Public Service

Amateur radio public service events

Emergency Communications / Licensing Education & Training / Public Service

2019 SKYWARN Training Schedule Posted

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

SKYWARN logoRob Macedo, KD1CY, writes on WX1BOX.org:

The 2019 NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN Training Class Schedule for the spring season [has been posted]. Please distribute widely to anyone interested in becoming a SKYWARN Spotter! Additional SKYWARN Training classes are in planning. This includes a class in the Rowe/Charlemont, Mass area, Granby/Hartland, CT area, Western Hampshire County Massachusetts, Eastern Franklin County Massachusetts and potentially other locations in Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts. Another update will be posted to the schedule in one to two weeks. There will also be a slate of SKYWARN classes in the Fall of this year. [Full story]

Emergency Communications / Public Service

“Ham Operators Train for the Worst”

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

The Maynard Wicked Local online newspaper featured a story with numerous photos on March 18, 2019 entitled, “Ham Operators Train for the Worst.”

“Ham Radio operators from around the area held a drill Monday morning, March 18, 2019, to coordinate coverage in a simulated case of a tornado strike in Hudson, Maynard, Stow and Acton. With the Amature (sic) Radio Emergency Service base in the Stow Fire Department, participants logged in from towns around the area, thereby confirming the coverage available in times of emergency. “

Public Service

Run of the Charles, Volunteers Sought, April 28, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Brett Smith, AB1RL writes:

The annual Run of the Charles is a fundraiser for the Charles River Watershed Association to support river cleanup and research efforts. This year the event will have completely new routes. The longest route is 14 miles and begins at the Newton Boathouse. All routes end at Artesani Park in Brighton. There are assignments available at various times throughout the morning into the mid-afternoon along the river between Newton and Brighton.

To sign up, simply write me back and let me know:

  • Your cell phone number
  • Your shirt size
  • Any time or location constraints on your volunteer availability

If you have questions about either event, please feel free to ask. You can also call or text me at (859) 466 5915.

Public Service

MS Walk Boston Volunteers Needed, April 7, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

The annual MS Walk Boston raises funds for multiple sclerosis research and patient advocacy. The event uses amateur radio spotters to track participant progress and ensure their safety. This year’s event features a streamlined, more accessible route. The MS Walk Boston is on Sunday, April 7. You’ll check in at 8:00 AM and stay until the early afternoon. Lunch is available at the finish for volunteers.

To sign up, register online, then mail Rick Savage, KB1LYJ to let him know you’re on the team.

Clubs / Public Service

Groton Road Race Requests Amateur Radio Support, April 28, 2019

- by k9hi - 1 Comment

Ralph Swick, KD1SM writes in the March, 2019 issue of NVARC “Signal”:

Sunday, April 28 will be the 28th running of the Groton Road race. The Groton Police Department and the Race Committee are again formally requesting support from the Amateur Radio community for logistics and safety communications for this high-profile event. The Groton Road Race has been a major event for Amateur Radio in North Central Massachusetts. [The Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club] has been coordinating the ham participation since the second year of the event. Many NVARC members are 26-year (soon to be 27-year) veterans. Those of you who have joined us in 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 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 the event. 

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 28th. If you are interested in helping at events like this but are unsure of what is expected of you or what equipment you may need, please do not hesitate to ask Ralph KD1SM, Stan KD1LE, or John, KK1X. You can also find detailed information about the operations in previous years at <https://www.n1nc.org>.

Public Service

YuKanRun Fool’s Dual 5K Run, Gloucester, March 31, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Christopher Winczewski, K1TAT, writes on the CAARA list:

It’s that time of the year again. Public service 2019 is starting with the YuKanRun Fool’s Dual 5K on March 31.

CAARA has a great public service team. Come out and have some fun with us. Why?  You are using Amateur Radio to provide a needed public service to ensure the safety and smooth running of a public event in local communities.

“I would but I do not have a radio.” No excuse, we have loaner radios available with a magnetic mount that will work in your car just by just plugging it into the cigarette lighter socket. We have loaner hand held radios as well!

“I don’t have transportation.” No excuse, we will pick you up and drop you off at your house.

“I do not have the time to spare for a whole race.” Well, you can commit to a time slot for just two hours. We will bend over backwards to get you to participate.

YuKanRun Fool’s Dual 5K
March 31, 9:00 AM 
5K Race Start 10:00 AM Half Marathon
O’Maley Middle School
32 Cherry Street Gloucester, MA

Emergency Communications / Licensing Education & Training / Public Service

SKYWARN Training, Natick, May 4, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

SKYWARN logoThe National Weather Service (NWS) in Boston/Norton Massachusetts will be sponsoring a severe weather spotter training session, part of its SKYWARN program.

The session is open to the public at no charge. Amateur Radio operators, emergency managers, police, fire, and other first responders are encouraged to attend. Everyone age 16 and older who stays to complete the training will be able to become trained NWS weather spotters.

The training session includes a two-hour thirty-minute computer-based presentation, which discusses the development of thunderstorms, the criteria for “severe” thunderstorms, as well as the cloud features associated with severe thunderstorms and tornados. Additional information will be presented about winter storms and proper snow measurement and reporting of coastal flooding, river, stream, and urban flooding and rainfall measurements. The session will also present the procedure for reporting weather information to the National Weather Service. Safety procedures for the various forms of summer severe weather (severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and lightning), winter storms, and flooding will also be covered in the training session. Anyone attending should bring a pen or pencil and bringing a notebook is optional.

To register, visit <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/skywarn-training-class-natick-ma-tickets-57356953191?aff=ebapi>

Contact Rob Macedo, KD1CY, at rmacedo@rcn.com for any questions or further info on the SKYWARN training class.

Public Service

EMA Public Service List

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

photo of Start line, Walk for HungerThanks to input from: Chris Winczewski, K1TAT; the Cape Ann ARA; Eric Horwitz, KA1NCF; the North Shore RA; Brett Smith, AB1RL; PART of Westford; and the Falmouth Amateur Radio Association we’re pleased to present a comprehensive list of public service events in Eastern Massachusetts. 

If your club is sponsoring a public service event and would like to be listed, please contact Phil Temples, K9HI, at <k9hi@arrl.org> for inclusion.

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

March 2, 2019 Eastern MA Hospital Net

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Net Control for the March 2,2019 Eastern MA Hospital Net will be W1SSH, The South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club . The net will commence at the usual time of 10:AM using the following repeaters in the order listed.

1. Attleboro 147.195 Mhz tone 127.3
2. Boston 145.230 Mhz tone encode 88.5 decode 100.0
3. Plymouth 146.685 Mhz tone 131.8
4. Simplex 147.42 Mhz

The Net will then return to the Attleboro Repeater for final comments and Net closing.

NET Protocol: Please wait for Net Control to ask for Check-ins. When asked to check in please use the standard net check in procedure which is: Here is.., un-key, wait 3 seconds to check for doubling, then give your or your facilities call sign, your first name, and your facility’s name.

We extend an invitation to any health care facility or EOC of any city or town that is served by one of the participating hospitals to join the Net. We also extend an invitation to any RACES or ARES member to check in during the NET.

Any hospital wishing to join the net that needs assistance with equipment or personnel should contact us at ssharc@gmail.com. We can assist you with getting your location on the air.

We are always looking for groups or organizations to try their hand at Net Control duties. If you are interested please let us know. Our goal is to rotate Net Control practice and the experience among as many groups as possible.

We thank the repeater trustees for their generosity in allowing us to conduct the monthly nets and the use of their systems in an actual event. The following list of repeaters are available for our use. Only a few systems are used each month with the selection of those used made by Net Control for that month. More systems are being added to the list on a regular basis.

REMINDER: The BARC Repeater is now using split tone. Boston 145.230 tone encode 88.5 tone decode 100.0

Repeaters
Attleboro 147.195 tone 127.3 (Sturdy Memorial Hospital)
Belmont 145.430 tone 146.2
Boston 145.230 tone encode 88.5 tone decode 100.0
Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67.0
Danvers 145.47 tone 136.5
Dartmouth 147.000 tone 67.0
Fall River 146.805. tone 67.0
Falmouth 147.375 tone 110.9
Mansfield EMA 446.925 tone 100.0
Mansfield 147.015 tone 67.0
Marshfield 145.390 tone 67.0
Norwood 147.210 tone 100.00
Plymouth 146.685 tone 131.8
Salem 146.88 tone 118.8
Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5
Weymouth 147.345 tone 110.9 (South Shore Hospital)
W. Bridgewater 146.775 dcs 244
Wrentham 147.09 tone 146.2

We look forward to hearing you all on the Net.

Respectfully,

John O’
K1JRO

—

South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club – W1SSH
55 Fogg Road, Box 42
South Weymouth, MA 02190

Emergency Communications / NTS / Public Service

New ARES Plan Approved by ARRL Board of Directors Press Release

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

The ARRL Board of Directors at their last board meeting approved the new ARES Strategic Plan and on Tuesday 2/19/19 put out a press release on the strategic plan and a link to the finalized ARES plan. Details can be found at the following links:

New Plan Aligns ARES with the needs of served agencies
ARES Strategic Plan

Eastern Massachusetts ARES will be following these plans and will make adjustments to the ARES workshop materials to reflect the new ARES structure and strategic plan.

Emergency Communications / NTS / Public Service

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Has a New State Director – Samantha Phillips

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

The Massachusetts Governor’s office announced on Wednesday 2/20 that Samantha Phillips will be the new state director of the agency replacing Kurt Schwartz after 30 years of public service in various roles in the commonwealth of Massachusetts. Details on the new state director and the changes in MEMA leadership can be seen in the following state press release:

Baker-Polito Administration Names Samantha Phillips as MEMA Director

Public Service

Volunteers Still Needed for 2019 Boston Marathon

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Registration has been open for the 2019 Boston Marathon for Amateur Radio Operators across the start, course, finish and with transportation medical buses. Volunteer registration is open through Wednesday February 6th and though arrangements can be made with the Boston Marathon Amateur Radio Committee to volunteer after this deadline, we are hoping to get all needed volunteers prior to the February 6th deadline. For volunteer information registration and information, please see the following link:
 
http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/event-information/volunteer-information/volunteer-registration.aspx

If you are interested in volunteering for the 2019 Boston Marathon but are not sure at this stage about whether you can participate, we encourage you to register now. If it turns out you cannot volunteer, send notification that you can no longer volunteer as early as possible. It will be very difficult to bring in volunteers once registration closes. If you register and can no longer volunteer at the event, please let us know as early as possible so contingency planning can be completed.

For Amateur Radio/ham radio operators, you don’t need to specify any group name or passcode. Just make sure you request at least one ham radio assignment in your preferences. Once you get your application confirmation number, you’re all set.

If you’re a returning volunteer (whether an Amateur Radio or non-Amateur Radio assignment), you’ll be asked to provide your BAA Volunteer Loyalty Number. You should’ve received that in a separate e-mail from the BAA today. There’s also a tool to look it up on the BAA volunteer site. If you still have trouble finding it, e-mail us and we can help you out.

Don’t delay! Volunteer registration closes on Wednesday February 6th. Help us get the word out by forwarding this e-mail to your club and other hams who might like to volunteer and for non-hams to any volunteer groups who might be interested in supporting the event. Most volunteers first learn about the event through word of mouth. If you know new amateurs involved in volunteering for events who might like to volunteer, make sure to let them know about it. Even just a quick mention at your club meeting or regular meeting of your organization can be a big help.

If you have any questions about volunteer registration, or the 2019 Marathon generally, please get in touch anytime. Volunteering at the Marathon is a big job, and we appreciate the time and effort everyone puts into it. We’re happy to do what we can to make your work more comfortable or effective.

-Matthew Forman/Rob Macedo
-Boston Marathon Amateur Radio Communications Committee

Emergency Communications / NTS / Public Service

Local Communities Looking for RACES Officers

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

A few months ago, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency conducted a survey for all local community emergency management directors across the Commonwealth. The survey was specifically about the use of amateur radio and RACES locally within their community, whether each emergency manager has an appointed RACES Officer, and if not, if they would like to find one.

 

The Radio Amateurs Civil Emergency Service (RACES) is a radio service using amateur stations for emergency management communications during periods of local, regional or national emergencies. RACES is defined in law in Part 97.407 of the FCC rules. In the event the U.S. President ever needed to silence the regular Amateur Radio Service by invoking the War Powers Act of 1941, only RACES appointed stations could continue to operate and assist their appointed served agencies.

As a result of the survey conducted by MEMA, the list of communities below are interested in locating an amateur radio operator to serve as their RACES Officer.

If you are interested in any of these appointments, please inquire with that community’s emergency management director. It is also highly recommended to discuss the matter with MEMA Regional RACES Officer which services that local community’s county. We might be able to recommend you based on whatever previous amateur radio EmComm or other public service you’ve done that we’re aware of. We may also be able to give you additional insight into the role in that community.

The MEMA Regional RACES Officers are:
Region 1: Terry Stader KA8SCP
Region 2: Mike Leger N1YLQ
Region 3: Frank Morrisino K1LMY
Region 4: Gil Hayes WK1H

Communities looking for RACES Officers:

  • MEMA Region 1 (Suffolk, Middlesex and Essex Counties)
    • Nahant
    • Belmont
    • Manchester-by-the-Sea
    • North Reading
    • Revere
  • MEMA Region 2 (Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket Counties)
    • Rochester
    • Marshfield
    • Barnstable
    • Yarmouth
    • East Bridgewater
    • Somerset
    • Chilmark
    • Edgartown
  • MEMA Region 3 (Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire and Berkshire Counties)
    • Sandisfield
    • Washington
    • South Hadley
    • Colrain
    • Stockbridge
    • Huntington
    • West Springfield
    • Russell
    • Chesterfield
  • MEMA Region 4 (Worcester County)
    • West Boylston
    • Ashburnham
    • Sterling
    • Sturbridge
    • Fitchburg
    • Grafton
    • Royalston
    • West Brookfield
    • Sutton
Emergency Communications / NTS / Public Service

February RACES nets on Monday Feb. 4 HF net at 6:45 PM EST, Region 2D VHF net at 7:30 PM EST

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

The first Monday of every month, unless the first Monday is a holiday, is a test of the Massachusetts RACES and ARES communication capabilities. If the first Monday of the month is a holiday, then the test is delayed one week and will be held the following Monday.

For February, the first Monday of the month is Monday Feb. 4.

********************************************************************************

6:45 PM EST HF net: using the following frequency plan:

We will start at 3930 KHz moving up to 3955 KHz until there is a clear frequency,

Marc Stern WA1R will be net control.

*********************************************************************************

Region 2D VHF net

7:30 PM EST VHF net on 146.865 MHz PL 103.5 (Sharon Repeater)

We will have a general call up of any RACES, ARES, or other interested stations. This willbe followed by a SIMPLEX test..

Jeff Marden N1JCM will be net control.

********************************************************************************

We look forward to you checking in.

—
73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph
__._,_.___

Public Service

Register Now to Volunteer at BAA 5K, April 13, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Brett Smith, AB1RL, writes:

Volunteer registration is open for the BAA 5K! The race is the Saturday before Marathon Monday, April 13. Registration is scheduled to close on February 6, so please sign up in the next week 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 (if you haven’t already). 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 Amateur Radio 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 the event, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Thank you, and 73,

Brett Smith, AB1RL
Public Service Coordinator, Boston Amateur Radio Club

 

Clubs / Public Service

PART of Westford Shows Caring for the Community

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

An Eastern MA ARRL-affiliated club has taken community service to the next level. 

PART of Westford logoPART of Westford meets each month at the Cameron Senior Center in Westford.  The senior  center runs a food pantry for local people in need.  Each month, PART members  bring non-perishable food items to the meeting, and these items are given to  the food pantry.  According to PART president Andy Stewart, KB1OIQ, “A favorite of the the food pantry clientele is Dinty Moore® Beef Stew, and we collectively donate several cans each month.  I’m told that  the food pantry and its clientele are very appreciative of these donations.”  

PART is just one of four “Special Service Clubs” in the section.  Kudos to PART of Westford and its caring members!

Emergency Communications / Public Information / Public Service

KD1CY Featured on WeatherBrains Podcast

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Rob Macedo, KD1CY featured on WILI SKYWARN interviewEastern MA Section Emergency Coordinator and ARES SKYWARN Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY, was one of three featured guests on the podcast “WeatherBrains” on January 7, 2019. The 90-minute program discussed Amateur Radio, SKYWARN, and the VoIP Hurricane Net. Other guests included Jay Farlow, W9LW, and Jeff Stapel, W8SWX. The audio and YouTube video can be found at https://weatherbrains.com/?p=7531.
 
According to Macedo, “The program was well received by the meteorological panel and those that have watched/listened to date.”
 
 
 
 
 
Public Service

Volunteer Registration for 2019 BAA Marathon Now Open

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

On behalf of the BAA Amateur Radio Communications Committee, we want to wish you a Happy New Year. It’s hard to believe that 2018 has come to a close and we are heading into 2019, and with the new year also comes the 123rd running of the Boston Marathon. 

Today, January 3rd, 2019, volunteer registration will open for the marathon which is taking place this year on Monday, April 15, 2019. The sign-up process will be the same as last year and will provide you with a direct link once registration is open. Please be on the lookout for an email from the BAA, and we will also be asking for everybody’s assistance in getting the word out about volunteering to help with recruitment.

If you have any questions about the upcoming volunteer registration period, or the 2019 Marathon generally, please get in touch anytime. Volunteering at the Marathon is a big job, and we appreciate the time and effort everyone puts into it. We’re happy to do what we can to make your work more comfortable or effective.

We look forward to seeing everyone again soon.

Thank you, and 73,

Matthew Forman, K6MCF
for the Boston Marathon Communications Committee
contact@hamradioboston.org

Emergency Communications / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net – Saturday January 5th, 2019 at 1000 AM

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Good Morning Everyone,

Net Control for the January 5, 2019 Eastern MA Hospital Net will be W1SSH the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club. The net will commence at the usual time of 10:00 AM using the following repeaters in the order listed.

1. Plymouth 146.685 Tone 131.8
2. Boston 145.230 Tone Encode 88.5 Tone Decode 100.0
3. Norwood 147.210 Tone 100.0
4. Simplex 147.42

The Net will then return to the Plymouth Repeater for final comments and Net closing.

NET Protocol: Please wait for Net Control to ask for Check-ins. When asked to check in please use the standard net check in procedure which is: Here is.., un-key, wait 3 seconds to check for doubling, then give your or your facilities call sign, your first name, and your facility’s name.

We extend an invitation to any health care facility or EOC of any city or town that is served by one of the participating hospitals to join the Net. We also extend an invitation to any RACES or ARES member to check in during the NET.

Any hospital wishing to join the net that needs assistance with equipment or personnel should contact us at ssharc@gmail.com. We can assist you with getting your location on the air.

We are always looking for groups or organizations to try their hand at Net Control duties. If you are interested please let us know. Our goal is to rotate Net Control practice and the experience among as many groups as possible.

We thank the repeater trustees for their generosity in allowing us to conduct the monthly nets and the use of their systems in an actual event. The following list of repeaters are available for our use. Only a few systems are used each month with the selection of those used made by Net Control for that month. More systems are being added to the list on a regular basis.

REMINDER: The BARC Repeater is now using split tone. Boston 145.230 tone encode 88.5 tone decode 100.0

Repeaters
Attleboro 147.195 tone 127.3 (Sturdy Memorial Hospital)
Belmont 145.430 tone 146.2
Boston 145.230 tone encode 88.5 tone decode 100.0
Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67.0
Danvers 145.47 tone 136.5
Dartmouth 147.000 tone 67.0
Fall River 146.805. tone 67.0
Falmouth 147.375 tone 110.9
Mansfield EMA 446.925 tone 100.0
Mansfield 147.015 tone 67.0
Marshfield 145.390 tone 67.0
Norwood 147.210 tone 100.00
Plymouth 146.685 tone 131.8
Salem 146.88 tone 118.8
Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5
Weymouth 147.345 tone 110.9 (South Shore Hospital)
W. Bridgewater 146.775 DCS 244
Wrentham 147.09 tone 146.2

We look forward to hearing you all on the Net.

Respectfully,

John Barbuto

KS1Q

—
—
South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club – W1SSH
55 Fogg Road, Box 42
South Weymouth, MA 02190