Along with Field Day, providing amateur radio coverage for the MDI Marathon is among the most important exercises in the EAWA calendar year. While most of the meeting focused on the marathon event, there were other items on the agenda, such as a reminder that it’s time to consider running for an office in the EAWA leadership. Other items included an announcement that the next Maine Parks on the Air day will be held on May 17, 2025, and that representatives from the National Weather Service at Caribou will hold an in-person Skywarn training in our area in November (details will be shared when announced).
Among the first items of business for the Marathon event is the distribution of t-shirts. The first photo below shows EAWA members and friends who are participating. Moving along the back row, left to right, is Chris AB1PZ, Owen KC1IRK, Jim W1JHG, Jeff KA1DBE, Bill KC2NMK, Mark W1ABY, and Mel W1MEB. The women, left to right, are Bernie KI4VCR, Joan W1DLC, Evie KA1BRA, and Barbara KC1SSY. Other EAWA members participating include Chris K1WJY, and Rob W8HAP.
As the MDI Marathon will be held on Sunday, October 20th, the club meeting was probably the last time the group would be together. Barbara KC1SSY went over several key points and last-minute reminders. After going over the course and positions for each volunteer, Barbara emphasized: (1) make sure all your equipment works, particularly at your assigned location, (2) bring extra equipment and make sure you have batteries, antennas, etc. for the duration of the day, (3) bring snacks and water for the entire day, and (4) prepare yourself and your equipment for any kind of weather. Chris AB1PZ answered questions about the arrangements at the finish line and communications on the net.
The meeting concluded with club president Jeff KA1DBE giving a review of net etiquette as it applied to the marathon communications. He emphasized the need for one person to monitor all the communication, maintaining order and brevity on the network. Serving in this role for the marathon as Net Control is Chris AB1PZ. Jeff reviewed how to break into the net with routine information as well as with a medical emergency. There are also procedures for talking with another person on the net and how to let the Net Control know when you are leaving the net. The most important things are to listen before breaking in and to keep your comments brief, sharing only the necessary information.
Providing the MDI Marathon radio coverage is a major event in the EAWA calendar that many members look forward to. Here’s wishing all the runners and everyone who supports them a great performance!
Written by Marion W1GRL
W1TU 