[K3CAL] Recent reflector emails

[KB3WFV]

Hello all 

As a member of the Calvert Amateur Radio Association (CARA), a CARA Board of
Directors Vice President and an Calvert Amateur Radio Emergency Service 
Assistant Emergency Coordinator. (CALV-ARES AEC) I wanted to take a moment
of your time to address some recent emails that have appeared on the K3CAL reflector.

October is an extremely hectic month for amateur radio operators in Calvert County.
Every year ham radio operators in Calvert County are asked to volunteer their equipment
and their time to coordinate and support communications at three separate events.
The Simulated Emergency Test (SET) The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Cycle for Life 
bike race and the Patuxent River Appreciation Day Parade (PRAD).

The organizers of these events depend very heavily on the communication skills of the
ham radio operators to help their events run smoothly. The effort that goes in to planning
and supporting communications at these events takes a lot of energy, time, equipment
and personal. In ordered to make these events successful schedules, equipment, locations
times, personal and what type of communications, all needs to be established with first 
the sponsoring event organizer and then with ham radio operators with in ARES and CARA.

Coordinating all of these different aspects can be a daunting task and often ends up looking
like a last minute thing when in reality the plans have been in the works for weeks or months
and only get final approval several days before the actual event. Sometimes even after
final approval things will change, equipment not available or doesn't work, personal unavailable
or reassigned, event organizers make changes etc etc.

Understandably, these last minute changes can cause confusion, frustration, and 
unfortunately all to often lead to short tempers. 

The recent emails that you have seen on the reflector are the regrettable outcome of when
things don't go as planned during an event with passionate people, who want to do their
best for the event organizers.

In hopes of preventing such tension in the future a conscious effort will be made to 
more effectively communicate the organization and the plans that are in place for
supporting the communications at these events. 

The organizers of these events speak very highly of the Calvert County ham radio operators
and look forward to working with them every year. They depend on the equipment and skills
that Calvert County ham radio operators have. This is a true fact that all hams should be 
very proud of. It is hoped that a renewed commitment to distributing event information more
effectively will make these events even more successful for all hams in Calvert County.

So guys and gals, listen up on the repeater, keep your email box open and come to the 
meetings. You may be needed to help continue the long history of hams supporting 
the community in Calvert County.

Thank you for your time 
Brian
KB3WFV
CARA member
Calvert Amateur Radio Association - Vice President
Calvert Amateur Radio Emergency Service - Assistant Emergency Coordinator