Category Archives: Public Service

Sutton Chain of Lights

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Worcester Emergency Communications Team President Brian Loverro K1BML is looking for a few more ham radio volunteers to help support the Sutton Chain of Lights this Saturday December 1, 2018 from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

The event is a town-wide holiday celebration featuring open houses and activities at a large variety of locations throughout the town. For more on the event, visit the Sutton Chain of Lights Facebook page.

The role of amateur radio is to coordinate the trolley buses that shuttle people to and from various locations throughout the town. You will need an external antenna. The trolleys’ roofs are made of fiberglass, so you’ll need another means of attaching the antenna to the trolley other than mag mount. Duct tape has often been used in the past. HT’s should be OK but portable mobiles are preferred. No DC power is available from the trolley so everything will need to be run by battery.

This is a very fun, festive and low-key event, perfect for those wanting to get into public service for the first time. Operators will also likely have opportunities to get out at some of the stops to shop and the like.

To sign up or for more information email K1BML and confirm that you have the equipment listed above. Thank you for your help and support.

Wild Thing Trail Race

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Knut Finnevolden N1ATP is looking for multiple ham radio operators to help support the Wild Thing 5k and 10k Trail Race.

The race is at the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Rd, Lenox, MA 01240. The event will be on Sunday June 24 from 8 to noon. Keep in mind that this is Field Day weekend, don’t double book yourself!

Most assignments will be off-road throughout the wildlife sacutuary trails. The topography of the area means that most assignments will require using at least an HT with high gain antenna, if not a portable base/mobile setup.

Ham radio volunteers can register on www.EventComm.org. Other details of the race are available on the race’s website. Any other questions can be directed to Knut N1ATP.

New England Season Opener Triathlon

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The Worcester Emergency Communications Team is looking for amateur radio assistance with the New England Season Opener Triathlon on Saturday, May 19 from 7:00 AM to around 12:00 PM.

Assignments will vary but will generally include various checkpoints along the route, start and finish line, and shadowing the triathlon coordinators. Times involved with each of the assignments will vary as well.  The event will be held at the Hopkinton State Park and includes a swim, bike and run that travels through Hopkinton, Southboro and Ashland.

More details on the triathlons are available on the Max Performance website.

For more details on the amateur radio assignments or to sign up contact WECT Events, and let us know if you have UHF equipment with DCS / DPL when you sign up.

Westover CAP Looking For Comms Volunteers

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The Westover Composite Squadron, located at Westover ARB, Chicopee MA is looking to recruit two assistant communications officers.

A strong candidate would have an amateur radio license (technician or higher) and would be willing to commit to attending weekday evening meetings at least twice a month, as well as participating in almost monthly scheduled practice exercises (weekend one day).   Being able to respond to at least some actual no notice missions would be highly desirable.  Some skills with soldering coax connectors to cables, HF antenna/VHF antenna maintenance, and familiar with repeater maintenance would be very helpful.   Also having an active HF/SSB setup at your home could be beneficial.   Generally volunteers would perform these duties at the squadron facility at Westover ARB.

Volunteers must reside in Hampden, Hampshire, or southwestern Worcester counties and must pass a screening interview by unit membership board, as well as pass a local Westover security and National FBI criminal records check.

IF you have an interest please email me with your phone # and the best time to call you.

Thanks!
Ken KB1PKI

Groton Road Race

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April 29 will be the 27th running of this race and the race committee is again asking the Amateur Radio community to provide the logistics and safety communications for this high-profile event.

The Groton Road Race continues to be a 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.

If you are interested in helping at these events but 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 learn more about the race itself from their website and Facebook page.

The Squannacook River Runners and the Groton Police Department repeatedly praise and express their appreciation for your assistance in providing communications for this event.