MARA September 12th Hamfest Update
We would like to put out a big thank you for all those who attended and supported our hamfest. We had some excellent presentations, including a briefing and Q&A with the ARRL Northwest Director, thanks to Dave/KL7EB, The Alaska SM and Linda/AD4BL THE Alaska SEC for attending. The weather was great, and the we want to put a big thank you out to our host, the Valley Church of Christ and their minister Robert Kuenning. We had an excellent site, use of their WiFi and facilities. The barbee was great. Mike/KL4QM did a fantastic job. The support from community and members on collecting and providing door prizes was excellent. Even when things are bleak MATSU pulls together and help each other. Make sure you stop in and thank the various vendors for their donations. We had a lot of folks interested in the Comm Trailer and anxious to help during emergencies. Our training is continuing and please let me know what we can do to help you out. We have a few antenna parties to go yet, so let us know if you need some help. The VE testing session had 4 take the test, 1 new Tech from Seward and 3 Generals upgraded to Extra. Congrats to all good job and thanks to the VEs who assisted. As for the major door prizes, Ken/KL7VE won the round trip train trip to Seward and Ben Smith/KL2GF from Seward won the ICOM 746 Pro. Congrats to both. Keep safe and active.
VE Testing Schedule for September thru December
We normally have VE testing at the Wasilla Red Cross off of WestPoint Dr. We do have some YouTube Videos that follow the Gordon West Text if you would like to study ahead. Refer to the below locations and time for the summer schedule. Contact Don/KL7JFT if you would like the link for the YouTube Videos..
Due to summer activity, and Covid-19 the regular testing location has changed. For the August thru December testing sessions, it will be held at a new location. AmVet Post 9 off the Wasilla-Fishhook Rd, 1591 N Creste Fonis St. Contact Ken/KL2HF if you would like to test.
Mat Valley Statistics
Total Cases 587
Palmer 174
Wasilla 350
Knik-Fairview 1
Willow 20
Houston 8
Meadow Lks 1
Big Lake 18
Talkeetna 9
Sutton-Alpine 6
Hospital Cases 17
Recovered 220
Active Cases 365
Deaths 2
Alaska COVID-19 Case Count Summary July 31
Latest SEOC COVID-19 Briefing & DHSS Press Release
DHSS_PressRelease_DPH-WCFH-FamilySurvey_20200427 ***UPDATED***
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As Alaska reopensDHSS_PressRelease_SocialBubble_20200515
U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI partner with AARP to protect Alaskans from COVID-19 fraud
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Families can make playground visits safer during the pandemic
Alaska Pioneer Homes resume limited family visitation
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Community Message Blood Bank of Alaska needs plasma donations from recovered COVID-19 patients
COVID-19 Alaska Weekly Case Update July 26 - Aug. 1
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Community Message COVID-19 Pandemic- EBT for children
now available Text PEBT to 907-891-8913 to check eligibility
COVID-19 Alaska Weekly Case Update Sept. 6 -12
Alaska COVID-19 Case Count Summary Sept. 19
Alaska COVID-19 Case Count Summary Sept. 20
Alaska COVID-19 Case Count Summary Sept. 21
Alaska COVID-19 Case Count Summary Sept. 22
COVID-19 HEALTH MANDATES
0596_001 Health Alert 9.1 - Out of State Travel
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Mandate 5.1 – Elective Procedures
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SOA March 20 COVID-19 Health Mandate 007 Fairbanks & Ketchikan Personal Care
008 Public & Private Schools Suspended through May 1
Updated Procedures for Coronavirus Disease 2019 COVID-19 Testing in Alaska
MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE EMERGENCY HUNKER DOWN ORDER FAQ
SOA March 23 COVID-19 Health Mandate 009 Personal Care Services & Gatherings Statewide
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Health Mandate 10.1 – International and Interstate Travel – Order for Self-Quarantine
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SOA March 27 COVID_19 Health Mandate 011 Social Distancing
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Studded Tire Deadline Temporarily Suspended
Health Alert 010 – Recommendations Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings
Health Alert 011 – Safety Guidelines for Religious Services
SOA April 9 COVID-19 Health Mandate 013 K-12 Public and Private Schools
SOA April 13 COVID-19 Health Mandate 014 Non-Congregate Sheltering Order
SOA April 15 COVID-19 Health Mandate 015 Services by Health Care Providers
SOA April 22 COVID-19 Health Mandate 016 Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan Phase I-A
MATSU BOROUGH COVID-19 INFORMATION
General Meeting
MARA General Meetings are suspended due to summer activities, will start up again in August. Enjoy the summer The August Meeting will be a Zoom Meetings Invites will be mailed out later this month.
Why is Ham Radio Still Important? (Updated)
In an age where communication is often taken for granted, it’s easy to overlook the importance of Ham Radio. In during our present situation it may become more important than folks realize. Across the nation, lines of communications are becoming stretched. Hams around the the world are training, testing, practicing various types and modes of ham radio, to be ready.
I often receive questions like: “Why do I need Ham Radio when I have a cell phone?” or “Didn’t the internet kill Ham Radio?” While these modern forms of communication may have shifted the attention away from Ham Radio, by no means did it make it unnecessary. In fact, during a disaster, it’s very likely that these modern forms of communication will be the first ones to fail.
The number one reason for preparedness minded people to consider Ham Radio is its reliability during times of crisis. Since the early 1900s, this form of communication has reliably made it through every major crisis, disaster, and emergency situation with flying colors. When all other forms of communication fail, Hams are often the ones who are called upon to help communicate in and out of the disaster zone.
When the grid goes down, the Ham Bands will still be alive and very active.
NOTICE:
To all Alaska Hams with a call sign License Plate
The State DMV is sending out yellow cards to those people needing to re-register their plates. The card indicates you can register online. However, for those that have ham radio plates you can't do it online. It has to be done at a DMV office. I have included below what one administer sent me.
I would advise that those re-registering their plates to take what Karina Garces-Pellon sent to me so if there are any questions, you have some backup. She is from the Anchorage DMV
I’ve included our Vehicle Transaction Application (Form 812) for the renewal, you will need to
- State on form 812 that you’re requesting Amateur Radio Exemption by checking the box “Other” and writing in the Amateur Radio (AR)
- Make the following statement in the Affidavit section on the application “This vehicle meets the requirements outlined in AS 28.10.421 (d) (8) (A) & (B) and I qualify for free registration under this statute.”
- Copy of current FCC License
- Folks need to understand they need a 5 Band HF radio installed in the vehicle with Antenna and power connection.
Click here for the Vehicle Transaction Application (Form 812)
For older vehicles, Claude N7FXX reports, since it’s an older vehicle he bypassed the “free” renewal and changed categories to “old” and “vanity” so now I’m permanent, no renewal. Cost me a little up front but now all seven of my legacy vehicles are “P” designated.
SUNSHINE COMMITTEE
MARA members, if you know of a member who needs cheering up because they have lost a loved one, or are laid up with illness or injury, or if someone is in the hospital, please let one of us know. We would love to send a ray of sunshine in their direction.
Help us spread the cheer. Donations are always appreciated and can be made at the general meeting or directly to Tabitha or Pam.
Contact Tabitha at tabithainak@gmail.com (best way), or text or phone 907-414-2281.
Pam at pam.whitehead@gmail.com, or 907-376-9281.