Southern Ohio Amateur Radio Association 
The Southern Ohio Amateur Radio Association, Inc.
A Nonprofit Ohio Corporation and ARRL Special Service Club
PO Box 4684
Ironton, Ohio 45638
“Dedicated to community service through amateur radio” www.w8soe.org
SOUTH POINT, OHIO, September 30, 2023
What a fantastic day to enjoy the bright sun and breeze along with the scenery of the mighty Ohio River. Tim Nicely AC8VQ, SOARA President, started the day off very early securing our first come, first served shelter. He enjoyed his Black Rifle Coffee and a vintage cigar while waiting for the team. The Southern Ohio Amateur Radio Association (SOARA) and the Lawrence County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) members participated in the On the Air Special Event, Let’s Talk Ham Radio, Saturday, September 30, 2023.
The following SOARA members joined with other invited amateur radio clubs across the Tri-State area to participate in this event. Several amateur radios operating on different frequencies were used at the new Veterans Park shelter on the Ohio riverbank in South Point, Ohio, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. A special feature included some of the equipment powered by a portable solar panel. Radio contacts were made not only across the Tri-Sate, but throughout the United States and countries around the world. The radio stations used the SOARA’s club FCC call sign, W8SOE.
Members at the special event
Dave Bruce KD8NYN
Barbara Crockett KE8SRN
Joe Thompson KD8FPX
Tim Nicely AC8VQ
Jim “Ren” Reneau N4REN
Eddie Jenkins N8URU
Nathan Thompson KE8WFQ
Jeff Gaskin N8SDY
Jim Curley KE8EON
Keith Brooks N8DKB
Members who provided support
James Rowe N8TVO
Mike Love WB8YKS
A special recognition goes out to the following:
Michael Boster, Director Lawrence County EMA and his support team
Lawrence County, Ohio, Chamber of Commerce
Jeff Gaskin, Mayor of South Point, Ohio
Lawrence County, Ohio Briggs Public Library System
Tri State Area news media
Armstrong Cable System serving the Tri State Area
Lawrence County Emergency Services
Lawrence County LEPC
Area Businesses displaying the SOARA Event Fliers
Lawrence County School System
John Levo, W8KIW ARRL Ohio Section Journal
Tom Sly, WB8LCD ARRL Ohio Section Manager
Ohio Weekly Podcast AB4WV Cincinnati
Hamfests across the Tristate
Event Background
In the last several years SOARA has participated in special radio events celebrating the rich historical heritage of Lawrence County. This year the members saw a need to recruit new Ham Radio operators and to increase its declining membership. With this in mind, the special event Let’s Talk Ham Radio was born. The membership is aging and there have been only a few new members added over the last several years. The focus was on attracting new hams with a “Show and Tell” approach with hands on experience.
The event was a total success! Perfect weather, exceptional media coverage, and dedicated SOARA members provided equipment and educated the interested public. Several attendees expressed an interest in obtaining their ham radio license and joining the hobby of a lifetime. A PIO table was set up with ARRL information and brochures for handouts.
What is a Ham Radio Event Without Food?
A special thank you to Barbara Crockett KE8SRN and Dave Bruce KD8NYN for providing and grilling the hot dogs and hamburgers. Everything was delicious! The SOARA members had a fun time at the event. The new South Point shelter and two new grills provided a perfect venue. Thank you, Mayor, Jeff Gaskin N8SDY.
Promoting Ham Radio
This event was the first for the Ohio Section of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) at this location. Mike Love, WB8YKS SOARA Public Information Officer said, “This event had all the opportunities for a fun-filled family day engaging the public and learning about Ham Radio. A special focus was made to spotlight public awareness of the hobby and the benefits of a Ham Radio license, as well as emergency and community service”. The public was invited to talk on the radios under the direct supervision of an FCC licensed operator.
Emergency Preparedness
Eddie Jenkins, N8URU Assistant Amateur Radio Emergency Service Coordinator (ARES) and SOARA Vice President added, “The special event station mimicked emergency conditions which would be required when there is a total communications failure of telephone, commercial radio, television, cell phone, and web access due to devastating weather, earthquake, or wildfire conditions.” When all else fails, there is amateur radio.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU
A special thank you goes out to Michael Boster, Lawrence County Emergency Management (EMA) Director, for his help promoting the special event. His on-camera interview with Armstrong Cable was impressive promoting SOARA’S focused mission and Ham Radio in general. He is now an international YouTube sensation. Michael also stopped by in support of the activities. SOARA and ARES work very closely with the EMA team.
Michael Love, WB8YKS
SOARA / ARES
Ohio Section PIO