President’s Letter for March 2024

Hello again, everyone. Welcome to what is shaping up to be a very wet March. In February we held our annual club officer elections during our monthly meeting. I’d like to thank everyone who participated. In a clean sweep, your entire officer cadre was reelected. John, KG4NXT; Don, WA2SWX; Gil, KM4OZH and I (Ken, KN4DD) were returned to our positions as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President and President, respectively, Also at our February meeting, Gordon, NQ4K, gave his presentation on the upcoming Virginia QSO party. His original presentation was over 133 slides long, but he graciously trimmed that down significantly to fit in his allotted time. And as usual, he was very well received. A big thank you to Gordon. Next, your annual dues, which are now $25, are due by … Read more >>

President’s Letter for February 2024

Hello, Everyone, After a wetter than normal January, we have been dealing with slightly above average temperatures during the first ten days of February. Those of you who know me, know that I am not a fan of the “s” word (snow). So, I look at the recent rain and think “at least it’s not snow”. Still thinking of winter, I am reminded of the great American philosopher, Yogi Berra, who once said “it ain’t over, till it’s over”.  He was talking about winter, wasn’t he? 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. Our monthly breakfast returns this Saturday, February 17th  at … Read more >>

President’s Letter for January 2024

Happy New Year to All, A quick reminder: Because of the MLK holiday, this month’s meeting will be on WEDNESDAY, January 17th, and NOT Tuesday. If you took part in the annual ARRL Straight Key Night (SKN) on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, congratulations. I think we had a pretty good year last year.  In 2023, the OVH supported: 5 Tri-It-Now mini triathlons • A return to the OVH Tailgate Party (in lieu of Hamfest) • Another successful Field Day – This time with Cat, KM4PBD, in her inaugural sitting in the Chairwoman’s chair. And a fine inaugural event she produced, too. • Our annual support of The Freedom 5K and 1-mile Fun Run. • The OVH fielded 28 spotters for the 2023 Warrior Bike Ride, this year … Read more >>

President’s Letter for December 2023

Greetings to All, As 2023 winds down, it is customary to review where we have been this year. With the pandemic in our rear view mirrors for over two years now, we continue our return to normalcy. The Ole Virginia Hams participated in, and oversaw the final season of the Tri It Now mini triathlons. We wish Ina Nenninger, owner & organizer, a happy retirement. Don, WA2SWX, and his team oversaw another successful Tailgate Party. He is also currently planning the 2024 Tailgate Party. It will be his last this time, as his house on the water is ready for his well-deserved retirement. He says he will be leaving us before January 2025, possibly as early as this summer. Cat, KM4PBD, took the helm for her inaugural run as Field … Read more >>

2023 Turkey Trot

  On Thanksgiving morning, OVH did communications support for the 5k portion of the Prince William Turkey Trot (5k) & Mashed Potato Mile.  Their motto:  Trot, Eat, Sleep. It was a near perfect morning for a couple of foot races. Perhaps a bit cool and breezy with 44° temperatures at 8 AM, but it was still sunny, fair and clear. In short, excellent weather. It also may have been a PWC (Prince William County) record, attendance wise.  We had over 1,400 runners that day. The race itself went off without incident, I’m happy to report. It started @ 8:30 AM & was over for us by 9:15 AM. Much like Halloween, many participants were in costume. We had a few cowboys. We had some children in Princess garb. We had … Read more >>

President’s Letter for November, 2023

Greetings to All, On November 4th, the Ole Virginia Hams held a VE Session at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Clifton Campus. We had 7 candidates in total, 8 tests given as one gentleman took both the General Exam as well as his Extra. I am pleased to report that we had 6 new licenses or upgrades. I’d like to thank Lord of Life Church for once again allowing us space for our VE Sessions. The VEs who attended were:  Al, KB4BHB; John, KG4NXT; Jay, NQ4T; David, KY4MM; Byron, AK4XR and yours truly, Ken, KN4DD. Speaking of VE Sessions, John has been our Coordinator for years now, and has been wanting to take a break. I am pleased to announce that Mark, WA4KFZ, will be taking over that position … Read more >>

President’s Letter for October, 2023

Hello All, Fall-like weather …. finally! September came in like a (temperature) lion, and then took its own sweet time moderating. But here we are in October, and we are once again with seasonal temperatures. While not a fan of the “s” word (snow), I am looking forward to the cooler seasons and the smaller electric bills. However, I am not yet thinking of the upcoming gas bills. Heavy sigh. Earlier this year, I was once again invited to be part of the 2023 Warrior Bike Ride Executive Planning Committee. This year’s kickoff meeting was back on February 1st. A tremendous amount of planning, work & three county coordination went into a one-day event. It is always a privilege and a pleasure to work with men & women who are … Read more >>

President’s Letter for September, 2023

Greetings Everyone, Once again, it’s half past September. After a short cool period last month, September heat came roaring back with a vengeance. Depending where you were in the greater Washington DC area, you experienced three to five days of back to back record-breaking heat paired with less than normal rainfall so far. The good news, if you will allow me, Hurricane Season (which ends December 1st) has been mild for the US this year, with only one storm hitting the mainland so far. And as always, I hope for a mild winter. Our flurry of activities is winding down too. Off of the top of my head, we have the last Tri-It-Now event in October, the Manassas Christmas parade on December 2nd and our annual OVH Christmas Party left … Read more >>