A meeting of the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group was held Saturday, September 20, 2003, in the fellowship hall of Leesburg's Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. President Larry McCaig, KC1YC, called the meeting to order at 8:40 a.m. After leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance, he asked all present to introduce themselves. Thirty-five members and visitors were in attendance.

Minutes of the August meeting were approved as read. The report of Treasurer Gary Quinn, NC4S, on club finances from mid-August through mid-September was approved as presented. Newsletter editor John Unger, W4AU, requested money to buy stamps.

Larry asked Loudoun ARES Coordinator Tom Dawson, WB3AKD, to report on Loudoun ham efforts for hurricane Isabel. Tom thanked all who helped set up and who operated during this thankfully less intense than expected event. Several who were involved suggested pre-positioning cables at the EOC and shelter sites if these are going to be permanent locations.

Gary, NC4S, asked those who had ordered Rock Mite kits to get them from him following the meeting.

For the balloon committee, Tom, WB3AKD, noted that since the October Countryside event does not begin until noon, a balloon flight for that day is not feasible and that a tethered flight has too much potential for danger. He suggested playing tapes from previous flights.

John, W4AU, referred us to the newsletter for contesting info. For club entries we are Loudoun ARG.

Dave Putman, KG4KZZ, had no news from the repeater committee. Evan Alford, KQ4CI, noted that the K4LRG 440 repeater is on back-up antenna because of wind damage from Isabel.

Training Coordinator Bill McCourt, WF1L, again called attention to LARG's website where the general class upgrade syllabus is posted. Instructors are still needed for these October and November Friday evening sessions at the Leesburg Public Safety Building on Plaza Street. Dick Maylott, W2YE, and Bob Sinese, K8NY, will do CW instruction. Bill also had j-pole kits for assembly following the meeting.

Gary, NC4S, talked about the trailer carrying a tower with hand-crank winch which he brought today. This equipment has been donated to the club by John Massie, W4YWF, for help in fixing and re-mounting an antenna. Two motions were approved regarding this matter: 1) to make John Massie, W4YWF, an honorary LARG member for life; and 2) to set aside $750 for repairs to trailer and tower.

Carol , KF4TJJ, reported that the present space would not be available for the regular 3rd Saturday meeting in November. In ensuing discussion a motion was approved to appoint Mike Lonneke, W0YR, and a second person of his choosing to approach the Library Board regarding free use of space for public service groups such as LARG.

Larry, KC1YC, is not sure how long he will be in Leesburg before moving to New England. He asked for a volunteer to arrange this year's holiday dinner. Evan, KQ4CI, said he will look into this.

Boyd Garrett, N5CTI, asked all to check the reflector and club web site (K4LRG.org) for news of the Countryside event on 10/18/03 starting at noon. He would like to have HF and VHF station demos.

Denny Boehler, KF4TJI, thanked all who worked the Reston Bike Club's Loudoun Red Cross benefit rides in August. He asked for any with recommendations for next year to talk to him after the meeting.

Larry Hughes, K3CN, had an antenna he'd described on the reflector to demonstrate. (after meeting)

The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol L. Boehler, KF4TJJ

Secretary

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