W4CA

Roanoke Valley Amateur Radio Club (RVARC) is dedicated to the advancement of amateur radio, serving Southwest Virginia, since 1932

General Business Meeting October 9, 2026

  1. Open the Meeting
  • Call to order
  • Pledge of Allegiance
  • Moment of silence
  • Introduction of members

  1. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
  • Minutes from the Sept 2026 meeting were approved   Ben Williams KK4EWT moved to accept, Bill Overstreet W4TIO seconded.

  1. Treasurer’s Report
  • Doug Kabler N4MGW gave the summary of current financial status. Balance on Sept 30 was 13,090.44. 
  • Motion to accept as presented by Linda Cheek KQ4VGS, seconded by Ben Williams KK4EWT. Approved as presented
  • A power supply is needed for our repeater, 1500 watt UPS. FD recommends one for $239 on Amazon.  Motion by Ben KK4EWT to purchase 2, so we have one for the other repeater as well, or a standby. And budget $800 for cost if needed.  Second by Linda  KQ4VGS. Robert KN4HAI volunteered to help with repeaters.

  1. Event Reports
  • Past:
    • Sept 13 Blue Ridge Bonanza:  Tom had a great time. The log will be reported after we finish GoFest.
    • Floyd Emergency Preparedness Summit: Lots of people appreciated our trailer and participation.  Made contacts with HF. We learned that we should always carry a roll of duct tape.

  •  Upcoming
    • October 10, POTA with AA4SS and W6ING at Fishburn Park in Roanoke.
    • Gofest:  October 16-18. Follow the block on the home page to sign up for a time. We need 2 hams at 2 locations, so a lot of volunteers are needed. Please communicate with Linda KQ4VGS on when you can serve. We will be demonstrating radios and explaining emergency preparedness. We have a great location at Elmwood Park
    • JOTA (Jamboree on the Air with Scouts):  10-3 on Oct 17 at Explorer Park and Elmwood Park. Ben KK4EWT and Dave Shelton K4DNS will man the station at Explorer Park and Avery Gibbs will start the day at Elmwood Park.
    • Nov 8, Mill Mountain   Doug will make the reservation when Tom sends the information
    • Nov 21 Raleigh Court Christmas Parade: Frank is lead.  Need 4-5 volunteers with handhelds.  Sometimes there is a crossband.  Volunteers needed from 10-12 or 12:30. 
    • Dec 18, 6:00PM Christmas Party Mama Maria’s
    • Hamfest: Vote for Hamfest to be on July 31, 2027  Motion by Kathy K4NIT, seconded by Bill W4TIO. Date was approved.

  1. Updates
  • VE: Session: next Sunday in Roanoke.  No one for SW Va.
    Education: There was a contact from Virginia Western for students who want to get their license.  Ben working on training schedule by zoom or live.
  • W4CA website and social media (Linda): Reminder of the new method for digital paying of memberships, joining the club, and donations on the website. Linda will pass on the information for new registrants to Doug and Marty.
    Remember The Trading Post, for listing radio equipment for sale, or wanted. 
  • Newsletter: Need President’s message.  Any other contributions.
  • Next Meeting With Eating–Golden Corral, 1441 Town Square Blvd, Roanoke on Oct 10, 8:30 AM in the main room. Bring family and friends for socialization.

  1. Current Business
  • ARC Radio Room Update: Need a new computer. FM & Pat know about the equipment in the radio room.   Marty suggests we use the $200 we donate to ARC to replace the computer with an N100 or N150. Due to his connection with ARC, he recuses himself from the vote, and it is led by Ben. Bill makes motion for $300, Kathy seconded for a replacement computer.  Motion approved.

  1. New Business
  • Program meeting: Oct 23.  MeshCore and Mesh network in the Roanoke Valley with Lucas Reynard KR4OCW.
  • Mike Lugar is home. He needs his radio moved to where his bed is so he can get on the radio. Once he is settled, some hams will go there and get him set up.

  1. Open Discussion
  • Grant to ARRL for recruitment and retention: Reformulated the grant proposed last year for less money.

  1. Closing Remarks
  2. Adjournment
  • 50/50: Proceeds donated to the club
  • Meeting was adjourned.