The following message came to me from our neighbor, "Chip" Taylor. Chip is active with the Cabot Fire Department and emergency services and is a ham radio operator. He hopes to find people who are interested in becoming volunteer "ham" operators to assist in case of some disaster. Here is Chip's message:

As you know, emergency communciations are critical in any disaster. Recently both the Marshfield and Cabot fire departments received Homeland Security grant money to equip their fire stations with amateur "ham" radio communications gear. In any kind of disaster these radios could be used to supplement fire communications, contact the State Emergency Operating Center in Waterbury, and assist the Red Cross with health and morale messages. The only thing lacking is licensed hams to operate the radios.

So, an amateur radio licensing course is being scheduled in January to be held at the Marshfield fire station. The plan is to have three four-hour classes on consecutive Sundays starting around January 8th with an exam the final week.

Knowledge of Morse code is no longer required and the exam is a simple multiple-choice test of about 30 questions. Those who pass will be encouraged to assist with emergency communciations if called on, and are free to explore other aspects of the amateur radio hobby such as chatting with other hams around the world (or even on the International Space Station!), learning more about electronics, setting up an amateur television station, and yes, even learning about Morse code. There are a lot of facets to the hobby.

The lead instructor is Jane English from Calais, and her phone number is: 802-456-1004. The course itself is free, however there is a cost for workbooks and instructional material which will be around $50 per student.

If you have questions, contact Jane English at the above number, or get in touch with Chip at w1aim@sover.net.