December 2008 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:17359] RE: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 04 Dec '08

04 Dec '08

Yes we will, Jim. I have hooked up a couple of the DTV converters. It's hard to imagine a liability issue arising from telling someone how to do it, but if an individual amateur is concerned about it then he or she doesn't have to volunteer. Dave ________________________________ From: K8JE [mailto:K8JE@zoomtown.com] Sent: Wed 12/3/2008 10:38 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: RE: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs Dave, This sounds like an Elmering program that could provide many people with a good look at radio amateurs and possibly at Amateur Radio. On the other hand, I have a level of concern regarding potential liability issues. Chris, of course, may have already addressed these, but would our volunteer hams be covered by something akin to the Good Samaritan laws - i.e. would they be held harmless if someone misunderstands the information given them . . . of if they are inadvertently given poor information? This concern extends to how one deals with requests to come into the viewers home to provide help, directly. I realize your memo limited help to consultation by telephone and probably otherwise at off-site locations. It is nearly inevitable that request for on-site help will be received and that us well-intentioned hams will feel we can provide the help. Will we give strong recommendation against honoring such in-home help? Tnx, 73, Jim Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director ARRL Great Lakes Division 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 45040 E-mail: k8je(a)arrl.net <mailto:k8je@arrl.net> ; Tel.: 513-459-0142 ARRL - The Reason Amateur Radio Is! Members - The Reason ARRL Is! ________________________________ From: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ [mailto:dsumner@arrl.org] Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:21 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs It has been mentioned a couple of times on ODV that the FCC is devoting resources to the digital television transition, almost to the exclusion of everything else. There is a great deal of concern that despite the enormous publicity being given to the fact the analog television is going to disappear on February 17, there are going to be hundreds of thousands if not millions of people who don't know what to do to avoid staring at blank screens on that day. The FCC is aware that radio amateurs represent a significant pool of technical expertise and would like to tap into it. The Commission has asked us to help them identify local radio clubs that would be willing to educate consumers on how to install a converter box and how to set it up, and possibly to provide technical advice by telephone to consumers who may encounter difficulty with the installation and setting up of their converter box. Amateurs would NOT be asked to go to people's homes and physically assist with installations. The ARRL Public Relations Committee is enthusiastic about this as an opportunity for local radio clubs to build positive visibility in their communities. Coincidentally, PRC Chairman Bill Morine, N2COP is in Wilmington, NC, which was the site of the first pilot transition in September. We are putting together a request to Section Managers to help identify clubs willing and able to assist. Dave K1ZZ

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RE: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs
by Bill Edgar 03 Dec '08

03 Dec '08

Dave, It makes some good sense and some potentially good relations for amateur radio within the various communities. If the potential liability can be minimized, I think amateur radio clubs would certainly want to help out. - Bill N3LLR From: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ [mailto:dsumner@arrl.org] Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:21 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs It has been mentioned a couple of times on ODV that the FCC is devoting resources to the digital television transition, almost to the exclusion of everything else. There is a great deal of concern that despite the enormous publicity being given to the fact the analog television is going to disappear on February 17, there are going to be hundreds of thousands if not millions of people who don't know what to do to avoid staring at blank screens on that day. The FCC is aware that radio amateurs represent a significant pool of technical expertise and would like to tap into it. The Commission has asked us to help them identify local radio clubs that would be willing to educate consumers on how to install a converter box and how to set it up, and possibly to provide technical advice by telephone to consumers who may encounter difficulty with the installation and setting up of their converter box. Amateurs would NOT be asked to go to people's homes and physically assist with installations. The ARRL Public Relations Committee is enthusiastic about this as an opportunity for local radio clubs to build positive visibility in their communities. Coincidentally, PRC Chairman Bill Morine, N2COP is in Wilmington, NC, which was the site of the first pilot transition in September. We are putting together a request to Section Managers to help identify clubs willing and able to assist. Dave K1ZZ

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RE: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs
by K8JE 03 Dec '08

03 Dec '08

Dave, This sounds like an Elmering program that could provide many people with a good look at radio amateurs and possibly at Amateur Radio. On the other hand, I have a level of concern regarding potential liability issues. Chris, of course, may have already addressed these, but would our volunteer hams be covered by something akin to the Good Samaritan laws - i.e. would they be held harmless if someone misunderstands the information given them . . . of if they are inadvertently given poor information? This concern extends to how one deals with requests to come into the viewers home to provide help, directly. I realize your memo limited help to consultation by telephone and probably otherwise at off-site locations. It is nearly inevitable that request for on-site help will be received and that us well-intentioned hams will feel we can provide the help. Will we give strong recommendation against honoring such in-home help? Tnx, 73, Jim Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director ARRL Great Lakes Division 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 45040 E-mail: <mailto:k8je@arrl.net> k8je(a)arrl.net; Tel.: 513-459-0142 ARRL - The Reason Amateur Radio Is! Members - The Reason ARRL Is! _____ From: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ [mailto:dsumner@arrl.org] Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:21 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs It has been mentioned a couple of times on ODV that the FCC is devoting resources to the digital television transition, almost to the exclusion of everything else. There is a great deal of concern that despite the enormous publicity being given to the fact the analog television is going to disappear on February 17, there are going to be hundreds of thousands if not millions of people who don't know what to do to avoid staring at blank screens on that day. The FCC is aware that radio amateurs represent a significant pool of technical expertise and would like to tap into it. The Commission has asked us to help them identify local radio clubs that would be willing to educate consumers on how to install a converter box and how to set it up, and possibly to provide technical advice by telephone to consumers who may encounter difficulty with the installation and setting up of their converter box. Amateurs would NOT be asked to go to people's homes and physically assist with installations. The ARRL Public Relations Committee is enthusiastic about this as an opportunity for local radio clubs to build positive visibility in their communities. Coincidentally, PRC Chairman Bill Morine, N2COP is in Wilmington, NC, which was the site of the first pilot transition in September. We are putting together a request to Section Managers to help identify clubs willing and able to assist. Dave K1ZZ

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[arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 03 Dec '08

03 Dec '08

It has been mentioned a couple of times on ODV that the FCC is devoting resources to the digital television transition, almost to the exclusion of everything else. There is a great deal of concern that despite the enormous publicity being given to the fact the analog television is going to disappear on February 17, there are going to be hundreds of thousands if not millions of people who don't know what to do to avoid staring at blank screens on that day. The FCC is aware that radio amateurs represent a significant pool of technical expertise and would like to tap into it. The Commission has asked us to help them identify local radio clubs that would be willing to educate consumers on how to install a converter box and how to set it up, and possibly to provide technical advice by telephone to consumers who may encounter difficulty with the installation and setting up of their converter box. Amateurs would NOT be asked to go to people's homes and physically assist with installations. The ARRL Public Relations Committee is enthusiastic about this as an opportunity for local radio clubs to build positive visibility in their communities. Coincidentally, PRC Chairman Bill Morine, N2COP is in Wilmington, NC, which was the site of the first pilot transition in September. We are putting together a request to Section Managers to help identify clubs willing and able to assist. Dave K1ZZ

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Annual Board Member Donation to Development Program
by Joel Harrison 03 Dec '08

03 Dec '08

Greetings, As we near the end of 2008, it is once again my responsibility to remind each board member of the importance of contributing to our Development Program. The importance of 100% Board participation has been stated numerous times in the past, but is worth restating and is very simple. As our Development staff pursues funding from numerous outside sources, as well as some within our membership family, the question that often arises is "Has your Board participated in the program 100%?" In many cases, this is a requirement for funding. Various government and other organizations will not consider our funding request if our Board is not 100% participants in our on program. Those of us that are involved in foundations and non-profit organizations outside amateur radio are well aware that this "requirement" is not specific to ARRL but is applied to all organizations seeking funding or contributions. So far in 2008, we have not reached our 100% participation level as we have in previous years. There are still 13 members of the Board family that have not contributed this year. As usual, I don't know who you are and really don't want to know. The amount you contribute is your business. The important point is that 100% of us do so. There are numerous funds you can contribute to if you have a specific interest. I know some of you wait and contribute at year end. If you have not yet contributed this year and that is your intent, please drop Mary Hobart a note and let her know. Thank you for your participation in our Development program and thank you for your understanding of the importance of this matter. 73 Joel W5ZN

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[arrl-odv:17354] Preliminary Call for Board Meeting
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 02 Dec '08

02 Dec '08

No. 2192-N December 2, 2008 ARRL OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AND VICE DIRECTORS: In accordance with Standing Order 19, you are hereby notified that the formal call for the 2009 Annual Meeting of the ARRL Board of Directors, January 16-17, 2009, will be mailed on or about December 15. Please note the provisions of Article 9 of the ARRL Articles of Association: These articles may be amended by a three-fourths vote of all Directors, or, provided due notice of the proposed amendment shall have been placed in the mail to each Director at least thirty days in advance, by a two-thirds vote of all Directors. The Board of Directors may from time to time adopt By-Laws not inconsistent with the Articles and applicable statutes. By-Laws may be amended by a three-fourths vote of all Directors, or, provided due notice of the proposed amendment shall be placed in the mail to each Director at least thirty days in advance, by a two-thirds vote of all Directors. Notices shall be sent by First-Class mail or electronic mail to the last known address of each Director. Our meeting will be held at the Hartford/Windsor Airport Marriott, 88 Day Hill Rd., Windsor, CT. A group dinner is scheduled for Thursday evening, January 15. The Board meeting will begin at 9:00 AM Friday and is expected to be completed by dinnertime Saturday. Expenses related to Board Meeting attendance and travel will only be reimbursed for Thursday through Sunday. Should your membership on a committee require you to arrive earlier to attend a meeting of that committee, the additional expenses will be charged to the appropriate committee account. Revised Standing Order 04-1.39 reads: "The Board of Directors authorizes the attendance of Vice Directors at Board meetings. Expenses for attendance will be chargeable to the Board Meeting account." I look forward to seeing you and to our having a productive meeting in Connecticut. Sincere 73, David Sumner, K1ZZ Secretary

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[arrl-odv:17353] JAN 2008 Board Mtg. Airline Ticket
by dick＠pobox.com 02 Dec '08

02 Dec '08

1 DEC 2008 - 2324 CST American Airlines delivered my electronic ticket about an hour ago. Round trip on American Eagle between ORD and BDL is currently $351. That's still about $100 higher than a couple of years ago, but it has come down a bit. What really concerns me is the number of daily flights has dropped from five to three each way. I hope the WX does not screw up my flight to BDL because, at the last minute, it might be very difficult to get there in time. - Dick Isely

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Ticket
by JIM WEAVER, K8JE 02 Dec '08

02 Dec '08

As you may know, Cincinnati has the well-deserved reputation of being nearly the most expensive if not the most expensive airport to use for trip origination. Some would say this is still because the Commonwealth of Kentucky is holding Buckeyes and Hoosiers as hostages. Regardless, I just bought my ticket for the January Meeting at a phenomenally low price -- $330, tax included! The last ticket following the same route cost just at $440. The end is near. Jim Jim Weaver, K8JE Director, Great Lakes Division ARRL; 5065 Bethany Rd., Mason, OH 45040 Tel.: 513-459-0142; E-mail: k8je(a)arrl.org ARRL: The reason Amateur Radio Is! MEMBERS: The reason ARRL Is!

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RE: [arrl-odv:17350] 2009 Expense Reimbursement
by Bill Edgar 01 Dec '08

01 Dec '08

Barry, Thanks for the update. Interesting that the IRS was so quick to update the rate once the price of gas has been dropping within the last several weeks, however they weren't as quick when the price of gas was increasing. Hope your family had a super Thanksgiving! - Bill N3LLR From: Shelley, Barry, N1VXY [mailto:bshelley@arrl.org] Sent: Monday, December 01, 2008 3:56 PM To: arrl-odv Cc: Patton, David NN1N Subject: [arrl-odv:17350] 2009 Expense Reimbursement Ladies and Gentlemen: Recently, the Internal Revenue Service announced the standard mileage rates to be used for calendar year 2009. According to our current policy, the ARRL will reimburse mileage at the IRS optional rate of 55 cents per mile for travel in the new year. I've attached a new expense reimbursement form to be used for 2009 travel which incorporates this mileage rate. For you information, the IRS, once again, left the deduction for mileage incurred while in service to a not-for-profit organization at 14 cents per mile. 73, Barry J. Shelley, N1VXY Chief Financial Officer ARRL, Inc-The National Association for Amateur Radio 225 Main St. Newington, CT 06111 <http://www.arrl.org> www.arrl.org Phone: (860) 594-0212 E-mail: <mailto:bshelley@arrl.org> bshelley(a)arrl.org

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[arrl-odv:17350] 2009 Expense Reimbursement
by Shelley, Barry, N1VXY 01 Dec '08

01 Dec '08

Ladies and Gentlemen: Recently, the Internal Revenue Service announced the standard mileage rates to be used for calendar year 2009. According to our current policy, the ARRL will reimburse mileage at the IRS optional rate of 55 cents per mile for travel in the new year. I've attached a new expense reimbursement form to be used for 2009 travel which incorporates this mileage rate. For you information, the IRS, once again, left the deduction for mileage incurred while in service to a not-for-profit organization at 14 cents per mile. 73, Barry J. Shelley, N1VXY Chief Financial Officer ARRL, Inc-The National Association for Amateur Radio 225 Main St. Newington, CT 06111 www.arrl.org <http://www.arrl.org> Phone: (860) 594-0212 E-mail: bshelley(a)arrl.org <mailto:bshelley@arrl.org>

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