[W1SMH] Fw: 2004 BAA Half Marathon

[Bruce Alexander]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bob Salow" <wa1ida at arrl.net>
To: "Bob Salow" <wa1ida at arrl.net>
Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2004 9:21 PM
Subject: 2004 BAA Half Marathon


> A Half Marathon, But A Whole Load of Fun
>
> This is likely to be the last of the ham public service events
> for this year, so you can relax (except for the "real"
> disasters).  This event was so good for the past three years that
> the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) Half Marathon is now in the
> category of "Fourth Annual."  The event got huge acclaim -
> largely because of the skills and experience of the organizers
> and support staff (we are definitely a part of that).  The Half
> is run almost entirely in Boston (2% in Brookline), with 4500
> local, national and international athletes.  Proceeds benefit the
> Jimmy Fund.
>
> Our team has been asked again to support communications for this
> event doing our usual medical, water and administrative tasks.
> We definitely need your help.  Time is short.
>
> The Half Marathon will be held on SUNDAY, 10 OCTOBER 2004.  Time
> and other details are below.  The course is along the length of
> the "Emerald Necklace" (as beautiful as you can get in Boston).
> The out-and-back route starts and finishes at Clemente Field in
> the Fenway.  It follows the Riverway, Jamaicaway, and Arborway to
> the Franklin Park Zoo for a turnaround and return on almost the
> same route.
>
> The weather is likely to be cool and the 13.1-mile course should
> not be a strain on the athletes.  Water and medical stations are
> spaced appropriately.  There are also assignments at several
> hazardous points.  Our duties on the course will be to support
> these locations, but we also serve as observers of the runners,
> spectators and local residents (some of their streets are to be
> closed).  Most stations serve both outbound and inbound runners.
> At Clemente Field, we have a number of fixed and roving medical
> assignments.
>
> If you are assigned to a station on the course, and you wish to
> drive, you may go directly to the assigned location.  A ham
> course Supervisor will deliver your identity (long sleeve) shirt.
> If you are willing to drive directly to your station on the
> course, I will send you a Vehicle Permit (as an email attachment
> in MS Word) for you to print out.  Those assigned to course
> stations must be on site at 0700 so the Supervisor can meet you
> briefly and move on.  The Supervisor will call your station as he
> approaches.  Be ready and go to the Supervisor's car for the ID
> shirt and any last minute information.
>
> If you do not plan to drive to an assigned course station, you
> must arrive at Clemente Field at 0600.  A parking lot for
> volunteers only will be located about three blocks away from
> Clemente.  You will receive an ID shirt and any last minute
> information.  There will be transportation from Clemente to the
> course station assignments.
>
> Hams assigned to posts at Clemente Field must be present at 0700
> for a briefing and the amenities.  Keep in mind that parking in
> the Fenway area is limited, so allow time to find a space, use
> the volunteer parking lot, or take the T.
>
> The area is T accessible from several directions.  Parking (at
> that hour) will also be available at the Landmark Center
> (formerly the Sears store) on Park Drive at Brookline Ave.  There
> is a charge for the Landmark parking.
>
> The entire event should be over before 1130, and all roads will
> be (progressively) opened.  This schedule is what is known now.
> Better details later.
>
> Because the entire course is so compact, very few repeaters need
> be used.  Our present plan is to use both 2-meters and 70-cm,
> both bands with CTCSS.
>
> WE NEED YOU TO VOLUNTEER.  As in the past, we are committed to
> reliable, professional performance, and the requirements below
> lead to this goal.  Please note them and sign up quickly.  Each
> ham must have his or her own radio and accessories - no sharing
> of equipment can be permitted during the event.  Each ham must be
> self sufficient for the entire period, as we cannot assure
> partnered assignments.
>
> 1.  For the duration of this event you are considered a member of
> the Boston Amateur Radio Club (BARC) and a BAA volunteer.  BARC
> carries a liability insurance policy.
>
> 2.   To assist in identification and security, you must wear a
> badge with your name and call sign.  Your volunteer credential
> will be a special long-sleeve shirt provided at the beginning of
> the day.
>
> 3.   Our communications support is provided only by licensed
> Amateur Radio operators, Technician class or above.  Be sure to
> have your valid license (or a good photocopy) with you.
>
> 4.   Because of the radio traffic congestion, you should have a
> full size antenna (that is, better than a minimal "rubber duck")
> and a battery supply sufficient to run at your maximum power if
> necessary.  While you will mostly listen and rarely transmit, the
> best guide is for 10 hours of battery capability.  The ambient
> noise level may be high, so an inexpensive headset (not just an
> ear plug) is strongly recommended.
>
> 5.   To present ourselves as professional and proficient, you
> must be neatly dressed.  The bright orange "Emergency
> Communications" cap is essential for identification.  Local
> residents and the media will be watching.
>
> 6.   Expect the media.  If you are interviewed, state that you
> are an Amateur Radio operator, and give only a very brief
> statement about what your assignment is.  Then refer the
> interviewer to our public relations staff (call Net Control for
> direction).  Please do not offer prolonged descriptions of the
> joys of ham radio.
>
> 7.   You must be 18 years of age or older.
>
> NOTE:
> More hams are needed.  Please spread the word in your local club
> and to your on-the-air friends!  Anyone interested should contact
> me directly.  We also need you to understand that although we
> must call for more hams, final staffing needs may not match the
> number of ham volunteers.  Therefore, a very small possibility
> exists that we still may not be able to give everyone an
> assignment.
>
> As the event date gets closer, instead of formal briefings, those
> who volunteer will receive an email with the assignment, a
> detailed description of the assignment site and other
> information.
>
> If you can give this event your help, please contact me as soon
> as possible.  We also need to know if your radio has 2-meters
> with CTCSS and if you have the 70-cm band.  If you have any
> questions about participation, do not hesitate to contact me at
> once.
>
> When you reply, please include the following information:
>     Your best email address for last minute information.
>     Can you open an MS Word email attachment?
>     Are available to drive, and, if assigned on the course (not
> assured), would you drive there directly?
>     Your shirt size.
>
> If you have already informed me that you are available, please
> reply to this message anyway.
>
> 73,
> Bob Salow, WA1IDA
> 508.650.9440  (H)
> 617.650.0062  (Cel)
> wa1ida at arrl.net
>
> © 2004 BARC, WA1IDA - S/040915
>
>
>