A number of public service events are planned for the future. NARC/ARES has been asked to participate. Please listen to the Sunday night net on 146.85 mHz at 9:00 PM local time for further announcements or watch the NARC Newsette
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has added a new requirement for volunteers this year.
The Society’s risk management arm has advised the Society to require ALL volunteers to complete a Volunteer Consent Form. Based on the information received during our meeting on May 21st, the requirement extends to any volunteer who volunteers for ANY assistance with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, not just amateur radio operators. You can click on the form name above to see the form.
While the local branch views our participation as extremely valuable and vital to the safety of the riders, their hands are tied by the national requirement. They, like the amateur participants in the meeting realize that some amateurs may decide NOT to participate simply because of the form.
This is one of the largest public service events we do and is a showcase for our abilities. Indeed, our presence has in several cases helped get emergency medical assistance to injured riders. It is unfortunate that such requirements are becoming a necessity in many volunteer efforts.
NARC President, Woody, K3YV; Treasurer, Elaine, K3ERP; Centre County EC, Carmine, K3CWP; and Blair County EC, Drew, KA3EJF discussed this at some length after the meeting. While we don’t think the form is really necessary and we note that we do want to provide the service, there isn’t any real way around the requirement. It is the MS Society’s requirement.
As Centre County EC I plan to participate and Elaine and I will complete the forms. The forms will be available at the June 11 ARES meeting and I can try to answer further questions there. Please consider participating in the event and completing the form as required by MS.
Thank you for your interest and participation. You can also contact me at K3CWP@ARRL.NET.
Carmine Prestia, K3CWP
Centre County ARRL EC
Amateur radio operators from Centre and Blair Counties have provided communications assistance for the MS-150 Bike Ride of The Hollidaysburg Branch of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for several years. This ride is a major fundraiser for the group and involves hundreds of bicyclists riding from Hollidaysburg to State College on Saturday, July 25 and then returning to Hollidaysburg on Sunday, July 26. Ride planners are asking for our assistance again this year.
Amateur participation involves communications along the route and among the rest stops and ride organizers. ARES and NARC will be asking amateurs to sign up and help. This is an interesting and challenging public service. We have on several occasions over the years been the prime contact for alerting EMS when a rider is injured or ill along the course.
More information will be provided soon. Please try to reserve the dates in your calendars to help out.
Thank you.
Carmine Prestia, K3CWP
Welcome:
I established this blog to record information relative to Amateur Radio emergency preparedness in Centre County. In addition to a “news” vehicle it will provide interested parties with a historical recording of the progress of Amateur Radio participation in Centre County’s emergency planning and preparation.
My name is Carmine W Prestia Jr. I currently hold Amateur Extra Class license K3CWP, having been licensed since 1972, and am the Emergency Coordinator for Centre County appointed by the American Radio Relay League. I am also the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) Radio Officer for Centre County appointed by the County Emergency Management Agency Director.
My background in emergency services includes:
Any interested amateur radio operator or emergency services worker is welcome to view the information here.
Thank you and 73
Carmine, K3CWP