[W1SMH] Fw: Ham help needed

[bruce alexander]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bob Salow - wa1ida at arrl.net" <wa1ida at comcast.net>
To: <wa1ida at arrl.net>
Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2007 5:29 PM
Subject: Ham help needed


> As the 2007 ham public service season gets underway, we immediately ran 
> into a crunch.  In the past you may have volunteered for one or all of the 
> following separate events - or maybe none of them.  Now we find that on 
> Sunday, 29 April, all three events are scheduled on the same day, and, as 
> we have done for many years, we are asked to support them all.
>
> **  Run of the Charles - canoe races on the Charles River from Needham to 
> Boston.
>
> **  Multiple Sclerosis Boston Walk - start/finish near Harvard Stadium, 
> walk in Boston and Cambridge.
>
> **  Multiple Sclerosis Journey of Hope - walk from Wellesley to near 
> Harvard Stadium.
>
> Each of these events has hazards and quirks, but our communications will 
> make the day safe and smooth.  For those who are new to ham public 
> service, it's a good introduction - and we need your help.  For those who 
> have done this before - your help is needed more than ever.  In years 
> past, we have been thanked and honored for our skilled service.
>
> For hams, the MS Boston Walk begins at 1000 at the Harvard Athletic 
> Complex in Brighton.  The courses are a 3- or 5- mile walk along both 
> sides of the Charles River, ending in mid-afternoon.  An excellent lunch 
> is provided.
>
> The MS "Journey of Hope" starts at the Elm Bank Reservation along the 
> Charles River in Wellesley and proceeds along Route 16 to Route 30 
> (Commonwealth Ave) in Newton.  It then cuts northeast through Newton, 
> Watertown, Cambridge and Brighton to the Harvard Athletic Complex.  There 
> will be several checkpoints and mobile riders along the way.  Hams 
> assigned to the start and the checkpoints can go directly to their 
> assignments.  The start will need communications at 0700, but the other 
> locations can start later, finishing in mid-afternoon.  Lunches will be 
> provided.
>
> The Run of the Charles assignments will begin as early as 0700, most of 
> the others somewhat later.  As in the past, our duties are primarily 
> safety and administrative at the dam portages, as well as shadows for key 
> staff and at Net Control.
>
> A 2-meter, 5 watt hand-held is satisfactory for most of the assignments. 
> A dual-band radio is desirable, but not required.  An antenna better than 
> the "rubber duck" that came with the radio is essential.  Some of the 
> canoe race riverside locations may have difficult communications.
>
> As ham public service, these are interesting and fun experiences.  The 
> communication load is light, but that doesn't begin to compare with the 
> problems of handling canoes in a rushing river.  Safety and support for 
> the participants are always important.
>
> Because of the three concurrent events, several 2-meter and 70-cm 
> repeaters will probably be used.  Be sure to have sufficient batteries to 
> last the day.
>
> If you can help for this event, please reply with all of the following 
> information as soon as possible.  Reply by email is the best method.
>
> Full name
> On-air name
> Call sign
> Postal mailing address (including 9-digit ZIPcode)
> Evening phone
> Day phone
> Cell phone
> Email address
> Does your 2-meter radio have CTCSS (PL)?
> Do you have a dual-band radio?
> Do you have a magnetic mount antenna?
> T-shirt size
>
> Let me know your event preference, particularly if you have done it 
> before.  Note that we cannot assure you that all preferences can be 
> granted.  Depending on the responses received, there is a slight chance we 
> cannot use all volunteers.  Try to get back to me as quickly as you can.
>
> If you know other hams who would like to volunteer, ask them to send the 
> above information to me.  If you are new and want to get more public 
> service experience, this is an excellent event to get your feet wet.  The 
> MS Walks are a low impact opportunity to learn the ropes.
>
> Your assistance is valuable.  Please let me know promptly if you can help. 
> I will get the assignments and more details to those who volunteer as soon 
> possible.  If you have already volunteered, bear with me and reply to this 
> message, also.  Get back to me if you have any questions or would like to 
> recommend another ham to join us.
>
> 73,
> Bob Salow, WA1IDA
> wa1ida at arrl.net
> 508.650.9440
>
>
>
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