The meeting at the Leesburg Public Safety Building was called to order by President Mark Gillam, N3GMW, at 8:40 a.m.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, visitors were introduced and the minutes of the January 2002 meeting were read and approved.

Treasurer Tom Garasic, NA4MA, reported an opening balance of $1,449.11, with additions of $15 from the ARRL rebate and $306 in dues, and no subtractions, for a balance of $1,770.11.

Several announcements were made:

- Six students from the last technician's class had earned their ham license.

- Temp W4HZV had several books to be contributed to the club, and had a 40-foot aluminum fold-over tower.

- Nancy KE4RTP had information about the upcoming YLRL meeting in Cleveland.

- Tom Dawson WB3AKD had information on the 440 repeater to be used for emergency communication.

- Larry KC 1YC passed around a sample ARRL certificate for the extra class.

- John KG4L had 24V ac batteries.

- Bob Kennedy WG4QXF talked about the 2M CW class on the air, Thursday, 9pm, W3AY repeater.

- Norm AI2C had code cards for new members.

There were several committee reports:

- Eric KD5CTJ for ARES/Emergency Services.

- Tom WB3AKD said the April meeting date for balloon launch is scheduled and he would set up meetings.

- The ARRL DX CW Contest and the SSB Contest would be over the next two weekends.

- Field day will be June 21-23, and a site must be found.

- The Public Service event is the Red Cross Bike Event in August.

- Repeater committee: there was donatedd. a Motorola base station to be converted for repeater use.

- Training: Bill KSSYH reported the test sites; the new class will start on 21 March and consist of five sessions, combining general and extra classes. The extra class question pool is to change in July. If five classes are not enough, Bill can add three sessions.

- Norm AI2C reported on the web site about having a for-sale section. New members can get reflector information on the web site; there are 109 subscribers now.

NEW BUSINESS:

Mark N3GMW said LARG would like to sponsor a contest plaque. Seven are available at $40 per year per plaque. Tom NA4MA took the information to send a check.

Allon KE4FYL and John KG4L suggested entering the club in the July 4 parade in Purceilvifie, coordinating with the Red Cross. The motion was made and seconded for Allon to research costs, etc.

John Westerman WB5ODJ reported about tower height limits in Loudoun County and there was a lengthy discussion on the situation. There are amateur versus commercial considerations. It might be helpful. if the club considered participating in the zoning process and/or making a formal position regarding tower height limits. Tom WB3AKD will keep the club informed.

After a break, Paul N4PD gave a viewgraph presentation regarding the Virginia QSO party, which will be from 1 p.m. Saturday, 16 March, to 9 p.m. Sunday, 17 March. Norm AI2C presented LARG's activity for the last three years and talked about this year's goals. Dennis KF4TJI talked about information specifically related to technician class procedures for the contest and mobile operations. Larry, KC1YC had a detailed trip schedule for his mobile operations. Norm AI2C talked about operating from a fixed station.

The meeting was adjourned sometime after 11 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol L. Boehler, KF4TJJ

Secretary

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