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.
Penn State Amateur Radio Operators Visit PSU/COG EOC
On November 28, 2012 the Penn State Amateur Radio Club held its regular meeting at the Penn State/Centre Region Emergency Operations Center in the Police Station at Beaver Stadium. The visit was a chance for the Penn State students to see and hear about the EOC. Continue reading
Amateur Radio Operators participate in Penn State/Centre Region COG exercise
On Wednesday, October 17, 2012 amateur radio operators from Centre County and other areas participated in the annual Emergency Operations Center Exercise held by the Penn State University and Centre Region Council of Governments Emergency Management Offices. The exercise was designed by Hagerty Consulting to bring together University and COG officials in a disaster simulation to test their ability to coordinate and respond to a widespread disaster in the region. The simulation was designed to force response to a tornado touching down in State College, PA and damaging both municipal and University infrastructure, students, and residents. Continue reading
Centre County Amateurs Asked to Participate in COG/PSU Exercise
On Wednesday, October 17th, 2012 the Centre Region and PSU EMA offices will conduct a drill testing the emergency preparedness plans of both groups as noted in the previous article here. Amateur radio has been asked to participate in the event!
Centre Region COG and PSU EMA Announce Exercise
(State College, PA) – The Centre Region Office of Emergency Management and Penn State University Emergency Management are partnering on a joint emergency operations exercise. The exercise will test the readiness of emergency operations staff and emergency operations plans should a major disaster occur. The exercise is planned for Wednesday, October 17, 2012. Continue reading
Centre County/NARC hams help with American Veterans’ Appreciation Day at Lake Raystown
On Saturday, September 9th, 2012, Carmine, K3CWP and Elaine, K3ERP, Prestia provided amateur radio support to the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary District 5 Northeastern Region, Bedford County (PA) Amateur Radio Society, and the Disabled American Veterans (Virginia and Pennsylvania Chapters) at Lake Raystown for the American Veterans’ Appreciation Day. Continue reading
Nittany Amateur Radio Club/Centre County Amateurs Assist Penn State 4-H Competitive Trail Ride
The 4-H Competitive Trail Ride sponsored through the Penn State University Extension was held on September 15, 2012 in the Rothrock State Forest. As in past years the ride organizers called on Nittany Amateur Radio Club/Centre County Amateur Radio Emergency Service Operators to provide communications assistance for the event. The ride follows a 28 mile trail through the Rothrock State Forest where there is almost NO communications available save that provided by Amateur Radio. Continue reading
Roy Long Appointed Deputy ACS Officer for Centre County
Roy Long, KB3CZD, of Bellefonte was appointed Deputy Auxiliary Communications Services Officer for Centre County on August 14, 2012. Continue reading