The October club meeting started as they always do, with introductions and a question: Are your antennas ready for winter? Most said ‘yes,’ but everyone acknowledged that Maine weather is unpredictable.
The business meeting included several key announcements. Barbara KC1SSY, acting in her role as Emergency Coordinator for Hancock County, shared details of upcoming SET (Simulated Emergency Test). Scheduled for Saturday, October 24, the exercise will involve local nets across several counties. An email will be sent out with further details.
Stan W1BOY announced an information and planning meeting for the upcoming Fabbri Special Event to be held in August of 2027. The meeting, open to all interested, is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, at 12:15pm, during the Weekend Session.
John KQ1P, the club President, reminded us of an ongoing discussion regarding estate planning for our radio equipment. He encouraged us to leave instructions for loved ones regarding what to do with our equipment after our passing. As the EAWA may be the recipient of equipment, from an estate or other type of donation, it’s important that we have a clear process for moving forward with items given to us. He shared some examples of procedures we may adopt, and asked us to give some thought to our preferences moving forward.
The program for the meeting was a detailed overview of the emergency communications plans for the MDI Marathon, to be held Sunday, October 18. Barbara KC1SSY and Joan W1DLC are the organizers and club liaisons to the larger group of emergency personnel involved. The EmComm team includes more than EAWA members, and some of those operators joined us. A special thanks goes to those from Hancock, Penobscot and Waldo counties who attended. Barbara started by pointing out that many of the recommendations and suggestions from last year’s After Action Report were incorporated into this year’s procedures. She then covered many important topics, including locations for stations, equipment needs, radio communication protocols, weather options, and personal comforts such as food and water.
If you are serving as an EmComm participant, you should have received an email from Joan with several important attachments. Barbara will send more information by email soon. Two important items to keep in mind: (1) be at your location and ready for Net Control roll call at 7:30am, and (2) wear your orange EmComm t-shirt and hoodie (runners are told to look for the people in orange if they need help).
If you have not contacted Barbara about participating, the window has closed on the opportunity to be officially on the team. Don’t despair! There are many ways to join in club events and learn more about the EAWA’s role in area emergency communications. The previous article, Fall Back into Ham Radio (click here), and our Regular Events page (click here), offer many ways for you to get involved.
Written by Marion W1GRL
