Meeting commenced at 1830 hours, local time, at Spokane Community College, President Mike Carey-KD7GHZ presiding Approximately 22 people attended.

VE Test Session: Mary-AA7RT reported that eight persons took their exams. Three succeeded in passing the technician exam; two succeeded in passing their general exam.

Field Day 2009: Mike C. presented a report detailing the ARRL 2009 Field Day results.

Christmas Party: Mike C. announced the upcoming club Christmas party on December 10 at the Timber Creek Grill/Buffet at 6 PM. Mike noted that two additional local clubs (ARES and Lilac City Radio Amateurs) have been invited to join our club at the Christmas party. A gift exchange will be featured at the party with gifts to be in the $5.00 value range. Mike Grounds agreed to notify the Timber Creek Grille/Buffet to increase the expected attendance from 30 to 50 persons.

Hamfest Prizes: When questioned about whether to purchase only one expensive raffle ticket prize or several less expensive prizes, the membership generally stated that they preferred several prizes of various values. This preference will be reported to the ham fest committee. A suggestion to sell the raffle tickets for $2.00 each will be submitted to the ham fest committee for consideration. Selling the tickets for this increased amount could possibly allow the committee to purchase prize(s) of greater value.

IRLP: Mike-KE7PG announced that he has moved his IRLP node (#3634) from the club’s UHF repeater to another location on 145.330 MHz. with a negative 600 kHz offset and a 100 Hz PL tone. Mike invited everyone to use this node. The new location offers easier access and a greater coverage footprint.

Presentation: Bear-AC7HI and Bob-AC7GP gave a presentation on ham radio contesting. This excellent presentation was aimed at the newcomer to contesting. Answers to questions of Why? and How? were presented in an excellent power point format, with details of necessary equipment, what to expect while on the air, modes used in contesting, contest logging, contest rules, preparation, etc. Antennas may be beams, verticals, and wires may be used. "A computer is almost a must." Contesting programs for your computer are available to keep track of your contacts. Writelog is a preferred contesting logging program. Address your questions about contesting to Bob ac7gp@hotmail.com or to Bear ac7hi@arrl.net

Skywarn Recognition AA7RT-Mary announced that on December 5 and 6, at the National Weather Service, a 24 hour event will occur to recognize the hams involved in the National Skywarn system. Interested person may participate. Contact Mary for details at aa7rt@arrl.net

No 50/50 drawing was held.

Meeting adjourned at 2015 hours local.

Meeting minutes recorded by WA7BAA-Don, secretary.