Blog Archives

CARG 2020 Pumpkin Patrol A Success Despite COVID-19

10/31/2020

The Codiac Amateur Radio Group (CARG), in cooperation with the Codiac RCMP, conducted its yearly Pumpkin Patrol, which covers the municipalities of Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision as to if the Pumpkin Patrol would go ahead this year was not taken until the last minute. This had a minor impact on the number of volunteers and patrol vehicles this year. But as is usually the case, CARG and MAARC members stepped up and made this public service event a great success.
A total of 16 volunteers, compared to 22 last year took part. In all, 10 vehicles compared to 12 last year were organized in accordance with the 6 Codiac RCMP zones.

Volunteers provided 64 volunteer hours, compared to 70 last year, and covered a total of 739.3 kms, compared to 819 last year. We are happy to report that it was a very quiet night for our patrollers.

Taking part in the patrol were: Tobie, VE9AXB, Craig, VE9NCW, Andre, VE9ARG, Gilles, VE9NW, Marcie, VE9MMG, Yvon, VE1VON, Denis, VE9MUD, Hugette, VE9HUG, Gerry, VE9GER, Chris, VE9CS and his helper of many years Owen Kelly, Dave, VE9QED, Lou, VE9LMN, Larry, VE9ASB, and Jack, VE1AIR.

Special thanks go out to Yvon, VE1VON for doing double duty by also acting as Net Control for the event. As in previous years, JP, VE9BK organized and coordinated the patrol with Codiac RCMP.

A Tribute to Fern Blodgett Sunde (1918-1991):First female radio operator (“Sparks”) to go to sea...

10/22/2020

Fern Blodgett Sunde (1918-1991) grew up in Cobourg, with a dream of sailing the high seas. Determined to serve Canada when WWII broke out, she became the first Canadian woman to graduate with a professional wireless radio operator’s certificate, and the first woman ever to work deep sea as a ship’s radio operator (“Sparks”)....

You can read the entire RAC article here.

Tribute to Fern Blodgett.pdf
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Thanks to Mike, VE9MTV for submitting this story.

From CQ Newsroom: Hams Monitor FRS to Help Find Missing Kids

10/14/2020

Some hams with sharp ears helped police in Idaho find two young boys who had gone missing while (fortunately) playing with a pair of Family Radio Service (FRS) handhelds. Also fortunate was that the Post Falls, Idaho, police officer put in charge of the search was a ham, Detective Neil Uhrig, K7NJU. Continue story

Thanks to Mike, VE9MTV for submitting this story.

Notice: MAARC Clubhouse closed to all events effective immediately.

10/10/2020

MAARC President Gilles Gaudet, VE9NW regrets to inform MAARC members that as of midnight tonight, Friday October 9, the MAARC clubhouse will not be hosting any events or informal social meetings during CoVid-19 condition orange. This includes the Wednesday morning get togethers which of late was getting popular again. We ask JP, VE9BK to continue running the Wednesday morning social net on the VE9TCR repeater so our members can stay connected with one another.

Not sure how long this condition orange will be in place but we all need to do our part to make sure we do not spread this terrible virus to any of our family, friends or MAARC members. Thanks everyone of understanding and 73.

Ross, VE9GCS
MAARC Secretary

MAARC Membership dues now payable via e-Transfer

10/6/2020

Our club Treasurer, Larry, VE9ASB has informed me that MAARC members may now pay their dues via e-Transfer at the MAARCMAILBOX@GMAIL.COM address. During this time of COVID-19, this is good news and will help to make things easier for members. Thank you Larry for making this happen.

Several questions have been asked about the amount for dues and the password required for the e-Transfer. Dues paid before December 31 are $20 and those paid after January 1 are $25.
The password for the e-Transfer is Larry's callsign, VE9ASB

Hope this info helps and 73.
Ross, VE9GCS

Basic Course Radio giveaway winner announced!

10/6/2020

We have a winner. Earlier this year, Gordon Cotton, VE9GC donated to the MAARC Club a like new Yaesu FT-60 dualband walkie-talkie. It was to be given to one of the students of the last basic course. Well, one thing after another, COVID-19 being the biggest factor, we are happy to advise that the winner of the Yaesu FT-60 is Bruce Buck, VE9BUC. I will be sending Bruce an email advising the same.

Congratulations Bruce and a gros Merci to Gordon for the donation of a fine radio. Hope to hear Bruce on some of the Sunday night Nets soon.

Ross, VE9GCS