[W1SMH] Fw: NEW Public Service Event

[Bruce Alexander]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: wa1ida at comcast.net
To: wa1ida at arrl.net
Sent: Friday, February 11, 2005 8:14 PM
Subject: NEW Public Service Event


With short notice have been asked to support health and safety
communications for a new athletic event sponsored by the Boston Police and
the State Police to honor fallen police officers.  The event will be a
half-marathon, and a 5 mile run and walk, held concurrently.  Net proceeds
will benefit the "Kids At Risk" programs in Boston.  A major benefit for us
is the exposure to the public safety agencies when they can see hams in
action.  More than 8000 runners are already registered.



Date:  Sunday, 13 March 2005

Ham deployment:  0900 to early afternoon



All events start and finish at the World Trade Center (WTC) in South Boston.
The 5-mile events will use downtown Boston streets.  The half-marathon
course is not finalized, but is planned for a route through downtown, along
Storrow Drive, Memorial Drive, and back to the WTC.  We will staff the
several aid stations along the route, some hazardous locations, a utility
truck, and several shadows.



Because this is the first time for the event, there is sure to be room for
improvement.  Our ham experience in this venue should be reassuring and
supportive - the director and the sponsors will definitely notice.  It is
important to be at the assigned locations on time (even if you are the first
one there).  Our communications task is expected to be light to moderate, so
this is an excellent opportunity for hams with less experience to get to
know the public service environment.



Yes, the weather in mid-March can be chilly (even snow), but prepare and you
will be all right.  The upside is that unlike most morning events, this one
does not start while it is still dark; all stations should be closed by
early afternoon.  Your help is greatly needed to establish this as a fine
annual event and to uphold our reputation for dependable support.  We plan
to use a 2-meter repeater and/or a 70-cm repeater.  A hand-held with a good
battery and antenna (better than a "rubber duck") is the way to go.  Parking
should be available very close to each location.



If you can help, please contact me as soon as possible.  I will email the
assignments and more detail as soon as they are available.  For most
locations, you can go directly to your station.



Time is short, so please let me know quickly if you can help.  If you have a
better email address, let me know. Feel free to contact me if you have any
questions.



Thanks and 73,

Bob Salow, WA1IDA

508.650.9440

wa1ida at arrl.net