Southern Ohio Amateur Radio Association The Southern Ohio Amateur Radio Association, Inc.
A Nonprofit Ohio Corporation and ARRL Special Service Club
P. O. Box 4684
Ironton, Ohio 45638
“Dedicated to community service through amateur radio” www.w8soe.org
PRESS RELEASE
IRONTON, OHIO January 19, 2019
For Immediate Release
Briggs Lawrence County Library Director Receives Donation During the Southern Ohio Amateur Radio Association’s (SOARA) presentation of Introduction to “HAM Radio – From Across the Street to Outer Space,” held January 19, at The Briggs Lawrence County Public Library, 321 South 4th Street, Ironton, Ohio
Saturday, January 19th was a very bad day weatherwise with heavy rainfall and a NWS Winter Weather Advisory issued for our area as part of the Winter Storm “Harper”. However, the inclement weather did not deter library patrons from attending the Southern Ohio Amateur Radio Association’s presentation Introduction to Ham Radio from Across the Street to Outer Space. All of these questions and more were answered… Have you heard about Ham Radio but not sure what it is about? Are you interested in becoming a licensed amateur radio operator? What about serving the community by utilizing ham radio in emergencies and community events or talking with the astronauts on board the space shuttle and with other hams around the world?
Annabelle Jenkins, KB8TGI a SOARA member in attendance, said, “What a great opportunity for the area residents to have this program to learn about Ham Radio and all the different facets it offers as a fantastic hobby for the young, the seniors and the disabled. It is truly a hobby of a lifetime. I am so glad to share my experience with the group and hopefully to have created an interest for someone to become a Ham in the future.”
The Southern Ohio Amateur Radio Association (SOARA) and Lawrence County, Ohio Amateur Radio Association Emergency Service (ARES) members James Rowe N8TVO, Eddie Jenkins N8URU, Mike Love WB8YKS and Ken Massie WN8F were the presenters for the program.
Joseph Jenkins, Library Director, said, “It is one of our goals to provide exceptional educational programs for our library patrons. This presentation today certainly fills the bill in all respects. It was educational, interactive, fun and left a positive impression on those in attendance. I was impressed with the level of interest and the questions from the audience resulting from this quality presentation.” Mr. Jenkins went on to say that he has invited SOARA to provide assistance that will allow for participants of the Library’s Children’s Summer Reading program to talk with astronauts on board the space shuttle this summer at a date and location to be announced. Additionally, the library will be acquiring “How to Become a Ham and Radio License Requirements” books for library patrons to use.
Eddie Jenkins, N8URU Lawrence County, Ohio, Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) EC stated,” This Introduction to Ham Radio and ARES is excellent information providing background about real emergency events in Lawrence County in which ham radio operators participated. It is interesting that during this presentation we are under an NWS Winter Weather Advisory due to the Winter Storm, Harper. Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) operators are on standby across Ohio for emergency assistance if there becomes a need. An Ohio Statewide “Snow Net’ was activated at 3:00 PM via Digital Mobile Radio (DMR).” Eddie went on to say,” When All Else Fails, there is Amateur Radio.”
Mike Love WB8YKS, Public Information Officer for SOARA and ARES, advised that James Rowe N8TVO (2018 SOARA President) and Eddie Jenkins, N8URU presented the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Limited Edition Six-Volume Boxed Set of the 2019 Handbook as a donation from its members to the Briggs Lawrence County Public Library. Mr. Jenkins accepted the donation and said, “The donation is appreciated and will serve as a catalyst for the procurement of additional books about amateur radio, all of which will be available to our patrons.”
The program came to an end with an invitation for those interested to talk on one of the Ham radios to Ken Massie, WN8F, a remote radio operator, with the assistance of a FCC licensed operator. Several in attendance accepted the offer including 15-year-old Bram Evicks and his mother, Adrenna Evicks, from Chesapeake pictured in the attachment.
For additional information;
www.ARRL.ORG
W8SOE.ORG
Facebook: Lawrence Ohio ARES
ARRL-OHIO.ORG
Contact Information
Michael Love, WB8YKS
WB8YKS@ARRL.NET
SOARA / ARES
Ohio Section PIO
Public Information Officer
(304) 638-7338