The meeting was called to order at 8:45 a.m. by President Boyd, N5CTI. He led the twenty members present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

The minutes of the February meeting were read by Boyd and approved as amended. Gary, NC4S, gave Treasurer Reports for January and February, 2006. Both reports were approved as presented. Comments were made that the club has too much money and ought to spend some of it. Tom, WB3AKD, promised some forthcoming balloon equipment expenditures.

 

Committee Reports

 

Training - Denny, KF4TJI, reported he has heard from at least six people for the General License Class to begin Friday, 3/24 (7-9 p.m.) at Hamilton 's Harmony United Methodist Church . Henry, K2BFY, will offer CW instruction for the course. Check the reflector and web site for further info. Contact Denny if you would like to help teach.

 

Emergency Services/Public Service - Tom, WB3AKD, noted that most everyone at the current LARG meeting had been at the ARES Meeting on Monday, 3/13 at Leesburg's Rust Library. He will put out a summary on the LARG reflector. Communication support will be provided for the March of Dimes Walk-a-thon in Leesburg on Sunday, 4/30 and at an EOC event on Thursday, 4/27. Future activities include a major county exercise on Wednesday, 6/14 and the Reston Bike Club's century rides in support of the Loudoun American Red Cross Chapter the last Sunday of August.

A fox hunt is planned to follow the club meeting on Saturday, 4/15. Be prepared to track the signal (transmitting on 145.65) in the Shenandoah Valley .

 

Interference - Boyd reported for Mark, W3ZI, on issues with the APRS and Bluemont Repeater frequencies. The latter (by a repeat offender near Front Royal) was resolved by Chad , W1CAR.

 

Old Business

 

Grant, KB3EMT, gave an update on the application for ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station). He has prepared a press release and is working with the Round Hill Elementary School Principal on establishing necessary links. He reminded everyone that this is a one to two year process,

 

Several members were on their way to starting points for the weekend's VA QSO Party or making final preparations for it. All participating members were wished many good contacts!!

 

With little more than three months to ARRL's Field Day event (last full weekend in June), LARG still does not have a chairman. Volunteer to Boyd - soon!!!

 

Also contact Boyd to volunteer if you are interested in 2006's Constitution Committee.

 

Henry, K2BFY, has contacted the owner of the N4FSC repeater and has permission to use that machine for a CW net on Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. beginning 3/29.

 

New Business

 

Larry, K3HE, encouraged attendance at the National Guard Open House at the Armory, past Leesburg Airport , 3/18, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Information was from LARG member Jay Greeley.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Carol L. Boehler, KF4TJJ