LARG President Denny Boehler, KF4TJI, called the October 20, 2001 meeting at the Leesburg Public Safety Building to order at 8:39 a.m. Following the Pledge to the Flag, all present introduced themselves.

The secretary's report of the September meeting was approved as read. The report of treasurer Tom Gerasic, NA4MA, was also approved as presented.

Balloon Committee Chairman Tom Dawson, WB3AKD, stated that because of continuing no-fly zones in our area now, the next LARG balloon launch (with still camera and/or ATV) will not be before the first quarter of next year. Watch the reflector for a possible November committee meeting at the Purcellville library.

Contest Committee Chairman John Unger, W4AU, encouraged participation in several up-coming contests. At least three participants are required for a club entry in ARRL's November Sweepstakes. Get your logs for this to John; Paul Dluehosh, N4PD; or Norm Styer, AI2C as soon as possible following the event. December is the month for 10 meter CW and SSB contests. John says, "These high activity events are a good way to contact new countries and improve your operating skills." Bill Buchholz, K8SYH, and Bettieanne recorded 452 contacts from Somerset County in the PA QSO Party earlier in October.

Emergency Services Committee Chairman Erik Werner, KD5CTJ, will be working the Marine Corps Marathon during the last weekend of October.

For Field Day 2001, pin chairman Larry Hughes, KG4CGR, has three extra pins available for $5.00 each. See him if you are interested in purchasing a Field Day 2001 pin.

Our Public Service Committee is still without a chairman. When asked about Leesburg First Night, Paul (N4PD) stated that since no planning has been done for this event yet this year, all LARG members should just plan to have a good time on New Year's Eve.

For the Training Committee Bill, K8SYH, reported that there are 15 students on the roster for the Technician Classes being held Thursday evenings at Leesburg's Balch Library. Info on the class can be found on the club web site.

Webmaster Norm, AI2C, displayed a copy of the first page of the web site and noted that all the sections are links to what's inside. The site has pictures from a Round Hill Pack 961 scouting event on 10/12 as well as from assistance to the Red Cross and newly installed antennas for Mary Oliphant, KF4UUY and Dale Harrison, KG4OTI. Check the site out to see what's new!

Denny presented the remaining certificates from the Red Cross/Reston Bike Rides to Chester Kmak, WA9LAZ, and Fred Atkinson, WB4AEJ.

New Business

ARRL recently sent a letter describing their new rebate schedule for clubs who sign up new ARRL members or those whose membership has lapsed for more than two years. Denny and Tom, NA4MA, will devise a procedure for timely submission of new ARRL memberships.

October 20, 2001 LARG Meeting Minutes-page 2/2

Norm, AI2C, requested that LARG take a position on Morse Code requirement for licensing in light of the recent recommendation to eliminate this. After some discussion it seemed advisable to form an ad hoc committee to bring a resolution to the group. Volunteers for this committee are Norm; Jim Banks, W0MAZ; John, W4AU; Erik, KD5CTJ; Bill, K8SYH; and Bettieanne.

Fred, WB4AEJ, affirmed that the club logo for use on badges has been forwarded to Rick, the sign man. You can see info on these badges at www.thesignman.com.

Allon Stern, KE4FYL, suggested forming a committee specifically for fox hunting as opposed to this remaining under the purview of the balloon committee. Consensus was that this activity is working fine as it is.

The idea of a club repeater was again addressed. After some discussion about availability of frequencies and cost and time involved, a motion was made by Tom, WB3AKD, that the club pursue the building of and all other essential stuff needed for a club repeater. Following a second and further discussion suggesting that a repeater can be a source of cohesion for a club as well as a way to bring in new members, the motion was approved. Volunteers for an ad hoc Repeater Committee include: Allon, KE4FYL; Fred, WB4AEJ; Paul, N4PD; Dave Putman, KG4KZZ; and Joe Sheinman, W2BHK.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol L. Boehler,
KF4TJJ, Secretary

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