[CTSARA] PLEASE READ: City Support

[W3EIC - Jonathan Solomon]

Good Morning-

By now hopefully most of you have everything they need to be prepared for
the storm.

I want to follow up quickly on Jon P's (WB2RYV) pleas for support tonight
and tomorrow.  Please take four minutes to read this email.

The SARA board, led by our President, has made tremendous strides working
with the city.  This time last year they didn't even care who we were, and
today they are requesting our assistance.  You may be asking yourself, why
are we trying so hard.

Nearly every club (in the US) has an affiliation with an official agency
of the area they are located.  This could be for many reasons, but the two
I think of are:

1) Amateur Radio easily supports communications in abnormal situations
(disasters, parades, marathons, anything that the agency/area is not
normally equipped to support).
2) Being friendly with the agency often results in good repeater placement.

It's the second item I want to quickly address.  Earlier this week, the
question was asked, "How long will the repeater be up should it lose
power?"  And the answer was "It is on UPS and generator and it will remain
up."

This is because the city has provided the club with space in their radio
building at Sterling Farms Golf Course, as well as valuable space on the
antenna at the same location, both AT NO CHARGE.  Further, through these
discussions, we have secured a larger, more interesting meeting space for
our monthly meetings, which you will see on Thursday.

I know people are worried about family and property; trust me I
understand.  However, if you are in a situation where you /can/ support
the club tonight through tomorrow, it would be very appreciated.  If you
are worried about what to do or are uncomfortable, I encourage you to
reach out to Jon P (WB2RYV) and talk with him.

Folks, we are 80 members strong.  I find it hard to believe that we do not
have four people willing to provide this needed public service.

Thank you for reading this.  Be safe this weekend.

'73s
Jonathan Solomon
W3EIC
Repeater Trustee, Stamford Amateur Radio Association
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