HAM 12 April 2010 Meeting Minutes

In attendance were:  Wilbur Robinson, Dan Spath, Stan Craig, Earl Knight, Andy Abendscoen, Leroy Roberts, Bob Rothen, Jack Kennan, George Tresansky, Brett Louis, George Painter, David Grau, Al Takatsch, Bill Miller, Larry Eichelberger, John Ryea and Thomas Koluch.

Bob Rothen opened the meeting with greetings and thanked the members for their support during his absence.  He elected to not hold a formal meeting but instead conduct a watch repair seminar using the clubs three demo pocket watches.  Before beginning the repair segment of the meeting, George Tresansky requested the reading of an article published in the most resent issue of the AWCI publication.  The article by the AWCI president was a shout out to watch manufactures to supply genuine replacement parts to all watch repairmen, both professional and hobbyist alike.  The shortage of parts that currently exist will be filled with fake parts if the availability of genuine parts is restricted.  This article is seen as an indication the AWCI may become more supportive of the hobbyist watch repair persons.  The members agreed we should send a letter of acknowledgement and support to the AWCI president.

Al Takatsch briefed the club on a series of ball bearing races he plans to install in a movement that needs both pivot and bushing work.  The use of the ball bearings eliminates the repivoting operation when the chrome plating becomes pitted and should provide longer life to the movement.  Al will report back to the club, and perhaps provide a demonstration, after he has completed his first bearing installation.

The members formed into various work/study groups for the remainder of the evening with Stan leading several groups in pocket watch disassembly.

The door prize was won by Bill Miller.

Our next meeting is scheduled for April 26 at the Howard County Senior Center .

Respectfully submitted,

LeRoy Roberts