On June 27, Schumacher Farm County Park will be filled with radios and antennas for the American Radio Relay League Field Day, when ham radio operators test their equipment and their emergency communication plans.
Steve Ujarosy, president of the Four Lakes Radio Club, spoke to the Waunakee Rotary Club at its June 18 meeting about amateur radio, noting that while many think of ham radio as a hobby, the members also provide a service to the community.
Ham radio operators can be found during long bike rides, such as the Trek 100. When riders are out in places with no cell phone service, amateur radio can be used to communicate with other emergency responders in the event of an accident. They volunteer their services during tornadoes, as well, communicating with emergency services when power is out and cell phone towers are down.
Weather forecasters also rely on amateur radio operators who volunteer to provide reports from the ground during storms, relaying the size of hail from different locations.
There are 750,000 active amateur radio operators nationwide, and in the Madison area, the Four Lakes Radio is very active. In addition to testing out the equipment and emergency protocols, the June 27 field day will offer a chance for others to explore amateur radio and its uses.
“Field day is about learning how this works,” Steve said.
Children are encouraged to attend, and the event will be kid friendly. Some of the programs will be:
-Get on the Air, allowing people to use the radios.
-Parks on the Air, as operators at different parks communicate with one another.
-Operators using microwave transmission.
-SKYWARN volunteers and information.
Several honored guests from Madison and the Dane County Board of Supervisors will also attend.
Steve said the best time to attend will be from about noon to 2 or 3 p.m.
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Other news:
Ken Pesik reported that construction of the arch at Village Park’s Main Street entrance is expected to be completed at the end of August. So far, about $110,000 has been raised toward the $135,000 cost for the project, and a mailing with pledge forms was sent last week.
Also, Ken has ordered the beer for Wauktoberest, which will be Sept. 11-13, with a private party for Endres Manufacturing Company’s 100th year on Sept. 10. Ken is encouraging bartenders to wear dirndls and lederhosen, or to wear white shirts.
Speaking of apparel, Rotary clothing can still be ordered, and white shirts with the Rotary logo would be perfect for Wauktoberfest bartenders.
Coming Up
June 24: Changing of the Guard at Drumlin Ridge
June 25: Fundraiser for Waunakee Neighborhood Connection at Red and White Wine Bar.
July 4: WaunaBoom
July 8: Waunakee Rotary Picnic.
Aug. 4: Boat tour rain date make-up.
Greeters: June 25, Phil Willems and John Townley; July 2, David Rupp and Veronica Castillo; July 9, Phil Willems and John Cullen; July 16, Shelley Moffatt and Mick Holm; July 23, David Rupp and Bernie Kennedy.
To sign up to greet or to find out when you are greeting, visit:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054CAAAA2CA7F85-44320149-2023#/
