A meeting of the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group was held January 17, 2004 in the fellowship hall of Leesburg's Holy Trinity Lutheran Church with 41 members and visitors in attendance. LARG's 2003 President, Larry McCaig, KC1YC, called the meeting to order at 8:45 a.m. Following introductions of visitors, Larry led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes of the November 2003 meeting were approved as read. Report of treasurer Gary Quinn, NC4S, was approved as presented. Gary reminded all that he is now collecting 2004 dues.
Loudoun ARES coordinator Tom Dawson, WB3AKD, reported on a recent meeting of Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William emergency personnel in planning for a disaster drill scheduled on May 8, 2004 for Dulles airport grounds and area hospitals. All ARES members are asked to participate. Watch for news of a meeting to be held at the Leesburg Public Safety Building in April.
Tom, WB3AKD, also discussed plans for the Balloon Committee for 2004. A motion for an ATV flight in April was approved. Tom would also like to try for a high altitude record flight in July.
Antenna/tower height regulations before the County Board of Supervisors appear to be on hold in light of Board changes made known on 1/5/04. Tom, WB3AKD, will continue to monitor status and stay in touch with staff and the county Public Safety Committee. Larry Hughes, K3HE, offered the use of his five minute ARRL tape "Amateur Radio Today." This can also be downloaded from ARRL's web site.
Gary, NC4S, reported that those involved in the Rock mite project have made several contacts using the completed kits. Larry, KC1YC, suggested gathering ideas for future projects to be voted on soon.
John Unger, W4AU, encouraged participation in NA and DX contests in January, February and March. For the past several years LARG has had a strong focus on the VA QSO Party (3rd weekend in March) helping to spread its popularity by our participation. A rule change for 2004 may severely limit mobile activity. This was discussed at some length. Visitor John Humphrey, W4IM, spoke of a "Worked All VA" award (sponsored by the Fredricksburg Club?) to encourage working in obscure counties.
Dave Putman, KG4KZZ, noted that he had resigned as Repeater Committee Chairman due to his work travel schedule. He did present a copy of the building permit (expiring 6/17/04) issued by TMARC to Evan Alford, KQ4CI, for a coordinated UHF repeater pair (448.825/443.825).
Dave also relayed a message from Evan regarding LARG's annual holiday dinner. Tuscarora Mill (where 2002 and 2003 dinners were held) has only the 8th and 13th of December available for its banquet room in 2004. A motion to book the 2004 dinner there was defeated. Several members spoke to the high cost having reduced member participation. Xerxes Harrington, KI4CTW, along with his son Vincent, W0PUX, volunteered to explore alternatives for the 2004 event.
Training Coordinator Bill McCourt, WF1L, again thanked instructors from last fall's course and asked all to consider teaching: the first 2004 course will be for technicians, beginning Friday 2/27 (7:00-9:30 p.m.) at the Leesburg Police Station meeting room. Check the web site for the syllabus.
Mark Gillam, K4MDG, thanked all who took part in communications for the recent Leesburg First Night. Weather was great and the public turn-out was fabulous. The next scheduled public service event is in August - Reston Bike Club's Century rides in Loudoun County in support of Loudoun's Red Cross.
Larry, KC1YC, repeated the announcement from the holiday dinner that Carol Boehler, KF4TJJ, received the LARG 2003 outstanding member award.
Nominating committee members distributed ballots for election of 2004 officers. John, W4AU, accepted the nomination for secretary as no nominee had been found for that spot. A motion to accept the slate by acclamation was defeated since at least one absentee ballot had been received. Elected were:
Dale Harrison, K3CN, President;
Carol Boehler, KF4TJJ, Vice President;
John Unger, W4AU, Secretary;
and Gary Quinn, NC4S, Treasurer.
New Business:
Allon Stern, KE4FYL, recommended LARG's participation in Purcellville's 4th of July parade.
Jim Holdeman, KG4YQP, requested the club consider moving its regular meeting date to any other Saturday of the month. Army reserve exercises are the third Saturday of months other than January. Mike Lonneke, W0YR, recommended that the club officers look into this.
Larry, KC1YC, noted the need for a 2004 Field Day Chairperson. No one volunteered.
Tom Garasic, NA4MA, invited all to check out items he has for sale after the meeting.
David Mullins, K4ARP, invited anyone interested in purchasing test scopes to check with him.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol L. Boehler, KF4TJJ
Retiring Secretary
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