AID Township VFD Fire Chief, Louis Pauley and Fireman, Matt Jenkins requested that the Southern Ohio Amateur Radio Association and Lawrence County, Ohio Amateur Radio Emergency Service to participate in the Aid Township VFD “Fun Days” special event on Saturday, August 8, 2018 at the Symes Valley ball field on State Route 141. SOARA members who participated: Jim Rowe N8TVO, Eddie Jenkins N8URU, Keith Brooks N8DKB, Tim Nicely AC8VQ, Annabelle Jenkins KB8TGI and Mike Love WB8YKS set up and operated the SOARA / ARES Special Event Station from 9:00 until 2:00. HF and Two Meter radios were used for demonstration purposes with several contacts throughout Europe including Germany, Ireland, and Sweden.It is interesting to note that Aid Township is located in a very rural part of Lawrence County and does not have cell phone coverage, cable TV or the Internet, however the community had the opportunity to talk with amateurs around the world from our basic special event station. Additionally, the 146.610repeater was utilized which is only located about 3 miles from the event. This repeater has excellent coverage for the geographic area and is a primary source of emergency communications/back up for emergency served agencies such as the Aid Township Volunteer Fire Department, EMA, Sheriff, EMS, Red Cross and 911.

Although, there was light rain most of the day it did not dampen the spirits of the adults or the youth who thoroughly enjoyed the event. It was like a small country county fair with all the expected activities including clydesdale horses, pony rides, inflatable‘s, special live music, vendors, informational booths, and the most sought after, grilled hotdogs and other concessions. Additionally, the Aid Township Volunteer Fire Department demonstrated an extrication of a vehicle.

Several adults and youth visited with the the ham radio operators and learned about Ham Radio. They also took brochures with them about the many facets of ham radio provided by SOARA, ARES, the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), emergency preparedness, as well as other information from the EMA, Fire Services, Forestry, LEPC, National Weather Service and other agencies. This was very fitting inasmuch as September is National Preparedness Month.

At the close of the event the Aid VFD Fire Chief and his Assistant Chief, Ron Justice thanked each amateur and the Chief had these words to say, “ it is important for our community to meet the amateur radio operators and learn about their unique capabilities along with the emergency services they provide to our area.” It was truly a “Fun Day”.

Pictures and videos have been limited on this email due to file size restrictions. Additional pictures can be found on Facebook: Lawrence Ohio ARES and at the website www.W8SOE.ORG.

Michael Love, WB8YKS

SOARA / ARES

PIO