The Louisiana Contest Club met on April 29 at the Northeast
Louisiana Regional (
The meeting w as
called to order by Sec/Treas K5ER at approximately
Members present were: KV5J, K5UZ, W5WZ, W5TMP, WM5H, and K5ER.
Guests included W5KGT, K5KKD, K5XU, and KA5TAA
It was noted that for personal reasons, our President had stepped down. The option of a special election was offered, but since nominations for next year’s officers start in just a couple of months, and elections occur in October, members present voted to simply allow the remaining board to handle club business until a complete board is elected for next year. Current board consists of WM5H, Vice President; K5ER, Sec/Treas.; KG5VK, Director; and KN5O, Director.
W5WZ, our callsign trustee, reported that he has completed all QSL requests up to today’s date. He has spent money on postage and envelopes, but did not have exact figures with him. When convenient, he will forward those figures to the Sec/Treas for presentation to the board. Upon review and authorization, Sec/Treas will reimburse his expenses.
The Louisiana Qso Party (LaQP), sponsored by the LCC was held on March 18 this year. Thanks to hours of log checking, and even typing in a few hand written logs by committee member WM5H, the results of 2017 LaQP are already ready. A pdf presentation was given by K5ER. The copy of the PDF is available on the club web site on the meetings page. Complete results will be posted on the LaQP website once certificates have been mailed.
During the presentation, interference from other contests was mentioned. Notwithstanding crowded band conditions, the number of logs received went up by 22 – a 42% increase! The fact that we have changed our date THREE times already since LCC picked up sponsorship and other events continue to move in on us was brought to light, Comments from the club reflector, and from those present at the meeting were discussed. A calendar of major and minor contests, along with Holidays and Hamfests was shown. By unanimous vote, authority was given to the LaQP Committee to chose the best date in its opinion, however it was also unanimous among those present that since participation was up so much, we should NOT change the date (weekend) for 2018.
As most are now aware, one of the most competitive and tenacious contesters, and a charter member of this club, W5WMU became a Silent Key recently. I had the opportunity to participate in a multi-op effort from Pat’s station several years ago. Pat was the consummate southern host – rolling out the red carpet for guests, providing anything you needed, feeding you like a king. The only thing he asked in return—put lots of Q’s in the log. It will be strange to not hear, “Willie five Willie Mike United” on the air. You will be missed by many, Pat.
Just a couple of days before the meeting, we received an email from KZ5D and N5AN, two of Pat’s oldest friends. They proposed a plaque program to honor Pat, given to the top place winners in 7 categories in the LaQP. They agreed to fund the program for the first 3 years. Almost before we finished the presenting the idea, we had a motion, second and unanimous vote to proceed. We will work on the exact verbiage, but it will be something like, “W5WMU Memorial Plaque for top place in the (category), Louisiana Qso Party, 20XX”. The Sec/Treas was tasked with locating source and price of plaques. Once done, this year’s will be awarded and we will encourage members to donate to continue this worthy program.
Members were reminded of the club’s free email reflector and encouraged to ask questions and contribute comments and experience to others inquiries.
He floor was opened for any further questions or comments and being none, the meeting was adjourned.
Submitted
Mark, K5ER
Sec/Treas.