The meeting was called to order by President Denny Boehler, KF4TJI, at 8:40 a.m. A jovial mood prevailed despite the frigid temperature in this Leesburg Public Safety Building room.

As usual, the meeting was begun with the Pledge of Allegiance and introductions of all in attendance. We especially welcomed guests Jerry Houff, KB1FNX, and the foreign exchange student staying with him. Jerry is a son to Ray Houff, K4AJA.

The reports of the treasurer and secretary were approved as presented.

Tom Dawson, WB3AKD, summarized the latest balloon flight from 7/21/01 and the subsequent recovery of the payload. A tethered flight is planned for 9/15 following the next regular club meeting. Tom also displayed his "exploded" brief case ("another training tool") that had been left in front of the Purcellville Library following a balloon committee meeting.

John Unger, W4AU, congratulated club members who participated in the December 2000 ARRL 10 Meter contest. LARG placed 5th nationally in the small club category with a total of some 800,000 points. The North America SSB contest beginning today (8/18), is a good way to garner a Worked All States award. Fall and winter offer good contesting opportunities.

Mark Gillam, N3GMW, reported on our communications plans to aid Loudoun's Red Cross Chapter in their support of Reston Bike Club's rides on 8/26/01. Red Cross representative Jay Greely was also present to discuss logistics of the ride and support needed.

Gary Quinn, NC4S, reported on LARG's successful Field Day 2001 exercise. With over 10,000 points this year we will probably be in the top 10% of the 5A category. Larry Hughes, KG4CGR, distributed pins which had been ordered for the event.

Paul Dluehosh, N4PD, reported on behalf of the training committee. Technician classes are set to begin 9/20/01 (Thursday evenings) at the Balch Library. Sign-ups were being taken for instructors as well as students. Fliers were available at the meeting.

Details about these and other LARG activities are available on the club website. Talk to Norm Styer, AI2C, if you need the new password for the members' only page.

New business:

A motion was approved for the purchase of training videos ($150).

The present form of the club logo for use on badges, etc. seems okay now. It might be well to coordinate such projects through a club officer.

A possible group activity for building some type of direction finding antennas was discussed. Denny and Dave Putman, KG4KZZ, will research what's available. Tom Garasic, NA4MA, suggested we also need some training in direction plotting, magnetic north, etc.

Norm talked about the Scout activity planned for 9/8/01 in Bealton, about 10 miles southeast of Warrenton. Out stations will be needed to talk to the 100 or so boys or girls expected.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:12 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol L. Boehler,
KF4TJJ, Secretary

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