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. 
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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. 

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