Georgia Section On My Mind

November, 2006

Greetings, All. (And Happy Halloweeeeeeeeen!)

You've heard it before, but you're gonna hear it again.... BOY! Has this month flown by! But now, I may have an explanation for ya. CLIFF SEGAR, KD4GT, sent me an article on the relationship between time and frequency, and I've drawn the conclusion that that time really IS going faster for me, and it's all because my (and maybe YOUR) internal oscillator has speeded up. Don't buy it, huh? Well, it is still an interesting article, and you can read it, too, at http://www.imakenews.com/symmttm/e_article000672656.cfm?x=b8dkwtf,b3yN8GM1 (Another good conclusion, and it's something that Mike always says, is that the only man who REALLY knows what time it is... only has ONE clock. Think about it.)

Hopefully, you've all read about the "Omnibus" package that was released by the FCC. If you haven't, check out the ARRL webpage for details. LOTS of changes are on the horizon. And don't forget: if you have a comment about the changes, don't tell ME about them; post them to the FCC.

As you were all told in the mid-monthly summary, we have FIVE terrific candidates for this year's GA Section Youth of the Year. (AKA "Golden Piglet") This award will be presented during the Youth Forum at the Lawrenceville Hamfest, to be held at noon on Saturday, November 4. Once again, we are very grateful to all of our wonderful sponsors for making this all possible. For the second year in a row, KENWOOD (i.e. PHIL PARTON, N4DRO) is donating a 2M mobile rig; HRO, a mag-mount antenna; MFJ, one of those cool atomic wrist watches; and the Alford Memorial ARC, $100 in cash. All of this will go to one of Georgia's special young hams. NEW this year, HRO has also provided gift certificates to be presented to the other four candidates. Also NEW this year, TWO more sponsors! Native Georgia (i.e ROBERT TYLER, KF4VBR) will be donating a GA Piglet tee shirt and a custom-made name badge to the lucky winner, and the Gwinnett ARS (GARS) has donated $100 to help with the costs of snacks and door prizes. There aren't enough good things to say about ALL of these terrific sponsors. We all say that our young people represent the future of our hobby. These sponsors help us demonstrate it.

So, BRING your youngsters to the Lawrenceville Hamfest! There will be LOTS of activities for them to enjoy. Bring the kids, the grandkids, the neighbor kids, Scout groups, schoolmates, playmates. Bring 'em all!!! (And don't forget: those under 16 get in for FREE!)

ANDREA HARTLAGE, KG4IUM, our ASM for Youth, wrote:
Do you know a young person who might be interested in ham radio? A grandchild? A child? A neighbor? Have you struggled with getting him or her to warm up to the idea of radio? If so, let them get their feet wet at the Stone Mountain Hamfest & Computer Expo youth activities. There will be a youth lounge, where they can meet other youth like them, munch on snacks and drinks, watch video presentations about ham radio, participate in scavenger hunts, try their hand at foxhunting, and talk on the W4Y special event station. There will also be a youth forum at noon on Saturday, where this year's Georgia Section Youth Award will be announced. When all of those activities make you hungry, join us afterwards for the youth dinner at 4:30 PM at Golden Corral. For more information on all of the activities, visit http://www.totrradio.org/06Hamfest/youth.php. Questions? Contact ARRL GA Assistant Section Manager/Youth Andrea Hartlage at kg4ium@arrl-ga.org. See you there!

OK, let's get on with it, and see what's been happening, and what's coming up around the bend...

This month's one-liners, in line with Election Day coming up next week, are about politics.

"I don't make jokes. I just watch government and report the facts."
WILL ROGERS

OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS

OCTOBER 7 --- Simulated Emergency Test- Hopefully, lots of ARES groups throughout the state participated in an SET this year. The After Action Report from Dekalb county shows that they concentrated on testing the capabilities of WinLink this year, and successfully sent messages and got new members up and running on this mode. Gwinnett county once again set a very high standard and conducted an impressive and realistic exercise based on a flu pandemic. ALL of you who conducted an SET this year, PLEASE remember to send in a report, both to our SEC, JIM COTE, N4PJR, to our DSEC STAN EDWARDS, WA4DYD, and to the ARRL, at sewald@arrl.org.

OCTOBER 14 --- Augusta Hamfest- We always enjoy making the trek down to visit with the hams in this area, and this year was no different. The fun started on Friday night, when a bunch of Army MARS members got together for some dinner and some in-person conversation. (As enjoyable as it is to get to know people on the air, it's always a pleasure to sit down face-to-face without being separated by miles and miles of ether) Also joining us was our favorite Director of Vice, SANDY DONAHUE, W4RU, and our buddy AL MENGES, KF4NXL. (Aside: I ask you... don't you think that eating 144 raw oysters is kinda.... GROSS? Gotcha, Al!) The Hamfest was held at a brand new shiny school, very pleasant surroundings, indeed. The weather was pleasant, and there was a nice little boneyard to peruse. There was a successful VE session held at the fest, as well as a successful MARS meeting, chaired by my better half, MIKE SWIDERSKI, K4HBI, our assistant state MARS director. My better half sold a few things, gave a few more things away, and brought home a really cool-looking RME-69, thanks to MARSHALL THIGPEN, W4IS. (Somehow, I think we ended up with a net GAIN in tonnage...) There were some tables set up inside, too, including a vendor from Jacksonville, who offered a wide range of apparel and badges. No luck in selling any GA Piglet tee shirts, but we did manage to sign up a few new ARRL members, and sold quite a few tickets to the Lawrenceville Hamfest. All in all, I do believe a good time was had by all. Many thanks to the fine members of the ARC of Augusta for once again hosting the fest for our enjoyment, and to each of you who attended.

OCTOBER 14 --- Rome Hamfest- Officially known as the Al Brock Memorial Hamfest, and hosted by the NW GA ARC, this was a Hamfest that we truly hated to miss. But TONY KING, W4ZT, reported that, as always, a good time was had there, as well. He said, "I hope y'all had a good time at the Augusta Hamfest. We had a good time in Rome though it was COLD early in the morning. We arrived about 0700 and there were already folks in the boneyard swapping treasures. The day
turned out to be beautiful as the temperature rose with the sun. There were reports of upgrade testing and I met at least one in the boneyard that had just passed his Extra." When asked, he also assured me that, even though the fest was held in a new location this year, that the same good food was available as in years past. (Hope somebody ate a brownie for me!) Tony posted some pictures from the fest at http://rome.w4zt.com. (Thanks, Tony)

OCTOBER 21 --- JOTA- By all accounts, it sounds like there was GREAT participation throughout the state this year. BRIAN KEAHL, KI4LZG, with the Paulding ARC, reported that about 40-50 Scouts came through and 25-30 of them made contacts. He said that, while the kids were excited about making contacts, after he told them how the dipole was launched, some of them "just liked the idea of an excuse to use a slingshot". Down Savannah way, hams worked with Scouts at Ft. McAllister, and I even saw a picture of PHIL NEIDLINGER, KA4KOE, holding a microphone for some Scouts. (gasp! I didn't even think he OWNED a mike!) Phil reported, "17 scouts attending. Longest range contact was a German station running a contest on 20 meters. Power was 20w with the manpack. I kept losing track of my pocket knife. Best results again on 40 meter phone. Scouts attended from Richmond Hill, Rincon, Hinesville, and Flemington. This was still primarily a local event, and getting the word out amongst the scouting community proved difficult." Members of the Jasper ARC and Cherokee ARS were set up at the Scout Hut at Big Canoe, and rumors are that PAT HAYNES, K4BEH, may have used a microphone there, too, but knowing him, the kids were amply exposed to the joys of CW, as well. Gwinnett ARS members helped out at the Scout Hut at Rhodes Jordan Park, and about 50 Scouts came through to learn about amateur radio and to make a few contacts. Newton County RC members participated from the Scout Hut at First Methodist Church in Conyers. Forsyth county hams worked with the Scouts in the Cumming area, and I hear tell that there was a competition of sorts between them and the folks in Gwinnett county, to see who'd get the most Scouts to attend. (No word on who won the honors there.) Alford Memorial ARC members worked in the Decatur area, North Fulton ARL members worked in the Alpharetta area, and hams down in Camden county were active, as well. This year also marked the first time for the Thomasville ARC folks to participate, and they worked with Scouts at Hale's Landing in Bainbridge. I'm sure that there were others who were doing their "good deed" (and having a lot of fun) by working with the Scouts during JOTA, but these are just the ones that I know about. Our esteemed Webmaster, BOB SMITH, K4PHE, has posted some JOTA pictures on our website. www.arrl-ga.org.

For the first time, we held a JOTA net on 3.975, too, and that was a huge success. CHARLES DAVIS, WA4UJC, opened the net at noon, and he recorded 19 check-ins and talked to 6 Scouts in the first half hour, at which time CHARLES PENNINGTON, K4GK, took over as NCS. When asked about it later, Charles, K4GK, said, "Yes, I think that we should continue the JOTA Net(s) in future years. It was a great event. It warmed my heart to hear two scouts talking with each other on the air. As for my hour and a half on the NCS job, my stats are as follows:
34 stations checking in, 84 scouts participating at the ham radio display. In addition, two locations indicated a total of 150 scouts actually located at the event site doing other activities. There were probably others, too, which were unreported. GOOD SHOW!" GARY NOLAN, N4OLN, picked up the NCS duties from Charles, but no word from him on the number of check-ins he had. But my guess is that he, like our two Charleses, had a lot of fun running the net. Many thanks to all three of these fine fellas. Looks like we have ourselves a new GA tradition...

"There is no distinctly native American criminal class, except Congress."
MARK TWAIN

CLUB NEWS

ALBANY ARC --- In the club's November newsletter was an article containing some information that you may find to be of some interest. Remember the old Over the Horizon Radar that used to be pretty prevalent twenty or so years ago? Bottom line: it's ba-a-a-a-a-ck. Alleged to be originating from Hainan Island, in the Peoples Republic of China, it's causing the most widespread problems on 40 and 80 M. If you hear it, please file a report to the Intruder Watch Coordinator, which for us, means the ARRL, at wa4fki@nc.rr.com.

ALFORD MEMORIAL ARC --- Though planning for a Hamfest is a year-long process for this club, (and it shows!) we're getting down to the wire now, with the big Lawrenceville Hamfest coming up the weekend of November 4-5. It's hard to believe, but it sounds like this year's fest is gonna be even bigger and better than ever. For the third straight year, plans are also underway for club members to once again sponsor a needy family for Christmas this year. Rather than exchange gifts among members, members will be opening their hearts and their pocketbooks to bring gifts to the annual party in December for their "adopted" family, and will try to put some "merry" in Christmas for them.

ATLANTA ARC --- Coming up at the November 2 meeting, held at the Red Cross building on Monroe Drive in Atlanta, DAVID SHORNAK, N1IB, will kick things off by showing his version of a "go kit" at 7 PM, and then our FEMA go-to guy, WILL PERKINS, W1ZRV, will draw on his years of experience to provide a program about emergency communications.

COLUMBIA COUNTY ARC --- For the second year in a row, the club sold raffle tickets for a Yaesu FT-180 2M radio to put a little bit of money into the club coffers. The winning ticket was drawn at the Augusta Hamfest, and the lucky winner was PETE LAPIERRE, K1OYQ. Pete's good fortune turned out to be the club's good fortune, too, because this fine fella turned around and donated the radio back to the club. What a guy! The radio will now be sold on E-Bay, and the money made from its sale will be used to help with the costs of some planned improvements for the club's repeater.

COLUMBUS ARC --- SUE GODWIN, W4SUE, reported, "Our special event station for the Columbus ARC 50th anniversary was a lot of fun. We ate too much, enjoyed some music by four hams who played everything from guitar to harmonica to keyboard, and made close to 190 contacts. The radios were set up in the club's emergency trailer, and as some of us were sitting around under a tent gossiping (I'll be honest about that), one of the guys came to the trailer door and yelled out "I just talked to Italy!" I don't think he lost his grin for the rest of the afternoon."

GWINNETT ARS --- At the October meeting, club members were treated to a two-fer... two presentations for the price of one. STEVE BACK, W2OGY, gave the annual status report on Venture Crew 73, which is sponsored by GARS. The Crew is a co-ed high-adventure Scout group for 14-21 year-olds, with a special focus on amateur radio. They're doing just fine, and are still having fun, but they are also actively recruiting for some new members. (Interested? See the Crew link on the www.gars.org website for more info) Second up was ANDREA HARTLAGE, KG4IUM, our ASM for Youth, who talked about.... youth. (Go figure!) Specifically, she talked about how the youth activities at the Lawrenceville Hamfest have grown over the years, and discussed plans for this year's fest. A bit of brainstorming yielded some great ideas from club members on innovative ways to reach out to even more young people this year. And the club, with a long history of working with young people, very graciously voted to make an on-the-spot donation of one hundred dollars to sponsor this year's Youth Lounge at the Hamfest. (Thank you, GARS!) Coming up next month, AMY WOODRICK, KE4IKF, will be doing what promises to be a very interesting program on her once-in-a-lifetime experience.... with the 506th Fighter Group.

MILLEDGEVILLE ARC --- On September 30, club members offered a technician class, followed by a VE session. Thanks to their efforts, all three students passed their test and have become members of the amateur radio fraternity. Good job! The October 21 meeting featured that ever-popular "show and tell" program, where each member gets to bring an item of interest and then spends a few minutes talking about it. Following the meeting, club president CHARLES PENNINGTON, K4GK, made a beeline for home, so he could pick up the NCS duties for our first-ever 3.975 JOTA net. (Big success! Thanks, Charles) Coming up at the November 18 meeting will be a program on "QSL Cards and QSL-ing Techniques".

NEWTON COUNTY RC --- CONGRATULATIONS to the club members and officers for recently attaining ARRL affiliation. It was a pleasure to visit with them at their October club meeting to present them with their new Charter of Affiliation, and SANDY DONAHUE, W4RU, ROBIN CUTSHAW, AA4RC, MIKE SWIDERSKI, K4HBI, and I would all like to thank them for the warm welcome (and fine dinner!) they provided us. Mike gave a little talk on the OO program and on MARS, and I did my "Amateur Radio, the ARRL, and the WOW Factor" talk. (and members laughed at all the right places!) Members participated in JOTA, and club president CHARLES DAVIS, WA4UJC, served as one of our net control stations for our first annual 3.975 JOTA net.

NORTH FULTON ARL --- It's a real pleasure to report that this club's rejuvenation efforts are definitely paying off, with a great turn-out at the October meeting, and more great plans for the months ahead. Now meeting at the Alpharetta Fire Station #1, at 2970 Webb Bridge Road, on the third Thursday of every month, the October meeting featured TOM OLLEY, KG4VUB, our GA ARES DEC for Digital, who gave a winning presentation on WinLink 2000. Talking about winning, elections were also held at that meeting, so CONGRATULATIONS are due for the following slate of officers: President- JIM STAFFORD, W4QO; VP- STEVE KNITTEL, KC4YBO; Secretary/ Treasurer- FRED MOORE, N4CLA; and Program Chairman- WALT WOREN, KJ4HE. With their strong leadership, there's no doubt that the club will continue to thrive. Coming up at the November 21 meeting, that globetrotting DX Hall of Famer, BOB ALLPHIN, K4UEE, will be giving his thoroughly enjoyable presentation on the Peter One DX-pedition. (Ya GOTTA see this presentation at least ONCE.... this'll be our third... or fourth... time... and I'm looking forward to seeing it again.) Club members are also keeping active in between the meetings, too. They participated in JOTA with the local Scouts, and also provided communications during four evenings of hikes held at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. So, come on out and join the fun. ARES meetings are held at 6:30 each month, followed by the club meeting. www.nfarl.org.

NORTH GA QRP --- These folks have a real flair for getting out in the field and having fun, whether they're "freezing their buns off" or "running through the kudzu". Their operating events usually have fun names, and though they like to run "little" wattage, they always have big fun. On October 14, they got together to enjoy a good old-fashioned picnic, and true to form, the get-together included a portable antenna operating event. A few pictures have been posted on our www.arrl-ga.org  website. Additional pictures can be found at http://www.nogaqrp.org/meetings/2006%5F10/index.htm 

QCWA --- At the October Chapter 49 meeting, MIKE SWIDERSKI, K4HBI, gave a very informative and interesting program on some field studies he conducted back in the 80's for Bell Labs that led to some pragmatic and necessary changes in the industry.

STATESBORO ARS --- Once again, club members set up and operated a station at the Kiwanis-Ogeechee Fair, held the week of October 7, and did a fine PR job for amateur radio. A special guest speaker, ALFRED FRONEFIELD, attended their October meeting and talked about the MARS set-up he used during his last deployment to Iraq. Alfred hopes to set up another MARS station when he returns to Iraq in November. We wish him well.

THOMASVILLE ARC --- November brings on the eagerly anticipated "Fish Fry" in conjunction with the regular meeting. This event caps off several weeks of activities I've always referred to as "October Madness", which this year had us involved with the Spaghetti 100 bike ride, JOTA (a new event for us), and the Boston Mini Marathon. We had a new Net Control for the Tuesday Night Nets this past month, SARAH HUNT, KI4QYQ, who is a ham of only a few months and is 8 years old. It was obvious Sarah had a lot of fun with running things and she did a very good job, despite "net-time" being close to her "bedtime." When I asked for a volunteer for Net Control Station, her hand shot up immediately (wish the older folks would do that!). It just goes to prove that the kids need to know that they are an important part of the hobby too...73 and Happy Thanksgiving... de MIKE BROWN, KE4FGF, club president

VALDOSTA ARC --- Club VP MARK TIDROW, KG4SZY, happily reported that the technician class that was recently sponsored by the club was a great success, with ALL attendees passing their test at the end of the class. To continue building on that success, club members are now in the midst of teaching a General Class course, which began on the 14th of October. In support of the First Annual Hahira Honeybee Metric Century Bike ride, which involved two separate routes, one 60 miles, and the other 30 miles, club members provided communication support, and were able to relay information on whatever problems arose along the way. Mark says, "We ran it as an ARES training exercise, using all the tools we learned from the excellent ARES training courses." Condolences to the club on the loss of one of their long-time members, JAMES SMITH,II, WB4HYK. Mark says that James "was a strong member of the club for decades, recently became an SK, and will be deeply missed by his fellow members and friends."

WALTON COUNTY EMERGENCY RC --- CONGRATULATIONS to club officers and members for being approved as our newest ARRL Affiliated Club here in Georgia. We're looking forward to visiting with them at their November meeting to present them with their crisp new charter.

WEST GA ARS --- The club had a great showing at a recent Storm Spotter class, with fourteen members, plus three guests, taking part. The new County Command Vehicle will have a custom installed Kenwood TM-D700 dual band radio, which as club president TIM TYSON, KB4TIW, says, "shows something about what they believe about the Club and Ham Radio".

"Talk is cheap, except when Congress does it. Government is like a baby's alimentary canal,
with a happy appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other."
RONALD REAGAN

NEW EXHIBIT KITS NOW AVAILABLE

The newly designed and updated Exhibit and Scouting Kits for '06 are handsomely presented in reusable clear plastic display holders for easy transport. These handouts are a great way to promote Amateur Radio to the general public of all ages at malls, town fairs, Field Day, presentations and scouting events.
The material in this promotional program is free from the Field and Education Service Department. The fee is to help defray the cost of shipping and handling. Please include a copy of this sheet with your order. Credit cards are accepted. Checks should be made payable to the American Radio Relay League.
If you have any questions, please call Rose-Anne Lawrence, Affiliated Club Assistant, at (860) 594-0263; or email rlawrence@arrl.org.
1 Exhibit Kit - $9.50
$3.00 discount for ARRL members off total order, not per kit.
100 Flyers "Connect to Wireless Excitement" (Tech Manuals and On-Line Course info)
75 Wireless Excitement leaflets (blue, Amateur Radio)
25 Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) leaflets (brown)
25 Scouting leaflets (green, all groups, boys and girls)
25 Leap Into Amateur Radio brochures (youth, ages 6-10)
75 Hello brochures (adults, youth over 10 years)
6 Display holders (one set per order)
1 Scouting Kit - $8.50
$3.00 discount for ARRL members off total order, not per kit.
100 Flyers "Connect to Wireless Excitement"
100 Scouting leaflets
50 Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) leaflets (brown)
50 Hello brochures
4 Display holders (one set per order)
Additional brochures of any combination may be purchased.
____ 25-100 - $4.00
____101-300 - $5.50
Be sure to include the date of activity or event when you contact her!

NOTE: These items can also be ordered (or downloaded) at www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/materials/

'NOTHER NOTE: Some of you have contacted me about the Archie comics that used to be available through the ARRL. Sad to say, but they are a thing of the past. However, ICOM does have some comics, and even some coloring books, that might fill the bill when you're looking for some kid-friendly hand-outs for your next demo. Please see http://www.icomamerica.com/amateur/comic_book/  You can download the materials from this site.

"What we need are more unemployed politicians."
EDWARD LANGLEY

ARES NEWS

**REMINDER: The Metro ARES net is held on the first Sunday of every month at 4PM on the Atlanta ARC 146.820 repeater. ALL are encouraged to participate.

**SET--- Please, don't forget to send in your report on your ARES group's participation in this year's SET. One copy goes to the ARRL, to sewald@arrl.org, and copies also go to SEC JIM COTE, N4PJR, and to DSEC STAN EDWARDS, WA4DYD. Thank you.

**CONGRATULATIONS, and many thanks, to CHARLES DAVIS, WA4UJC, who has been appointed as our new DEC/ Salvation Army. This position was formerly held by SK CARL PLOTZ, WB9JSW.

**EMCOMM TESTING is to be offered at the Statewide ARES meeting. If you are interested in taking one or more of these tests for certification, please contact GREG TILLMAN, N4VAD, asap. (and BEFORE the end of the year) We need to know how many are interested, and for which levels, so we can have the necessary materials on hand. And THANK YOU to DAVID ZISKIND, KE4QLH, who offered his services to be one of the examiners that day, if needed. (Even though it WILL be his BIRTHDAY...)

**ARES HAM OF THE YEAR nominations are due by no later than the middle of November. Those nominations go to STAN EDWARDS, WA4DYD (@arrl.net) for dissemination to the panel of judges. Who do YOU know who's made a difference in GA ARES, whether locally, on the district level, or in the whole cotton-picking state? We have a tremendous number of dedicated folks who work tirelessly to improve the state of ARES and our relationships with our served agencies. Who's your nominee to receive the prestigious GA ARES Ham of the Year award at the statewide meeting in January? Please see www.gaares.org for more information on the nomination and on the statewide meeting.

**While you're looking at the GA ARES website, please take a few minutes to look at the ARES E-Letter. If you haven't already signed up to receive these informative newsletters directly from the ARRL, I highly recommend that you do. The latest one has some very interesting information about ARES and RACES. Check it out.

RED CROSS BACKGROUND CHECKS --- Earlier this month, some hams in North Florida forwarded an email from their SM RUDY HUBBARD, WA4PUP, to Thomas county EC MIKE BROWN, KE4FGF, and it was about the requirement for background checks for all Red Cross volunteers. As the email was a bit confusing, Mike requested some clarification. As he put it, he really "stirred things up"! After a flurry of emails with various folks with the American Red Cross, the answer was actually found in one of the ARES E-Letters.
--------------------
As explained in the ARRL's September 20 ARES E-Letter:

The Red Cross said their national policy requires everyone that works in a Red Cross Shelter to have a background check on file. This includes persons that are signed up at the last minute. The Red Cross has a contract with an on-line company that performs background checks. There is a fee for each background check and the Red Cross is currently picking up the cost. The results are only sent to one local Red Cross office. The Web site is http://www.mybackgroundcheck.com/arcvts  and you must select the state map and then the local chapter.

After requests for clarification on this policy from ARRL HQ, Red Cross supplied this statement:

In the aftermath of a huge visible disaster such as Hurricane Katrina there are several post-evaluations that occur looking at systems, procedures, protocols and overall response to determine what systems could be more efficient. Recently, the American Red Cross established a policy mandating that all volunteers undergo a criminal background check, just as their employees have done in the past. The intent of this policy is to safeguard the clients, volunteers and employees. The organization has contracted with a private company to perform these background checks and has provided a means for their volunteers to apply for the background checks without disclosing any confidential information to a Red Cross volunteer or employee. Prospective volunteers can go to a secure online website and only need to submit their full name and social security number to the contracted company. No additional information is needed.

The overall results of the background check are not shared with the Red Cross. The only information provided is that a person has successfully completed the background check with no adverse information or that a person has potentially adverse information and that additional research is required. When additional research is required the contracted company will notify the prospective volunteer and will address the issue with no Red Cross intervention.

Several people have indicated the desire to go to their local law enforcement agency rather than use the private contracted company. Because the American Red Cross is not a governmental agency, as required by their guidance of impartiality, it is unlawful for a law enforcement agency to share this information with the Red Cross. This requires them to use the private, contracted firm. Also, many have expressed concern about the use of their security number, however this is required to be assured that the background check is being performed on the right person. The Red Cross has gone to great lengths to make sure the prospective volunteer is not giving out their social security number to anyone other than the contracted company and then only through a secure, encrypted website.

Unfortunately, in this day and age it is critical that the American Red Cross and other agencies, employers and organizations perform due diligence in researching the people who will represent them. We hope volunteers, who have provided blood, sweat and tears in helping fulfill the mission of the American Red Cross will understand the importance of performing this due diligence.

Any questions regarding this program can be directed to backgroundchecks@usa.redcross.org or 1(800)507-3960

This may significantly impact Amateur Radio operators in the future. ARES membership will not allow you access to a Red Cross shelter unless you have a background check. In Orlando, Orange County, Florida, the ARES/RACES group is sponsored by the county and background checks were done through the sheriff's department. Upon completion the members were issued county ID cards. The city and county EOCs and communication centers would not permit anyone inside the centers that did not have the county ID card. With the additional emphasis on security, this is going to be a bigger problem in the future. Homeland Security is pushing for a single national ID for government first responders. -- Jerry Reimer, KK5CA, South Texas SEC
-----------------------------------

*So, bottom line, YES, background checks are required for ALL Red Cross volunteers. MIKE MITCHELL, of the ARC, noted, "One point of correction is that when a DRO member (someone who is not registered as a Red Cross volunteer or employee) "in processes" to a disaster relief operation, part of the in process procedure will be to conduct the background check on the spot, at the time of registration. The exception to this is when there is no computer connectivity. Only then is there an exception that allows a person to volunteer without the background check performed, and then for a minimal amount of time." In a recent development, the ARRL has posted some concerns about the possible nature of these background checks. You can read this story at www.arrl.org/stories/2006/10/25/1/?nc=1 

*One of our Volunteer Counsels, COOPER MORRIS, WA4PZD, likes to "stir things up a bit", but when he weighed in and expressed his opinion against the advisability of these background check requirements, he was overwhelmed with an enormous response from all over the country. Evidently, this is a very hot button issue right now. His considered opinion is to be careful, but make your own decision.

*Our DEC for Red Cross, ROBERT BUTLER, W4RBB, has reported that the American Red Cross is very aware of the issue, and is dealing with it. In the meantime, he also noted that, even thought the form references a "credit check", that the ACTUAL process entails verification of social security number, and a standard criminal background check. ONLY if a volunteer is going to be handling money for the Red Cross will a credit check ever be deemed necessary. He also offered the assurance that the My Background Check (corporate name: Pre-Employ) has been in business for more than twelve years, runs a SECURE site, and has never had a Better Business Bureau complaint filed against it.

*In my opinion, I do believe that the Red Cross will take steps in the very near future to address and allay the concerns regarding background checks. This whole thing may very well be much ado about nothing. (Our ARRL president urged prudence, not paranoia.) Several of the other section managers have indicated that they've had the background checks, and they were simple, quick, and exactly as Bob described them: SSN verification and standard criminal check. Hopefully, this tempest in a teapot issue should resolve itself very quickly.

**CHEROKEE COUNTY ARES --- Together with members of the Cherokee ARS, the ARES group recently taught a technician licensing class for employees of the county's Office of Homeland Security/ Emergency Management. Eight people attended the class, and each one was provided with a mentor to provide additional assistance. Instructors for the class included DARRAGH MCCLUER, WA6IKS; MARK HARRIS, KG4WIV; JIM MILLSAP, WB4NWS; and JIM WAUFORD, WA4REV.

**NEWTON COUNTY ARES --- EC CARL WULFESTIEG, A4LS, reported that "On 10-4-06, a Diamond X-510MA antenna was installed at the Newton County EMA. It is mounted on a 50 foot utility pole. Jody Nolan, Deputy EMA Director, is to be commended for coordinating the installation of this antenna. This antenna will help the Newton County ARES/Skywarn Group provide quality communication support for this served agency. It will also help the Newton County ARES/Skywarn Group support the East Metro Health District during the upcoming SET on October 7, 2006."
Carl also mentioned that Newton County ARES recently signed an MOU with Newton Medical Center, a MOU very similar to the typical EMA MOUs, but modified to reflect Medical Center aspects instead of Emergency Management Agency aspects.

"He inherited some good instincts from his Quaker forebears, but by diligent hard work, he overcame them."
JAMES RESTON (about RICHARD NIXON)

ARES REPORT DE DSEC STAN EDWARDS, WA4DYD

Membership: 1,265 Change since last month: 11

Total Net Sessions: 107
Drills, Tests, Training Sessions: 102 Man-hours: 1,280
Public Service Events: 16 Man-hours: 681
Emergency Operations: 5 Man-hours: 42
Misc. Events: 48 Man-hours: 652

Total Events: 171 Total Man-hours: 2,655

Reporting by District:

West Central 100.0%
Metro Atlanta 63.6%
Central 40.9%
Northwest 30.8%
East Central 28.6%
Northeast 26.7%
Southwest 25.0%
Southeast 17.9%

Total Reporting 30.2%

The following jurisdictions reported for September: Baldwin, Bartow, Bibb, Calhoun, Camden, Charlton, Clarke/Madison, Clayton/Hentry, Columbia, Coweta, DEC for Digital, DEC for GEMA, DEC for GPB, DEC for NWS - Charleston, DEC for NWS - Peachtree City, DeKalb, Dodge, Effingham, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Fulton-North, Gilmer, Grady/Thomas, Gwinnett, Hall, Haralson, Houston, Jones, Lee, Monroe, Morgan, Muscogee, Net Manger - ARES, Newton, Peach, Pulaski, Rockdale, Tift, Toombs, Towns, Washington, Wilkinson, and Worth.

"The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin."
MARK TWAIN

NET REPORT DE JIM HANNA, AF4NS, STM

PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL

STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS

Traffic handled (QTC):

*****NOTE: Don't forget the South CARS net, which meets every day from 8 AM until 10 AM and again from noon until 2PM, on 7.251 MHz. A friendly, welcoming group of folks. Especially great company while on the road. I understand that a Trader's Net meets on this same frequency on Wednesday mornings at 10 AM.

***** Other GREAT nets:
QCWA: Saturdays at 9AM on 3.8575 MHz
SE 6M SSB Net: Sundays at 9 PM on 50.145 MHz
SE AM Net: Tuesdays at 7:30 PM on 3885 kc (AM nets ALWAYS meet on kcs...)
Hole in the Wall Net: Wednesdays at 9 PM on 50.135 MHz

"In days of old, when ops were bold and sideband not invented, the words were passed by pounding brass, and all were quite contented."
Anonymous

NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM

The tidbits of info on the NTS which were offered in last month's newsletter generated a bit of response. For one thing, the URLs didn't seem to want to work. Try these: (and thanks to GREG TILLMAN, N4VAD, for providing them)

http://www.w0uce.net/
http://4rnc4.homestead.com/index.html
http://web.recorder.ca/~ve3bdm/phntrn.htm
http://www.midmoskywarn.net/coleares/documents/nts-training.html


CHARLES PENNINGTON, K4GK, felt that some additional information and clarification should be forthcoming, which he graciously provided:

The National Traffic System operates on four (4) cycles per day, 365 days a year.

Cycle One, is mornings and meets on CW only, on 40 meters 4RN, EAN, and TCC. With TCC also going on on 20 meter CW.

Cycle Two, is mid-day and starts with Section nets at 1:00 P.M. local.

4RN and EAN follow as mentioned in the October newsletter. (which was given as:
7.243 daily 1:45 4th region traffic going out of 4th
7.243 daily 3:30 4th region traffic coming in from Central and Eastern.
3.983 7:15 pm daily Ga. Traffic and Emergency Net.
3.593 1900 @ 2200 daily 4th region Ga. State CW Traffic Net.) These are the only regional and Area nets on SSB. Cycle Three, meets with another session of 4RN and EAN on 40 CW.

Cycle Four, starts at 7:00 P.M. local, with The Georgia State Net and Georgia SSB Net, Then continues with 4RN at 7:45 P.M., followed by EAN, and then followed by another session of 4RN at 9:30, and then another session of GSN at 10:00 local. EAN is stuck in there at 8:00 P.M. local. All of Cycle Four, is CW except for Ga. SSB, and GTEN. The 40 meter frequencies for 4RN and EAN are 7051 kHz. The 80 meter CW frequency for 4RN is 3567 KHZ.

4RN reps are designated from local and section nets to carry and receive traffic from the Region and Area and to/ from the Transcontinental Corps. Only one 4RN Rep is appointed normally from the state of Georgia to RX and TX all state traffic to 4RN going out of state. Under exceptional heavy loads, rules allow more than one Rep from the section nets.

NTS continues to operate mostly CW with 88% of nets, and traffic being handled with this mode.

Farther information on The National Traffic System (NTS), can be obtained from our Section Traffic Manager (STM), Jim Hanna, AF4FS, or from the NTS manual, which can be downloaded from the ARRL website.

After reading all of this, our esteemed STM JIM HANNA, AF4NS, added:

Seems like you have mostly covered the NTS functions without going into great detail....which could get confusing without a flow diagram for reference.
Cycles Two and Four are implemented in all three areas (EAN, CAN, PAN).
Cycle One is implemented in the Pacific Area (PAN).
Cycle Three is implemented in the Eastern Area (EAN) to facilitate intra-area and west-to-east traffic flow.
Cycles One and Three were initially designed for high-volume situations to improve and enhance the response of NTS to emergency and overload situations. However, the entire four-cycle sequence can, if need be, activated in three-hour shifts when needed.
(See NTS Chapter Three, NTS Policies , 3.1, "Sequence of Net Meetings.")
Minimum implementation currently consists of Cycles Two and Four.

"Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to a teenaged boy."
P. J. O'ROURKE

THIS 'N' THAT

** Remember the good old days when your computer program asked you repeatedly if you were SURE you wanted to delete something before it reluctantly removed it? Annoying, maybe, but it also helped save us from ourselves at times. If you inadvertently delete a file that you really wished you hadn't (like the log of field day contacts?) there MAY be help. At www.geocities.jp/br_kato/ you can find a free downloadable file called "restoration" that may help you recover that lost file.

** This has appeared in a past newsletter, but I've been seeing it raise its head as being "new" again on various reflectors. STEVE DEAN, K4KDB, also sent the URL for it my way, saying, "Finally - A Ham Song Hit?" You can find this toe-tapping music video (made while hanging off of a tower, by the way) at
http://www.tmedlin.com/misc/100k%20video/hamband_100K.wmv 

** ROBERT COPELAN, WB4DHC, posted this URL on the Lanierland ARC reflector recently. For those of you interested in D-Star, or in APRS, you should be able to find some good information here:
http://www.aprstv.com/archives.htm 

** CHARLES PENNINGTON, K4GK, wrote on the Milledgeville ARC reflector: "In my early years, one of the worlds' great DXers was Frank, W3CRA (Once W8CRA). I can still remember (1960's) hearing W3CRA calling CQ DX on 20 meters with his great signal. I would hear him working DX all over the world, and could not even hear the DX station at all. He had 375 countries confirmed when he became a silent key. Now, the secret of Frank's great signal can be found at:
http://users.vnet.net/btippett/w3cra.htm Check it out."

** From the ARRL's ALLEN PITTS, W1AGP, comes the following information:

NOAA is providing emergency alert radios to every school in the country. (A lot of radios!) Citizen Corps groups are being asked to help set them up, make sure they are turned ON, tuned right, etc. In turn, Amateur Radio groups are being asked to contact the Citizen Corps people in their area to help make this happen.

More info is at
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/noaapubalert.html
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/pubservice.html#nandv

STEVE EWALD, WV1X, adds:

If you, as Amateur Radio operator, or an Amateur Radio club member, or ARRL Field Organization appointee would like to assist Citizen Corps in this project, please contact your local Citizen Corps Council to offer assistance. Where there isn't a Council, please contact local emergency management.

Contacts should not be made directly to local schools but, instead, should be made by Citizen Corps and Emergency Management to local school district superintendent's offices to ensure a coordinated plan. Assistance to schools will be provided at the request of, and in coordination with, the school district.

"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: if it moves, tax it.
If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it."
RONALD REAGAN

SECTION NOTABLES

** CONGRATULATIONS to LYNN BIANCO, KN4YZ, our ASEC for NWS, who has competed his training with GEMA and has now been duly certified as a Certified Emergency Manager. Good job!

** CONGRATULATIONS, too, go to our hard-working Deputy SEC STAN EDWARS, WA4DYD, who also received his Certified Emergency Manager credentials a few days after Lynn. That makes THREE (our SEC JIM COTE, N4PJR, was the first) of our GA ARES leadership now who have completed this training. Very impressive.

** And THREE CHEERS go out to RICHARD TRAINER, KE4YCY, and his bride SHIRLEY, KE4YCX, for being two of the special hams in Georgia who make a real difference. In response to the mention made in the mid-monthly summary about the large number of new hams licensed here in Georgia this past month, BILL NEWMAN, AE4YZ, told me about this special couple, and about the significant role they play in the licensing of new hams. Bill wrote, "As a VE in LaGrange, I had long participated in another VEC organization. Finally, after months of poor response to our testing sessions, we changed to another VEC. This required more training and the inevitable changes in procedures. It also brought about changes in the list of VE volunteers. Please recognize KE4YCY and KE4YCX, Richard and Shirley Trainer, for their tireless efforts in reorganizing the VE program under the new VEC. Not only did they organize the VEs, they became local coordinators for the VEC and participated in holding classes for the perspective Hams. Out of seven people taking the test after the school last month, six passed, with the most missed questions at TWO on the Technician test. This was one individual. The remainder missed only one question! This is a testament to the training provided and I think these two Hams, Richard and Shirley, deserve a "Well Done" from the Ham community." And I agree. Our instructors and VE teams play such a vital role in promoting the growth of membership in the ham fraternity. We are all very grateful to Richard and Shirley for their dedication. As Bill said, "Well done!" Many thanks to both of them. (and to you, too, Bill)

** THANKS also go out to LES WILDING, K4OL, for the role he played as the BPL team leader in the Douglasville area. Because of his carefully documented measurements and measured explanations, the Graystone folks have opted to cease and desist with any further BPL implementation.

"Government is the great fiction, through which everyone endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else."
FREDERIC BASTIAT

GEORGIA PIGLETS (AKA YOUNG HAMS)

The BIGGEST thing coming up for young hams will be at the Alford Memorial ARC Hamfest on November 4, where a Youth Forum will be held at noon. That is where this year's Golden Piglet will be named, and there are LOTS of fun activities planned, including the Special Event Station W4Y ("We're 4 Youth") Hope to see YOU there.

"The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools."
HERBERT SPENCER (1866)

UPCOMING EVENTS

NOVEMBER 4-5 --- ALFORD MEMORIAL ARC Hamfest--- AKA the "Lawrenceville Hamfest". Whatever you call it, this is one you won't want to miss. To be held at the Gwinnett county fairgrounds, on Sugarloaf Parkway, with gates to open an hour earlier this year, at 8AM. Scheduled forums on Saturday include an ARRL forum at 10AM, with featured guest speaker NORM FUSARO, W3IZ; ARES meeting at 11AM; Youth Forum at noon; Tri-Service MARS meeting at 1PM; a PR/PIO meeting at 1PM. And MORE!!! ALWAYS a great event. For more info, see www.totr-radio.org 

NOVEMBER 4-6 --- 2100Z Nov 4- 0300Z Nov 6- ARRL Sweepstakes (CW) See page 103, October QST, or www.arrl.org/contests for details.

NOVEMBER 7 --- ELECTION DAY

NOVEMBER 11 --- Veteran's Day "Freedom is not free" Many thanks to all of our veterans.

NOVEMBER 11-13 --- 1900Z Nov 11- 0500Z Nov 13- CQ WE (Western Electric) 160M-70 cm. As much a "ragchew" as it is a contest, a chance for Ma Bell employees, both pre- and post-divestiture, to "hook up" again. See November QST, page 104, for details.

NOVEMBER 14-28 --- an opportunity for you to work LIBYA. 5A7A will be running CW, SSB, FM, RTTY, SSTV, and PSK.

NOVEMBER 16 --- 0245Z --- W1AW Frequency Measuring Test 1.853, 3.586, and 7.039 MHz (see page 50 in November QST for details)

NOVEMBER 17-19 --- Cherokee Capital ARS Special Event Station, K4C, in recognition of the club's tenth anniversary. 14.270, 7.270, 14.060, 7.040 MHz, CERTIFICATE. QSL FELTON FLOYD, AF4DN.

NOVEMBER 18-20 --- 2100Z Nov 18- 0300Z Nov 20- ARRL Sweepstakes (SSB) See October QST, page 103, or www.arrl.org/contests for details.

NOVEMBER 23 --- HAPPY THANKSGIVING

NOVEMBER 24 --- Oconee County ARS Special Event Station W4EEE, for Watkinsville Bicentennial Historical Eagle Tavern. (Think they'll only use beverage antennas??) 14.265, 7.265, 3.986, 147.000 CERTIFICATE. QSL MIKE LAMB, WB9TBY.

NOVEMBER 25-26 --- 0000Z Nov 25- 2400Z Nov 26- CQ WW DX (CW) See October QST, page 102, or cqww.com for details.

DECEMBER 2 --- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta parade. (7AM- 11:30AM) My guess is that TIM ROSING, KC4ELV, is once again heading up the communications for this event, and will be looking for volunteers to help with the assembling and monitoring of the parade. If you can help, please contact him at kc4elv@etoii.com

"Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean that politics won't take an interest in you."
PERICLES (430 BC)

SILENT KEYS

JUDY JOHNSEN KF4JAI
CHUCK NOBES K8UTY
JAMES SMITH WB4HYK
CHESTER WESTERVELT KF4SB

Sincere condolences to the families and friends of all of these fine people. They will be missed.


Well, that's about it for now. Don't eat too much candy! (P.S. Chocolate doesn't count!) Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.

73, Susan af4fo@arrl.org   (Send me your news and tech tips!!)
ARRL Georgia Section Manager

No trees were killed in the sending of this message. However,
a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.

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