a field organization of the National Association for Amateur Radio®
Amateur radio public service events
Rob Macedo, KD1CY, Eastern MA Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator and Director of Operations for the Voice Over IP Hurricane Net was featured in an interview this past week with ARRL Emergency Preparedness Manager Mike Corey, KI1U on the May 17, 2018 edition of ARRL Audio News. You can hear Rob and Mike at 5 minutes 30 seconds into the broadcast.
Christopher Winczewski, K1TAT writes on the Cape Ann ARA mailing list:
We are looking for operators to staff the YuKanRun Twin Lobster Half Marathon at Gloucester High School on Sunday, June 3 2018, Th event begins at 8:30 AM; be on Location by 8:00 AM.
Please let me know if you can staff a communications check-point for the event by Thursday, May 30th so I can plan staffing positions for the event.
Please let us know what type of equipment you plan to use. We need 50 watt mobile units. (i.e.: mobile; HT; ¼-wave mag mount; OEM rubber duck; etc.) so we have a better idea of where to locate you along the event course per the potential of your equipment.
The course will be open and supported for four hours. Runner safety is everyone’s top priority. Local EMT crews and ambulances will be available for three hours to help ensure everyone enjoys the day and remains safe.
YuKanRun has a one-mile warm up race at 8:00 that we will not be covering so if you see runners out you are not late. they have a short warm up for the Twin Lobster.
I will not be able To make this e doing the Emailing and setup but will not be able to make it on race day. We Will need net control for the Twin Lobster I will be out of the city that Weekend.
Chris, K1TAT
Continuing this year’s pattern of rainy foot races, Sunday April 29 challenged the 27th running of the Groton Road Race with threats of rain. That did not seem to affect participation much, however. Perhaps the runners were basking in the relative warmth compared to Marathon Monday.
The Groton Road Race is hosted by the Squannacook River Runners. NVARC has been providing radio communications for this event since its second year; this is our 26th “run”. The race committee and the Groton Police Department consider Amateur Radio to be a vital component of this event. This year thirty-six Amateur Radio operators turned out to provide the event communications. [Many police departments participate and they don’t all use common frequencies, so we’re the “glue” that holds the race together. Ed.]
A change introduced this year seems to have been met with appreciation. The race committee moved the start times of the 5k and 10k races 90 minutes earlier. According to Race Director Ryan McMeniman this was done to avoid interfering with kids’ afternoon activities. At least one of our radio operators confirmed that as soon as we were secured from race duty he was off to a soccer game. Groton Police Deputy Chief Jim Cullen noted also that as several main roads through town are closed for the race the earlier timing was also a plus.
If you missed us this year, please consider joining the radio team in 2019. We’ve always had a rewarding time regardless of the weather. Mark April 2019 on your calendars. In recent years the Groton Road Race has been on the last Sunday of April. We’ll await word on the exact date of next year’s Race.
The Squannacook River Runners and the Groton Police Department thank everyone who volunteered: AB1CV, AB1PM, AB1WQ, K1JHC, K1JKR, K1NKR, K1RAU, K1YTS, K9AEN, KB1HFT, KB1KTP, KB1LRL, KB1NMJ, KB5JR, KC1EIV, KC1IGD, KD1LE, KD1SM, KK1X, KW2T, KX1M, N1ALO, N1HTS, N1ICB, N1KLK, N1MOR, N1QDZ, N1RKO, N1SPA, N1YFK, N8VIM, NA1T, NF1A, NW1U, W0TJP, WA1VVT, and WY1X.
—Ralph, KD1SM, from the Nashoba Valley ARC’s Signal, May 2018
The Cape Ann ARA is requesting hams to assist with staffing for the Cape Ann Trail Stewards Dogtown Trail Run on Sunday, May 20, 2018.
“Please let us know if you can staff a communications checkpoint for the event by Thursday, May 17 so we can plan staffing positions. I will supply you with an information packet by email on Friday morning. Accessing checkpoint locations may require up to a mile of walking over varying terrain and are not accessible by vehicles,” writes Chris Winczewski, K1TAT.
“I have made up .KMZ files (Google Earth) of pertinent positions and access trails. These can be accessed on most modern GPS plotters and Smart-phones to guide you to the check-points. I will also provide paper maps and directions in the information for each check-point in the information packets which you can print out.
“Radio operations will be on the Gloucester 443.700 MHz repeater (+ Shift, PL 107.2). Note the new PL tone on this repeater. Please let us know if you need help programming the repeater information into your radios.
“This event starts at the Dogtown Road parking lot off of Cherry Street at 09:00 and runs through trails in the heart of historical Cape Ann. There will be a support meet-up at the Dogtown Road parking lot at 07:00. There you will be teamed up with medical first responders and other event staff to man your checkpoint. Checkpoint operators will proceed to their stations after the meeting. The run will start at 09:00 and support cut-off time will be about four hours.
“Radio propagation to the [Cape Ann ARA 440 MHz] repeater tested good along the entire route of the run. Accessing the checkpoint locations will require some physical effort, mainly the ability to hike over varying terrain for upwards of a mile and back. Make sure to bring hydration, wear loose clothing and good hiking shoes.”
“Please let us know what type of equipment you plan to use (i.e.; HT; OEM rubber duck; 440 MHz capability, etc.) so we have a better idea of where to locate you along the event course per the potential of your equipment. Also please provide me with your cell-phone number for reference. This may present a good opportunity to test your go-kit plan.”
Brett Smith, AB1RL writes in the Boston Amateur Radio Club’s, The Sparc, May 2018:
April is always a jam-packed month for public service events, and we always close it with the Run of the Charles. This is a really unique and fun event, a series of canoe and kayak races to support the Charles River Watershed Association. The organization works to protect the natural ecology of the Charles River, and keep it safe and clean for people to enjoy as well.
At this event, we handle on-site registrations, reports of rules violations, and of course we’re always keeping an eye on participants’ safety. All the rain over the week prior made for strong currents, which unfortunately led to a lot of boats capsizing, including one that got stuck on a bridge and required emergency assistance. That didn’t seem to dampen anyone’s spirits, though; we handled 24 registrations throughout the day, which is in line with most years, and everyone had a safe race.
Thanks to all twenty volunteers who came out to support this event and the Charles River: Jeff PinterParsons, W5UVO; Alan Lewis, K1ALL; Mark Richards, K1MGY; David Cantrell, WH6DSN; Henry Brown, K1WCC; Rick Savage, KB1LYJ; Kathy Savage, KB1LPW; Gary Schwartz, N1ZCE; Bill Bridgham, N1RYT; Keilin Bickar, KE1LIN; Cheyenne Greatorex, N1QZS; Dave Allen, KC1GEQ; Jim Clogher, N1ICN; Ed Curley, KC1CLA; Lyman Smith, W1LKS; Lela Smith, KC1ACV; John Marcus III, W1JWM; Dave Gilman, KC1DDH; Brian Mallory, KB1WZU; and Thomas Achtemichuk, KC1TA.
Brett Smith, AB1RL writes:
The National Brain Tumor Society is planning their 2017 Boston fundraising bike ride and they’re looking for amateur radio volunteers. The ride takes place on Sunday, May 21, starting at 7:00 AM from 200 West Street in Waltham. Volunteers will work from until the early afternoon, with lunch provided.
Jim Bradley, KB1JKJ, is organizing the hams for this event. To volunteer, please write him with the following information:
Jim can also answer any questions you have about the event.
Ann Weldon, KA1PON writes on the Algonquin ARC mailing list:
The radio club as always is committed to watching the Marlborough High School the following dates. Please consider assisting on: May 25, 26, 27, 28; June 1 ,2, 3, 8, 9. Starting time is between 7-8 PM and finishing between 11-12 PM. Ed Fitzgerald is organizing the first weekend. His email is edfitz1@earthlink.net. I am doing the other dates. Please let us know when you are available.
Thank you on behalf of the City and the Club.
Ann, KA1PON
alwma2005@yahoo.com
Chris Winczewski, K1TAT writes on the Cape Ann ARA mailing list:
We are looking for operators to staff the Motif #1 Day 5K, on Saturday, May 19 at 9:00 AM in Rockport. Please be on location by 8:30 AM.
Please let me know if you can staff a communications check-point for the event by Thursday, May17th so I can plan staffing positions for the event.
Please let us know what type of equipment you plan to use. (i.e.: mobile; HT; ¼-wave mag mount; OEM rubber duck; etc.) so we have a better idea of where to locate you along the event course per the potential of your equipment.
This is the seventh annual 5k and 1-mile fun run for the Rockport Public Schools Health and Wellness Programs. The race was born from the desire to get the students and community more involved in health and wellness activities. The money raised from this event goes directly to the health and wellness programs at the Rockport Public Schools. Last year the money they raised went to planting trees to shade some of the classrooms, a new water fountain with the capability to fill a bottle, hydroponics planting system for their science room and lots more. They were thrilled to be able to purchase 35 pairs of snowshoes for their physical education classes to use this winter.
Location: Harvey Park in Downtown Rockport
Address: 4 High Street, Rockport, MA 01966
Brett Smith, AB1RL, Public Service Coordinator, Boston Amateur Radio Club writes:
Now that our busy kick-off month of April is in the books, it’s time to start planning for the summer public service events. At both of these events we support the medical team to make sure everyone gets treated promptly—a critical job when temperatures start climbing.
First is the BAA 10K on Sunday, June 24. This is a fast race through the heart of the Back Bay, from the Boston Common to Boston University and back. Assignments will run from the early morning until around noon. Volunteer registration is open now on the BAA web site, and will close on May 23.
Second is the Finish at the Fifty on Tuesday, July 3. This is a combination 5K/10K at Gillette Stadium, ending right on the 50-yard line. Assignments run from about 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. If you’d like to join the team, just write back to let me know.
Getting together teams for both of these events is always a challenge, due to the overlap with Field Day and July 4. Please join us if you’re able. It means a lot to me, the medical team, and the runners that you’re willing to offer your time supporting these events.
If you have questions about either event, feel free to ask in email or call me at (859) 466 5915.
Christopher Winczewski, K1TAT writes on the Cape Ann ARA mailing list:
We are looking for operators to staff the YMCA Back shore 5 mile, Thursday, May 17th, Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester, 6:30 PM. be on Location by 6:00 PM.
Please let me know if you can staff a communications check-point for the event by Thursday, May15th so I can plan staffing positions for the event.
Please let us know what type of equipment you plan to use. (i.e.: mobile; HT; ¼-wave mag-mount; OEM rubber duck; etc.) so we have a better idea of where to locate you along the event course per the potential of your equipment.
Local EMT crews and ambulances will be available to help ensure everyone enjoys the day and remains safe.
<…>
Chris Winczewski, K1TAT
k1tat@outlook.com
*PMC Kids Ride to benefit the Jimmy Fund*
Date: Sunday, June 17, 2018
Time: 0700-1200
Location: Willard Elementary School, Concord, MA
On Sunday, June 17, 2018, PMC Kids Rides will be coming to
Concord at the Willard Elementary school. This is an annual
fundraising event for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s
Jimmy Fund. Ages 5 to 15 are invited to ride either a
1,4,8, or 12 mile route.
Since the PMC Concord Kids Ride started in 2008, over
$320,400 has been raised towards the fight against cancer.
Volunteers are needed for:
* Amateur Radio Communications
o Aboard or as SAG vehicles
o At the event headquarters NCOC
o At Road Marshall locations
* SAG Drivers
o With communications specialist aboard
Contact ASAP: Mark Richards, K1MGY
kmalittl1@gmail.com
k1mgy.usa@gmail.com
617 592 4392
Mark Richards, K1MGY writes:
*RIDE to End Alzheimer’s*
Date: Saturday, June 9, 2018
Time: Morning to mid-day; Late morning to afternoon
Location: Odiorne State Park, Rye, NH 03870
The RIDE is a fully-supported cycling event with 100, 62
and 30 mile courses, and 5 pit (medical, hydration, and
snack) stops. It begins and ends at the NH seacoast.
The courses extend west to Newton, NH and south into
Rowley, MA. For riders and volunteers alike, it’s a
fantastic day, a great way to make new friends, and
quite the party!
This event was formerly headquartered at Devens, MA and
was supported by NVARC.
Volunteers are needed for:
* Amateur Radio Communications
o Aboard or as SAG vehicles
o At PIT stops
o At the event headquarters NCOC
* SAG Drivers
This is a large, complex event. We need your help!
Mark Richards
29 Juniper
Littleton, MA 01460
617 592 4392
kmalittl1@gmail.com
k1mgy.USA@gmail.com
Chris Winczewski, K1TAT writes on Cape Ann ARA list:
We are looking for operators to staff the YuKanRun Fast Half Marathon on Saturday, May, 12 2018, 9:00 am. Be on location by 8:30, Hamilton-Wenham High School,775 Bay Road, South Hamilton.
Please let me know if you can staff a communications check-point for the event by Thursday, May10 so I can plan staffing positions for the event.
Please let us know what type of equipment you plan to use. We Need 50-watt mobile units. (i.e.: mobile; HT; ¼-Wave Mag-Mount; OEM rubber duck, etc.) so we have a better idea of where to locate you along the event course per the potential of your equipment.
The course will be open and supported for three hours.
Runner safety is everyone’s top priority. Local EMT crews and ambulances will be available for three hours to help ensure everyone enjoys the day and remains safe.
Chris Winczewski, K1TAT
k1tat@outlook.com
Ham volunteers are requested for communications for the 18th Annual Middleboro YMCA Tispaquin Run And Woody’s Walk 2018.
“We meet at the Dunkin Donuts at Route 28 and 105 (Middleboro) at 7:30 AM for assignments and get in position around 8 AM. Usually the last of us are out around 11 AM, or as soon as the last running/walker is past your position,” explains John Miller, N1UMJ.
“This is an easy event, and a hand held is all you need–though if you want, you can park at most positions and use your mobile.”
If you can assist with the event, contact John at n1umjjohn@gmail.com.
Chris Winczewski, K1TAT writes on the Cape Ann ARA mailing list:
We are looking for operators to staff the Rocky Neck 5K Walk/Run Team Challenge on Sunday, May 6th 10:00 AM.
Please let me know if you can staff a communications check-point for the event by Thursday, May 4th so I can plan staffing positions for the event.
Please let us know what type of equipment you plan to use (i.e.: Mobile; HT; ¼-Wave Mag-Mount; OEM Rubber-Duck; etc.) so we have a better idea of where to locate you along the event course per the potential of your equipment.
The 2018 Rocky Neck 5K Run/Walk & Team Challenge takes off from under the banner on the Rocky Neck Causeway adjacent to Rocky Neck Park. Participants proceeded from Rocky Neck Avenue, turning right onto Eastern Point Road and, from there, turning left onto Grapevine Road. For 2016 Race, participants turned left of of Grapevine onto High Popples Road. They continued on High Popples until it ends at Atlantic Road, where they turned right. Proceeding along Atlantic Road, participants went right onto Farrington Avenue to begin their return to Rocky Neck via Eastern Point Road. The Finish Line was positioned just beyond the Causeway, on Rocky Neck Avenue.
Thank you in advance for your participation!
CAARA Public Service Team.
Members of the Sturdy Memorial Hospital ARC ARES group held a drill in World War 1 Memorial Park in North Attleboro on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 10:30 AM. As it coincided with Earth Day, the participants also volunteered to help clean up the park.
For many years the venue has used by SMH ARC for its annual Field Day event.
(Thanks, sturdyradioclub.org)
The Police Amateur Radio Team of Westford is seeking volunteers for the Apple Blossom Parade Communications Event on Saturday, May 12, 2018.
“If you’ve never done a public service event, this is a great first time event. We will pair you up with a “veteran” ham so you get the chance to be part of a team,” says Terry Stader, KA8SCP. “Parades are always fun… so why not join us on a Saturday morning, bring the kids and your XYL, bring mom and dad, enjoy.”
The parade starts around 10 AM near the junction of Graniteville Road and Main Street and ending at Abbot School. You will need to be available from 8:30/9:00AM until 11:00AM/noon at the latest. All you need to bring is a 2 meter handheld and some good walking shoes. “We need about a dozen operators for this event.”
If interested, please contact Terry Stader, KA8SCP at ka8scp at wb1gof dot org.
Amateurs at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Region One Headquarters in Tewksbury provided communications resources during a recent Seabrook Station Graded Exercise.
“Since 1991, when the Seabrook nuclear power plant first came online, local hams have provided communications resources to the various local and state emergency management agencies,” writes Terry Stader, KA8SCP, Communications Coordinator. “This is a different role than some of the public service events many hams participate in. Our role as communicators is varied from the typical using two way radios to FAX, TTY and telephone switchboard operations. Our regular single-shift operations require five communicators. All operators get cross trained in all communications center operations.”
The event required the Emergency Operations Center staff to be “in the area” but not pre-staged at the Region One EOC. “We were paged via the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Health & Homeland Alert Network System (HHAN).”
Approximately forty people were involved with coordination from state agencies like the Massachusetts State Police, the MA Department of Transportation, MA Department of Public Health, American Red Cross as well as volunteers who act as community liaisons, transportation, emergency medical services, radiological monitoring, technical resources and many other roles in support of the exercise. “Multiple FEMA representatives were present to evaluate/grade us on our ability to respond to the changing scenario at the plant and elsewhere,” added Stader. The event lasted six hours from the initial callout to exercise termination.
Various Massachusetts and New Hampshire towns and cities in the Emergency Planning Zone participated in the April 4 exercise. Massachusetts communities included: Amesbury, Merrimack, Newbury, Newburyport, Salisbury, and West Newbury.
Although Amateur Radio was not used for this particular exercise, KA8SCP explained they are required to review how ham radio could be used. “We have the capabilities to operate from 75 meters through 440 MHz.”
Participants at MEMA Region One Headquarters in Tewksbury included: Communications Officer Charles Suprin, AA1VS; radio operators Dave Welsh, WI1R; Rich Cuti, N1HY; Bob Snyder, W1RS and Communications Coordinator Terry Stader, KA8SCP.
Thanks, Terry Stader, KA8SCP and PART of Westford PARTicles, April 2018
Photos courtesy Terry Stader, KA8SCP
More than thirty-five amateur radio operators took over the Clay Center 5th floor to run a communications center for the Boston Marathon on April 16, 2018. Participants included Clay Center ARC members: Rishi, KC1BKX; Marty, KC1CWF; Sean, W1SYT; Edward, KC1HWK; Kevork, KB1ZAW; Bruce, N9JBT and Bob, K5TEC. Also helping was Mike Corey, KI1U, ARRL Emergency Response Coordinator.
Hello to all…
..Winter to be felt through early Monday Morning followed by heavy rain and strong winds with isolated thunderstorms for Patriots Day/Marathon Monday. This is a combined Storm & Boston Marathon Weather Coordination Message and these will continue to be combined through potentially Monday Morning..
..A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through 8 AM Monday for Franklin, Western Hampshire, Western Hampden, Northern Worcester and Northern Middlesex Counties of Massachusetts for up to 0.20″ radial ice accumulations and result in slippery road conditions. If 0.20″ or more of icing occurs, isolated pockets of tree and wire damage and isolated power outages may develop..
..A Winter Weather Advisory is now in effect through 2 AM Monday Morning for Central and Southeast Middlesex, Essex, and Southern Worcester Counties of Massachusetts for light icing and accumulations up to 0.10″ inches and slippery road conditions..
..A Winter Weather Advisory is now in effect through 2 AM Monday Morning for Northern Connecticut, Eastern Hampden and Eastern Hampshire Counties of Massachusetts for up to 0.10″ radial ice and slippery road conditions..
..A Winter Weather Advisory is now in effect through 2 AM Monday Morning for Northwest Providence and Western Kent Counties of Rhode Island for a trace of radial ice accumulation and slippery road conditions..
..Patriots Day/Marathon Monday will have widespread rainfall with the heaviest rainfall during the late morning to early evening timeframe. Strong wind gusts of 30-45 MPH are possible across interior Southern New England with wind gusts of 45-50 MPH possible in Southeast New England. Isolated thunderstorms and lightning are also possible. This is detailed in the Boston Marathon Weather portion of this coordination message. Also, a coastal flood advisory is now in effect for Eastern Essex County Massachusetts from 10 AM-2 PM for Eastern Essex County for minor flooding of coastal shore roads at the time of high tide cycle..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor the icing conditions Sunday into early Monday Morning. SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Boston/Norton will commence at 600 AM Monday for the storm on Marathon Monday lasting through 600 PM Monday Evening..
The light icing conditions for late tonight through early Monday Morning are covered in the headlines of this coordination message. SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor the icing conditions Sunday into early Monday Morning. Below is the NWS Boston/Norton Winter Weather Advisory Statement:
NWS Boston/Norton Winter Weather Advisory Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus41.KBOX.html
The second part of this message is a special announcement – Boston Marathon Weather Coordination Message as issued in prior years:
While this may be a bit off topic for some SKYWARN Spotters, Amateur Radio Operators and Red Cross volunteers, many of which are SKYWARN Spotters, will be involved in the Boston Marathon on Monday April 16th. To reach out to the highest level of Amateur Radio Operators involved in the event, this coordination message is being sent out to the SKYWARN email list and posted to the various Amateur Radio lists. We appreciate everyone’s patience with this message. This is a joint message between the Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES)-SKYWARN program at NWS Boston/Norton and Eastern Massachusetts ARES. Due to the storm conditions and the fact some level of SKYWARN Activation will occur, messages will occur through at least Sunday Evening on the storm event.
Eastern Massachusetts ARES members not participating in the Boston Marathon are requested to be on standby for marathon activities on Monday April 16th from 6 AM-7 PM for any significant issues outside of the Boston Marathon that may require Amateur Radio Emergency Communications support and for any unexpected issues on the Boston Marathon route. With over 280 Amateur Radio Operators staffing the Boston Marathon route, the start line and the finish line, if an issue arises needing Amateur Radio support outside of the Marathon route or an unexpected issue arises in marathon operations, it is important that any ARES members not involved in the marathon can help with any response that is required. The Amateur Radio Station at the National Weather Service in Boston/Norton, WX1BOX, will be active on Monday April 16th for the Boston Marathon to provide weather support to the Amateur Radio community participating in the marathon and to gather any weather reports of significance during the marathon. This station will also be used to coordinate any ARES response to any significant incidents regarding Amateur Radio support outside of the marathon zone including any incidents that need to be provided to the State EOC for situational awareness information.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) at the SEOC (State Emergency Operations Center) will be active for the Boston Marathon. Amateur Radio Operators will be at the SEOC to support Amateur Radio communications and will be on the air under call sign, WC1MA, while many agencies will be there performing primary operations for the marathon.
The weather outlook is definitely less than ideal for volunteers and is also not ideal for runners though not as significant as a warm weather event would be for the runners. Rain will be widespread across the marathon route in the morning hours and the heaviest rain is expected in the late morning through early evening. This may result some poor and drainage street flooding in the region. Rainfall will be in a 1-2″ range with isolated higher amounts to 2.5″ possible. Strong winds are also possible with wind gusts in the 30-45 MPH range in the interior with the highest gusts as you get closer to the Metro Boston areas. Isolated higher wind gusts are possible in hilly interior areas and potentially in East and South Coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island. This could result in isolated pockets of tree and wire damage and isolated power outages. An isolated thunderstorm or two with attendant lightning risk is also possible but exact locations and whether they would occur on the marathon route are difficult to determine. It is notable that thundersleet were reported in a few areas Sunday Evening in Western Massachusetts. All runners, volunteers and spectators should monitor future weather forecasts and should prepare accordingly for these conditions. SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Boston/Norton will commence at 600 AM Monday for the storm on Marathon Monday lasting through 600 PM Monday Evening. Below is the NWS Boston/Norton Coastal Flood Advisory Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook, Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook and snow and ice maps:
NWS Boston/Norton Coastal Flood Advisory Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.whus41.KBOX.html
NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html
NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/box/ehwo
NWS Boston/Norton Snow/Ice Maps:
https://www.weather.gov/box/winter
From a SKYWARN perspective, the 146.64-Waltham Repeater and 145.23-Boston Repeater are being utilized for Marathon operations. From an ARES perspective, the Minutemen Repeater Association Repeater Network is being utilized for marathon operations. Please review the SKYWARN Frequency listing for your closest alternate repeater from a SKYWARN or ARES perspective.
http://www.wx1box.org/node/37
For Amateur Radio, Red Cross and all other volunteers along the route, it is recommended that you dress in layers for this event so that you can put on or take off clothes as needed for comfort. Rain gear is a must either with a clear poncho or a rain coat where you can still display appropriate credentials outside of the raincoat. Be sure to drink liquids and eat properly during the event and that you are self-sufficient so that you can be of full help to the function and not distract everyone from the main purpose of supporting the runners by having a health issue on your end that can be avoided. For volunteers, the BAA has sent around via email weather safety tips and suggestions on clothing and other safety tips.
For those people that are planning to go to the Boston Marathon as spectators, the following link details guidelines for spectators for the 2018 Boston Marathon:
http://www.wx1box.org/local/2018_Marathon_Spectator_Guidelines_Final.pdf
Another coordination message will be posted Monday Morning if time allows and a significant upgrade to the situation occurs otherwise this will be the last Storm and Boston Marathon weather coordination message for this event. We appreciate everyone’s support in this event and hope those that volunteer enjoy themselves and feel the self-satisfaction of supporting this historic event and those that are monitoring the Marathon or events outside of the Marathon realize that the monitoring is an important function as well and is a testament to being able to scale other incidents beyond the marathon if required. Thanks to all for their support!
Respectfully Submitted,
Marek Kozubal
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Email Address: kb1ncg@gmail.com
Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
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