The Western Pennsylvania Emergency Communications Conference is scheduled for June 14, 2014 at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown Campus. Click on this sentence to go to the website with information on the conference.
Author Archives: Carmine Prestia
Amateur Radio Volunteers Requested for April 19th Bicycle Race.
I have received a request for amateur radio operators to provide communications for the Nittany Cycling Classic, Black Mo’ Road Race, sanctioned by the Eastern Collegiate Cycling Conference. The race will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2014 (yes, the Saturday before Easter). The race is run through the Black Moshannon State Forest/Park. Unlike the Mountain Bike race in the fall it does NOT go through the unimproved trails. The course is on improved roads.
Amateurs volunteering will be asked to report at 9:15 AM for a short briefing and then deployment to their assigned posts. I would like to have at least eight (8) volunteers. The first wave of the race will take off at 10:15 AM. Anticipated end time is about 4:00 PM. Volunteers should have a portable/handheld capable of operation on VHF or UHF amateur frequencies.
If you want to participate and do not have UHF capability a loaner radio MAY be available.
In addition to the race organizers we will be working alongside volunteers from the Hope Fire Company, Centre LifeLink EMS, and DEP rangers. I’ll release more details as I organize them, I just met with the organizer today.
If you wish to volunteer please reply to me here or at k3cwp@arrl.net.
Amateur Radio Operators Assist Moshannon Valley YMCA Bicycle Race
On Saturday, August 10th fourteen amateur radio operators, and three family members from Centre, Clearfield, and Blair counties provided communications for the annual Moshannon Valley Branch of the Centre County YMCA Bicycle Race. All of the posts that race organizers asked to have covered were staffed. This may be the first time that has happened and helped make things go well. Fifty three bicycle riders participated. Click the link to see the full story. Continue reading
Amateur Communicators Assist With Another Successful MS Keystone Country Ride for 2013
The 2013 Multiple Sclerosis Society Keystone Country Ride is now history. Amateur radio operators from several counties provided communications throughout the ride on both days, July 20 and 21. Planning, recruitment, and coordination were done by Drew McGhee, KA3EJV and Carmine Prestia, K3CWP. Thanks to those who participated from Centre County. Click the link for the full story. Continue reading
Date Announced for Annual 4H Trail Ride
The Annual 4H competitive trail ride held in Centre County has been scheduled for Saturday, September 28th. Amateurs who wish to help with communications should mark the date in their calendars. More details later.
Volunteers needed for the Annual Multiple Sclerosis Society Keystone Country Ride, July 20 and 21.
Centre County ARES (and Blair County) is looking for Amateur Radio operators to help with communications for the Annual Keystone Country (Bicycle) Ride of the local Multiple Sclerosis Society in Hollidaysburg, PA. The dates of the event are Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21. Continue reading
Dates for upcoming events
For your calendar planning here are some upcoming operating and public service events:
Field Day, June 22 and 23
Multiple Sclerosis Keystone Country Ride, July 20 and 21
Wilderness 101 bike ride, July 27
Moshannon Valley YMCA bike ride, August 10
4H Trail Ride, September date to be announced
As always we’ll be looking for volunteers for these events so mark your calendars.
Thank you.
Carmine, K3CWP
United States Power Squadrons ARC Celebrates 100 Anniversary of ARRL and USPS
1914 was a great year. In that year Roger Upton joined with others to form the United States Power Squadrons. In the same year, 1914, the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) was founded by Hiram Percy Maxim to assist amateur radio operators in passing radio messages. Both organizations have as their core community service and education. Both organizations encourage their members to practice high standards of operating skill. Both organizations have commanded great respect in their fields: USPS in boating education and ARRL in radio technology and operating skill. ARRL and USPS have worked together on several fronts through the past several years. We know that radio communication is a key element in boating enjoyment and safety. Amateur Radio has a special role for those traveling offshore.
COMMUNICATIONS TRAINING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), through the Auxiliary Communications Services (ACS) program will be hosting the following communications training opportunity. Continue reading
State College National Weather Service Skywarn Recognition Day
Saturday December 1, 2012 was Skywarn Recognition Day. Unfortunately, the Centre County EC, K3CWP, was tied up on other matters and was unable to work on local participation. Matt Steinbugl, K3MRS, of the State College Office of the National Weather Service did sign on at about 09:00 and was answered by Carmine, K3CWP and John, W3JXP.