The meeting on this date was held at the QTH of Jess and Patti Colvin, AI9L and AF9H, in Braceville, IL. Braceville is roughly 56 miles south of Oak Lawn and is in Grundy County on old Route 66. It was once an old mining town with 3,500 inhabitants, but now the population is about 822 people.

The gathering began about 5:30 PM with the members arriving and staring in awe at the Colvin’s vast antenna farm. There were eight towers on the property with arrays covering most all amateur bands. Bob Berger, N9ORD took over the chef duties and started grilling hamburgers and hot dogs on the outside grill. After inspecting the towers and antennas, the group went into a newly constructed garage where tables and chairs had been placed, and ate and enjoyed the great picnic fare that Patti had assembled. We had delicious hamburgers and hot dogs in buns with tomatoes, onions and relishes, along with a garden salad and chips. There were also delicious desserts that Patti and W9ILY’s XYL Toots had baked.

After dinner, President Bob Adamitis, K9MDO called the meeting to order. The Secretary/Treasurer Jack Nienhaus, W9NJB did not have his notes of the last meeting handy so they were not read. Bob again brought up the fact that the most serious problem our club has is the lack of a permanent meeting location. Several ideas were passed around including libraries and if we do find a library location it would probably mean changing the day of our meeting as most libraries close early on Fridays. Bob mentioned that he and W9NJB are leaving on the 22^nd of this month for a one-week stay at the QTH of Roger, K9RB in Orange Park, FL He also mentioned that he and John Holmes, W9ILY would be on a DXpedition September 11^th to the 22^nd at FP, St. Pierre and Miquelon Islands, just off the coast of Newfoundland. John, W9ILY provided information on club activity in recent contests and also coming contests plus a summary of his recent 5,000 mile motor trip that included an operation from North Dakota in the RTTY NAQP.

Mike McGirr K9AJ then began showing a highly interesting Power Point program starting with the 2007 BS7H Scarborough Reef operation. Sitting on a platform on top of a rock in the middle of the sea to operate a radio takes lots of courage and dedication. Mike then showed his V63J operation that took us on the Micronesian IOTA tour of Yap, Ngulu, Sorol and Woleai atolls. His photos showed the natives of these far distant places and how they live. Mike seems to capture a stunning sunset picture wherever he goes. Our thanks go to Mike for the very interesting program.

Members and guests present were: Jess AI9L, Patti AF9H, Bob K9MDO, Karen WB9YBL, Frank K9BWQ, his XYL Dolores, Mike K9AJ, Sue K9XYL, Jack W9NJB, Bob N9ORD, Phil N9LAH and John W9ILY.

Respectfully submitted by Jack Nienhaus W9NJB Secretary/Treasurer