Blount Emergency Amateur Radio Service

The man who defined the sound of live rock ‘n’ roll music and brought audio engineering principals into mainstream amateur radio use, Dr. Bob Heil, K9EID, has passed away at the age of 83.

https://www.arrl.org/news/view/bob-heil-k9eid-silent-key

It is time again to step up and help with the Strawberry Plains Half Marathon and 10K.

The event is schedule for Saturday February 17, 2024. Race starts at 8:00 AM; volunteers should be in place by 7:30 AM.

If you are interesting in volunteering, send Lloyd Pitney an email with your:

Name:
Phone Number:
Call Sign:
Location you may want:

If you plan on working with someone, please let Lloyd know their information also.

Lloyd Pitney: [email protected]

As we welcome in 2024, we want to look ahead to our upcoming events. These events offer a chance for us to come together, share experiences, and, most importantly, play radio!

Mark your calendars for these fantastic opportunities to make a positive difference while having a great time:

- 01/27 Winter Field Day 2024
- 02/17 Strawberry Plains Half Marathon 2024
- 03/16 Sevierville Hamfest 2024
- 04/07 Knoxville Marathon 2024
- 06/01 Cherohala Challenge 2024
- 06/15 Knoxville Hamfest 2024

If you are aware of other events that should be added to the calendar, please share that information with me at [email protected].

May this New Year bring you abundant happiness, good health, and the fulfillment that comes from making a positive impact on the lives of others. Here’s to another year of making a difference together!

We will be gathering this Wednesday at the Windy City Grill for our annual Christmas dinner. Spouses/significant others are welcome – this is a Dutch treat (each person pays their own expenses) event.

NOTE we will not be having a regular monthly meeting in December.

We look forward to seeing everyone there!

https://bcares.teamapp.com/events/23215514-annual-christmas-dinner?detail=v1&_expiresat=1706745599

The ARRL is asking that all radio amateurs urge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to continue the existing use of the 60-meter band. A public comment period is open until October 30, 2023. ARRL encourages expressions of support to the FCC for the current 100 W ERP power limit (instead of reducing the power limit to 15 W EIRP) and continuing secondary access to the current channels.

The 60 meter band is important for interoperability between the US government and US amateur radio.

Read more at https://www.arrl.org/60-meter-band

In an earthquake, you may only have seconds to protect yourself before strong shaking knocks you down, or something falls on you. Practice earthquake-safe actions on October 19. Why? Because when the adrenaline kicks in, you may not act safely if you haven’t practiced the Drop, Cover, Hold On drill before that moment. Don’t wait until the shaking – register at ShakeOut.org/register to practice earthquake safety with your community.

Invite everyone who matters to you to register and ShakeOut this year– on 10/19 or whatever day works.. Everyone is welcome to participate – individuals, families, businesses, schools, government agencies and organizations!

Are You Ready to ShakeOut?

Millions of people live and work in earthquake-prone regions of the United States. A major earthquake could cause unprecedented devastation for one of these regions but also affect the economy of the entire country. What we do now, before a big earthquake, will determine how well we survive and recover.

Each year, Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills involve millions of participants worldwide through broad-based outreach programs, media partnerships, and public advocacy by hundreds of partners. The drill is held annually on the third Thursday of October. This year, International ShakeOut Day will be on October 19. However people and organizations can hold their drills on any other day of the year.

A key aspect of the ShakeOut is the integration of comprehensive science-based earthquake research and the lessons learned from decades of social science research about why people get prepared. The result is a “teachable moment” on par with having an actual earthquake (often followed by increased interest in getting ready for earthquakes). ShakeOut creates the sense of urgency that is needed for people, organizations, and communities to get prepared, to practice what to do to be safe, and to learn what plans need to be improved.

Not just any drill will accomplish this; it needs to be big. It must inspire communities to come together. It must involve children at school and parents at work, prompting conversations at home. It must allow every organization, city, etc., to make it their own event. We are all in this together.

To participate, go to ShakeOut.org/register and pledge your family, school, business, or organization’s participation in the drill. Registered participants will receive information on how to plan their drill and involve others. At the minimum practice one of the recommended protective actions listed at ShakeOut.org/dropcoverholdon. It is only a one-minute commitment for something that can save your life.

For more information, visit ShakeOut.org.