MADAWASKA LAKE, Maine — Members of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and the HAM Operators of the Aroostook Amateur Radio Association will participate locally in a nationwide Amateur Radio Field Day activity Friday and Saturday, June 25 and 26, 2016.
The event will be held at the Madawaska Lake Fire Station, 1636 New Sweden Rd. (Rt. 161) from 2 p.m. Saturday, June 25, through 2 p.m. Sunday the 26th. All licensed HAM operators, including those in New Brunswick, are invited to participate.
The field day is intended to inform the public of the types of support HAM radio, through CERT and ARES volunteers, can provide to impacted communities in Aroostook County during a catastrophic event. There will be live, hands-on radio communications and opportunities for community members to observe and participate, with mic in hand, speaking with HAMS around the state and New Brunswick.
Radio enthusiasts will also test the communications links, equipment and operator skills between the 16 emergency operations centers throughout Maine.
The volunteer firefighters of the Madawaska Lake Fire Station will barbecue hot dogs during this time to raise monies for their charitable community efforts.
Both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts interested in advancing their communication skills for related badges may also come meet the team members, observe, and even sit at the mic and work some stations on the air.