The April 18, 2009 meeting of the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group was called to order at 8:32 EDT by Vice President Jay, KI4TKP.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the minutes of the 3/21/09 meeting and the current treasurer's report were approved. Thirty-four sign-ins included Jake Barber, grandson of Dave, KE4S; and re-instating member Fred Adams, KC4IVB, now at Meadow Glen of Leesburg.

Committee Reports

Loudoun ARES Coordinator Tom, WB3AKD, reported for the Public Safety Committee that within a few weeks a group would bolt a mast to the framework at the Loudoun Emergency Operations Center (EOC). He requested those available during the week with web-EOC training, to talk to him after the meeting to assist in the annual hurricane preparedness drill (VERTEX), scheduled on Weds. 4/29 with two short shifts (10 am – 1 pm and 1 – 2 pm). Off-site stations would also be needed.

Tom, WB3AKD, also reported for the Balloon Committee. The payload that was used last year is available for a flight anytime. Rick, AI1V, is working on a new package to include digital photos. July's winds are usually most favorable for a flight (i.e., the balloon won't end up in the Atlantic).

Watch the reflector for news of a committee meeting in the near future. Tom will pass along to Jeff, KE5APC, the bill for tank rental ($160) when it arrives.

Jay, KI4UTB, asked Tom (in his ARES role) about use of the VFW Hall as a base station (as was done on inauguration day) and what equipment would be needed to do so. Jay reported intent to install a MARS station. Whether this is a club activity and how will be addressed as new business.

Training Committee chairman Steve, KW4H, acknowledged and thanked all who helped in any way with the March General Class. Of the 18 students, 11 took the exam 4/4 at the VFW Hall; all but one passed (with high scores). Steve noted that the club now has two license class curricula ready for use. He suggested developing more in depth classes (electronics, etc.) for the general club population. He asked anyone interested in being a co-chair to contact him. Jeff, KE5APC, asked whether announcing classes on a regional basis through other clubs would be useful.

Paul, N4PD, had no interference incidents to report.

Contest Committee chairman, John, W4AU, commended all LARGers who took part in the VA QSO Party (3/21&22). Preliminary results showed 31 logs with a total claimed score of 881,000 points. Official results and plaque presentations are at the Manassas Hamfest (6/14/09). This weekend had MI and Ont. QSO Parties. Check ARRL Contest Corral for more information and other events.

Web-master Norm, AI2C, reported that he is uploading a new type of search engine. He requests club members to submit items and articles for him to post. K4LRG.org has schedules of all club nets and reports of these. The net schedule is also sent to ARRL. Norm asked permission of the LARG leadership to add the digital net to the list sent to ARRL. It was decided that mode not be specified.

Tom, WB3AKD, reported for Public Information Committee that Supervisor Stevens Miller,WA4LDA is working on a proclamation for June (month or last full week) in support of Amateur Radio. Randy, W4XJ, had been very involved in the first such Loudoun County proclamation several years ago.

Jay, KI4TKP, listed program presenters for the neat few months: Rick, KR9D, in May; Jeff, KE5APC, final Field Day preparations in June; and possible Balloon event in place of the July meeting.

Newsletter editor John, W4AU, asked club members if a newsletter was still wanted or if this is redundant to web-site and reflector postings. He is willing to continue as editor if articles and items are submitted for a newsletter. Norm, AI2C, expressed strong support for this to continue.

When asked about the Young Ladies Radio League (YLRL), Carol, KF4TJJ, congratulated Nancy, KE4RTP, on upgrading to General license class through the recent class and test session. Other acknowledged new and upgraded licenses (although not YLs) are Henry, K2BFY, to Amateur Extra; and new member Dave, KJ4BRU, to General class.

Field Day chairman Jeff, KE5APC, reminded all that the dates for 2009 are June 27-28. K4LRG.org has a count-down clock and station operating schedules. He encourages all to plan to participate. The biggest issue at meeting time was site location for the exercise. Grant, KB3EMT, visited a site off 601 south of Rt. 7. LARG would have to provide all shelters there. Other sites to consider are Banshee Reeks, Temple Hall Farm, and qth of John, WB5ODJ. Station captains and co-captains are also still needed (particularly for VHF/UHF and GOTA). Paul, N4PD, 20M CW captain, suggested doing 160M on his station as well. Charles, K4LJH, said he and wife, Mary, would again organize food. Luther, K5NOB, asked for t-shirt and pin orders; he'll also do this on the reflector.

Old Business

Jay, KI4UTB, contacted Meadow Glen of Leesburg concerning the call from their program director about her request. Fred, KC4IVB, in attendance at the meeting, reported that he has a radio and was able to have the maintenance staff there put up an antenna. He has checked in to the Sunday night net. Jay will do more research as to any other needs there.

Denny, KF4TJI, noted he had four calendars left. They went quickly. He can print more.

Jeff, KE5APC, reported the insurance liability bill ($320) is due June 2nd. Limits are $1,000,000 per incident and $2,000,000, aggregate.

New Business

Grant, KB3EMT, announced a communications/vehicle fair in Fairfax County in early May.

A motion was made by Tom, WB3AKD and seconded by Dave, KE4S, to establish a memorandum of understanding between LARG and the Leesburg VFW regarding support for station set up that is used in emergencies. The motion was approved.

An announcement was made about the Hagerstown Hamfest on Sunday 4/19.

A reminder was made about the Leesburg Flower and Garden Show this weekend. Street closures preclude through traffic at King and Market; but if you go, visit the Red Cross van there.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 a.m.

Scheduled speaker, Jeff Fletcher, from the Loudoun EOC, was not in attendance. An e-mail received later that day noted he had been ill the previous evening.

Respectfully submitted, Carol L. Boehler, KF4TJJ

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A reminder to all about Holy Trinity's inclement weather policy: if Loudoun County Schools are closed (or would be if it were a school day), all activities at the church are cancelled – this includes outside groups. This policy allows for parking lot clearing so snow is not packed down; and it is also a safety issue.