Radio operator handbook given during presentation

While the weather was rainy and wet on Jan. 19, it didn’t stop the Southern Ohio Amateur Radio Association from having their presenation at the Briggs Lawrence County Public Library in Ironton.

SOARA’s presentation was “Introduction to Ham Radio from Across the Street to Outer Space,” which explained how amateur, or ham, radio, works and how to become a licensed amateur radio operator.

Locally, the radio operators help the community by utilizing ham radio in emergencies and community events like the annual Ironton-Lawrence Memorial Day parade and even can talk to astronauts orbiting the earth.

Annabelle Jenkins, KB8TGI, a SOARA member called it a great opportunity for the area residents to learn all the different facets it offers as a fantastic hobby for the young, the seniors and the disabled.

“It is truly a hobby of a lifetime,” she said. “I am so glad to share my experience with the group and hopefully to have created an interest for someone to become a Ham in the future.”
SOARA and Lawrence County, Ohio Amateur Radio Association Emergency Service (ARES) members James Rowe N8TVO, Eddie Jenkins N8URU, Mike Love WB8YKS and Ken Massie WN8F were the presenters for the program.

As part of the presentaion, James Rowe N8TVO, 2018 SOARA president, and Eddie Jenkins, N8URU, gave the libaray the limited edition six-volume boxset of the 2019 American Radio Relay League handbook as a donation from its members to the libary.

“The donation is appreciated and will serve as a catalyst for the procurement of additional books about amateur radio, all of which will be available to our patrons,” said library director Joe Jenkins.

As for the presentation, Jenkins said that it is one of the library’s goals to provide exceptional educational programs for its patrons.

“This presentation certainly fills the bill in all respects,” he said. “It was educational, interactive, fun and left a positive impression on those in attendance. I was impressed with the level of interest and the questions from the audience resulting from this quality presentation.”

Jenkins added that he has invited SOARA to provide assistance that will allow for participants of the Library’s Children’s Summer Reading program to talk with astronauts on board the space shuttle this summer at a date and location to be announced.

The program ended with a talk via Ham radio to Ken Massie, WN8F, an Ironton remote radio operator, with the assistance of a FCC licensed operator.