General Business Meeting May 8, 2026

Call to order
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of silence
Introduction of members
Mission Moment – Linda KQ4VGS shared why she became involved in ham radio. By reading several fiction books on disaster and the end of times, she wanted to be able to communicate with family and help with disaster. When she discussed getting into ham radio with her husband, Bill W4TIO Overstreet, he was interested as well, as he had been a radio dispatcher for the Blue Ridge Parkway. And now, with his limited vision, having a hobby he could participate in made it even more worthwhile. They are both having a great time with amateur radio, working on getting their Extra license, and participating in club activities.
- Marty K4EQS Rosendale will do the mission moment next month.

Doug N4MGW Kabler gave the summary of current financial status. The auction brought in $4522. Auction payouts were $2186.30. The profit was $2585.70.
Motion to accept as presented by Ben KK4EWT Williams, seconded by Marty K4EQS Rosendale. Approved as presented
Request was made to help with the 2025 audit. Two volunteers needed. It will be done on May 23^rd. Motion by Ben KK4EWT Williams, seconded by Dave that Doug and Pat N3AYW Lewis get together for the audit.

Past
- Auction went well. Lots of equipment for sale, everyone had a fun time.
Upcoming
- May 15-17 Dayton Hamvention. Ben KK4EWT Williams, Marty K4EQS Rosendale, Pat N3AYW Lewis, Dave Kinsey, FD Singleton, and maybe Brian Brindle will be going.
- Field Day June 27-28 at Lot 14, Virginia Western. There will be a VE session at 10:00 on Saturday. Marty will bring the Red Cross trailer and a generator. We will need band pass filters.
- August 1 Roanoke Hamfest—The venue will be at the Roanoke Fire and EMS training center at 802 River Avenue SE. Floyd & Terry will be the ticket sellers. Pat N4AYW Lewis will have a table outside. Still looking for other venders.

VE and education update (Ben Williams): 5 new hams in April in the NRV, and 4 tested in Roanoke.
W4CA website and social media (Linda): The website has a new page—the Trading Post, for listing radio equipment for sale, or wanted.
Next Meeting With Eating–Golden Corral, 1441 Town Square Blvd, Roanoke on May 9, 8:30 AM in the main room.
Marconi Project: Motivation to amateur radio clubs to open new initiatives.

Program meeting May 22, 2026, will be fox hunt antenna building. We will have kits of equipment that can be purchased that day, and we will make the antennas ourselves. Sign up with Ben KK4EWT Williams or Linda KQ4VGS Cheek.

2026 Program Meeting Topics.
- October 17-19 JOTA Dave will look into getting involved with the Blue Ridge Mountain Council. There can be 2 merit badge sessions. Also GoFest is the same weekend. Maybe we can organized both together.