[South Florida DX Association] SFL Section News Update

[Bill Marx]

 Hello everyone,
>
> This is a special news update.  The summary with the reports has
> limitied space so I am taking this opportunity to send a few news items
> and reminders.
>
> The Southern Florida Section held an ARES meeting, conducted by SM
> Sherri Brower, W4STB and SEC Jeff Beals, WA4AW, on July 22 in the
> Martin County EOC. Hosting the meting was Martin EC Steve Blary, N1XC.
> Among the 47 attendees were all four DECs, ten ECs, ten OESs, and 17
> AECs.  Eleven of the section's counties were represented.  New ARES
> appointees were presented with appointment certificates and photos are
> on the news page: www.arrl.org/sections/SFL.html.
> Among the topics discussed were reporting requirements for appointees,
> county and section emergency plans, training resources, recruitment,
> EMCOMM exam opportunities, ARESMAT teams, mutual aid agreements, SETs
> and drills, involving the PIOs in the ARES program, and training
> requirements for all ARES members, EC and OES appointees.  David
> Wagner, WA2DXQ, Gold Coast DEC gave a presentation and offered
> assistance with WINLINK.  A committee was formed to update the Section
> Emergency Plan.  The five-hour meeting offered several opportunities
> for networking with ARES staff in other counties and lunch was provided
> for all attendees.
>
> Southern Florida Section ARES® training requirements:
> All ARES and NTS members must obtain ARECC Level 1 certification and
> ICS-100. ICS-200, 700 & 800 will be necessary for those who wish to
> deploy out of their counties. RACES personnel may need ICS-100, 200,700
> & 800 if their county desires to be NIMS compliant.  This training
> certification is necessary in order to heighten the state of readiness
> of Amateur communicators and increase the level of professionalism of
> Field Volunteers so as to meet more effectively the needs of the served
> agencies.  All training requirements must be met by January 1, 2007 for
> all ARES members and appointees of record as of 7/22/06.
>
> Required training is becoming the norm for agencies that respond to
> disasters.  Red Cross asks for training for both local and out of area
> assignments.  Humane Society of the US (HSUS) asked for ICS-100, at
> least one of their courses, and updated vaccinations before deployment
> out of area.  If we want to be on a level playing field and be accepted
> as professionals we need to have the training.
>
> I attended a 20-hour seminar given by HSUS last weekend.  I was
> privileged to be able to speak to the attendees about communications
> needs and the value of amateur radio. And, yes I believe I've recruited
> a few new hams.  During the training one of the instructors stressed
> the following: No training is ever going to go to waste.  You may not
> use it today or tomorrow, but you will use it.
>
> Reminders:
> Is your residence and your mailing address current with the FCC and the
> ARRL?
> Do you have family members listed with your ARRL membership?  Are their
> dues current?  This is easy to forget if you are a life member and they
> are not.
> Family members and friends going away to college?  Are they hams or
> interested in becoming hams?  Don't forget that many colleges and
> universities have radio clubs that welcome students.
>
> We will hold ARRL EMCOMM exams for all levels at the Ft Pierce Hamfest
> on August 12 at 12:15.  Exams for EMCOMM will also be held at the
> Melbourne Hamfest on Sunday, October 15.
>
> Other forums at Ft Pierce Hamfest on August 12:
> ARRL/ARES  9:30 - 10:30
> Tech forum on QRP operating 10:30 - 11:30
>
> Special activities for youth are planned for the ARRL Florida State
> Convention at the Melbourne hamfest.  Why not invite a young ham to
> accompany your group to a hamfest?
>
> I hope to see you at the Ft Pierce and Melbourne hamfests.  Jeff,
> WA4AW, our SEC will represent the SFL section at the Oakland Park Free
> Flea in October.
>
> The reports will be e-mailed mid month.  Meanwhile, keep an eye on the
> weather, stay safe and stay on the air.
>
> Say Hello to your world with ham radio.  Invite someone to visit
> www.hello-radio.org
>
> 73
> Sherri, W4STB
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> ARRL Southern Florida Section
> Section Manager: Sharon T. Brower, W4STB
> w4stb at arrl.org