The June 17th 2000 meeting of the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group, held in the Leesburg Public Safety Building, was called to order at 8:35 a.m. by President Ray Houff, K4AJA.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance the secretary's minutes of the May 2000, meeting were read and approved.

Treasurer Tom Garasic, NA4MA, reported no subtractions during the previous month. The addition of $12.00 in dues for one annual membership brought the total to $783.42; $343.00 is allocated to the balloon fund. As of 6/16/00 LARG's paid membership was at 44.

Ray reported that Bob Bee, W4POF, had been in a serious automobile accident a week ago. Bob is at home and has been talking (slowly) on commuter nets.

Visitors (Arthur Laurent, KD4CSO; Larry McCaig, KC1YC; and Gary Rohrbaugh, no call yet) were introduced and encouraged to join the club.

OLD BUSINESS

Ray distributed certificates (not picked up at the Manassas hamfest) for club members earning high scores in the VA QSO Party last March.

A meeting with Leesburg police personnel has not yet occurred. Paul Dluehosh, N4PD, is continuing to pursue this.

NEW BUSINESS

Ray was recently contacted by a member of the Red Cross about opening a dialogue between that organization and LARG regarding emergency communi-cations plans. Dennis Boehler, KF4TJI, reported on a meeting on 6/12/00, he and Tom Dawson, WB3AKD, had with Red Cross representatives. Definition of roles and parameters for time and resource commitments are needed. Concern was voiced by several members on 6/17 that LARG needs to make it clear that hams are communicators and should not compromise that position by addition of other activities. Discussion followed about an ad hoc committee to address this and other alliances the club might form. The LARG constitution calls for both an Emergency Service Committee and a Public Service Committee among others. The former is to work in conjunction with the Loudoun County ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Services) Coordinator. Ray will work on appointing members to these committees. Four or five members present are registered with ARES.

Norm Styer, AI2C, reported on updates to the club web site. There are pictures from LARG's preparations for the June 3rd Antique Poker Run non-event (maybe next year?) and Scout events. A youth club contact for possible training seemed to have been more of a mentoring request. Norm does pass training requests on to training chairperson Bill Buchholz, K8SYH.

CURRENT ACTIVITY

John Unger, W4AU, who made arrangements for Field Day site, related a need to once again look into liability insurance. ARRL offers a plan based on number of active club members. At present that would cost LARG $325 a year. We are not required to have this insurance this year. This issue was tabled.

Updates to station setups and needs, final preparations and calendar of events for Field Day (6/24-25) were presented. We are again category 3A-VA, operating as K4LRG. All equipment brought in should be marked with member's name and/or call. Norm, AI2C, has taken care of publicity. Antenna setup is Friday from 4:00 or 5:00 p.m. until completed (followed by a light supper served by Ray, K4AJA; Carol, KF4TJJ; and Mary, KF4UUY). Station setup and testing is set for Saturday around 9:00 a.m. with first contacts to begin at 2:00 p.m. EDT. Sunday's breakfast (for over-night operators) will be prepared and served by Angie, KG4AVR, and Ray. After final contacts (2:00 p.m. EDT Sunday) station and antenna disassembly and site cleanup will occur. Larry Hughes, KG4CGR, is ordering Field Day 2000 pins ($5.00 each for participating members who want to order one).

The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol L. Boehler,
KF4TJJ, Secretary

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