The meeting was called to order at 8:35 a.m. on Saturday, May 15, 2004, by President Dale, K3CN, who then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance with 25 people attending. Dale announced that the next and subsequent LARG monthly meetings would be held at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. It was also noted that after June 30, the Leesburg Safety Center would be instituting a new policy for reserving their meeting room to avoid too frequent use by some groups. It is not clear what the policy will actually entail.

A first-time visitor and new member, Chris Fristad, KI4BRG, was introduced and welcomed into the club. Also, Kevin Blankenship, KG4HYG, another visitor introduced himself.

Carol, KF4TJJ, reported for our Treasurer, Gary, NC4S, who was unable to attend the meeting that the treasury had $3,090.64; the Treasurer's report was approved as presented.

The April LARG minutes were read by John, W4AU, and were approved.

Tom, WB3AKD, reported on the successful participation by LARG members and other area hams in the Dulles Airport Emergency Drill held on May 8. Tom said that approximately 100 amateur radio operators participated with 40 actually on-site at the airport. A wrap-up meeting will be held on May 27, and Tom will need comments or suggestions for improvements, etc., by then.

Tom, WB3AKD, reported for the Balloon Committee that the planned May launch would have to be scrubbed due to heightened security concerns on Memorial Day weekend for the dedication of the WWII Memorial. The launch was tentatively rescheduled for July 17.

Dale, K3CN, reported that the club has collected $991.00 so far for the fund to purchase new radio equipment for young LARG members Jacob, KI4BCQ, and Dominic, KI4BCR, Mason, who recently lost their equipment in a house fire. The committee appointed at April's meeting will help them coordinate the purchase of the equipment.

John, W4AU, had nothing to report from the Contest Committee.

Dale, K3CN, reported for Bill, WF1L, that the Technician Class training was proceeding well and the final class for the 4 students would be held next Friday.

Larry, K3HE, reported that the Public Relations committee was soliciting comments and photos from those involved with the Dulles drill for articles he was preparing for QST, CQ, and possibly other amateur radio publications.

Allon, KE4FYL, showed a small, portable APRS transmitting system that he had put together.

Dale, K3CN, announced that John Kanode, N4MM, will speak on DXing at the August meeting, and the Brian Bayus, N1KC, will speak on the OO system at the September meeting.

Tom, NA4MA, Field Day Chairman, described the results of a FD Committee meeting held on May 12 at the Purcellville Library. We will be operating 5A plus a UHF/VHF station. Most setup and organization were finalized and most of the HF stations will utilize battery power for the transceivers and local AC for computers and lights. The UHF/VHF stations will be powered by a generator. A station organization trip to the FD site at Banshee Reeks was made after the meeting was adjourned to finalize the antenna locations.

Dale, K3CN, brought up the possibility of including technical discussions as part of our regular Sunday night net. This suggestion was received positively and discussed in some detail.

Larry, K3HE, made a motion that LARG authorized the Publicity Committee to spend $40 to produce two amateur radio videos to be given to local TV stations. The motion was seconded and approved.

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

John Unger - W4AU, Secretary

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