The chapter held its Christmas dinner at the in Roanoke, VA at the Roanoker Restaurant on December 17, 2003. Nine Old Dominion Chapter members and five guests were present.

Members

Bill Svec - WA4BKW
Gene Walter - W2CP
Bob Dixon - W8HGH
Riley Dudley - K4ORD
Stan Reas - K4UK
Phil Roark - K4WFO
Buddy Smith - W4YE
JJ Weigand - W4EIE
Larry McKinney - WA4FRH

Guests

Betty Walter
Janet Dixon
Peggy Riley
Sarah Smith
Tessie Weigand

President Bill Svec, WA4BKW opened the meeting at 7:05 PM and welcomed all who came out in this questionable weather. In the absence of Charlie Beckwith, K4BSF he called on Stan Reas, K4UK to read the minutes of the September 18, 2003 picnic meeting held at home of Stan in Moneta. The minutes were approved as read.

Stan also read the Treasurer's report, which shows a balance of $ 265.07. No one present knew the status of Club banner.

It was noted that our most senior member John Bush, W4FOD had passed away following an operation in Charlottesville, VA. It was quite unexpected because John was in good spirits concerning the operation. Bill Svec requested that we have a moment of silence honoring John.

Buddy Smith moved, seconded by Gene Walter that we send a $50.00 contribution in memory of John to the QCWA Scholarship fund. The motion passed and some money was collected for this contribution.

Buddy Smith advised that Jim Walsh was stepping down as QCWA General Manager. He will be replaced by W1IGD. Bill Svec suggested that Charlie Beckwith write a letter to Jim Walsh expressing the Chapter's thanks for his service over the years.

It was noted that JJ Weigand has a new call, W4EIE. Stan recounted the tale about JJ's contact with David, VK3DBD in Yackandandah, after which he asked Stan where in Canada this town was located. Stan told him it is in Australia, to which JJ expressed amazement because it was the first QSO he had had in his 31 years of hamming with an Aussie.

Bob Dixon suggested that for future operations of WW2DDM as a Special Event Station at the D-Day Memorial, he would be pleased to put the information out on the Packet Cluster.

Phil Roark told about his work with the local William Byrd Middle School Radio Club. They have the call sign K4WBM. Bill Svec also has worked with these students as well as with those at the William Byrd High School, whose call is WB4HS. They suggested that members be available during the "Kid's Day" on January 4, 2004 to communicate with these school stations. Operations are scheduled from 1 PM until 7 PM.

Bill Svec then appointed Buddy Smith as chairman of the nominating committee. Phil Roark and JJ Weigand volunteered to assist on this committee.

Bill Svec asked Bob Dixon to contact Golden Corral in Bedford for our next meeting tentatively set for the third week in January.

Check out the QCWA Chapter 202 Old Dominion Website: QCWA Chapter 202 Website

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM after which the normal "bull" session convened.

Respectfully submitted,

Stan Reas

Acting Secretary, Old Dominion Chapter # 202 - QCWA

Following the meeting Bill Svec presented his check for Life Membership in the Old Dominion Chapter.

A total of $25.00 was collected toward the contribution to the Scholarship fund in memory of John Bush.