Meeting minutes July 13, 2026

BARC Monthly Membership Meeting

 July 13, 2026 7:00pm

Location: Brewster Police Department, 631 Harwich Road, Brewster, Massachusetts

Recorded and submitted by Robert Butera KM4MK, Club Secretary 

ITEM 1: Call to order

 

Bruce WA3SWJ, President, called the meeting to order at 7:00PM

 

ITEM 2: Introductions

 

Members attending in person: Bruce WA3SWJ, Rob KM4MK, Lem W1LEM, Stacy W1LYN, Al WW1RF, Dave KC1ZSK, Rob K1UI, Jack W1WEF, Barry KB1TLR, Tom WA1MBA, Reese KC1MZQ, Mark K4LFL, Don KT1OK, George KB1GTG, Peter KC1ZTI, Norm WA1NLG, Greg KC1QEM, Mark WA1EXA

 

Guests attending in person: Larry W1AST

 

Members attending via Zoom: Mike KE2FTG, John KA1CTL, Jon N1ILZ, Mark KC1ZIR, Jim WA2UMP, Don K1DCA

 

 ITEM 3: New members 

The following new members were approved unanimously: 

  • Dave KC1ZSK
  • Stacy W1LYN
  • Peter KC1ZTI
  • Jamie KC1ZVH
  • Greg WC4Y
  • Gretchen W1MKW

 ITEM 4: Recognition of license upgrades

 

None.

 

ITEM 5: PROGRAM - Field Day Hotwash

 Don KT1OK and Bruce WA3SWJ  led a presentation of the field day and how well it worked. It was observed that logistically the setup worked well. We had 3 stations plus a 6m station and a 2m radio for communications. We had great signage at major intersections in the area and it got peoples’ attention! We had 25 participants and many contacts. There was discussion on how to improve logistics and operation for next year.

 ITEM 6: Secretary report - Rob KM4MK

Rob KM4MK submitted the June 1, 2026 minutes to the BARC website and emailed to the list. A motion to approve the minutes passed by voice vote.

ITEM 7: Treasurer’s report - Tom WA1MBA

 

The combined account balance of the checking and savings was $11754.49 as of 30 June 2026.Total inflows were $381.64 primarily from dues. Total outflows were $844.68 and was primarily for education activities, trailer repairs, and field day supplies.

 

ITEM 8: Update from ARRL EMA Section Manager Jon N1ILZ

 

Field days were good across the region.

 

ITEM 9: Committee Reports

STANDING COMMITTEES

 Repeater Committee. No report.

 Website and IT Committee. No report. 

 Membership Committee. No Report.  

 Community Events. Report by Lem W1LEM

 Lem reminded members to sign up and read the email list, Lem is willing to help if you have trouble.

The next Community Events committee meeting is July 30 at the Weatherdeck in Harwich, at 11 am. Contact Lem if interested in attending.

 

A group made a presentation to a middle school STEM program at the Mass. Maritime Academy. Despite logistical setbacks, the host was pleased.

 

BARC operated a station at the Brooks Park Craft Fair July 11-12.  Mark K4LFL gave a presentation on how it went and lessons learned.

Wicked Cool Summer Science at Camp Greenough is Sunday July 19 from 2-4 pm. Norm WA1NLG is going to set up a CW exercise with keys and a code practice oscillator. He might bring the Flex Maestro for SSB if the video monitor at the camp is available and it fits the scouts’ plans.

There is an ARES exercise the weekend of August 1. More information will be forthcoming on the groups.io list.

Rob K1UI discussed tentative plans for Lighthouse Weekend (Aug 8-9). More information will be forthcoming on the groups.io list.

The Falmouth Road Race is August 16 and volunteer opportunities are all filled! Stay tuned for a call for volunteers for the Cape Cod Marathon in October.

Ham Xposition is Aug 13-16. More forums than ever before!

MS Challenge walk is Sept 18-20, It is a 48 mile walk from Hyannis to PTown with 25-30 rest stops. Watch the groups.io list for a call for volunteers.  The .955 repeater will likely be used.

The Cranberry Festival in Harwich is Sept 19-20. Watch the groups.io list for a call for volunteers.

ACTIVE COMMITTEES

 

Rob K1UI recognized newly licensed hams (Stacy W1LYN, Dave KC1ZSK, Peter KC1ZTI, Jamie KC1ZVH) who finished the most recent technician class. George KB1GTG continued his generous tradition of offering new handheld VHF radios to the graduates. Thank you George and congratulations to all!

 

ITEM 10: Old business

 

None. 

 

 ITEM 11: New business

The proposed by-laws were discussed.  There was a question on why community outreach and events and field day were required, suggested that Field Day should remain a standing committee. Others commented that field day is year-round in planning and is technically an emergency planning exercise. Field Day even has an explicit budget.

The membership voted to have the by-laws revised and again reviewed by the Board of Directors to present to the membership. Guidance is for the revisions to reflect:

  • grammatical/clarity issues (mission/missions)
  • Revise the President’s responsibilities to be the POC to the ARRL section manager and report on relevant activities back to the meeting
  • Craft a separate committee for Field Day activities

 ITEM 12: Announcements and reminders

Larry Krainson W1AST gave an overview of the Northeast HamXposition in Marlborough MA Aug 13-16. He encourage members to attend, participate, and get involved. Information at https://hamxposition.org/

Bruce mentioned that the WA3SWJ-10 RMS Gateway now supports both packet & VARA FM and welcomes members to try it.

 

BARC net occurs Sundays at 7:00pm. The Elmer net occurs Mondays at 7:00pm. Both are on the W1MA repeater (!46.955- CTCSS 88.5). These and other nets across Cape Cod are posted on the club website.

 

There are two weekly breakfasts on Wednesdays:

ITEM 13: Next monthly meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug 3, 2026.

 ITEM 14: Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 20:53