Amateurs meet with Multiple Sclerosis Society to plan MS-150

Posted on by

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

Amateur Radio ARES/RACES Blog Established

Posted on by

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:

  • 25 years as a police officer in State College, Pennsylvania
  • 35 years as a volunteer firefighter for the Alpha Fire Company, Inc. of State College
  • 25 years as a volunteer with Centre LifeLink EMS (nee Alpha Ambulance), 13 as an EMT and 12 as a board member.

Any interested amateur radio operator or emergency services worker is welcome to view the information here.

Thank you and 73
Carmine, K3CWP