A special thanks to Mr. George Whittaker of WorldLynx, Inc., for being our guest speaker at the May 1997 PARA General Meeting. George provided an excellent discussion of how the Internet got started and some of the new technology soon to be available. He also provided an 33.6 Kbaud (upgradable to 56K) external modem which became a door prize; and which Hank W3GSC won!! See, it does pay to come out to the General Meetings.
Check elsewhere in this issue for the new autopatch code. This new code became effective several weeks ago with an announcement via the PARA E-mail listing. The old autopatch code will be turned off Saturday, November 15, 1997; this will allow at least a two week overlap. If you have Internet E-mail access and would like to receive up-to-date notifications please send your E-mail address to: para76@juno.com
Our Corresponding Secretary Gordon N3IXP has submitted his resignation effective with the November General Meeting. Gordon indicated that due to several commitments to his family and business he is unable to perform his PARA duties as he would like to; he also said that he is available for work parties from time-to-time. During Gordon's time with Board he has become a very valuable asset; we will miss him and welcome him back anytime. Gordon, thank you for your service to PARA.
Interested in attending one of the Board meetings? All members are welcome to attend PARA Board of Directors meetings. Just let the Vice President or President know ahead of time as many meetings locations have limited seating arrangements, and we usually meet at a different location each time.
Interested in helping PARA? Please come to the next General Meeting; three officers plus four directors (one from each quadrant) are up for election and, as of press time, we need someone to run for Recording Secretary. Any questions about what is involved with each position may be directed to any current member of the Board, or to Pete W3SOU, Nomination Committee Chairman.
This is my last issue of "QSO with the Prez". After ten years as your President I will be stepping down to allow someone else to enjoy the fun that I have experienced as head of your organization. Although there have been many "ups" and a few "downs", for the most part it has have been enjoyable. I will continue to support PARA and the Board of Directors anyway possible.
Thanks again for your continued support, and hope to have an "eye-ball" with you at the November 11, 1997, PARA General Meeting. The meeting place is, as it has been for several years, St. Gertrude's Church Hall in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, and will start at 8 PM sharp. Map & directions are available elsewhere in this issue of "PARA-graphs". Talk-in will be provided on the 146.76 MHz Repeater.
Sincerely and 73,
Richard E. Stewart, K3ITH
PARA President
E-mail: para76@juno.com