The meeting was called to order by the President, Jim KU4C at 7:00 PM. All members present observed the Pledge of Allegiance. Everyone introduced themselves by name and call sign.

Randy KM4HFB recounted 2017 club presentations and the field day event. He encouraged members to volunteer for future presentations to be given at club meetings.

Warren W4SHS reported on membership. Five new members were voted into RVARC:
    William McGlynn K3WJM,
    Vincent Snell, KN4HNK,
    Alex Shrader KN4JBC,
    Walter Hilliard KN4JBB, and
    Cliff Scholl K4CAS.

Announcements

• Jim KU4C discussed the club's breakfast and lunch events, and mentioned the upcoming "Frostfest" hamfest in Richmond on February 3, 2018.
• Jim discussed the club Christmas dinner: 32 people attended.
• Warren W4SHS was named "Ham of the Year" and Jack KB4XF was named "Elmer of the Year" at the dinner.

Old Business

• A letter of thanks from the coordinator of the Marine Corps Marathon was read to the club.
• Megan N4MEG gave the treasurers report. A check was written to the Spotsylvania Sheriffs Dept. in support of the use of their facility for RVARC club meetings
• The minutes of last October and November meetings were read by Randy WB0RQF, corrected and approved.
• David N4WDC discussed 2017 events; there were 15 different events support by RVARC in 2017
• Discussion was made of the importance of club activities and their relations the emergency services preparedness.
• The Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Half Marathon and the Dahlgren Railroad 50K Run were turned over to the King George Radio Club for future coordination.
• A drawing to reward participation in club events was held next. Warren W4SHS won the HRO giveaway drawing.

New Business

• The RVARC 2018 officer elections were conducted by Barbara Moss KE4BVQ and Gary Moss KD4ITJ. The details of each position was described to all present. Election results:
  • President - Warren Lee W4SHS
  • First Vice President - Jim Steele NX4Q
  • Second Vice President - Bob Kenny AA2FD
  • Secretary - John Cross WB4TYS
  • Treasurer - Shari Kenny KM4JMD
  • Activities Coodinator - Randy Shrader KM4HFB
• Buck K4IA has donated many of his books to the club; David Garvin motioned that the club should give a plaque to Buck for his generosity. The club voted and passed the motion.
• Randy KM4HFB mentioned the upcoming Special Olympics Basketball tournament on March 3, 2018. A motion was made for the club to support the event, it was voted on and passed
• Some of the radio communication challenges associated with operating inside metal school buildings was discussed.
• David N4WDC motioned that the club waive the club dues for Josh W4MHQ due to his efforts maintaining the club website. The motion was put to the vote and passed.

Presentation

• Jim KU4C gave a short presentation that reviewed the 2017 Christmas party and club activities. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 pm.

Upcoming Events

• The Rappahannock Valley Amateur Radio Club will meet
• Richmond FrostFest - Saturday, February 3, 2018 - Richmond Raceway Complex