB9EDP, was nominated as President Elect. This nomination was approved.
15. It was suggested that a copy of our bylaws be posted on the MARCO Website. WF1R has an electronic copy and will provide it to KM2L for posting.
16. N5RTf mentioned that Christine Haycock won a significant award last year for her pioneering role as a female surgical practitioner. This was written up in the YLRL Newsletter, and will appear in the MARCO Newsletter.
17. KM2L will re-invite the officers of MARCO to be posters on the organization's blog.
18. WA1HGE has been in contact with ARRL regarding interference to Grand Rounds on Sunday morning by a group operating on 14.310 MHz. He has taped some of their activity, and received suggestons from the Board regarding additional strategies to follow.
19. KD4GUA wishes to include a classified advertising section in the Newsletter. Members with equipment to sell are welcome to contact him.
20. N5RTF spoke about long-term vision for the organization. He suggested that MARCO go on record recommending that all hospitals have an amateur radio station and competent operators. It was suggested that MARCO could function as a resource for information pertaining to convincing health care organizations that it is in the public interest to equip themselves, and also for practical technical information. Another creative suggestion, given the aging of the amateur radio population, is to find a good location and establish a retirement home for ham operators.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:25 AM.
-KM2L
Members in attendance: N5RTF, President
WA6OJB, President-Elect
WA1HGE, Treasurer
WF1R, Secretary
W4DAN, Assistant Treasurer
KD4GUA, Newsletter Editor
N5QF, MediShare Chairman
W8CRK
KM2L
N3IM
K6JW
The meeting was called to order at 8:30 AM EDT by N5RTF.
1. Minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed and approved.
2. KD4GUA reported that the printer of the Newsletter now requires eloectronic submission of copy. It had been suggested last year that the Newsletter be published in *.pdf format, an dit now becomes imperative to do so. It was moved and seconded that KD4GUA be reimbursed any expenses incurred in making the changeover to electronic publishing of the Newsletter. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Discount coupons for an initial $10 membership were a great hit at Dayton last year, as we recruited 12 new members. We will do this again this year.
4. WF1R is emailing up-to-date membership rosters to WA1HGE and W4DAN. Overall, the training of the Assistant Secretary has gone quite well. It is anticipated that he will take over the reins within the next six months. All checks are now to be mailed to WA1HGE, not to WF1R.
5. Several years ago we offered the option to renew membership for a ten-year period. This represents no problem as far as book keeping is concerned, and we will continue to offer this service.
6. It has been suggested that we develop and print a MARCO QSL card. The card could include information about membership and our nets, and perhaps a short biography of Bob, WB5D. The front might be a collage depicting MARCO's various activities. It could be printed as a template, so that individual members could use it with their own call signs. WF1R will work on creating a prototype.
7. The idea of a MARCO special operating event was discussed. We have attempted similar things in the past. WF1R suggested that we do a special event in conjunction with next year's annual meeting.
8. Chip, N5RTF, will be originating streaming audio of Grand Rounds directly from his home. The quality of the feed would be much improved if a well-located station with "good ears" could supply him an *.mp3 stream. WB9EDP was suggested, and will be contacted.
9. The CW net prior to Grand Rounds is once again operational under the leadership of VE3OQM. Participation is encouraged.
10. WA1HGE presented the Treasurer's report. Overall assets amount to a bit over $17,000. Our major annual expenses include approximately $1800 for the Newsletter, $1000 for the annual meeting, $400 for advertising in QST, and $100 for a donation to Handi Hams. It was moved and seconded that the Treasurer be authorized to expend amounts under $750 without the approval of another Board member. MOTION CARRIED. We had some discussion of establishing a fiscal year for the organization, however it was learned that we do have a specified fiscal year of January 1 to December 31.
11. The Secretary reported that current paid-up membership is 223. Guest membership has been a successful idea, adn in the past year three such members have renewed on their own.
12. N5QF reported on MediShare activities.
We collected $830 for Hurricane Katrina relief. This followed fundraising of $5000 for tsunami aid and $10,000 for projects in Africa.
We received several boxes of old dental instruments, and these have been donated to a school training native American dental assistants.
One dental student from New York City was placed aor volunteer work at the Hastings Indian Medical Center in Oklahoma.
With the help of a $1000 donation from Marilyn Currier, we have now collected the required $5000 sum to fund the Sri Lanka project. This entails providing the hospital and ambulances with a VHF repeater and hand-held radios. MARCO member Hemantha Gamage is heading this project.
N5QF receives requests for funding every week. Most of the requestors disappear when he asks for additional detail.
Current requests for consideration include purchase of a flexible laryngoscope for the hospital in Dominica (requested by Alfred Greenwald), books and teaching materials for a biomedical technology school in Ethiopia, and a request from a Kenyan medical student at Vanderbilt University for aid to a clinic that he and his brother are building in Kenya.
The MediShare net on Monday evening on 7.228 MHz with alternate frequency of 14.308 MHz is enjoying success, wiht typically three to six check-ins.
We are at times confused with Christian MediShare, an entity that provides insurance for medical missionaries. We had placed a link to them on the MediShare website, but it was suggested that this be removed and that N5QF monitor for problems.
MediShare part B, under which we attempt to place volunteers, has not been very active. It was recommended that we de-emphasize this program, but keep it on the books in case the opportunity arises.
A communication was received from Mike Marks of the Bush Hospital Foundation. He reported that the clinics in Tanzania are functional and adequately supplied. They have 4x4 ambulances and mobile phones. As electric power is sporadic, BHF is fundraising for generators and two desktop computers.
WF1R then described his assembly of a self-contained emergency communications station in a waterproof box. This would be suitable for portable operation in an emergency.
WF1R also remarked that one of Ed Ludin, K2UK's dreams was an endowment fund for MediShare, sufficient that some projects could be funded in perpetuity. The was to start this would be to earmark 5% to 10% of donations for the endowment fund. We would have to form a foundation once the fund reached $25,000.
N5QF was commended by those present for his hard and effective work.
13. A replacement for WB6OJB as 6th call-area Director is necessary. Jeff Wolf, K6JW, was nominated. Chip, N5RTF becomes a Director-at-Large automatically upon completion of his term as President. With those exceptions, it was moved and seconded that the Officers and Board of Directors remain as they were before. MOTION CARRIED.
14. Harry Przekop, WB9EDP, was nominated as President Elect. This nomination was approved.
15. It was suggested that a copy of our bylaws be posted on the MARCO Website. WF1R has an electronic copy and will provide it to KM2L for posting.
16. N5RTf mentioned that Christine Haycock won a significant award last year for her pioneering role as a female surgical practitioner. This was written up in the YLRL Newsletter, and will appear in the MARCO Newsletter.
17. KM2L will re-invite the officers of MARCO to be posters on the organization's blog.
18. WA1HGE has been in contact with ARRL regarding interference to Grand Rounds on Sunday morning by a group operating on 14.310 MHz. He has taped some of their activity, and received suggestons from the Board regarding additional strategies to follow.
19. KD4GUA wishes to include a classified advertising section in the Newsletter. Members with equipment to sell are welcome to contact him.
20. N5RTF spoke about long-term vision for the organization. He suggested that MARCO go on record recommending that all hospitals have an amateur radio station and competent operators. It was suggested that MARCO could function as a resource for information pertaining to convincing health care organizations that it is in the public interest to equip themselves, and also for practical technical information. Another creative suggestion, given the aging of the amateur radio population, is to find a good location and establish a retirement home for ham operators.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:25 AM.
-KM2L
Thursday, May 18, 2006
MARCO at the Dayton HamVention
Members are collecting in Dayton, OH for HamVention, and for MARCO's annual meeting.
HamVention usually features bad weather, and this year has not disappointed! This scribe drove down from Buffalo, NY through intermittent downpours. The thunder and lightning didn't start in earnest until west of Columbus. Shortly after checking into my hotel, I was treated to a hailstorm. With the meteorologic prerequisites out of the way, perhaps we can get down to some ham radio business.
We gathered a group of ten for dinner tonight, including WB6OJB and wife Joan, KD4GUA, W4DAN, N5RTF, W8CRK, WD8NMV, WB8ES, W1QDV, and yours truly, KM2L. This merry band got reacquainted while downing tons of delicious Italian food at Dominic's, a Dayton tradition. Great food and great value - $20 gets you a beer, bread, salad (with a very spicy and garlicky dressing), and a huge portion of eggplant parmigian with a decent tip thrown in.
So, suitably entertained and fortified, we retired for the evening, preparing for a business meeting and hamventioneeering (hamfestering?)
-KM2L
HamVention usually features bad weather, and this year has not disappointed! This scribe drove down from Buffalo, NY through intermittent downpours. The thunder and lightning didn't start in earnest until west of Columbus. Shortly after checking into my hotel, I was treated to a hailstorm. With the meteorologic prerequisites out of the way, perhaps we can get down to some ham radio business.
We gathered a group of ten for dinner tonight, including WB6OJB and wife Joan, KD4GUA, W4DAN, N5RTF, W8CRK, WD8NMV, WB8ES, W1QDV, and yours truly, KM2L. This merry band got reacquainted while downing tons of delicious Italian food at Dominic's, a Dayton tradition. Great food and great value - $20 gets you a beer, bread, salad (with a very spicy and garlicky dressing), and a huge portion of eggplant parmigian with a decent tip thrown in.
So, suitably entertained and fortified, we retired for the evening, preparing for a business meeting and hamventioneeering (hamfestering?)
-KM2L
Friday, May 12, 2006
MARCO Grand Rounds for May 7, 2006
From Warren, KD4GUA:
This Sunday we will finish "OSTEOPOROSIS." It is a subject vital to all and should be interesting.
I hope Harry kept the check-ins as he has been invaluable in the past. I'm sorry missed it, but had a very enjoyable time with a group of Dutch people at Kissimmee--they rented an 8 bedroom house with 5 bathrooms! My wife and I stayed in one--bedroom that is.
Last Monday I walked 11 miles through both Animal Kingdom (Disney World) and EPCOT (Every Person Comes Out Tired)! It reminded me of my 14 mile hike in the Boy Scouts years ago.
Will postpone CME list as I do not have the latest numbers. More later.....
This Sunday we will finish "OSTEOPOROSIS." It is a subject vital to all and should be interesting.
I hope Harry kept the check-ins as he has been invaluable in the past. I'm sorry missed it, but had a very enjoyable time with a group of Dutch people at Kissimmee--they rented an 8 bedroom house with 5 bathrooms! My wife and I stayed in one--bedroom that is.
Last Monday I walked 11 miles through both Animal Kingdom (Disney World) and EPCOT (Every Person Comes Out Tired)! It reminded me of my 14 mile hike in the Boy Scouts years ago.
Will postpone CME list as I do not have the latest numbers. More later.....
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
MARCO Grand Rounds for May 7, 2006
From Warren, KD4GUA:
Last week we discussed OSTEOPOROSIS and didn't finish. Unfortunately, I didn't realize it, but this coming Sunday I will be in Orlando to meet some of my wife's Dutch friends. Will need a volunteer to take the net DONT ALL VOLUNTEER AT ONCE!!!. Will put off the windup of Osteoporosis to May 14th.
NEWS: Larry MKT is tonight on his way to Mexico on his boat out of St. Petersburg, FL. We picked him up Sunday maritime mobile off Dry Tortugas.
Brian Malone W2BRM was on Sunday and wants to join our organ. He is an Asst Prof at St. Johns U. pharmaceutical school. I sent him a newsletter.
Robin is coming to Dayton by auto as is Danny and Bill N5QF from Oklahoma. Most of the rest of us will be flying in. Should be a great wing-ding. Anyone making a last minute decision to join us contact me--we may be able to share some room space. I want to get over to the Dayton Air Museum to look up "Silverbug" a declassified oval aircraft. You might look up "Silverbug" on the net--very exciting story.
Brian Malone W2BRM was on Sunday and wants to join our organ. He is an Asst Prof at St. Johns U. pharmaceutical school. I sent him a newsletter.
Robin is coming to Dayton by auto as is Danny and Bill N5QF from Oklahoma. Most of the rest of us will be flying in. Should be a great wing-ding. Anyone making a last minute decision to join us contact me--we may be able to share some room space. I want to get over to the Dayton Air Museum to look up "Silverbug" a declassified oval aircraft. You might look up "Silverbug" on the net--very exciting story.
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