The meeting was called to order by President Dave Putman, KE4S, at 8:40am with 22 members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

The Secretary's minutes were read by the president and approved by motion.

 

Jeff Slusher, KE5APC, our new treasurer submitted his report which was moved and accepted. Jeff reported that, as of the morning of the meeting we had 67 members and 60 members from 2006 that had yet to renew their membership.

 

Committee Reports

 

Contests - The Virginia QSO party begins this afternoon. Contest Chairman, Gordon Miller, NQ4K is with us today to present a program on the VAQP.

 

Field Day 2007 - Chairman Jeff Slusher gave the following update:

-         A half-dozen alternative sites were evaluated, Banshee Reeks still is our best option and if the official site for FD07.

-         Station captains have begun recruiting operators.

-         There is plenty of room for everyone to be involved.

 

Jay Greeley mentioned that additional logistical support for this year's Field Day may be able to come from the Leesburg Armory.

 

Additional discussion was given to the use of the VFW Hall, which was proposed at a previous meeting. Suggestions were made that, while the site is not good for Field Day, it may be an excellent choice for a special event station for Scouting exposure to Amateur Radio, for Armed Forces or Veterans Day, or for a FISTS club operating event.

 

Emergency/Public Service and Balloon Committees - Clarification was given to the Red Cross policy on background checks needed for their volunteers. It was reported that partner agency volunteers do not need checks unless they will be wearing a Red Cross ID or deployed for an extended length of time. The policy is somewhat confusing and more clarification is expected.

 
Tom, WB3AKD, sent a report through Dave about the upcoming Dulles Drill. All volunteers will be asked to sign a release from liability for the event.

Also, April 23-27, Loudoun Emergency Management will participate in the Vertex 2007 Hurricane Exercise.

 

 

Training - The position of Training Chairman is currently open.

 

Interference - no report

 

 

Old Business

 

Norm Styer, AI2C, reminded club members that CW T-shirts that had been ordered were going to be picked up in Timonium, so please forward any payments to him as soon as possible.

 

 

New Business

 

Jay Greeley announced he recently passed his Technician Class license and is awaiting the assignment of his callsign. (Congratulations - KI4UTB!)

 

April's Meeting will include a special "Show and Tell" program for the club. If anyone has a project or special demonstration they would like to present, please see Dave, KE4S.

 

Visitors were recognized: Rick Denny,KR9D, and Richard Will, KI4TZE (who is awaiting assignment of a new vanity call, K3ASH).

 

The business meeting was adjourned at 9:30am for the Program on the VA QSO Party by Gordon.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Randy Sly