EMA ARES Winter Exercise 2/8/03 – Change
A revision to the 2/8/03 Exercise Plan has been announced by the EMA ARES leadership. See http://ares.ema.arrl.org/mod.php?mod=userpage&menu=310801&page_id=36 for the details.
Emergency Communications
Emergency communications and the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®)
ARES Net This Weekend!
Hello to all…
The monthly ARES Net will be held this Sunday 1/19 at 2000 (8pm) on the MMRA network, or after the weekly Youth Net secures. For information on the MMRA network, please press the “EMa ARES Overview” button, and click on the MMRA link within. Please press the “read more” button.Although this change has been announced previously, we wanted to remind you again of the change, particularly the new time. These changes were in response to comments made by many of you, and we hope you like the result. Additionally, our long time net control and congenial host, Bill, N1VUX, is not available at this new time slot. Please join me in thanking Bill for his long dedicated service to the ARES net. I will be Net Control (NC) for the next few months, while we establish a schedule of NC’s. Please consider NC’ing this net on a rotating basis with other volunteers in the months to come.
We are making some changes to the venerable net, and more in the near future. The monthly ARES Net purpose is to practice making an ARES call to volunteers during an emergency/exigency, and then receiving checkins of volunteering ARES members, and other interested hams. As in the real situation, we will ask hams to check in with call, name, location of station or location if mobile/portable, and power source, as we have before. And as with past practice, it is important that you allow pauses in your transmissions to allow priority break-ins, and the network to drop/refresh properly. In a real world situation, you would check in the MMRA network FIRST to relieve congestion on the area RACES repeaters, so this monthly net is practice for that as well. We are exploring the use of internet based protocols such as IRLP and Echolink, to expand our net to the entire section as soon as we can.
We are asking you to add one important new item to your checkin. Please indicate whether you have priority traffic to pass to the net control. In an actual exigency, priority traffic would be involve any important information that must be passed to net control and cannot wait for the completion of check-in’s or a roll call. The traffic could be a fresh incident report, a report of major damage, or a high priority agency request. In a real situation, you must use your best judgment on what is priority information, with net control then deciding how to handle your information and when to continue the checkin. In the real situation, you would receive important information in the net concerning the exigency, directions for mobilization (or standby information), and staging/rendezvous points when the mobilization begins.
Since there will not be this activity in the monthly net (unless we have an exercise), we will substitute other activities. Changes will be announced in the future, but for this month we will:
Run two or more rounds of check-ins
Make brief announcements
SEC’s monthly comments
Contributors comments. KC1US will be a regular contributor of brief PSE announcements with website references for details
Roundtable discussion. This month’s topic will be the February 8th exercise.
A procedural note. If the network experiences problems, we will ask you to shift to the next repeater west of your location to attempt to maintain contact. For example, if Quincy 146.67 would fail, shift to Quincy 224.4 or Weston 146.82. If Stoughton 146.715 would fail, shift to 446.725 or west to Marlboro 146.61, 449.925, 53.81 repeaters. Same procedure for those south using Shrewsbury and Hopkinton repeaters to move north.
I look forward to talking to you on the net. 73,
Michael P. Neilsen, W1MPN
Section Emergency Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts Section
Pager: 1-800-759-8888 PIN 1155084
Admin: w1mpn (symbol for at) arrl.net
978-562-5662 Primary/Voice Mail
978-389-0558 FAX/ EFax Voice Mail
EMa ARES Net Schedule Change
W1MPN writes:
EMa ARES has now shifted its monthly net to the third Sunday of every month, starting at 2000 (8pm) on the Minuteman Repeater Association linked repeater system following the weekly Youth Net.
73,
Michael P. Neilsen, W1MPN
Section Emergency Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts Section
Pager: 1-800-759-8888 PIN 1155084
Admin: w1mpn (symbol for at) arrl.net
978-562-5662 Primary/Voice Mail
978-389-0558 FAX/ EFax Voice Mail
Winter ARES Exercise Call for Players
***** Winter Exercise Scheduled for Saturday February, 8, 2003 *****
***** Announcing a Call for Players from the ARES community,
and from Clubs in the Section *****
***** Proposed Play for the Exercise *****
Happy New Year to all of you, and I hope that the year brings happiness and prosperity to you and your family.
The ARES leadership has scheduled a Winter Quarter exercise for Saturday February 8, 2003. The exercise will be an EOC to EOC emergency communications exercise using a similar approach as the November exercise, but implementing improvements suggested in critique sessions. We will also use a major winter storm scenario to add realism and purpose.Due to the time of the year, the field component prominent in the November SET will not be exercised. Additionally, the relatively quick follow on was in response to many of you who suggested doing a similar exercise as soon as possible.
ARES members, ARESMAT teams, Club Emergency response teams, town and city RACES officers, and individuals are invited to play in this exercise. Official RACES participation is not expected, but always welcome.
** Concept **
Teams and clubs are asked to set up a physical EOC and operators for the exercise. Ideally, several of these will be set up in each district. Due to the time of year, all exercise activities will be carried out in these locations. Obviously, EOC’s must be heated and lighted, and available for amateur use that day. Public Service Agencies are welcome to participate to any extent they wish. Please remember that most EMA personnel may not choose to participate because as it is a Saturday. They are, however, most welcome to participate if they so desire.
The exercise will consist of establishing contact with other EOC’s within and without your district, and then passing various traffic. Most traffic will be from simulated agency officials in each EOC, and some will consist of urgent traffic. We will “pick up” where we left off in November. Most importantly, we will strive to improve our ability to establish communications, set up effective net controls, and efficiently pass NTS traffic. We will implement many of the suggestions you forwarded such as revising the frequency plans with more local emphasis, setting up more planned activities during the day (i.e. “envelopes” or timed activities), and allowing use of some repeater assets. There was some discussion about adding more complexity and extending the exercise period, but no decision has been made as of yet.
** Schedule **
Please discuss participation with your clubs and interested individuals as soon as possible during the month. If you have any suggestions, please forward them as soon as you can. If you would like your DEC or me to answer questions at your meeting, please don’t hesitate to ask.
The DEC’s and I meet a week from Saturday on January 11 to finalize plans. An exercise plan will then be available about a week later. The district frequency plan will appear separately about a week before the exercise.
I will send an update shortly after the staff meeting on the 11th. Let’s work together toward a successful exercise!
s/Michael P. Neilsen
Michael P. Neilsen, W1MPN
Section Emergency Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts Section
Pager: 1-800-759-8888 PIN 1155084
Admin: w1mpn (symbol for at) arrl.net
978-562-5662 Primary/Voice Mail
978-389-0558 FAX/ EFax Voice Mail
New Domain Name for ARES EMa ARRL Site
I’m pleased to report that the League’s internet service provider, Interbridge.net, has agreed to assign a distinct subdomain name for the EMa ARRL ARES web site. Beginning today, this site can be accessed via the address,
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
In addition, the old address,
will continue to be supported.
Why did we implement this change? Because it more accurately describes the site from a hierarchical perspective.
73,
Phil Temples, K9HI
ARRL Section Manager,
Eastern Massachusetts Section
and “web host”
Monthly ARES Net Changing Day and Time
Starting next month in January 2003, the monthly ARES Net will change to the third Sunday of each month and will start earlier at 2000, right after the weekly Youth Net. We will also be implementing some changes to the format, but they will be announced by email prior to any changes taking place. W1MPN.
Request For Comments: ARES and NTS Cooperation
I wanted to share this Request For Information from the ARRL Volunteer Resources Committee, via Steve Ewald at ARRL Hq. VRC feels that more cooperation is needed between ARES and NTS programs. They are looking for input from Section Managers, Section Traffic Managers and Section Emergency Coordinators as to how this might occur.
Additionally, I invite comments from any ARES or NTS participants.
73,
Phil Temples, K9HI
ARRL Section Manager,
Eastern Massachusetts Section
k9hi@arrl.orgARRL Section Managers,
The ARRL Volunteer Resources Committee has asked me to forward this letter to you.
Thank you very much for your help.
73,
Steve, WV1X
sewald@arrl.org
_______________
Dear Section Managers,
It has never been more important for the volunteers in ARRL’s
emergency communications programs to serve with professionalism and
excellence. During the past year, the Volunteer Resources Committee
has been studying the ARRL’s programs related to emergency
communications (see Minute 35, Board of Directors meeting, January
2002, March QST, page 64). This review was undertaken not only because
of the growing concern for homeland security following September 11,
2001, but also because of the ongoing need to ensure that Amateur
Radio responds effectively to disasters unrelated to terrorism —
floods, hurricanes, forest fires, earthquakes, hazardous materials
incidents, etc.
Several inter-related themes have emerged during the study. One is
that Amateur Radio must earn and maintain increased credibility with
served agencies, both nationally and at the local level. Another is
that Amateur Radio emergency communications volunteers must be more
actively involved in a variety of training experiences throughout the
year. Finally, although ARES and NTS are (and will continue to be)
structurally separate in your Section Field Organizations, these two
volunteer programs need to work more cooperatively, functioning as
part of one coherent emergency communications program at the Section
level.
The VRC believes that both ARES and NTS are valuable programs, and so
we will propose no structural change at the Section Level. We are
convinced that more cooperation is needed, however.
Some Sections have achieved a high degree of functional integration
and cooperation between ARES and NTS. In other Sections, each may
operate as though the other did not exist. The VRC believes that close
cooperation between ARES and NTS, with mutual respect and pooling of
expertise, is the best way to serve agencies effectively and to earn
credibility as fully-skilled emergency communicators.
The VRC will recommend that leadership officials in both ARES and NTS
be strongly encouraged to achieve certification in the ARRL’s
Emergency Communications certification program. We will also recommend
that grass-roots volunteers be encouraged to pass at least the Level 1
certification. Along with the many other benefits of certification,
ARES and NTS operators will gain better understanding of and
appreciation for the value of both programs.
The VRC requests all Section Managers (in consultation with your SEC’s
and STM’s) and the three NTS Area Staff Chairmen to develop a vision
of how a closer working relationship can be effected between ARES and
NTS.
Input from all Section Managers is needed, because Sections are very
different from one another.
1. If your Section has already brought ARES and NTS together quite
well, please describe how it is done, what problems may have arisen,
and how the problems were resolved. Your success stories will provide
ideas to other Section Managers.
2. If your Section’s ARES and NTS are functionally separate now,
you are asked to work with your SEC and STM to develop a plan for
bringing them into closer cooperation. Please describe your thought
process: what do you see as the major issues to be considered, the
important problems to be solved, and the major goals to be achieved?
Please post comments as soon as possible on the SM reflector. ARRL HQ
Staff will see that your input is relayed to the VRC, so it can be
considered as we prepare our report to the Board.
Thank you for working with us toward the goal of serving our
communities and our country to the best of Amateur Radio’s capability.
73,
The VRC
Request For Comments: NTS and ARES Cooperation
Happy Thanksgiving, EMA traffic handlers!
I wanted to share this Request For Information from the ARRL Volunteer Resources Committee, via Steve Ewald at ARRL Hq. VRC feels that more cooperation is needed between NTS and ARES programs. They are looking for input from Section Managers, Section Traffic Managers and Section Emergency Coordinators as to how this might occur.
Additionally, I invite comments from any NTS or ARES participants.
73,
Phil Temples, K9HI
ARRL Section Manager,
Eastern Massachusetts Section
ARRL Section Managers,
The ARRL Volunteer Resources Committee has asked me to forward this letter to you.
Thank you very much for your help.
73,
Steve, WV1X
sewald@arrl.org
_______________
Dear Section Managers,
It has never been more important for the volunteers in ARRL’s
emergency communications programs to serve with professionalism and
excellence. During the past year, the Volunteer Resources Committee
has been studying the ARRL’s programs related to emergency
communications (see Minute 35, Board of Directors meeting, January
2002, March QST, page 64). This review was undertaken not only because
of the growing concern for homeland security following September 11,
2001, but also because of the ongoing need to ensure that Amateur
Radio responds effectively to disasters unrelated to terrorism —
floods, hurricanes, forest fires, earthquakes, hazardous materials
incidents, etc.
Several inter-related themes have emerged during the study. One is
that Amateur Radio must earn and maintain increased credibility with
served agencies, both nationally and at the local level. Another is
that Amateur Radio emergency communications volunteers must be more
actively involved in a variety of training experiences throughout the
year. Finally, although ARES and NTS are (and will continue to be)
structurally separate in your Section Field Organizations, these two
volunteer programs need to work more cooperatively, functioning as
part of one coherent emergency communications program at the Section
level.
The VRC believes that both ARES and NTS are valuable programs, and so
we will propose no structural change at the Section Level. We are
convinced that more cooperation is needed, however.
Some Sections have achieved a high degree of functional integration
and cooperation between ARES and NTS. In other Sections, each may
operate as though the other did not exist. The VRC believes that close
cooperation between ARES and NTS, with mutual respect and pooling of
expertise, is the best way to serve agencies effectively and to earn
credibility as fully-skilled emergency communicators.
The VRC will recommend that leadership officials in both ARES and NTS
be strongly encouraged to achieve certification in the ARRL’s
Emergency Communications certification program. We will also recommend
that grass-roots volunteers be encouraged to pass at least the Level 1
certification. Along with the many other benefits of certification,
ARES and NTS operators will gain better understanding of and
appreciation for the value of both programs.
The VRC requests all Section Managers (in consultation with your SEC’s
and STM’s) and the three NTS Area Staff Chairmen to develop a vision
of how a closer working relationship can be effected between ARES and
NTS.
Input from all Section Managers is needed, because Sections are very
different from one another.
1. If your Section has already brought ARES and NTS together quite
well, please describe how it is done, what problems may have arisen,
and how the problems were resolved. Your success stories will provide
ideas to other Section Managers.
2. If your Section’s ARES and NTS are functionally separate now,
you are asked to work with your SEC and STM to develop a plan for
bringing them into closer cooperation. Please describe your thought
process: what do you see as the major issues to be considered, the
important problems to be solved, and the major goals to be achieved?
Please post comments as soon as possible on the SM reflector. ARRL HQ
Staff will see that your input is relayed to the VRC, so it can be
considered as we prepare our report to the Board.
Thank you for working with us toward the goal of serving our
communities and our country to the best of Amateur Radio’s capability.
73,
The VRC
Cape Cod ARES After Action Report: EMA Simulated Emergency Test
The drill began for us at 10am. That was 1 hour later than the official start of the section SET. This was due to our operations plan having been completed before the Section plan was complete.
Cape Cod ARES dispatched 2 field teams. One was deployed to assist Sandwich Emergency Management office. The other was sent to the Lower Cape Regional Technical High School in Harwich MA…Communications were quickly established with K1PBO Cape cod ARES EOC and both teams via 2m FM simplex.
Communications were also quickly established via 40m NVIS on 7230khz (severe interference was observed from a slow scan TV Net on 7228kzh). NVIS signals were very strong even for such close range. Although CCARES has done this numerous times in our last 10 drills, the NVIS signals were the best we have encountered to date.
We attempted to initiate comms on 75m NVIS, but signals were very poor. It was certain that 40m would be the band of choice today. We were able to establish comms with our EC on Martha’s Vineyard Brad KB1QL on 40m. An attempt to establish communications with Region II on our liaison frequency of 147.465. Contact was unsuccessful.
Several NTS and tactical messages were exchanged between our field teams and CCARES EOC. We were able to fulfill envelope 1 by deploying team members to the Sandwich EM site. We were initially unable to successfully act on envelope #3 as a path had not been located.
Successful check-in was made to WC1MAB Region II anchoring the EMA/RI RACES Net on 7246khz. Signals were excellent.
An initial NTS message on current shelter status was sent to WC1MAB on 40m. We then learned that Region II had indeed heard us calling on the 2m liaison frequency (147.465)earlier. They could not get a sufficient signal back to us. Once a relay path was made, we were able to send an NTS message destined for W1MPN via 40m.
An NTS message was relayed to us from Central MA Red cross on the 40m Net(7246khz). We had contact with many stations on 40m NVIS(7230khz). Several RI EOCs checked in with us having super signals. Our local operations continued normally untill mid afternoon.
Participation of CCARES Members
Number of CCARES members participating in the Exercise: 12
WQ1O-Frank
WA1KCC-Jim
KB1EAJ-Ritchey
W1VZT-Ben
N1ZPO-Mark
W1PPY-Chris
W1RBF-%@!#%& (also Sandwich EM Director)
N1CP-Chris
WA1JSE-Paul
KC1KM-Jim
K1WCC-Henry
N1PIV-Trenor
Modes and bands Used in Exercise
2m FM
2m SSB
6m FM
6m SSB
40m NVIS
40m Normal deploy
Packet Radio 2m
Number of Messages Passed
NTS format – 15
Tactical Messages – 24
NTS using packet radio – 3
Number of off Cape Stations Worked
40m – 7 stations
Operational Objectives
Deploy field teams – Successful
Logistical Resupply(Food) – Partially successful
Conduct NVIS operations with other off Cape stations – Extremely successful
Conduct all mode operation between fied teams and EOC – Extremely successful
Establish Contact to Region II on Simplex 2m FM – Unsuccessful* (warrants further technical investigation as we were unable to hear WC1MAB on 2m, but they could hear us)(we also worked other stations further away than WC1MAB on 2m FM with no difficulty)
Provide relief operators at the field sites – Successful
Observations and Analysis of Operations
1. The goal of getting numerous stations to play in the EMa Section, WMa Section and RI was well represented. It was good to see all those call signs in there.
2. 40m was incredibly reliable for this exercise. It is interesting to note that CCARES has observed the situation in which communications with just one station using an NVIS antenna can do well even if the other station is using normal antenna configurations. We have observed this concept in 6 of our last 10 drills. When we were communicating with WC1MAB on 40m, we were using a normal dipole at 45 feet. Signals were good. As we approached the end of the 40m Net on 7246khz, I conducted a test with WC1MAB (W3EVE as NCS). We switched our antenna to our NVIS 40 meter dipole (6′ off the ground with a counterpoise wire 5% longer underneath). Steve reported a dramatic signal increase after the switch(thanks Steve!). This is a great demonstration of how NVIS can be used for significant advantage.
I also want to take this opportunity to note the professionalism in operations by the RACES Region station operators. Net operations were done very effectively. I want to thank Steve W3EVE and Bob WA1OEZ for helping WC1MAB anchor the net. Great Job to all. My thanks to WMa SEC Dennis Zonia and also the RI groups who participated. We are also very lucky to have Mike W1MPN as our SEC here in the east. My desire was to see people get in the field to operate. I used to believe for years that I was prepared for field ops. That belief was shaken to the core after CCARES began our series of field drills shortly after the 9-11 attacks. You never realize just how unprepared you are until your operation ceases because you failed to bring a 50 cent item. After that, you never forget that item again. During our May 18th drill, we had downpours all day long with strong winds. I learned more from that drill than any other to date. I never would have learned those lessons without going out and experiencing it. It was great to see all you guys “in action” today. You should all be proud of yourselves for doing a great job today! My thanks to all who put in time and hard work to make the exercise possible.
73s and Happy Holidays to all!
Respectfully Submitted,
Frank WQ1O
Cape Area ARES DEC
EMA SET Update
***** 2002 SET Update *****
*** Generic Exercise Plan Available ***
Greetings to all,
I’m pleased to report that good progress is being made toward the 2002 SET on Saturday November 9. A generic exercise plan is now available for you to view on the EMa ARES website, http://www.emaares.com/Drills/SET2002_1.html. It will give you and/or your club a good idea of what will be happening that day. Please note that play is district-by-district, so please look for your final district plan containing details of the players, schedule, and frequencies on our website, and check in with your DEC. You can still join a team if you haven’t already done so. We now have 6 teams, and more are forming. Interested clubs can still join in.
Please contact your DEC as soon as possible, or me if you need to. If you’re not sure what district you’re in, our website has a map and list to help you at http://www.emaares.com/districts.html. Come on and join the fun!
Look forward to working with you then! 73,
Michael P. Neilsen, W1MPN
Section Emergency Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts Section
Pager: 1-800-759-8888 PIN 1155084
Admin: w1mpn (symbol for at) arrl.net
978-562-5662 Primary/Voice Mail
978-389-0558 FAX/ EFax Voice Mail
EMA Emergency Communications Workshop Report
Mike Neilsen and the crew put on a great workshop this past weekend at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, MA. An article outlining the event is available at the Sturdy club’s web site… click the “eNews” button from the [SMHARC] home page, http://www.sturdyradioclub.org/.
Thanks to Mike and his staff for a great presentation!
73,
Jim Duarte – N1IV
Public Relations Manager
Sturdy Memorial Hospital ARC
EMA Simulated Emergency Test Nov. 9, 2002
Call for EMA 2002 SET Players
Please discuss with your Clubs
Subject: [mras_general] Call for EMA 2002 SET Players
Date: Fri, 27 Sep 2002 21:55:46 -0400
From: “Michael P. Neilsen, W1MPN”
To: “Mass RAS General”
Greetings to all…
I am pleased to announce the EMA section will hold the annual Section Emergency Test (SET) on Saturday November 9, 2002. As most of you know, the League requires at least one emergency communication exercise per year. These exercises may be accomplished on a local, district, and section level. Additional exercises can be held at any time by any of those leaders. For example, our Cape Cod and Islands District has already held 10 exercises just this year!
The theme this year will be functionality of mobile emergency communication teams, formed in each district in EMA. Our districts run roughly along county lines, headed by a DEC, but also can include important geographical areas like the North Shore (including Cape Ann), South Shore, Cape Cod and the Islands. Teams will be formed using ARES members, and teams that are already formed in clubs are invited to participate as well.
These teams will be tasked to solve a communications problem created by an emergency of some kind (we’ll decide that later) away from their base of operations. Once the problem is revealed, they’ll have to get out there, set up communications with emergency power (mobile only allowed on the way) and to use simplex on at least primary frequencies. We want these teams to pass traffic to their DEC and other teams in their district, as well as any other districts. Short haul HF will be requested by some teams using conventional HF and NVIS methods. Mode selection on VHF/UHF/HF will at the discretion of team leaders, as the goal is to successfully pass traffic from the problem site.
Please do a follow up with your DEC. Details are now just being worked out. Our website www.emaares.com will continually have more information, so please check it often. Please also join the Mass/RACES/ARES/SKYWARN General Yahoo group for messages, if you have not already done so, in order to receive any updates and information.
RACES involvement this year will be limited to participation by each Regional RACES Officer and State RACES comms, meaning Terry in Region 1, Tom [Kinahan, N1CPE] in the big bunker, and Bob Mims, Sr. [WA1OEZ]in the Bridgewater bunker. It is unlikely that individual towns will participate. We’re asking them to receive reports and to task at one of the teams in their region (through the DEC) to solve a problem similar to that described above. That problem will be known only to the RACES officer until SET day.
Tactical communication (ham to ham) will be allowed only for contact and coordination. All traffic passed to solve the problem requires record format using NTS. So if you’re a bit rusty on NTS or net procedures, please plan to attend one the NTS classes being offered this fall to be held in October and November. You might also consider joining us at the ARES Workshop to be held in Attleboro on 10/26, to review some of the field procedures. [See the Calendar listings in the latest newsletter or net report for full training listings.]
We think it will be very good practice for all, and a lot of fun. I hope you will join us. In the meantime, please discuss participating at your next club meeting next month. Please also consider participating as an ARES member in an ARES team. We are also looking for team leaders, so sing out! Please follow up with your EC or DEC for any additional questions you may have.
For your convenience, we’ve broken down the [EMA] club list by EMA ARES District [below on the district directory webpage].
EMA ARES Emergency Communication Workshop, October 26th
Eastern Massachusetts Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (ARES) will put on its Emergency Communication Workshop Saturday October 26th, 2002 from 9 AM-4 PM at the Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, Massachusetts. It will be held in the Sturdy Memorial Rice-Webb Auditorium which has an outside entrance from the rear parking lot behind the Emergency Room. The workshop is being hosted by the Sturdy Memorial Hospital Amateur Radio Club, its Emergency Communications Team and Sturdy Memorial Hospital working in conjunction with Eastern Massachusetts ARES. Amateur Operators from both Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island are welcome to attend this workshop.
This Emergency Communications Workshop will provide the background and information to serve Amateur Radio Operators when they need to respond to a communications emergency. It will feature an Introduction and Conclusion to Emergency Communications, and five 1-hour training sessions on topics including:
Introduction
Net Operations I (Tactical Message Handling for ARES/RACES/SKYWARN Nets)
Net Operations II
NTS Traffic Message Handling
Basic ICS
Go Kits
This training will also feature a 1 hour lunch that will be provided at no coerced cost to any Amateur who attends the session.
The presentations will be given by other Amateur Operators well versed in the topics listed above. The training will be a worthwhile endeavor not just for emergency communicators but for anyone who is an amateur radio operator, and wants to learn more about the hobby.
Preregistration is requested but is not required in case anyone would like to attend at the last minute. If you preregister, please try to do so by Monday October 21st, 2002 so that we can get an approximate head count. We will, however, accept any preregistrations after that day or any walk-ins as long as space permits.
Directions to the Sturdy Memorial Hospital as provided by the Sturdy Memorial Hospital Web Site: [Read if desired ]
From the Boston Area:
Route 95 south to Exit 5 (North Attleboro). Left and follow to lights on North Main Street (Route 152). Right on North Main and follow to traffic light/Park Street. Left onto Park Street (Route 118). Straight on Park to HOSPITAL.
From the Providence Area:
Route 95 north to Exit 3 (Attleboro). Right to South Avenue (Route 123). Left at second lights onto County Street (Route 123). Follow County to Park Street (Route 118). Straight on Park to HOSPITAL.
From Interstate 295:
Follow Route 295 north to Route 95 south to Exit 3 (Attleboro). Follow Providence area directions above.
From Interstate 495 (North or South):
Follow Interstate 495 to Exit 10 (Norton). Follow Route 123 west to Attleboro Center. Follow signs around island to Park Street (Route 118). Straight on Park to HOSPITAL.
From Rehoboth:
Take Route 118 north to Emory Street (one way intersection). Follow Emory to Brook Street. Left on Brook to Park Street (Route 118). Left on Park to HOSPITAL.
From Route 140 (North and South):
Turn onto Route 123 (Norton Center). Follow Route 123 west to Attleboro Center. Follow signs around island to Park Street (Route 118). Straight on Park to HOSPITAL.
From Seekonk:
Take Route 152 north to Attleboro Center. Right onto Park Street (Route 118). Follow Park straight to HOSPITAL.
Signs will be posted directing you to the Auditorium. Talk-in will be on the 147.195/147.795 PL: 100.0 Attleboro W1SMH Repeater.
For any additional information and to preregister for the workshop, please contact:
W1MPN/SEC, Mike Neilsen by email w1mpn@arrl.net
W3EVE/DEC-Training, Steve Schwarm by email w3eve@amsat.org
KD1CY/DEC-South-Shore, Rob Macedo by email rmacedo@rcn.com
or your local DEC
This training should be a worthwhile endeavor for anyone interested in learning more about emergency communications and amateur radio in general.
Announcement contributed by Rob, KD1CY
Michael P. Neilsen, W1MPN
Section Emergency Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts Section
Pager: 1-800-759-8888 PIN 1155084
Admin: w1mpn (symbol for at) arrl.net
978-562-5662 Primary/Voice Mail
978-389-0558 FAX/ EFax Voice Mail
NYC Recovery Retrospective
On the occasion that is the eve marking the anniversary of the most deadly
attack on our nation, September 11, 2001, I want to take a moment to
recognize the heroes in our community. Before I continue with that message,
however, I believe it is important that we not forget the death and
suffering of the victims and rescuers, and to recognize those of you reading
this message that have suffered the loss of friends and family one year ago
in NYC, or the Pentagon… Much has been said about the heroic efforts of professional public safety
personnel, individual citizens, and our public officials on that day. More
eloquent voices than mine have documented the monumental efforts of the
rescue crews, and the sacrifice and contribution of the thousands of
volunteers who helped with the recovery. I will not try to add to that
chorus.
I would, however, like to talk about some of those recovery volunteers;
Amateur Radio operators. They came from all over the nation, but
particularly from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. Most came from the
ARES community, but also individuals and teams from Amateur Radio clubs
participated. Subtle, but important support for their efforts was also
garnered from family and employers. We (EMA) proudly sent two teams of
volunteers to the New York City recovery area (a.k.a “ground zero”), after
it was certain that we would not be needed in our home community. It is my
distinct honor to acknowledge the efforts of our volunteers in that mutual
assistance team effort.
Within an hour after the attack, ARES volunteers and key club individuals
help activate every important repeater and network throughout EMA, as we
tried to ascertain if the attack was extended to Boston. Phone and cell
phone service was crippled at the time, but as we were to learn that
afternoon, from the public overwhelming it and not from battle damage.
Once the situation had clarified itself, the ARES DEC staff and other key
ARES members swung into action. We had assistance from several clubs,
including a complete Emergency Radio Team from the Boston Amateur Radio Club
(BARC). The situation was chaotic down there, and it took the better part
of two days to get it figured out. My able partner was in this early effort
was Paul Vanasse, W1PEV, of RI. Paul assumed “command” of the RI effort and
worked together with me to send a contingent of MA and RI hams to the area,
once the particulars of logistics and security could be worked out. We
shared information, intelligence, and honed our strategy until the winning
one was arrived at. Those of you, who know Paul, know that he is man of
energy and determination, as well as having a pleasant and positive
attitude.
On our end, I needed someone to lead our team to the area. He had to be an
ARES “professional”, and available. That was Steve Schwarm, W3EVE, thanks
in part to his employer, EMC, and his family. Steve has years of public
service experience as a ham, and has held various positions in the ARRL
field program. Steve also has experience working with such groups as his
church and the Boy Scouts, and has such understands how to motivate support
in clubs etc. Steve organized a superb team of experienced hams, including
such veterans as Middlesex DEC Ed, N1VSJ, and former Norfolk/Bristol DEC,
Lou, N1UEC. Lou brought his formidable technical talents to bear in the
face of what was originally characterized as “electronic hell” by the LI/NYC
SEC. I also had a most able logistic assistant, Bob Salow, WA1IDA, in
obtaining much needed safety supplies for our deploying volunteers.
It is just as important the note the dedication (“courage”) of the other DEC
’s to remain in our home area. All wanted to go, but they realized that
they might be needed to respond to any possible additional attack in our
home area. Since the attack occurred in the zenith of the hurricane season,
Rob, KD1CY, was needed to respond to any weather exigency. Since the most
vulnerable area to hurricanes is Cape Cod and the Islands, Frank’s WQ1O,
continued presence there was crucial. This was all happening just a few
days after the attack, and we did not know if Boston was next. That is why
it was important to have Bill, N1VUX in place in the city, and he also
worked tirelessly on the website keeping everyone informed.
Finally, I want to again thank those ARES members who went to the NYC area,
performing so well that I received several phone calls and emails praising
our effort. Your readiness, preparation, and dedication were amply evident
to those we served. We even had a complete team in reserve, ready to deploy
to the area for a period in the October timeframe, headed by Carl,N1FY.
Although they were ultimately not needed, their effort to get ready and
remain in standby is very noteworthy.
For those who have been ARES members for years, and those of you who have
just joined us, thanks for being there! My best to you and your family.
73.
Michael P. Neilsen, W1MPN
Section Emergency Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts Section
Pager: 1-800-759-8888 PIN 1155084
Admin: w1mpn (symbol for at) arrl.net
978-562-5662 Primary/Voice Mail
978-389-0558 FAX/ EFax Voice Mail
July/August EMA ARES newsletter
The July/August EMA ARES newsletter is posted to
http://www.emaares.com/Newsletters/Newsletter-Latest.html *July/August Headlines*
ARES at Boxoboro Convention 8/23-25
— No ARES Net 8/25
Homeland Security Grant Training Set to Start September 1
Hurricane Season * Cape Cod Drill #9, #10
Skywarn Training Session at MIT a success (2002-07-28) Skywarn
Activations — July 23rd Outbreak included a Tornado/Downburst NWS
Taunton Now Has WX1BOX Call-Sign to be Used in All Future NWS Ham Ops
* ARES News from ARRL Letter*
Homeland Security Grant Training Set to Start September 1
Bulletin listings of ARES/RACES Responses nationwide
* Every Month*
Calendar: PSE, Training, Drill
Website updates
Bridgewater Town of Selectmen Proclaim “MARA Day”
The Massasoit Amateur Radio Association was recognized by the Bridgewater Town of Selectman in a special proclamation on March 20. Noting the club’s “technical and communications expertise” to the emergency management department, police, and fire departments, they declared March 20, 2001 as “MARA Day.”
