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Centre County PA ARES / RACES Information Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness
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The following amateurs have indicated they will be able to assist with the MS-150 on July 25 and 26 and the days they can help:
N3LI – Mike – Both Days
K3OOL- Criag – Both Days
KB3HQN – Don – Both Days
K3ARL – Karl – Both Days
K3YV – Woody – Both Days
K3BOB – Bob – Both days
WA3IBO – Jim – Sunday
N3EWR – Paul – Both Days
WA3WAB – Wayne – Saturday
K3CWP – Carmine
K3ERP – Elaine – Limited
W3EDP – Eric – Both Days
KR3ORY – Rory – Saturday
W3JXP – John – Both Days
The MS Word file linked below is the staffing plan for the MS-150 on July 25 and 26. As of June 11th ARES/NARC should provide amateur radio operators for five (5) positions on Saturday and eleven (11) on Sunday. Some operators have already signed up. More information will be published soon.
The following attended the ARES Organizational Meeting held on June 11, 2009 at the Centre Region COG offices in State College:
K3CWP, Carmine Prestia
K3ERP, Elaine Prestia
KA3EJV, Drew McGhee, Blair County EC
N3LI, Mike Coslo
W3WAB, Wayne Bicehouse
KB3PIQ, James Craig Wingate
K3OOL, Craig S Miller
K3ARL, Karl Hosterman
K3YV, Woody Brem
N3CRM, Chuck Maggi
K3JWH, John Hawkins
KB3HQN, Donald Novak
KR3ORY, Rory Stenerson
W3TNE, Thomas N Eby
K3CM, Chuck McMullen
W3EDP, Eric Prescott
A number of public service events are planned for the future. NARC/ARES has been asked to participate. Please listen to the Sunday night net on 146.85 mHz at 9:00 PM local time for further announcements or watch the NARC Newsette
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has added a new requirement for volunteers this year.
The Society’s risk management arm has advised the Society to require ALL volunteers to complete a Volunteer Consent Form. Based on the information received during our meeting on May 21st, the requirement extends to any volunteer who volunteers for ANY assistance with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, not just amateur radio operators. You can click on the form name above to see the form.
While the local branch views our participation as extremely valuable and vital to the safety of the riders, their hands are tied by the national requirement. They, like the amateur participants in the meeting realize that some amateurs may decide NOT to participate simply because of the form.
This is one of the largest public service events we do and is a showcase for our abilities. Indeed, our presence has in several cases helped get emergency medical assistance to injured riders. It is unfortunate that such requirements are becoming a necessity in many volunteer efforts.
NARC President, Woody, K3YV; Treasurer, Elaine, K3ERP; Centre County EC, Carmine, K3CWP; and Blair County EC, Drew, KA3EJF discussed this at some length after the meeting. While we don’t think the form is really necessary and we note that we do want to provide the service, there isn’t any real way around the requirement. It is the MS Society’s requirement.
As Centre County EC I plan to participate and Elaine and I will complete the forms. The forms will be available at the June 11 ARES meeting and I can try to answer further questions there. Please consider participating in the event and completing the form as required by MS.
Thank you for your interest and participation. You can also contact me at K3CWP@ARRL.NET.
Carmine Prestia, K3CWP
Centre County ARRL EC
Amateur radio operators from Centre and Blair Counties have provided communications assistance for the MS-150 Bike Ride of The Hollidaysburg Branch of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for several years. This ride is a major fundraiser for the group and involves hundreds of bicyclists riding from Hollidaysburg to State College on Saturday, July 25 and then returning to Hollidaysburg on Sunday, July 26. Ride planners are asking for our assistance again this year.
Amateur participation involves communications along the route and among the rest stops and ride organizers. ARES and NARC will be asking amateurs to sign up and help. This is an interesting and challenging public service. We have on several occasions over the years been the prime contact for alerting EMS when a rider is injured or ill along the course.
More information will be provided soon. Please try to reserve the dates in your calendars to help out.
Thank you.
Carmine Prestia, K3CWP
Welcome:
I established this blog to record information relative to Amateur Radio emergency preparedness in Centre County. In addition to a “news” vehicle it will provide interested parties with a historical recording of the progress of Amateur Radio participation in Centre County’s emergency planning and preparation.
My name is Carmine W Prestia Jr. I currently hold Amateur Extra Class license K3CWP, having been licensed since 1972, and am the Emergency Coordinator for Centre County appointed by the American Radio Relay League. I am also the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) Radio Officer for Centre County appointed by the County Emergency Management Agency Director.
My background in emergency services includes:
Any interested amateur radio operator or emergency services worker is welcome to view the information here.
Thank you and 73
Carmine, K3CWP