Those in attendance were Dennis Clark (KB3DFW, president), Richard (Dick) Rostrum (NG2R, past president), Arthur Ayer (W1OND), Net Manager and the host of this year's meeting), Ginger Smith (WN1H), David Smith (WQ1H), Chic Naylor (WA2USI), Ted Champagne (N4TW), Steve Frazier (N0ANW) and Dave Marling (VE1VQ, secretary-treasurer).

The meeting called to order at 11:30 a.m. by former MARA president, Dick, as Dennis had not arrived. Opening prayer was given by Ginger.

Dave, VE1VQ, Secretary-Treasurer and Dick, NG2R, past President

MINUTES

Dave read the minutes of the previous meeting. Minutes were approved as read.

BUSINESS FROM THE MINUTES

1. ERRS, frequencies and the relationship to MARA - Dave explained briefly some of the history surrounding MARA and ERRS. He said the frequencies were available from him on his personal web space and that anyone could have the URL just by asking. He said that there is no relationship between ERRS and MARA. Chic indicated that ERRS did not seem to welcome independent check-ins to their net. The feeling of the group was that communication in the event of a serious emergency (where the telephone lines were down) between SLC (ERRS) and any location other than next door to a Bishop's Storehouse would be non-existent.

2. Hal Christensen - Members expressed concern about Hal. He has called into the MARA net in the last month and had hoped to be able to attend today's meeting.

TREASURER'S REPORT

Dave reported that our finances were up over last year from $303.44 to $362.28 with cash on hand from new or renewed memberships of $50.00 .

NET MANAGER'S REPORT

Art thanked everyone for their efforts and agreed to remain as net manager for another year.

Art, W1OND, Net Manager

NEW BUSINESS

1. Nomination for vice-president

Dan Janda, AA3LS, has completed his time in office as MARA Northeast vice-president and has also retired from IBM. Dan has indicated that he wishes to spend more time sailing! Our thanks for services rendered.

Ginger, WN1H, newly elected Vice President

Nominations were then taken for a new vice-president. Dave, VE1VQ, nominated Ginger, WN1H. No other nominations were received from the floor and Ginger was unanimously accepted as MARA Northeast vice-president.

Nominations for secretary-treasurer

Dave Marling, VE1VQ, has completed his term as MARA Northeast secretary-treasurer and has indicated that he will stand for another term.

Nominations were then solicited for the office of secretary-treasurer. Ginger, WN1H, nominated Dave, VE1VQ. No other nominations were received. Dave was unanimously accepted as MARA Northeast secretary-treasurer.

Nominations for three director's positions

Ted Champagne, N4TW, accepted a two year term as director to fill the remaining time of office for Jeff, KD1WZ, who has moved out of the area.

Ted, N4TW, new director

Chic Naylor, WA2USI, accepted another six year term as director.

Chic, WA2USI, director

Dave Smith, WQ1H, accepted a six year term as director.

Katy, Dave's (WQ1H) grand daughter. Dave was taking the pictures so there isn't any of him!

Acceptance was unanimous in all cases.

Newsletter Editor

With Jeff, KD1WZ, taking a transfer to Colorado it became necessary to find a replacement newsletter editor. After an extensive nation-wide advertising campaign and interview process, it was decided that only Dave, WQ1H, would be able to fill Jeff's editorial shoes. Dave was confirmed by the membership present in that position.

Our thanks to Jeff, KD1WZ, for his past work.

Location and date of the next year's meeting

It was decided to hold the 2002 meeting in the Washington, DC/Maryland area. Hal Christensen or Stan Staten are to be contacted to see if they will host it and arrange for a meeting place. The date will be determined by the membership on the net over the next few weeks.

Dennis, KB3DFW, arrived.

Dennis, KB3DFW, President

Interest was expressed in moving the meeting to May rather than April as at present.

The meeting stopped at this point for a great lunch provided by Billie Ayer, wife of Art, W1OND.

	Billie, xyl of W1OND, prepared the chicken pie for lunch for the MARA NE meeting at home and brought it to the chapel to feed the hungry hoards.		left to right - Art, Dennis and Chic chowing down.
	left to right - Ted and Art, obviously happy about what they see before them.		Most are too busy eating to talk.

The meeting reconvened after the lunch for further business.

Members expressed appreciation for Billie's work in providing our noon meal.

Further discussion of ERRS and MARA took place. It was felt that we had to be prepared and ready when the Church needs communicators for emergencies when (not if) normal communications methods fail. Ted, N4TW, suggested that we belong to ARES but Chic, WA2USI, said that the Church is not prepared to affiliate with either ARES or RACES. It was felt that individual members should be affiliated with those organizations.

It was felt that the Church (Area Presidency) are likely not aware that we exist or what our capabilities are.

Dennis, KB3DFW, said he would contact ERRS and find out how MARA fit in the overall picture. He said he would also contact his ARRL section manager to see about affiliation.

Further discussion regarding the date of next year's annual meeting with the decision to hold it on the second Saturday on May (11th) if the membership are agreeable.

Dave, VE1VQ, introduced the three speakers for the program section of the meeting. Chic, WA2USI, asked to go first as he had to leave shortly. He demonstrated a laser pointer pen video/audio communications system and spoke about his work in the laser field. Art, W1OND, talked about his many years in the hobby. Ginger, WN1H, spoke about how she got started and the people who aided her and how it is to operate in a male dominated hobby.

The meeting was adjourned.

Thanks to all who came to make the day a success.

Respectfully submitted,

Dave - VE1VQ