All: You don't need the colder temperatures to tell it's Fall, just look at our events calendar... it's filling up, probably with more to come. The Bethany First Responders Triathlon is over, and apparently a great success. Seemingly well received by all.

• Rehoboth Marathon, Saturday December 8th

All of these events are in support of the MCU, with Ham Comm 1 making an appearance at probably two of the events. There is still plenty of work to do at the EOC station to "spiffy" it up for open house, and operational things to test for the coming winter season, so look for the announcement of workdays.

If you are new to public service events, let us know and we will team you with an experienced operator. Want to team up anyway with a buddy, do so, and we will assign you that way. Team up with your spouse, ham or non-ham; great idea, come on. We had several husband and wife teams last year. If you haven't heard, this can be fun and a satisfying experience in helping a good cause and playing with radios. It's also great training and experience working in simplex nets in real life situations. This is where you train for what we don't want to happen, and have fun doing it.

Later, 73

John S. Ferguson K3PFW
Radio Officer
Sussex County RACES

Sussex County EOC now accepts digital messages via WinLink 2000 and NBEMS. You can send an email to KB3HEV@winlink.org. As an alternative, draft an ICS-213 message using "flmsg" and send it using MT63-2000 on 146.425 MHz FM.

One of the reasons we do public service events is to train for the time when Amateur Radio is called on to provide critical communication when our communities are faced with disaster. So here’s an opportunity to look at Return Day event as a great big exercise simulating assignment in a disaster.

The assignments are outside, in the weather, they are somewhat removed from sources of support, and you will be out there a while. Think about how you will prepare for your deployment.

Weather, since you will be outside, are you prepared for what ‘Mother Nature’ might bestow? Have you checked a weather report? Do you have appropriate gear?

Away from sources of support, what will you do for food, drink, and personal items? If you don’t have it with you, you won’t have it.

Out there a while what about creature comforts, like a folding chair?

What will you need to do your job as a communicator? Have you checked your radio? What about an extra battery for the HT? Do you have all the accessories, like the antenna and the speaker mic? Something to write with, and write on?

Operationally are you ready? Do you know where your position is? Do you know what frequencies are being used?

This event and the one coming might just be a really good reason to think about a “Go Kit” and what might be in it.

The above are just a few questions to get you thinking about Thursday. Oh, by the way, enjoy yourself and have fun while doing something for your community.

Later, 73
John S. Ferguson-K3PFW
Sussex County RACES Radio Officer

Are you a "ham" radio operator who wants to turn your hobby into a way to help? Do you want to make a valuable contribution to your community by serving in the emergency and disaster communications field? If so, there is a program that may be just right for you.

The Sussex County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) is looking for a few good men and women.   Duties include supporting the civilian communications arm of the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center during times of inclement weather, natural or man-made emergencies or large public gatherings.

RACES members benefit from the program's training opportunities and weekly "Open Operating Nights". Rather than a paycheck, RACES members receive a sense of pride and accomplishment while fulfilling Amateur Radio public service activities. You will be recognized for your skills, knowledge, participation, and willingness to learn.

While an amateur radio license is preferred, training will be provided to those interested in obtaining their FCC license.

For more information, call John Ferguson-K3PFW, Sussex County RACES Radio Officer, at (302) 855-9385 or email John at k3pfw@sussexcountyraces.org