The meeting was called to order by our President Dale, K3CN, who then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. There were 32 members present.

John, W4AU, our Secretary, read the minutes from the February meeting; which were approved as corrected.

Gary, NC4S, Treasurer, presented the Treasurer's report, which was approved as presented. The club has $2947.28 in its treasury.

Gary, NC4S, our assistant ARES liaison, had nothing new to report on the Dulles Airport emergency drill. He reminded members of an ARES meeting on April 6, 2004 at the Leesburg Safety Center at 1900 EST for coordinating this event.

Gary reported for Tom, WB3AKD, that the April balloon launch, scheduled for April 17, may be postponed due to the work priorities of some of the critical participants. Gary also said that at least eight TenTec watt meter kits have been ordered and that he will set up two sessions for construction of the kits at the Leesburg Safety Center.

John, W4AU, reported for the Contest Committee on preparations for the Virginia QSO Party that was due to start at 1300 EST that afternoon. John briefly covered propagation and other strategies for optimizing scores in the VAQP.

Evan, KQ4CI, reported for the Repeater Committee that he had put a repeater on the air on 448.825 (tone of 77 Hz) and had forwarded details of the installation to TMARC. Evan also said that he is looking for an another site for his 442.100 repeater for use as a backup.

Bill, WF1L, reported that the Spring Technician class had started off well. We have four students with a fifth joining that class soon.

Larry, K3HE, had nothing to report from the Public Relations Committee.

Mark, K4MDG, reported no activity from the Public Service Committee except to remind the club about our role working with the Red Cross in their annual century bicycle ride scheduled in August.

Tom, NA4MA, chairman of the Field Day committee began to organize club members for their participation in this event. We are still looking for a good, public site. Tom has one possibility at the Philomont horse rink that we will look into. Field Day meetings are scheduled at the Purcellville library for March 23 and April 8 at 2000 EST. Tom also announced that he had a supply of 12-volt, 13 A-hr batteries that were available for a small contribution to the club.

Dale, K3CN, reported that he and Charlie, K4LJH, visited Ray, K4AJA, in the in the hospital earlier in the week and that Ray was doing well and was back home recuperating.

New Business - Dale, K3CN, said that he had lined up Dick, W2YE, to speak about the 4-land QSL Bureau run by SPARC at our April meeting, assuming that we do not have the balloon launch on that day. Dale also announced that we will have to relocate or reschedule our May club meeting because of a prior commitment for the Lutheran Church that day. Paul, N4PD, made a motion, which was seconded and approved, to have a mini-hamfest after our formal April club meeting.

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

John Unger - W4AU, Secretary

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