The chapter held a breakfast meeting in Lynchburg, Virginia on April 17, 2004 at the Bob Evans Farm Restaurant. Ten Old Dominion Chapter 202 members and eight guests were present. They were:

Members

Larry Bouchard - N2BUB
Bob Dixon - W8HGH
Riley Dudley - K4ORD
Harlan Miller - K1TT
Stan Reas - K4UK
Larry Stanecker - WA2OLP
Buddy Smith - W4YE
Bill Svec - WA4BKW
Gene Walter - W2CP
Charlie Beckwith - K4BSF

Guests

Barbara Beckwith
Lynn Bouchard
Nancy Miller
Carolyn Reas
Sarah Smith
Stan Stancer - K4UEK
Arlette Stanecker - KB2HBN
Betty Walter

President Bill Svec, WA4BKW opened the meeting at 09:30 AM and welcomed the members and guests. President Bill thanked Bob Dixon, W8HGH, for making the meeting arrangements then called on Charlie Beckwith, K4BSF, to present the Treasurer's report, which shows a balance of $440.07.

Bob, W8HGH, introduced his guest, Stan Stancer, K4UEK, from Bedford, Virginia.

President Bill spoke of the loss of Leland W. Smith, W5KL, President emeritus of the Quarter Century Wireless Association, and of his close association with our Chapter.

Leland W. Smith, Jr. (Buddy), W4YE, son of Leland W. Smith, W5KL, President Emeritus of the Quarter century Wireless Association, Inc. spoke of his father and his love for and his contribution to the Amateur Radio Service. Buddy expressed his desire to preserve his father's W5KL call in some way connected with QCWA as a memorial. Charlie, K4BSF, interrupted to frame a motion that the Chapter begin the process to obtain W5KL as a club call with Buddy spearheading the effort. The motion was seconded by Riley Dudley, K4ORD and carried unanimously by the Chapter.

Buddy continued his talk in which he thanked the Chapter for honoring Leland, Sr. with a donation to the Memorial Scholarship Fund in his name. The secretary then read a thank you note from Buddy in regard to the Chapter's donation.

The secretary reported on the difficulty in getting a Chapter banner. The QCWA National source has dried up and the General Manager has returned the Chapter's check. The QCWA National office is searching for a new supplier. In the interim, Buddy, W4YE, will contact the Vic Clark Chapter to see if we can borrow their banner to use as a pattern for a local Bedford, Virginia shop to make a banner. If this proves out perhaps the Bedford Shop can supply the QCWA National needs also. The Secretary/Treasurer is to contact the new General Manager to determine if National has made progress in finding a supplier.

The Chapter Discussed the D-Day Memorial Special Event commemorating the 60th anniversary of D-Day coming up in June. Bob, W8HGH, is polishing up his packet cluster operation and Stan, K4UK, says the event may have to be held off site since security may be tight on this 60th anniversary. Bob, W8HGH, suggested we do some PR with the Memorial Staff to inform them of the Chapter's value to the Memorial.

President Bill proposed that Stan, K4UK, produce suitable certificates to present to the Chapter Life Members of which we now have five.

President Bill reiterated an earlier suggestion that we attempt to locate local amateur radio operator students to propose for scholarships. Four local schools now have Amateur Radio Clubs and may have candidates.

Buddy, W4YE, announced the slate of nominee for the current year's officers. The committee recommended retaining the present officers. The Secretary/Treasurer, Charlie K4BSF, declined to continue in the office. A search is being conducted for a suitable candidate.

Buddy, W4YE, announced that he has equipment from the estate of W5KL for sale.

Stan, K4UK, gave an interesting presentation on the Rockmite QRP transceiver. Stan has built and operates the Rockmite and is enthusiastic about the critter. He brought a unit built in a tobacco tin supplied by one of his British friends. He also exhibited an audio filter similarly miniaturized as a companion to the Rockmite. All in attendance were interested and examined the units. Visitor Stan Stancer, K4UEK, (confusing?) also brought a Rockmite unit which he had built in an Altoids can for display to the Chapter.

Stan, K4UK, announced the Mid-Atlantic QSO Party which will be held on the Mother's Day weekend. Seven middle Atlantic states are involved in this QSO party.

Stan Stancer, K4UEK, affiliated with the Old Dominion Chapter 202 at the meeting.

Secretary/Treasurer Charlie reminded the Chapter of the QCWA Alaska Cruise. Information is on the National web site.

The Chapter declined to operate a station from the D-Day Memorial in observance of Military Appreciation Month on May 29 citing short planning time. Perhaps next year.

President Bill asked Bob, W8HGH, to arrange for a May 22nd meeting in Bedford at the Golden Corral.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Charlie - K4BSF

Secretary/Treasurer