I was very pleased to see the turnout for our Sept. 16th "Synton buys" pizza lunch, and wish to thank Jay, W9YR, and Jim, KA6A, for their special help to make it all possible.
Thanks also to Debbie, N9DN, and Wayne, AA9DY, for their help manning the Synton Radio Amateur's Handbook sales desk! Sales have been good this semester thanks to the efforts of Prof. Steve Franke of ECE 353. The 1999 Handbooks are due out in mid-October and Synton will stock them as soon as they are available. Sales hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:50 a.m. to 1 p.m. in 330D Everitt Lab. Drop by if you get a chance and volunteer to give Debbie or Wayne some time off.
With the standard autumn city tree-trim out of the way, our antenna at PH III has survived and is standing by for your use! The importance of amateur radio ... and staying current on good operating practice ... could not be more obvious as we hear news of Hurricane Georges making landfall on our Gulf coast, or learn of public service messages going to Puerto Rico. Please take some time to make a few contacts at PH III, particularly if it has been awhile since you've had a chance to do so.
We're still trying to find a good day to show off the PH III installation during a Synton open house. So far, a Thursday evening appears to be the best bet, and now the question is "which?". October gives us a couple to chose from (the 22nd and 29th). I'm visualizing a 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. period where we could make some phone contacts, give visitors a quick tour, and perhaps have some refreshments. I need your feedback... please make sure I get it!
We bid a fond farewell and 73 to Rich, KB8LOE, who has returned to hometown Dayton, Ohio, to assume duties with Veridian, Inc. Please join me in wishing Rich all the best of luck in his new position, and thank him for his hard work on behalf of the club.
There is one deeper concern I have for the welfare of the club this month: the need to "groom" some members to take leadership positions sometime in the future. Treasurer Wayne, AA9DY, and I are both in the finishing stages of our University of Illinois experience, and we are both anxious to achieve an orderly turnover of our responsibilities when our "big day" comes. University regulations require a registered organization to have a Pesident and a Treasurer. Neither position is particularly demanding. Wayne has done an excellent job putting "the books" on an accounting program, and I have assembled a President's Manual which provides step-by-step guidance for my successor. But the real benefit of leadership is personal ... it is very rewarding to see an organization grow and thrive ... particularly an organization built around something I personally enjoy as much as amateur radio. If you would like to learn more about a leadership role in the club, please don't hesitate to contact me.
As always ... a final word on safety! With autumn comes a shift from air conditioning to heat. Check around your shack to make sure nothing has been put on or near a heater during the summer that might block heat or possibly ignite, melt or scorch. Look for ways to put a "safety zone" around a heat source, and keep up good housekeeping by stowing paper properly (or tossing scrap paper in the recycling bin). This is also a good time to prepare for winter weather emergencies by testing your shack. Is emergency power available and working? Do you have alternate antenna plans should your main "skyhook" collapse under ice? Consider getting back "up to speed" on your emergency communications procedures by contacting our local ARES group for tips.
Have a great October, and I'll look forward to seeing you around the shack or around the bands!
73 Tim, KM4KS
Synton ARC President
SYNTON NEWS
Radio Amateur's Handbooks on sale in Room 330D Everitt Lab on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:50 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cover price $32 ... we sell them for $30!
SYNTON CALENDAR
Oct. 7 -- "brown bag" club meeting, 330D Everitt Lab (noon to 1 p.m.)
Oct. 13 -- TCARC Auction, Urbana Civic Center (Water Street near County
Market near the railroad tracks in Urbana). Doors open at 6 p.m., gavel
down for bidding at 7 p.m.
Oct. 14 -- "brown bag" club meeting, 330D Everitt Lab (noon to 1 p.m.)
Oct. 18 -- ARRL Examinations, 1 p.m., Fire Service Institute
Oct. 21 -- "Synton Buys" pizza club meeting, 330D Everitt Lab (noon to 1
p.m.); members, friends and fellow hams invited!
Oct. 28 -- "brown bag" club meeting, 330D Everitt Lab (noon to 1 p.m.)
Nov 4 -- "brown bag" club meeting, 330D Everitt Lab (noon to 1 p.m.)
TREASURER'S REPORT
Checking ...... $618.38
Voucher ....... $331.17
Savings ....... $467.62
-----------------------
Total .........$1417.00
OFFICER LIST
Presdient: Tim Shy (KM4KS)
Vice President: -- Vacant --
Treasurer: Wayne Wagner (AA9DY)
Secretary: Debbie Fligor (N9DN)
Station Manager: Torsten Clay (N4OGW)
QSL Manager: Chris Bochna (N9RQW)
Public Service Manager: Mark Belding (N9GPA)
Engineering Council Representative: Tim Shy (KM4KS)
Advisor: Prof. Jim Coleman (KA6A)