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
For Immediate Release
IRONTON, OHIO August 30, 2021
The Southern Ohio Amateur Radio Association (SOARA) members will participate in a special event to celebrate the rich history of the “Vesuvius Iron Furnace”. It is one of a few remaining iron furnaces in Lawrence County, Ohio. The furnace was built in 1883 and was the first hot blast furnace in the region. The iron furnace closed in 1906. Today there are stone walls of the old furnace remaining which is now on the National Register of Historical Places. There will be information available concerning the iron furnace as well as Ham Radio. The location of the Vesuvius Iron Furnace and the Special Event is located across from the Lake Vesuvius spillway. There will be signs to direct you the Ham Radio special event shelter.
The event will take place rain or shine on Saturday, September 18, 2021from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Directions:
From the U.S. Route 52 / Sate Route 93 Exit in Ironton, Ohio — take Route 93 North 5.9 miles and turn right on County Road 29 (Ellisonville – Paddle Creek Road). Follow CR 29 for 0.9 mile, then turn right at a Y and cross the bridge. The iron furnace will be on your right and the shelter is in a clearing just above the furnace.
The SOARA members will be comminating with other amateurs from across the world using the club’s FCC call sign, W8SOE. This a great event and opportunity to learn about the “Vesuvius Iron Furnace” and Ham Radio.
Eddie Jenkins, N8URU SOARA’S Vice President said:” The special event station will mimic emergency conditions which would be used when there is a total communications failure of commercial power, telephone, commercial radio, television, cell phone, and web access.” Eddie went on to say: Ham Radio provides critical lifesaving communications.” When all else fails there is amateur radio.
James Rowe, N8TVO ARES Assistant Emergency Coordinator said: “This a fun event that is open to the public and encourages everyone who is interested in amateur radio to come out and experience and see firsthand what happens during a communications emergency.” James also said: “You will be allowed to talk on the radios under the direct supervision of an FCC licensed amateur. Brochures and handouts will be available about amateur radio. This is a FREE event.”
Contact Information
Michael Love, WB8YKS
Mike Love, WB8YKS Public Information Officer (304) 638-7338 mlov82a@zoominternet.net