Measurements necessary to combat the COVID 19 virus have had a large impact on our civilization. Both social and economic devastation has resulted from this cruel virus.

Additionally, we have lost one of our club founding members as Larry Filzen, WB4CGD, passed away last month. Larry has been ill for the last few years. His wife, Lydia, informed our club of his passing while announcing a possible memorial gathering at a later date. Please keep Larry, Lydia and their daughter Jenny in your thoughts and prayers.

Further sadness has visited upon us with the passing late last month of Jim Slezak, WD8JRL. Please keep Jim and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

OPARC canceled our March meeting but our Board of Directors remained busy and engaged with club business. Our QRP group examined several methods of continuing our activities as a special interest group with several phone, radio and ZOOM video meetings aimed at continuing our fellowship and involvement with our QRP activities.

Since the COVID 19 societal restrictions are continuing in force, it is necessary for us to use different means to accomplish our monthly meetings. The Board met via ZOOM on the evening of April 14 and conducted our second quarter Board meeting. The ZOOM experience was very positive and we have decided to try holding our monthly OPARC meeting using ZOOM. Scott Roberts, KK4ECR, has offered to host the ZOOM meeting. Members will be receiving an invitation from Scott with details and a link to the ZOOM session which will be our normal meeting night on Thursday, April 16 at 7:30 PM.

Please make every effort to participate in our OPARC ZOOM experience tomorrow.

73

Ted, K4YLX