Public Service

Tim Rodgers, KC1TWR, writes on the RASON and TriCityARC mailing lists:

For those available Sunday August 8th late morning and early afternoon who would like to help ECARA out with the VJ Parade on Moosup. 

From ema.arrl.org:

Volunteer registration has been open for the Marathon since Wednesday June 16, 2021 at 10:00 AM and the Amateur Radio volunteer registration deadline has been extended to Friday July 30th, 2021 at 500 PM EDT.  The race itself is taking place on Monday, October 11, 2021.

For Returning Volunteers:
The BAA sends out an email which provides you with a direct link once registration is open. This email will also include your loyalty number, which is required for sign up. New for this year is that returning volunteers will need to setup an account via the BAA Athlete’s Village.

For New Volunteers:
If you haven’t previously volunteered, or have a friend who would like to volunteer, please go directly to the Volunteer Registration page and follow the instructions for new volunteers which will include setup of an account via the BAA Athlete’s Village.

Don’t delay! Volunteer registration has been extended and closes on Friday July 30th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Help us get the word out by forwarding this message to your club and other amateur radio operators who wish to volunteer. Most volunteers first learn about the event through word of mouth. If you know new licensees who might like to join us, please make sure to let them know about it. Even just a quick mention at your club meeting can be a big help.

We look forward to seeing everyone again soon.

Thank you, and 73,
Boston Marathon Communications Committee
contact@hamradioboston.org

Tim Rodgers KC1TWR, writes on the Radio Amateur Society of Norwich (CT) mailing list:

Communicators are needed.  Several checkpoints need to be covered.

Dick Merriott, N1RCM, writes:

Franklin County (FCARC) is looking for some volunteers. Are you able to help?: The FCARC is seeking volunteers to provide course communications for the upcoming 2021 Triathlon being held Sunday August 1 at the Greenfield Swimming Pool. If you have some spare time and a mobile radio to reach the KB1BSS repeater, your assistance would be greatly appreciated by the Greenfield Parks and Recreation Department, Triathlon participants and FCARC.

Please respond back to me ASAP and let me know either YES or NO regarding your decision so we can plan appropriately. Volunteers will be receiving more detailed information from me shortly.

Thank you,

Dick Merriott N1RCM
rcmpilot@comcast.net

The Boston Marathon Amateur Radio Communication Committee writes:

Volunteer registration for the 125th running of the Boston Marathon on Monday October 11th, 2021 will open on Wednesday June 16th 2021 at 1000 AM EDT.  Additional information can be seen on the hamradioboston.org web site at the following link:

Boston Marathon Volunteer Registration Date Announcement

Paul Silverzweig, W1PJS, writes:

Please let me know if you are interested in supporting communications for the Multiple Sclerosis cycling event with start and finish at the [University of Rhode Island] main campus on Saturday June 12. We could use some mobile SAG volunteers as well as some for rest stops. This event is similar to the Diabetes event with several cycling courses. I’ll get you more info if you are interested.

Paul Silverzweig, W1PJS
RI Section Emergency Coordinator

Tim Watson, KB1HNZ, writes:

Introducing the NWS Gray SKYWARN Official Supporter Program

During our presentation for the Maine Virtual Hamfest last month, we mentioned the creation of a new program to encourage greater participation in SKYWARN. I’d like to personally invite your organization to consider becoming an Official Supporter of the NWS Gray SKYWARN Amateur Radio Team.

Due to the enormous size of the Weather Forecast Area that NWS Gray is responsible for, which includes most of western and southern Maine and the entire state of New Hampshire, the task of covering it for SKYWARN is challenging. The only way we can effectively cover all of it is to lean on the support of local nets spread out across the entire area. That’s where the Official Supporter program comes in.

Many hams are naturally weather enthusiasts and you may already know a few who are, but an interest in weather isn’t necessary to take part. When hams put their radio skills to use by volunteering as a SKYWARN radio operator, they practice one of the most important ways they can apply those communications skills. SKYWARN traffic occurs real time, during ongoing weather events, and forecasters use the information exchanged to create, update, and validate warnings, which can save lives.

Being part of the NWS Gray SKYWARN Amateur Radio Team is a meaningful way to experience the hobby while making a positive impact on our community.

As an Official Supporter, we recognize that your organization will embrace SKYWARN as a way to enhance the amateur radio experience, use it as a real-time training and preparedness tool to sharpen Emergency Communications skills, and to provide a vital service. 

Here’s how you can help:

Criteria to earn Official Supporter status:

• Commit at least one (1) liaison to SKYWARN, and one (1) local Net Control operator (this can be the same person or different people within your organization.
• Activate local nets as needed or as requested by NWS throughout the year.
• Participate in regional drills and exercises throughout the year.
• Maintain a list of trained SKYWARN Spotter ham radio operators within your organization.
• Assist in hosting SKYWARN Spotter training in your area.
• Actively support and promote the SKYWARN program within your organization and community.

What you’ll receive:

• Guidance from NWS Gray SKYWARN leadership and support materials.
• Access to the SKYWARN net reporting form.
• Certificates and recognition for your team’s efforts throughout the year.
• Official SKYWARN swag.
• A special logo representing your team’s status as an Official NWS Gray SKYWARN Supporter.
• Your organization will be listed on the NWS Gray SKYWARN website and in future press releases as an Official Supporter.