First Night Leesburg - December 31, 2004

An Honored Confederate Soldier stands watch as the last night falls on Year 2004. Photograph by Norm Styer - AI2C of Clarkes Gap, Virginia.


First Night Leesburg December 31, 2004 Photographed By Norm Styer, AI2C of Clarkes Gap, Denny Boehler, KF4TJI of Leesburg, and Nancy Dluehosh, KE4RTP of Leesburg and reported by Norm Styer - AI2C of Clarkes Gap. Place cursor on photograph for credits. *Another Public Service Event By Our Super Operators* Nineteen members of the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group and Loudoun Amateur Radio Emergency Service assembled in Leesburg on New Year's Eve 2004 for the annual emergency exercise for First Night Leesburg. Tom Dawson, WB3AKD of Round Hill, our Loudoun ARES Emergency Coordinator, organized this operation. *Roster of Volunteer Amateur Radio Operators*
AI2C - Norm Styer of Clarkes Gap K4ARP - Dave Mullins of Aldie K4CJB - Buddy Brewer of Round Hill KD4DEI - Elena Frisbie of Sterling KE4RTP - Nancy Dluehosh of Leesburg KE4S - Dave Putman of Woods Road KF4TJI - Denny Boehler of Leesburg KF4TJJ - Carol Boehler of Leesburg KF4VLQ - Jacob Dawson of Round Hill KG4AVR - Angi Garasic of Bull Run Mountain	KI4BAA - Sharon Brewer of Round Hill KI4CTR - Mark Schutt of Sterling KI4FWB - Curt Reber of Lovettsville N4PD - Paul Dluehosh of Leesburg NA4MA - Tom Garasic of Bull Run Mountain W3EMH - Bill Frisbie of Sterling W3ZI - Mark Johnson of Ashburn WB3AKD - Tom Dawson of Round Hill WB9RXJ - Tom Carney of Stumptown
. We assembled on top the Leesburg parking garage at 1630 hours to install the 440-repeater
	Carol Boehler - KF4TJJ She might be working on her check list
Tom Dawson - WB3AKD Does an operational check on the repeater
The Early Birds L-R: Jacob - KF4VLQ, Tom - WB3AKD, Dave - KE4S, Denny - KF4TJI, Carol - KF4TJJ, Buddy - K4CJB, Carol - KI4BAA and Dave - K4ARP
Sunset over Ole Sleepy Leesburg It was going to be a nice operation with a clear sky and temperatures in the fifties
	The Operational Brief We gathered in the basement of the Leesburg Town Government Center to prepare for the operation. We received a practical operating brief about our duties and procedures from Tom Dawson - WB3AKD and then we picked out the sites we would man. By 1715 hours all was ready and we grabbed a little to eat before moving out.
So, What Do We Do ? Curt Reber - KI4FWB and others listen closely as Tom - WB3AKD explains our role. We assist the other volunteers in handling the crowds, answering questions about places, shows, and times, relaying message requests to the volunteer center for more tickets, programs, or money, or where is their relief. At about 15-minutes into each show we do a head count and relay it to headquarters. And, of course, we are another set of eyes in case there might be public safety issues. And, we can take a break once in a while for refreshments in the town center or to take in a show.
	Buddy Brewer - K4CJB While Denny Boehler - KF4TJI looks on, Buddy - K4CJB does a last minute check of the show schedule before moving out.
Carol Boehler - KF4TJJ and Angi Garasic - KG4AVR Just one more !
	Dave Mullins - K4ARP and Buddy Brewer - K4CJB Chat before moving out.
K4LRG - NCS By Jacob Dawson - KF4VLQ Jacob - KF4VLQ was the Net Control Operator for K4LRG throughout the night. He operated a dual-band 12-volt dc deep-cycle battery-powered 2M/440 mobile rig with a mobile whip antenna with a + shift and a 103.7Hz PL on the 443.225 MHz WB3AKD/R Portable Repeater which was located on top of the Leesburg Parking Garage. Jacob took notes of the event on his laptop computer between games. This set up proved very reliable throughout the entire operation. Everyone was equipped with handheld 2/440 transceivers with headsets and microphones that allowed all to operate in pubic and show places without disrupting on-going activities.
. The Loudoun Border Guard Signals The Start !
. *The 'Animal Ambassadors' in the Loudoun County Government Center always had standing room only.*
	A Big Line Forms For The Next Animal Show At The Loudoun County Government Center
At 10 PM, Jon Mark Power, with music and song from appalachian, celtic and original traditions on guitar, mandolin and pennywhistle, took over for the Animal Show but the kids had gone on to funnier things.	.
	The Blues Works with Paul Watson and Judy Luis-Watson sang and played a wide range of blues from string band to New Orleans swamp boogie on harmonica, piano and mandolin. They packed the Supervisor's Board Room every time.
. The Dluehosh's of Leesburg - Nancy - KE4RTP and Paul - N4PD
Weavers and Spinners set up shop in the Loudoun County Government Center lobby Marilyn Harrington and Pat Kalitka of the Waterford Weavers Guild demonstrated various forms of traditional hand-spinning.	.
. *The 'Sounds of Loudoun' - a Purcellville Variety Band - Played Through The Night at the Tally Ho Theater*
. Paul Dluehosh - N4PD and Norm Styer - AI2C Nancy insisted that we take and post this rare photograph of Norm.
.	Dave Putman - KE4S and Tom Garasic - NA4MA Volunteers could catch a good meal throughout the evening.
Bill Frisbie - W3EMH - Assistant EC, Loudoun ARES - and Elena Frisbie - KD4DEI of Sterling
	Close Station - March Order By 2315 hours, the last head count had been made and the OutStations were released from the 18 performance sites. It was a smooth operation. Everyone worked well together. At 2340 hours the repeater was closed and we prepared to depart. By 2350 hours the NCS and Repeater equipment was loaded and all were 'Close Station - March Order.
The Ole' Laurel Brigade As we depart, the streets are empty.
. The Little Holiday People Run Free in Sleepy Ole Leesburg

Happy New Year 2005
To All !!!!!

Norm Styer - AI2C. Photograph by Norm Styer - AI2C of Clarkes Gap, Virginia.

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