2025 BOY SCOUT JOTA OPERATIONS

KL7JFT

We have been asked to support the Boy Scout’s JOTA at the Scout Camp Gorsuch at Mirror Lake 22700 Camp Gorsuch Rd, Chugiak. It will be Oct 18th ,

We will require at least 12 folks or more to support the operation.   We need volunteers to sign up at the Sept meeting or email Don/KL7JFT at kl7jft@gmail.com by the 10th.  The Scout leaders have been briefed as to the cut off date.  We have been doing this for the last 7 or 8 years.  The scout leaders no the requirements for the scouts and what it takes to pull this operation off.  SO IF WE DO NOT HAVE THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF FOLKS BY THE 10TH IT WILL NO GO FORWARD.

We’ll set up go kits and portable ops or setup the Comm & Support Trailers Friday the 17th and operate Saturday and tear down Saturday evening around 1600.  We need about a dozen folks or more to support this, excellent training opportunity.  We will operate DMR and HF, 2 meter and Valley Packet Bring your equipment, coordinate with Scott/KL7SLM & Don/KL7JFT, setup and teardown crews, coordinate with Don/KL7JFT to interface train the scouts for the opearation. We'll testing prior to the operation and assist the Cubs operate. Make sure the kids log books get signed and attendance list get completed.  Possibly coordinate with Kathy/KL7KO to run packet, if it will work from the site. We are registered with the BSA and have the use of their call sign  K2BSA/KL7.  Suggested HF freqs are on their website. Please contact Don/KL7JFT so we can make sure we have enough folks on hand.  Need to be operational by 1000 Saturday.

MAP

MARA 2025 HAMFEST

KL7JFT

Our date is set for 6 Sept. Setup time is 0900 open from 1000-1600. The location will be the WASI Wasilla Senior Center off KGB. The door prize request letter to give to the vendors and businesses to request door prizes has been published.  Contact Shelia/KL3SRO for a copy. Remember the donations are tax free.  Check with the Treasurer for Tax Receipts to give to the vendors.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/JKyBS4quRXDy8C78A

(click on above map link)

The vice director Michael Sterba KG7HQ  (https://www.qrz.com/db/KG7HQ)  will be representing ARRL at the hamfest with his wife, Shelly KC7NQC. We are currently looking for presentations to put on the schedule. Coordinate with Ken/KL2HF to get on the schedule.

Entry is $5.00 at the gate and 1 door prize tickets, additional door prize tickets will be a $1.00 max of 10, Tables are $10.00 reserve them thru John/KL1XM. The Barbee will be $5.00 ea.

We need volunteers to help on various tasks for the hamfest.   Please contact Shelia/KL3SOR.  We will need VEs to conduct testing at 1300-1400, will need folks at the gate, and the MARA Country Store, setup and tear down crews.  Please turn door prizes into prior to the Hamfest and any programs you would like to put on during the the Hamfest to Ken/KL7HF.

MARA is providing the main barbeque, if you could bring a side dishes it would be appreciated.

MARA Producing Training Videos

KL7JFT

Ken/KL2HF would like to see the club get together and produce some instructional videos. If anyone has a subject that they think they would like to present or participate in, I would like to know about it and we can see if we can  plan and arrange for a video recording on the subject.

We have two pan, scan, zoom video conference cameras, and there are some web cameras that can be used.

Not everybody can be in the same place at the same time so it would be nice to have some videos that Ham operators could go to for demonstrations and learning, plus it would make our club look really good.

The video with George Strother soldering coax cable is an example of what we might be able to do.

Looking for feedback.  Contact Ken KL2HF

Alaska River Watch and Fire Status

KL7JFT

**SKYWARN TEAM ALERT**

State Fire Status

River Watch Program

River Watch Program

Weather.gov > Alaska-Pacific RFC > River Watch Program

Current PIREP Areas of Interest: Link

National Weather Service (NWS) is responsible for monitoring ice breakup conditions throughout Alaska to assess flood threats and navigational hazards. Ground observations, aerial reconnaissance, and remote sensing are sources used to assess ice conditions. Although ice jam flooding is most common during the ice breakup season, ice condition reports are welcome during freezeup and mid-winter as well.

We have relied for many years on observations of Alaska village residents describing the river ice condition in front of the village. Supplemental aerial observations from aircraft flying at low to mid-level altitudes have significantly enhanced the information on ice conditions. Since ice conditions can vary significantly along a river and can change rapidly during the breakup process, numerous observations are needed statewide to assess the status of breakup. It must be stressed that we are looking for reliable and objective reports.

The River Watch Program is a voluntary program that is...

  • Asking pilots and village residents to provide reports of river ice conditions
  • Requesting pilot observations that can be obtained without deviation from the normal route or flight level
  • Stressing that river ice observations only be taken when it can be done safely
  • Serving the purpose to assist the NWS in providing accurate forecasts, warnings, and navigation information

River and lake ice observations can be provided to the Alaska-Pacific River Forecast Center (APRFC) via:

  • radio from aircraft to AFSS with observations for inclusion in a PIREP
  • phone at 1-800-847-1739
  • email report and/or photos to nws.ar.aprfc@noaa.gov

Additional information about the program and tools to download are available at the following links:

Program background:

Current River Watch Flood Map

Discussions have begun with the Alaska Weather Forecasting offices.  There are some disturbing facts that may affect Alaska severally as breakup begins and spring continues. It is noted the ground is still frozen, the temperatures are rising and now the storms coming in are mainly rain and could become heavy.  So as happens every year, the ice breaks up and begins to flow down river, blocking areas and causing flooding.  Since the ground is still frozen and snow is melting in the mountains and low lands, there is no place to go except into the rivers, rising the levels.

As I had put out earlier we have been asked to assist the Fairbanks and Anchorage Weather Forecast offices by submitting reports of what we have observed.  As hams scattered around Alaska and near a lot of river and streams we would be the first to observe the water rising.  So as discussion continue with the various forecasting offices, we need to prepare for 2 things.  One lets take notice of the level of the water in are area, either driving around, at home or while flying.  First of all be very careful, we don't need to travel a lot yet until we get control of this crazy virus.  2nd, if your area has flooded in the past, its going to flood this year like the worst flood we have had in the past.  Get your important items packed in waterproof containers.  Some times zip log bags, Tupperware and storage containers can save our pictures, important papers, books and electronics.

I have been putting out info and links as to where you can go to get weather spotter training and begin training for our new ALASKA SKYWARN program we are developing.  Harry/AL6F works for the Fairbanks weather office (KL7FWX) and they have a complete ham station, with Winlink established. for emergencies.  Harry is heading up our SKYWARN program.  Carol and I have taken the weather spotter training several times and just completed it on line again, but if you haven't, go to the links I provided on the MARA ARES website www.kl7jft.org and take the course.  There is a great reference book and a small test at the end. That is step one.  Next will be the SKYWARN courses that goes further into what it's about.

SKYWARN is very critical in the lower 48 where they have hurricanes, tornadoes and flooding.  Well all we have is earthquakes, flooding and snow and wind storms.  So with our unique capabilities and scattered like we are we can pass this valuable info onto the weather forecast offices to help them do their job better and could help save your neighbor and friends.  Now you may not want to be an official spotter, that's fine, but at least you have a little knowledge that would help you to help us.

To start, safely go to your near river and streams where you've seen flooding in the past and will probably see again and put in a marker, or put a surveying tape on a tree at the edge, something for a starting reference and log in the time and date, location, (lat and long if you have it), and check it about the same time each day. Driving back and forth to the store or work once we get back to it, check it and keep track of what you find.  Maybe you have an old broken measure tape fasten it to the marker or tree so you can use binoculars from a safe distance to see how the levels have changed.  Is there ice flowing are trees or ice blocking the river or stream. Do we have erosion picking up that may affect a house, neighborhood, or road?  It doesn't take you long and it is very important.

Start monitoring the VHF and HF nets and pass info along to the Net Control or get a message to me, Don/KL7JFT or Harry/AL6F.  Hear are some links that you can use to find out about flood warnings:

River Summary

Interactive River Map

Now to report weather or flooding go to these sites and please email KL7JFT and AL6F or if you have any questions.

RFC/River Forecast Center

Weather, Flooding, and Storm Damage Reporting

 

ICS COURSES

KL7JFT

We have mentioned the basics requirements at our meetings and news letters for folks interested in Emergency Communications.

It was brought to my attention that it makes sense to complete them in the following order, not numerical order…..

“The recommendation is that folks begin with ISC 700 then 800 then 100 then 200 and finally 144.”

700 https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-700.b

800 https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-800.c

100 https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c

200 https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.b

144 https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-144

Please let me know if any of you want a classroom setting so I can schedule that with our trainer

Please send a copy of our completion certificate to Don Bush/KL7JFT MATSU DEC, to put in your training file.

Pay your Membership Dues On Line

KL7JFT

If you haven't paid your 2020 membership dues, please get with John/KL1XM.  Our dues is one of our main incomes to maintain the club equipment and activities.  We are also a 501c3 non-profit club so it is all tax deductible. The web site has an application form for you to fill out under Forms and you can go to the Donate tab and pay by PayPal or Credit Card, if you like.  For any other club donations we will provide you a Tax Receipt.  Also with all the benefits available thru ARRL, you may be interested in joining it also.  You have the choice of 2 magazines now, one for new hams, with your ARRL membership, you also can get good equipment insurance, pod casts on various ham subjects, new equipment evaluations, construction projects, contest, and what ARRL is doing on our behalf with new legislation.

Another item of interest is that we are allowed to use our current meeting venue by donating to the food bank, non-perishable food or paper products.  This helps out our Food Bank for the community.   And thank you for your donation.

SOTA-POTA Saturday (PENDING)

KL7JFT

Hello group,

Don't forget that this Saturday Alaska VHF+ is doing another Parks on the Air activation, and this time it will also be a Summits on the Air attempt at the same time.

Weather permitting, I will be hiking up a peak called The Hideout, just north of Skilak Lake. The plan is to be on the air for the 2 M SSB net at 0930 and make a few contacts there. I will have a good antenna but will be running QRP, so keep an ear out for a weak signal in the background.

If you can't hear me on VHF then keep an ear on 20 M FT8 around 1030. I'll be switching to that band and mode to make contacts outside of Alaska, but locals should be able to pick me up too.

For Summits on the Air this peak is "KLA/KM-456". It is within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and counts as K-0149 for that program.

Brandon Clark, KL7BSC

https://brandonclarklabs.com/

Ideas for General Meetings

KL7JFT

Chris/KL5BF, our VP is looking for ideas for programs at the meetings, so let her know what you would like to see or an idea we can put together.  May 29th will be our last regular meeting due to summer activities.  We take June and July off except for the MARA Annual Picnic will be in July.  We have the Motley Picnic coming up 27-28th June. Field Day is that same weekend.  Location has not been selected yet.  The Motley Picnic will be at Tolsona Campground near Glennallen again this year.

2025 Motely Picnic (COMPLETED0

KL7JFT

The Motley Group

The Motley Group Picnic

ANNUAL MOTLEY PICNIC / WEEKEND CAMPOUT JULY 31 - AUGUST 3, 2025

It will be held at the TOLSONA WILDERNESS CAMPGROUND. https://tolsonacampground.com MILE 173 GLENN HIGHWAY.

CHECKOUT THEIR WEBSITE WHICH INCLUDES A CAMPGROUND LAYOUT. THIS WILL HELP YOU WITH SELECTING YOUR CAMPSITE…

CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER MARCH 1, 2025.

RESERVATIONS MADE AT THE CONCLUSION OF LAST YEAR’S PICNIC ARE VALID…

THERE ARE 20 SPOTS STILL HELD IN RESERVE FOR OUR GROUP AT THIS TIME…

All Amateur Radio operators / families are welcome to attend and join in the fun…

There will be souvenirs, door prizes, raffles, swap and shop, a mini craft fair, and group meals to name a few…

License testing will be available if there is interest.

There will be two low-power FM Broadcast stations with campground coverage…

Tubing on the river/creek will be available.

Be sure to bring your handy-talkie and listen on 146.520 for announcements, possible changes in programs, etc…

Download PDF Flyer - updated 6/23/2025

Alaska Motley Group Picnic – 2025

July 31st to August 3rd - Tolsona Wilderness Campground
Mile 173 Glenn Hwy · tolsonacampground.com · Ph-822-3900

This will be the 43rd annual Motley Group picnic. There are typically 60 to 80 attendees, most of whom are members of the Motley Group, Snipers Net, or Alaska-Pacific Emergency Preparedness Net, but ALL amateur radio operators and their families are welcome to attend.

Fish, hike, chat with other Hams, and participate in as many of the following scheduled activities as you choose.

Thursday

  • 10 AM – Setup – Put up Motley signs, tarps and tables
  • 1 – 3 PM Motley Makers Market – Featuring homemade/handcrafted items
  • 4 PM – Daily Door Prize Drawing
  • 4:30 PM – Daily Raffle Prize Drawing (ticket sales: 1 – 3 PM)
  • 5 PM – Early Bird Meet and Greet – Soup Supper – Bring snacks to share

Friday

  • 10 AM – 3 PM Motley Swap and Shop
  • 1 – 3 PM Motley Makers Market – Featuring homemade/handcrafted items
  • 12 Noon – Brown Bag Luncheon – Campground pavilion – All are welcome
  • 4 PM – Daily Door Prize Drawing
  • 4:30 PM – Daily Raffle Prize Drawing (ticket sales: 8:30 AM – NOON and 1 – 3 PM)
  • 5 PM – Baked Potato Bar – Spuds are provided – Bring trimmings to share

Saturday

  • 10 AM – 12 PM – Motley Makers Market – Featuring homemade/handcrafted items
  • 10 AM – 1 PM – Motley Swap and Shop
  • 1 – 3 PM – Radio Workshop / Presentation(s)
  • 1 – 3 PM – Card and/or Board Games
  • 4 PM – Daily Door Prize Drawing
  • 4:30 PM – Daily Raffle Prize Drawing (ticket sales: 8:30 – NOON and 1 – 3 PM)
  • 5 PM – Motley Cookout – Hamburgers / hot dogs provided – Bring trimmings to share
  • After cleanup – RED LANTERN & MODERATORS OTHER MISCELLANEOUS AWARDS
  • Group Photo / Chinese Auction / White Elephant Gift Exchange

Sunday

9:00 AM – Farewell Breakfast – Rolls, muffins, and pastries will be provided

Camping fee per night for RV sites includes water and electricity. For the three nights there is a discounted rate for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Showers and laundry available in campground.

If you have not reserved a site, do so NOW. "Tell them you are with the Motley Group".

  • All activities take place at the main camp unless otherwise noted
  • All activities are your choice… there is NOTHING you MUST DO… have a good time
  • Fresh gourmet coffee – 8:00 to 10:00 AM will be available daily thanks to Mac KL2GS
  • MOTLEY PICNIC RADIO – 99.9 FM – KMOT – Tune your FM broadcast radio from 9 AM - 10 PM for music and picnic announcements (also check 92.5 FM for bandit station)
  • Tune 146.52 MHz – Carry your handy talkie for updates
  • Sign in and get door prize tickets and a souvenir

NO COST – One ticket per person issued at sign-in (friends and family included). Sign name on back of ticket and deposit it in bucket. Awarded daily via random drawing – must be present to win. Prizes are a surprise.

  • Courtesy Garbage Pickup – Garbage bags available at check-in. Place roadside at 7 PM for pickup.
  • Daily Raffle – View prize photos and purchase tickets.

LIMIT: 12 TICKETS PER PERSON

Purchase time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM, Friday & Saturday 8:30 AM – NOON

$2.00 each or 3 for $5.00

  • Need to be present to win
  • TICKETS WILL ONLY BE SOLD TO THOSE IN ATTENDANCE — NO PROXY TICKETS
  • PARTICIPANTS CAN ONLY WIN ONE RAFFLE PRIZE DURING THE THREE-DAY EVENT
  • ONCE PRIZE IS WON, IT IS THE PROPERTY OF THE WINNER TO DO WITH AS THEY SEE FIT… TRADING?? GIFTING?
  • Motley Maker’s Markets – Daily, times vary. See the published agenda (page 1).

The market is a mini craft fair featuring homemade/handcrafted items by members of the ham community, for example: jams, jelly, honey, syrup, jewelry, knitted or crocheted articles, carved, scrolled or turned wood pieces, etc.

Cathy Van Krevelen & Dee Bowns are in charge.

  • Motley Swap and Shop – Daily, times vary. See the published agenda.

Mark KL3MRO is in charge.

  • Amateur license testing – If there are candidates.

Time and Location to be announced – Sponsored by Valley MARA Club

  • Thursday – 5:00 PM – Early Bird Soup Supper — Bring supplemental items like bread, crackers, cheese, etc.
  • Friday – 12 PM – Brown Bag Luncheon (Everyone is welcome)

BAGS AVAILABLE AT SIGN-IN TABLE.

Pack your own lunch and keep it, or pack a lunch to trade with someone else.

  • Friday – 5 PM – Baked Potato Bar

Spuds are provided. Please bring trimmings and/or desserts (e.g., butter, sour cream, onions, chili, crumbled bacon, sausage, cooked broccoli, cookies, pie, cake, fruit). Take any leftovers home for another time.

  • Saturday – 5 PM – MOTLEY COOKOUT – Hamburgers and hot dogs provided by the Motley Group, served with our SPECIAL MOTLEY spread. You bring the “add-ons” to share (sliced tomatoes, lettuce leaves, sliced onion, avocados, cooked bacon strips) AND/OR picnic-type items (macaroni salad, coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans – need not be homemade – aim for easy to serve and clean up, chips and dip, fruit like strawberries or watermelon, and simple desserts).
  • Saturday – CHINESE AUCTION / WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT EXCHANGE – Bring something from home you no longer want or need (not necessarily radio-related). Ensure it's intact, clean, gently used, and working. Include batteries if needed. If you buy something, spend no more than $10. Wrap it before placing it on the table. Zanna KL7IRE will handle tickets; Jerry KL7EDK will explain the rules and conduct the event. Participation is optional but encouraged!
  • Sunday – 9:00 AM – Farewell Breakfast – No pancake breakfast this year. Rolls, muffins, and pastries will be provided. Bring anything extra you'd like to share.
  • Sunday Evening – Time and place to be announced – For those still around: MOTLEY LEFTOVERS aka WHAT’CHA GOT SUPPER – Clean out your fridge or cooler and share what’s left so you don’t haul it home.

http://www.tolsonacampground.com

 

THINGS TO PONDER

KL7JFT

Things to ponder and prepare for emergency situations.  Keep your fuel tanks to at least 3/4s of a tank.  Have your go boxes, put together and ready to go.  Emergency rations, water, medications, warm clothing and things for your pets.  If you have a fire place is it working, do you have wood, when was the chimney last cleaned?  Do you have an emergency generator with spare fuel?  Have spare batteries for flashlights and small items on hand.  Have a bag with your radios ready to go.  Please give some thought to getting operational on Winlink and both VHF and HF as your license permits.  You will want to have spare water filters on hand, also air filters for your vehicles, in case we have volcanic activity.  Join our ARES Net on Thursday nights at 2000 on either 147.33 or 147.30.  This will allow you to test out your equipment and antennas.  We have various themes each week to evaluate your capabilities.  HT and Cross banding, Mobile operations, checking radio paths from Red Cross and Salvation Army locations, radio go boxes. Pet emergency plans, backup power.  Let’s help each other and be ready for the next possible event.  If you need assistance, check out the club web page, were we list our Elmers.

We are starting to get our meeting programs together and ready for this next year.  Please send your suggestion for programs or if you have a programs you would like to share, to our VP Craig/KL7H the program coordinator.  Our January program will be on upcoming programs.

With the first of the year here our Club Dues are due.  Please check with the Treasure John/KL1XM to make sure you are up to date on your contact info. You can get a copy of the club application on the www.kl7jfu.com website and email to him and you also can pay your dues thru the website.  You can join ARRL thru the club as well, remember ARRL supports ham radio throughout the US with programs like LOTW, training material, reference books, contesting, building projects, new equipment evaluations, lobbying for frequencies and tower ordinances, equipment insurance and supporting club activities.  Please let the treasure know if you have renewed your ARRL dues else ware so we can keep the roster up to date.  Thank you for your support.

Folks interested in joining MATSU ARES, contact me at dbush@gci.net.  Our ARES website is located at www.kl7jft.org that has all our Emergency Operating Plans, SOP and other useful emergency information and the ARES application.  If you have completed any of the ICS courses, 100, 200, 700, 800, and 144 please send me a copy of your certificates.  Also if you are interested in the Skywarn  program, you can contact me for information and requirements.  Anyone interested in joining CERTS and getting training, contact Tabitha/KL4FZ.

This may be interesting you: 14 Essential Knots for Every Survival Situation You May Encounter! This is the link: http://www.survivaldispatch.com/14-essential-survival-knots/ — You never know when you will need to use a rope and if you do need it these knots become mighty important.

We have Emergency Coordinators for various areas around the borough.  Feel free to contact them to let them know you are available to assist during emergencies.  They can give YOU additional guidance for your area.  We due need a replacement for our Palmer EC, please contact Don/KL7JFT

MATSU Borough District Emergency Coordinator  Don Bush/KL7JFT

Trapper Creek & Petersville Area  Hal Morgan/KL0WX

Caswell Lake, Talkeentna & Willow  Paul Williams KL7ES

Wasilla and Houston Area   Ray Hollenbeck/KL1IL

Palmer & Butte Area  VACANT

Sutton/Chickaloon  VACANT