BBV-CERT General Membership Meeting
February 22, 2021 via Zoom
Meeting called to order at 6:10 pm.
General Membership Meeting
Attendees: Eric Steele, Dede Hermon, Maria Laverty, Laura Nowak-Brown, David Rohrdanz, Tom Hermon, Norma and Bob Grimes, Jim and Marie Smith, Sam Bollog, Nancy Karlson, Ed Williams.
President – Eric Steele
Mass vaccination event: CERT has been asked to help out for the March event at Fontana Speedway March 1 – 3. List has been sent over. If you’re interested in helping, contact Dede Hermon.
John Ferdon is no longer employed by the County as OES Coordinator. Michael Ramirez is the interim liaison.
Eric had discussed the Big Bear repeater for CERT and CERT jackets with John prior to his dismissal. Those items are on hold for now.
Vice President – Susan Elliott (not present)
Treasurer – Dede Hermon
As of today, combined Alaska Federal Credit Union checking and savings is $2960.09. PayPal has $48.25 which is being transferred to checking. The PayPal account was due to a $50 donation from someone we don’t know.
Facebook: We have 437 people that like our page. Only 200 are in Big Bear Valley. We’re averaging 40 new likes each month.
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD): Dede motioned that we pay our annual $20.00 membership fee. Eric seconded. All board members in favor. VOAD is the volunteer agency above CERT. Yomar is our past VOAD representative. Sierra Orr is current one.
Insurance is due in April. In 2020 the amount due was $1562.
We need to do more fundraising, in addition to the Tour de Big Bear donation. Jim and Marie Smith have asked for someone else to take over the fundraising. Volunteers? Ideas?
We’ve already had 6 or 7 people volunteer for the Mass Vaccination activation. Thank you for your efforts. Do not feel obligated to work the event if you feel your health might be at risk.
HAM Radio Testing
FCC testing on March 6. Contact Dede if you’re interested at dedek6ddz@gmail.com.
Maria Laverty has passed general; Sam Bolog passed technician and Nancy Karlson has passed both. Many others tested in October and December. Congratulations all! And special thanks to Dede Hermon for all of your work in recruiting new HAMS!
Secretary – Laura Nowak-Brown
Tour de Big Bear has reached out asking for volunteers for the August 7, 2021 event. Dede has already responded that we are interested in working an aid station. Laura will put announcement on the website.
Laura will be stepping down as BBV-CERT Secretary. She will continue to manage the website and Mail Chimp communication.
Tonight’s Training: Black Ice Driving
What is black ice? Black ice is a thin layer of ice that can form on road surfaces in cold weather. It gets its name because the depth of the ice makes it practically invisible on pavement. This invisibility is what makes black ice such a dangerous driving surface.
What should a driver do if there is black ice on the road?
- Apply the brakes regularly to prevent them from freezing.
- Avoid harsh braking, steering and acceleration.
- Only use a low gear to improve traction.
- Apply the brakes regularly to check road surface.
There are several areas in the Valley that are prone to black ice, such as Little Arctic Circle/Castle Rock; areas on highway 38. Please be careful during the winter driving season.
Next meeting will be March 22nd via zoom.
Meeting adjourned at 6:55 pm.