The regular February meeting of the Mercer County Amateur Radio Club was called to order on February 26, 2002 at 7:40 pm by President Jerry Parkany, N8PY.    Florence Paddock, W2AYH, filled in as acting secretary in the absence of Secretary Mike Varga, NR3C.  There were 15 members present and 2 guests; Kevin Bonner, French Creek District Director, Boy Scouts Of America and Harold Jamison, WA3HMO.  The February Carrier Wave was sent out via US postal mail as well as email; all members present received their copy of the CW.  The January 2002 treasurer's report was amended by treasurer Doug Noderer, W3FYV to reflect income of $170.00 dues and $30.00 donations.  A motion made by Dennis Gregory, WM3H, and seconded by Bob Drexler, WA3ZOE to accept the report as amended; motion carried.  The January 2002 minutes were not printed in the CW; the minutes were read by club president, Jerry Parkany, N8PY.  A motion was made by Gordon Frissora, KZ3W and seconded by Tom Galloway, K3TG to accept the minutes as read; motion carried

Prior to the official start of the meeting, Kevin Bonner, French Creek District Director, Boy Scouts of America, spoke concerning the startup of a "Venture" scouting unit by members of the club.  Kevin described the nature of such a group;  it may be co-ed; age is from high-school to 21; group's focus and interest would be in electronics and as such would fit into amateur radio.  There would be 5 adults needed as  advisors.  Kevin discussed the need to get this moving on a timely basis but that the general scouting drive normally is in the fall.  Kevin left several advisor applications should any of the members be interested.  A few members did appear interested in getting the group started; the club would not necessarily sponsor such a group, but would lend itself to the group to assist and advise as needed.  Should any members be interested in participating as advisors  please contact Jerry, N8PY, for more information and an application.

EMA:  Gordon Frisorra, KZ3W, reported that the county radio advisory board will meet on March 2, 2002.  He hoped to know more after that meeting as to future Races emergency tests.

VE TESTING:  Dennis Gregory, WM3H, reported that at the last VE test session held on February 16, 2002, there were 5 applicants.   1 passed the Extra Theory, 2 passed  Technician, and 2 passed General Theory; the next VE test session will be on April 20, 2002 with registration at 9 am and testing at 10 am; following the testing session, at or around 12 noon, will be the EMA picture badge session. A preliminary signup sheet was passed around to give Dennis an estimate of members who will want new pictures id's.

MEMBERSHIP:  No applications  were presented.

NET/BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER:  18 checkins on the previous 2 meter net; ARRL Audio News which is broadcast during the net mentioned our 2-meter net;  3-4 were on the 10 meter ragchew session this past Thursday;  no report on the Saturday breakfast at Burger King, at 9 am; Lunch at Wendys on RT. 18 at the Shenango Valley Mall at 11-11:30 am was going well with several members & non-members present; no report on Dinner at the Cookery, Rt 18, Hermitage PA at 8:30 pm on fridays.

OLD BUSINESS:  Treasurer Doug Noderer, W3FYV, reported that the reservations for the Club Picnic in July at Buhl Park as well as for  Field Day  have been secured and paid for.  Linda Yankovich, N3XZA, agreed to be the food chairman for the July picnic; Doug Butchy, W3SA, and Heather Mitcheltree, KB3HFL agreed to be co-food chairs for Field day.  A motion to hold a covered dish dinner at field day at 6 pm on Saturday was made by Charles Paddock, K8CLP, and seconded by Bob Drexler, WA3ZOE; motion carried.  Tom Galloway, K3TG, and Larry Adivissio, N3JDH, agreed to co-chair this years field day event.   Penn's Woods West event: Jerry Parkany, N8PY thanked everyone who helped out at this event.  The event was very successful with several HF radio contacts made.  Also, there were several persons who stopped by asking for more information about the club.

NEW BUSINESS:  Club elections will take place next month.  Contact Barney, K3LA, if you are interested in seeking office.  Field day rules have changed to eliminate the novice/tech station.  A new rule was instituted by the league which created a "GOTA" (Get On The Air) station.   This new "GOTA" station permits non-ham as well as licensed guest  operations under the supervision of a control op.  Gordon Frisssora, KZ3W made a motion,  seconded by Larry Adivassio, N3JDH,  to allow the club to have a "GOTO" station at this year's field day for only licensed operators  under the supervision of a control op who is a member of the club, whose dues are paid in full.; motion carried.   Repeater:  Baney, K3LA, mentioned that the new repeater antenna  is in and ready for installation; also discussed were the costs associated with the repeater such as phone and electric.  The repeater building is in need of some repairs, Larry, N3JDH, offered to meet with Barney one Saturday in the near future to inspect the floor of the repeater building.  It was also suggested a list of volunteers be put together along with