President’s Letter for February 2023

I hope you all are enjoying the recent spring like weather. I know I have. I also know that everything costs something, so I won’t be surprised if the bill comes due in the form of actual winter weather. Just the same, I wouldn’t mind if our recent weather stays around for the rest of the season.

Speaking of spring like weather, now would be a good time while we still have “see through trees” to get out there and check those antennas. Better now (and easier) than when the foliage returns.

I was informed of the results from the June 2022 ARRL VHF contests after I had published the January President’s Letter.  So, even though this is a bit late, I want to congratulate two of our own, Gil, KM4OZH and Ron, K3FR. Both Gil and Ron took Virginia first place for their respective categories.

Way to go, guys!

Ron is getting a bit more famous in his own right.  He and one of his homebrew antennas got some ink on page 24 of the January-February 2023 National Contest Journal.

Ron, K3FR homebrew antenna
Ron, K3FR homebrew antenna

The article had a caption accompanying picture which got a little bit wrong, but the article is still noteworthy. Ron was actually on his five element Yagi when he worked W3XTT with QRP. Ron tells me the antenna in the picture is only used for foxhunting. Finally the stated score is actually from his raw score from 2021. Just the same, he certainly is a good contester. Good job Ron!

 

A reminder that February 15th  we are having our 2nd OVH Tailgate Party (in lieu of Hamfest) planning dinner @ 6:30 PM @:
Sam & Joe’s Pizza
9784 Center St
Manassas, VA

 

Next up is the 2023 PVARC Mini Ham Fest – HAMFEST/CONVENTION.
The Ole Virginia Hams has a table there and we will be handing out flyers for our June Tailgate Party.
The Mini Ham Fest takes place on February 18th 2023 & is held at:

VFW Post 9292, Elkton
13958 Spotswood Trail
Elkton, VA 22827
https://sites.google.com/view/pvarc/home

And if you didn’t know, it is sponsored by the Page Valley Amateur Radio Club.

Also, if you are interested in going to Vienna WinterFest; Vienna Wireless Society’s 47th WINTERFEST is on Sunday, March 19th, 2023 for a traditional Hamfest. OVH has been given a table and a couple of tickets.

A personal ask, if I may: While OVH has a table at each to give out our Tailgate Party flyers, a table full of only flyers is not as exciting as it could be. If you have some gear you’d like to sell or books & magazines you’d like to sell or give away, please consider using our tables at these Hamfests. It would certainly help draw in attendees to our tables, and you might sell some stuff.  WIN – WIN.

If this sounds interesting, please contact our Tailgate Party Chairman Don, WA2SWX in advance. He can be reached at:    wa2swxdm@gmail.com

OVH’s involvement with the Tri-It-Now mini triathlons starts up again March 26th.  This year, as in the  past, the Tri-It-Now events will be supported by the W4OVH Ham Radio Club, who will help ensure the safety of all racers on the road course. The club’s volunteers will be stationed along the course to provide support, communicate any necessary information, and help keep the race running smoothly.

The first race of the season is the Tune Up Tri, taking place on March 26, 2023 in Manassas, VA.

With a lineup of events that offer a challenge for everyone, Tri-It-Now is the place to be for triathlon enthusiasts. For Ham Radio enthusiasts, it is the perfect start to become “radio active” and support the event in radio safety communications.  If you are interested in radio safety communications support, contact Andy Gamponia (andy@gamponia.com) and volunteer for a few hours on a Sunday morning to support this year’s Tri-It-Now mini-triathlons and you’re guaranteed a fun and exciting day at Tri-It-Now.

Our monthly breakfast returns this Saturday, February 18th  at 8:00 AM. Pioneered by Byron, AK4XR, we get together every Saturday before our meetings at a table or two in the back of Yorkshire Restaurant for some good food and good conversation.

Yorkshire Restaurant
7537 Centreville Rd.
Manassas, VA 20111
(703) 368-4905
Menu: https://www.yorkshirerestaurantmanassas.com/menu/

Of course the big thing is elections. That’s right, it’s time once again to decide who is going to sit at the front table. We have a full slate on the ballot this year. Gil, KM4OZH is on the ballot for Vice President, John, KG4NXT and Don, WA2SWX will be running again for their respective positions of Secretary and Treasurer; and I, asking for a 2nd year as club President.

Remember please that your dues need to be paid in order to vote in the elections and our new annual amount is $25.00 this year.

Dues can be renewed online at W4OVH.NET or using the mail-in sheet later in this Newsletter.

Important: Date change for our monthly meeting

Our next monthly meeting Monday, February 20th

This is a one off and we will return to our normal day on March 21st

W4OVH Monthly Meeting
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM EDT
Buckhall VFD Hall
7190 Yates Ford Road
Manassas, VA 20111

Gordon, NQ4K is going to present the VAQP at the Ole Virginia Ham this month. We look forward to that.

The 2023 Virginia QSO Party will be held during the weekend of 18-19 March 2023.
Saturday, 18 March, 1400 UTC – Sunday, 19 March, 0400 UTC and
Sunday, 19 March, 1200 UTC – 2400 UTC.

Last but not least, I’d like to like to give a big thank you to our outgoing VP, Tony, KM4KLB for his service in that position and for his many years of service to the club. He is not leaving the club, but his time is now needed for family. Tony’s time devoted to OVH club has been greatly appreciated by all. He has undertaken taken a number of ideas and run with them including Parking Control for both our first Tailgate Party & last year’s Hamfest. Additionally, Tony has developed a yearly schedule for our monthly meeting presentation schedules and brought them all to fruition. His attention to detail is well known among the club’s officer cadre. And just as important, he has been a technical resource for many of you. Thanks again Tony.

Also, a reminder to check in to the OVH’s Thursday night VHF/UHF repeater net at 8 PM.
The details for that are on the OVH’s web site: https://w4ovh.net

Questions, comments or war stories can be directed to my e-mail: KN4DD@arrl.net
73,
Ken, KN4DD

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