a field organization of the National Association for Amateur Radio®
Amateur radio public service events
The National Weather Service office in Taunton is offering a SKYWARN training session on Tuesday, April 24th, 2018 from 7:00-9:00 PM at the Braintree Police Department, 282 Union Street in Braintree. Registration is required.
For additional training sessions, see http://wx1box.org/2018/04/20/special-announcement-2018-nws-boston-norton-skywarn-training-class-schedule/.
The SKYWARN program and SKYWARN’s Southern New England Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY were acknowledged in a posted story on WBZ-TV’s web site entitled “Snow Totals – Who Has The Most From March 13 Blizzard“.
Hank McCarl, W4RIG writes on Cape Ann ARA list:
The seismograph [at the Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association] at 6 Stanwood Street [in Gloucester] reported a 2.7 magnitude earthquake with epicenter at East Kingston, NH just north of Amesbury, MA at 9:28 AM on Thursday February 15, 2018.
This quake was also detected by Stan Stone [W4HIX] with his seismograph in Lanesville. Nice to know that our own MAGLO is operating as part of the USGS Netquake program.
Brett Smith, AB1RL writes: Volunteer registration is open for the BAA 5K! The race is the Saturday before Marathon Monday, April 14. Registration is scheduled to close on February 9, so please sign up soon to make sure we can get you on the team.
The 5K and the Marathon use the same volunteer registration system. If you’re volunteering at the Marathon, please register and request a Marathon assignment. After you’re done, please e-mail BAA volunteer coordinator Mary Miller and CC: me to request to be added to the 5K roster as well. If you can include your BAA volunteer loyalty number or registration confirmation number that helps.
If you just want to volunteer at the 5K, go through the volunteer registration and choose “5K Hams” as your assignment preference when asked. You’ll know you’re done when you get a confirmation number.
The BAA always appreciates support from amateur radio volunteers. We wouldn’t have that great relationship if you didn’t come and put in the work to make these races possible. I hope you’ll join us to help kick off another great year of public service.
If you have questions about either event, please reply by e-mail, or phone (859) 466 5915.
Thank you, and 73.
Registration is open for Amateur Radio volunteers for the Boston Marathon. Approximately 280 amateurs are needed at the start, along the course, and at the finish and transportation segments. Registration closes in early February. To sign up, visit http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/event-information/volunteer-information/volunteer-registration.aspx.
The Lowell CERT Communications Team has been asked to support once again the Baystate Marathon and Half Marathon. This year the event is on Sunday, October 22nd. Our operational time period is from approximately 0700 until event completion (estimated 1400). Our assistance has been requested by Lowell Office of Emergency Management and Lowell Fire Department. The communications team will be employing Amateur Radio to provide this communications asset. Amateur Radio will be used for 2 functions:
* Medical operations: the purpose of this net is to provide a communications link for medical requests/status to the incident command post.
* Accountability net: the purpose of this net is to coordinate with a race public information booth the status of runners who are unable to complete the race for any issue to any one is seeking this information.
Race info may be found at http://baystatemarathon.com
Please contact Terry-KA8SCP ka8scp@wb1gof.org if you are able to assist or would like more information.
Please share this request with your local clubs. This is a pretty laid back event and suitable for first time public event participation.
Terry-KA8SCP
Terry M. Stader – KA8SCP
MEMA Region 1 RACES/Communications Officer
PART of Westford-WB1GOF, Senior Club Advisor
NESMC EMA Director
Brett Smith, AB1RL writes:
With August here and summer winding down, I’m starting to turn my attention to our fall public service events. I wanted to make sure you know about the dates and start gauging early interest.
The first is the Jimmy Fund Walk on Sunday, September 24. This is the Jimmy Fund’s annual fundraising walk along the Boston Marathon route. There are positions available to work with a medical team at each rest stop along the route, so there’s a variety of locations and volunteer times available. Tell your friends, too—we’re really eager to build up the team size for this year, especially along the earlier parts of the route. If you’re interested, all you have to do is let me know by e-mail, and I’ll get you on the roster.
The second is the BAA Half Marathon on Sunday, October 8. As usual for BAA events, we’ll work with medical teams at different points along the route to provide them with any necessary communication, including EMS dispatch requests if necessary. Volunteer registration for this event will be through the BAA’s web site, and it will open up on Tuesday, August 15. You’ll get an announcement from them, and me, when that happens.
Your work at these events really makes a difference. At both of these events in recent years, we’ve handled emergency dispatch calls to get participants, and sometimes even spectators, prompt treatment. Those calls wouldn’t be as quick or as effective without the communications expertise you bring by showing up. Please join us to make a couple more events that much more successful.
If you have questions about either event, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll be on vacation next week, so I might be slow to respond, but I will get back to you.
Thanks for all that you do, and 73,
If interested, please contact:
Brett Smith, AB1RL ab1rl-pubserv@brettcsmith.org
Public Service Coordinator, Boston Amateur Radio Club
Please see the following ARES Web site link regarding a couple of North Shore Public Service Events in late August/early September where volunteers have been requested.
Eric Horwitz, KA1NCF writes:
I have been asked to see if I can get a couple of people to help with a YMCA Run in Marblehead, MA.
It should be a quick one.. 7:30 am to … it is only a 4 mile run.
If you can help please email me and I will send you more information.
Thanks
Eric Horwitz, KA1NCF
North Shore Radio Association – Public Service Coordinator
The Finish at the Fifty is a unique event on the public service calendar. It’s a combined 5K and 10K on the evening of July 3. The finish line for both races is the 50-yard line of Gillette Stadium, and there’s a free fireworks show after. It’s got a lot of energy, and particular challenges for runner safety (they go up and down the ramps of the stadium!). Given the size of the course, the medical team relies on amateur radio volunteers for communications support and to keep extra eyes on runners.
Recruiting for this event is always a challenge because of the date. A lot of people have travel plans, which I understand. Because of that, please join our team if you’re able. Chris Troyanos is the medical coordinator for this event. He would always like to have more coverage, and he would love to have our support especially.
To sign up, just write me back with your call sign, cell phone number, and t-shirt size. Plan to be there from around 4:30 to 8:30 PM. All you need is a dual band handheld and any accessories that will keep you comfortable. Further instructions will follow.
If you have questions about the event, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by e-mail or phone (859) 466 5915.
Thank you, and 73,
Brett Smith, AB1RL
Public Service Coordinator, Boston Amateur Radio Club
The National Weather Service in Taunton is offering two SKYWARN training sessions in the coming weeks in our area:
Tuesday May 23rd, 2017 – 630-900 PM:
University Crossing – Room 158
220 Pawtucket Street
Lowell, MA
Taught by: NWS Taunton Forecaster
Registration: Required – Pre-register via email to Rob Macedo-KD1CY at rmacedo@rcn.com
Thursday June 8th, 2017 – 700-930 PM:
Portuguese American War Veterans Building
103 Tremont Street
Peabody, MA
Taught by: Amateur Radio Coordinator
Registration: None Required
Brett Smith, AB1RL writes:
Volunteer registration is open for the BAA 10K on Sunday, June 25. I know, I know—as usual, it’s on Field Day Sunday. But it just takes the morning (assignments run from approximately 6:00 AM to noon), and the summer weather means we’ve usually got work to do supporting the event medical teams. Come take a break from the rush for contacts, and join us to send some substantive traffic over the air.
All you need to help out is a dual band (2m and 70cm) handheld, preferably with a gain antenna. To volunteer for the 10K, sign up with the BAA directly following the instructions below.
Go to the BAA 10K volunteer site and press the “Volunteer Now” button.
There are separate buttons for “Returning” and “First Time” Volunteers. If you’ve volunteered at a BAA event before, select “Returning Volunteer.” If you don’t know your BAA Volunteer Loyalty Number, use the button labeled “Retrieve Your Volunteer Loyalty Number” to look it up. If it returns a Volunteer Loyalty Number for you, fill that in where prompted.
If the system does not provide you with a Volunteer Loyalty Number, or if you have not volunteered at a BAA event before, go through the “First Time Volunteers” button on the first page.
Complete the personal information.
Group status: Ham volunteers don’t need to join any group. You can answer “No” to both questions.
Assignment request: Select “Ham Radios” from the top pulldown menu on the page. You are not required to make any selections on the lower menus.
Complete the remainder of the application and make note of your application acknowledgment number. Seeing a acknowledgment number on the page is your indication that you have successfully completed the online application.
If you have any questions about the event or the sign-up procedure, feel free to get in touch with me at ab1rl@brettcsmith.org or (859) 466 5915.
Thank you, and 73,
Brett Smith, AB1RL
Public Service Coordinator, Boston Amateur Radio Club
David Wolfe, KG1H writes:
The Wellesley Veterans Parade will be held on Sunday, May 21 and we hope you will be able to help.
The time commitment is: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 21st in Wellesley.
We meet at 11 a.m. at the Wellesley Community Center at 219 Washington Street.
The duties are to get the 125 units in order. The units arrive at Noon and they are told prior to arrival to go to a specific street and location. We need to check off that the unit has arrived and that it is in the proper location. Then we need to start the parade at 1 p.m. and key the units in order down the street.
A radio communications plan has been developed.
Are you able to help?
Please let Carl Nelson know if you can join the team. His email is cnelson111@comcast.net His cell phone is 781-929-9095.
Thank you for your service and help to our veterans.
Carl Nelson
Bob Spanks, Jr., WA1UCG writes on the CAARA list:
The Cape Ann ARA (CAARA) is still looking for volunteers to help at this Saturday’s (May 13) “Yukan Run Fast Half” Marathon starting at the Hamilton-Wenham High School.
CAARA has supported this event for the last several years. So if you are available to help out, please contact CAARA’s Road Race Chairman Chris, K1TAT, at k1tat@outlook.com.
Remember: CAARA has radio equipment for your use if you do not have any equipment.
The race begins at 9:00 AM so I would suggest you be on the course by 8:30 AM. You will complete your assignment by noon at the latest.
73,
Bob Spanks, Jr.
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.
Thank you, and 73,
Brett Smith, AB1RL
Public Service Coordinator, Boston Amateur Radio Club
Ralph Swick, KD1SM writes:
The April First snow shall not delay the 2017 Groton Road Race. I’m told by a reliable source at National Weather Service that we’re unlikely to still have snow on the ground (or road) by April 30 when the 26th Annual Groton Road Race will be held.
As we’ve done for the past 24 years, the race committee is again asking the Amateur Radio community to provide the logistics and safety communications for the Race.
This is our major event for Amateur Radio in North Central Massachusetts. Those of you who have joined us in the past years know that the runners sincerely appreciate our presence. Many say so as they run past. This event is so large that Police Departments and other public safety agencies from several other communities come to assist the Groton PD. Part of our role is to provide the communications from the Groton Police to these out-of-town officers who come to help with this event.
The change in 2015 to run the 5k and 10k races simultaneously will be repeated this year. This change increases the number of radio operators needed but also allows us to secure all stations earlier in the afternoon. The courses themselves will be the same as the last two years. The maps, etc from previous years are available on the NVARC Public Service Events page.
Contributing to the public good is one of the reasons Amateur Radio exists. Our public service events are a key opportunity for us to show our colors, volunteer our skills and equipment, and demonstrate why it is in the public’s interest to continue to allocate precious RF spectrum to our the Amateur Radio Service. The Groton Road Race is a low-stress event and a great way to gain more experience with the public service aspect of amateur radio. Please consider joining us on the 30th.
If you are interested in helping at these events but unsure of what is expected of you or what equipment you may need, please ask me, Stan KD1LE, or John KK1X.
The Squannacook River Runners and the Groton Police Department repeatedly praise and express their appreciation for your assistance in providing communications for this event. I do hope you will be able to join us this year; please let me know.
Thanks and 73,
Ralph KD1SM
kd1sm@arrl.net
SKYWARN training teaches you how to spot and report severe weather conditions for the National Weather Service. Training will be provided on Tuesday evening, April 25, at the Clay Center by lead trainer Rob Macedo, KD1CY. All adults welcome, as well as youth who are scouts or ham radio operators. Space is limited. You must plan to stay from 6:30-9:00 to be certified. Register with bphinney@dextersouthfield.org.
The YuKanRun Fool’s Dual Race Series is a totally unique race concept. For 5K races and shorter, we’re looking for check point operators. For half marathon races we would like to have six check points. We also need a Net Control operator, Incident Command, and a Race Tail operator for each event. Please let us know if you can staff a communications check-point for the event by Sunday, March 26, so we can plan staffing positions.
This event starts at the O’Maley Middle School, 32 Cherry Street, Gloucester. The 5K Race starts at 08:00 and loops clockwise around the Riverdale proximity. Half Marathon starts at 09:00 and runs up Washington into Rockport and back. Support cut-off time will be about four hours after half marathon start.
While CAARA’s repeater performance has greatly improved with the replacement of our new antennas, the northern region of this course may still experience some difficulty with communications–especially with low-powered HTs–so we’ll be looking for higher-powered equipment to staff those areas.
Please let us know what type of equipment you plan to use (i.e., mobile; H-T; 1/4-wave magnetic mount, OEM rubber duck, etc.) so we have a better idea of where to assign you along the event course.
Thank you in advance for your participation! You can sign up at http://www.nsradio.org.
CAARA, Race coordinators
Ross Burton, W1RAB. Chair
Chris Winczewski, K1TAT. Co Chair
Please contact Chris Winczewski, K1TAT at k1tat@outlook.com
978- 335-3594, please leave message
The Run of the Charles is one of the most unique public service events for hams each year. It’s a suite of canoe and kayak races for all different group sizes and course lengths. The variety draws all kinds of participants, and they all rely on us to help keep the event running safely and smoothly.
This year’s Run of the Charles is on Sunday, April 30. The full 26-mile course runs from Riverdale Park in Dedham down to Artesani Park in Brighton. Assignment check-in times vary by location, from 7:00 AM at far start points to 10:00 AM at portages near the finish. Since the CRWA relies on hams for all kinds of logistics, from on-site check-ins to rules infractions, there’s a position for volunteers at any experience level. For more information, visit the race Web site.
Volunteers for this event must have a dual-band (2m and 70cm) handheld radio and an antenna with improved gain over the stock rubber duck. These are necessary because many volunteer sites are low-lying areas where it can be a challenge to reach repeaters. If you can help, please write back with the following information:
If you have questions about the run, please get in touch by e-mail or phone (859) 466 5915.
Thank you, and 73,
—
Brett Smith, AB1RL
Public Service Coordinator, Boston Amateur Radio Club
Brett Smith, AB1RL writes
Volunteer registration is open for the BAA 5K! The race is the Saturday before Marathon Monday, April 15. Registration is scheduled to close on February 9, so please sign up soon to make sure we can get you on the team.
The 5K and the Marathon use the same volunteer registration system. If you’re volunteering at the Marathon, please register and request a Marathon assignment. After you’re done, please e-mail BAA volunteer coordinator Mary Miller and CC: me to request to be added to the 5K roster as well. If you can include your BAA volunteer loyalty number or registration confirmation number, that helps.
If you just want to volunteer at the 5K, go through the volunteer registration and choose “5K Hams” as your assignment preference when asked. You’ll know you’re done when you get a confirmation number.
The BAA always appreciates support from amateur radio volunteers. We wouldn’t have that great relationship if you didn’t come and put in the work to make these races possible. I hope you’ll join us to help kick off another great year of public service.
If you have questions about either event, please reply by e-mail, or phone (859) 466 5915.
Thank you, and 73,
Brett Smith, AB1RL
Public Service Coordinator, Boston Amateur Radio Club