Niantic Bay Trialthlon, Assistance Requested, August 8, 2021

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

Communicators are needed.  Several checkpoints need to be covered.

The 2021 [Niantic Bay Triathlon] (NBT) is scheduled for Sunday, August 8.  Report time at the Region 4 MCU, which will be located in the lower parking lot of McCook Park in Niantic (Columbus Ave. and Atlantic St.) is between 0615 and 0645. The swim portion of the NBT starts at 0700 from the Hole in the Wall beach. The bike and run courses are the same as the 2019 NBT.

If you never participated before please know that this event starts early and ends before noon. You will be sent a Comm Plan that includes a map of where the checkpoints are, and a table with the street intersection information. Before the event we ask that you visit the location of your checkpoint to get familiar with the setting, and where you will park your vehicle. We do not direct traffic, we are emergency communications for those that  want a ride back, need bike repair, are hurt, or any other incident. More information will be sent before the event date. 

Please include your cell and home phone numbers for the COMM Plan even if you have sent them for previous events.  Include your T-Shirt size as well.

 
If you are available please send an email to:  TimKC1TWR@gmail.com
 
73,
Tim, KC1TWRTim Rodgers KC1TWR
CT ARES Region 4 DEC
Email: TimKC1TWR@gmail.com
Cell and Text: 860-460-7360

Franklin County (MA) ARC Seeks Volunteers for Triathlon Event, August 1, 2021

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

Communications Support for Aviation Festival, Skyhaven Airport, Rochester, NH, August 14, 2021

Mark Pride, K1RX, writes on the Port City ARC mailing list:
 
[I’m] tentatively looking to have an Aviation Festival at Skyhaven Airport, Rochester, NH, on Saturday, August 14 (10 AM to 4 PM) that requires some local communications support.  A few people inside the fence where various activities are planned including Discovery Flights sponsored by National Flight Simulator (from Manchester) and some parking lot maintenance as we have done in the past for other groups.  We are planning a police detail for the street side. Could I get some volunteers for this event?  Rain date is planned for Sunday, August 15.
 

Bike MS: Ride the Rhode Needs Volunteers for Communications, June 12, 2021

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

SKYWARN Classes Offered by NWS Grey, Maine, May 3, 2021

SKYWARN logoOn Apr 29, 2021, Steve Goldsmith, W1HS, wrote on the Twin State RC mailing list:

From the National Weather Service in Grey Maine:

Do you want to learn more about severe weather? If so, consider joining us on May 3, 2021 from 6 PM-7:15 PM for a virtual SKYWARN training class so that you can become an official storm spotter. There is no cost and your help could protect lives! To register visit:

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5272367576402470155?fbclid=IwAR3MMePqQbm5nSRYZHrrEPsaE6X3orjRblqoeuI12EP_ZXKfvGfaooahVcc

 

NWS Gray SKYWARN Official Supporter Program

Grey SKYWARN logoTim 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.

2021 National Weather Service Boston Virtual SKYWARN Training Sessions Announced

SKYWARN logoDue to COVID-19 concerns, SKYWARN Training classes will again be held virtually in 2021. SKYWARN Training sessions will occur on three weeknights and two weekends in April and May. The weeknight sessions will be taught by NWS forecasters and the weekend sessions taught by Amateur Radio operators.

[Full story]

KD1CY: “Interesting Stories about Ham Radio & Weather Spotting” on ARRL Learning Network, February 11, 2021

Rob Macedo, KD1CY photoEastern MA Section Emergency Coordinator and ARES SKYWARN Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY, will present on “Interesting Stories about Ham Radio & Weather Spotting” on the ARRL Learning Network on Tuesday, February 11, 2021 at 8 PM EST (0100 UTC on Friday, February 12). To register, visit <https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1360666941733861134>.

“One of the most critical ways amateur radio supports agencies such as the National Weather Service (NWS), National Hurricane Center (NHC), and emergency management is through weather spotting via the NWS SKYWARN program. This presentation reviews some interesting stories about how amateurs involved in SKYWARN have saved lives and property and why this is an important amateur radio activity.”

SKYWARN Recognition Day 2020 – Making Adjustments for COVID-19

image of tornado on doppler radarFrom The ARES Letter, November 18, 2020:

Each year, SKYWARN Recognition Day is the day where radio amateurs celebrate the long relationship between the amateur radio community and the National Weather Service SKYWARN™ program. The purpose of the event is to recognize amateur radio operators for the vital public service they perform during times of severe weather and to strengthen the bond between radio amateurs and their local National Weather Service office. The event is co-sponsored by ARRL and the National Weather Service.

Normally radio amateurs participate from home stations and from stations at National Weather Service (NWS) forecast offices, and the goal is to make contact with as many NWS forecast offices as possible during the event. However, this year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, participation from NWS forecast offices will be minimal at best. So, the focus will shift to contacting as many SKYWARN™ trained spotters as possible during the event. New for this year, SKYWARN™ Recognition Day will be open to all SKYWARN Spotters.

Additionally, a SKYWARN™ Recognition Day Facebook page has been created and will host a variety of live and recorded segments throughout the day. All SKYWARN™ Spotters who wish to participate may sign up for a SKYWARN™ Recognition Day number by completing the form found on the SKYWARN™ Recognition Day 2020 website. During the event, amateur radio operators are encouraged to exchange their name, location, SRD number, and current weather conditions with other participating stations.

See the event website for the full operating guidelines. Additionally, all SKYWARN™ Spotters will be encouraged to participate by sending weather reports, images and attending various live stream events via social media. SKYWARN™ Recognition Day 2020 will be held from 0000 UTC to 2400 UTC December 5. To learn more, visit the SRD website.