Past and Current Events

 

February 3rd/2006

Emergency Management Planning Conference

On February 3rd, 2006, the St. Lawrence ARES District sponsored a conference in Perth, Ontario, at the Lanark County Council Chambers. The event was intended to start a meaningful dialogue between members of the District A.R.E.S., EC's and their groups, and those organizations already involved in emergency planning and implementation. Twenty eight representatives of the Ontario Provincial Police, County Officials, CEMC's, Fire and Municipal Police Chiefs, Social Services and Red Cross were in attendance. Dave Clarke, the District EMO representative was also on hand to give an insight into the role and mandate of EMO. County Information Technology (IT) representatives were on hand to learn more about ARES digital communications.

Twenty seven amateurs were on hand, including VE3GNA, Manager of NTS, and several from adjoining districts. The conference was structured so that the morning session saw the various EC's and several AEC's explain the ARES resources available to Emergency Planners. These included, Rod Ellis VE3RXE, & Drew Wollin, VE3UIN, Kingston, Mike Larocque, VE3UNJ, Leeds and Grenville, Tony Wilson VE3XNT, AEC, (Who gave a presentation prepared by VE3HEG, EC), and George Sansom, VE3GWS, AEC, Barrie Crampton, VE3BSB, AEC, all of Lanark/North Leeds.

Barrie Crampton gave a explanation of how Paclink works and how clients can continue to use their email resources via amateur radio, should the Internet fail.

Drew Wollin gave a presentation of how digital communications can provide written messages and attachments using amateur radio.

Both had demonstration portable stations on hand.

Richard Buckley, VE3YSH of Civilian Aeronautics Search and Rescue, (CASARA Ottawa).

Richard Burroughs, VE3CDO, Rideau Lakes Amateur Radio Club (Smiths Falls).

Bob Cooke, VE3BDB, VP of Field Services, RAC was the final presenter.

Lunch break........

Following lunch a demonstration was provided showing how the Geographical Information System used by Lanark County indicated the location of some 20 amateur radio antenna installations, as well as the location of LNL linked repeaters.

Dave Clarke followed providing a comprehensive talk on the role and mandate of EMO as well as an update on the progress in the District.

Following Dave's presentation Barrie Crampton fielded question to the non-amateurs present, asking whether they could see a role for ARES in their planning. The various responses showed that:

1. Most were surprised at the resources of ARES

2. There was a good expression of interest in following up and including ARES In their planning and committees

3. Some also indicated they had been turning back funds from JEPP because of A perception that the funds were not needed.

4. Some were already planning additional antennas, and other requested that ARES advise them on addtitional installations

5, Some had surplus equipment that could be made available to ARES.

Following the conference, Debbie Norman, General Manager of RAC, showed off some of the new products they have.

The conference was organized by Norm Hagan VE3VY, with the efforts of all of the EC's and AEC's mentioned above as well as Larry Palmer, VE3LFP who provided a great press release kit, and CD's outlining activities of the LNL ARES Group. Al Niittmaya, VA3KAI did a great job organizing the lunch as well as registrations. Not to forget Bob Herron, VE3WSY, our photoographer.

All in all it was a worthwhile endeavour and meetings with various CEMC's are already in the works. The County is looking into establishing an MOU and investigation insurance coverage for registered ARES members.

 

September 11/05

A Pot Luck get together was held at the QTH of VA3GTY, Pat and VE3BSB, Barrie, at Glen Tay. Approximately 40 persons attended and had a great time, enjoying good food and great wine. Pat and Barrie have hosted this event a number of times and they always display great hospitality. Some photos below will change when you place your cursor on them.

 

September 11/05

Important meeting of ARES Ontario DEC's EC's, AEC's and any other ARES members interested in attending. 10 am at the Orillia OPP Headquarters. Please advise Norm VE3VY if you may be attending. This meeting is intended to resolve some current issues and road-map the way ahead. So far Helen and Norm are going as well as Bob, VE3SV from Kingston.

August 28/05

Time, 1pm Talk-in VA3AAR 147.27+ Just a reminder that the 5th Annual ALMONTE RADIO REPEATER LEAGUE Cornboil.... same location as always on the edge of the Mississippi River in Almonte (Bottom of Bay Hill) Get your T-hunting Gear ready for the "Big T-hunt", get in a bit of practice if you can! Still looking for a host for the 4th Annual T-hunt.... any volunteers (I'd kinda like a chance to compete this year!) See you there, Annual BBQ and Fox Hunt in Almonte. Fred.

Do you know of any upcoming events that you would posted here? Email me.

A recent demo on Airmail/Packet at Deloro, by LNLARES members. Click here.