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AE5ME > ARES 17.06.16 18:33l 28 Lines 3399 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : GN5BTVB83Z5S
Read: GUEST
Subj: ARES E-Letter June 15 Part 2 of 4
Path: IW8PGT<CX2SA<N0KFQ<AE5ME
Sent: 160617/1543Z 39754@AE5ME.#NEOK.OK.USA.NOAM BPQ1.4.65
ARRL 2016 Hurricane Preparedness Webinar July 21, 8 PM EDT
Registration is open now for the 2016 ARRL Hurricane Webinar, July 21 at 8 PM EDT. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from a panel of experts on new developments and preparations for this year's hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.
New, 2nd Editon of Storm Spotting and Amateur Radio Now Available
Fully updated, the second edition of the ARRL publication Storm Spotting and Amateur Radio is a valuable resource for the Amateur Radio operator who volunteers as a trained storm spotter. This book includes information on resources, training, equipment, safety, storm spotter activation procedures, reportable weather criteria, developing a local storm spotter manual, and the experiences of storm spotters from around the country. Purchase here.
ARES Supports Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach
The running of the 43rd Shamrock Marathon and Half-Marathon took place on Sunday, March 20, 2016 and was a large, successful event. The amateur radio community was out in force to help for the 37th year in a row and with their planning and participation, a safe and well-staffed marathon was the result. The Shamrock Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier marathon.
The Virginia Beach AmateurRadio Emergency Service (VBARES) has been in the forefront of helping the organizers of this event with communications services spread out over three days and five runs. On Saturday, the 8K run and two children's runs take place. On Sunday, the 1/2 Marathon and the Full Marathon are run. 30,000 participate as runners, with thousands more cheering the runners on. Many of the ARES volunteers have someone they know in the races.
The amateur volunteers from the Tidewater area are placed at each mile marker along the course, at all water stops, and at the medical tent. They run supplies in vans, track the last runners on the course, provide a liaison with the local emergency operations center, and transport runners who drop out or request minor medical attention. A hotel room is provided by the organizers for the VBARES team to manage ARES operations and control the net. The Net Control team consists of six volunteers who spend the entire weekend at the hotel monitoring radio traffic and relaying information to the organizers.
The Shamrock Marathon began in 1973 with 59 runners and 38 finishers. It has grown to be one of the favorite marathons in Virginia, with the course passing along the beautiful Boardwalk and historic Cape Henry lighthouse. Before 1979, as the number of runners grew,
Shamrock Marathon op Steve Isenmann, W0JTC, in coat and tie.
the organizers asked the local Citizen Band radio community to help with communications. Demand exceeded supply and in 1979, the function was turned over to the Dam Neck Radio Club of Virginia Beach, starting an enduring partnership between race organizers and Amateur Radio.
George Schmidt, WA4GDB, led the initial efforts. As a youth, he built an HF radio to put on his bicycle, starting his mobile and public service careers early.
Schmidt served the event for years, and turned over the reins to Al Crawford, WA4TCJ, and Tom Moore, WS9B. Crawford and Moore continued in their leadership roles through the years with a great support team from the Virginia Beach Amateur Radio Club (VBARC). Others have made significant contributions to the event.
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