When we advertised back in March, a warm reception for our Ukrainian friend Helen Goncharsky UR5WA (US call KT4RP), we had no idea we were talking about the weather! It was balmy, in the mid- to high-80s, at the kick-off of Memorial Day weekend, and many came gladly to meet and speak with Helen as part of her exchange visit to the U.S., specifically to Floyd County, Virginia.

Helen is from Lviv, Ukraine and is a superb contester who won many CW competitions during Soviet times. She is a DXCC award holder who has contacted nearly every DX country on every node. Helen is part of the Goncharsky family, which helped to form the FAIRS organization back in the early 90’s: Active ham radio operators may know her father-in-law Vladimir (Ham Dad Vlad) U5WF, husband Victor US5WE, and daughter Julia UR5WDX.

Helen has been staying for most of a month in the home of FAIRS directors David KK4WW and Gaynell KK4WWW Larsen. Today, we were expecting to hear from her about her experiences here, and about life in her homeland of Ukraine. Upon arrival at FAIRS Headquarters (108-B South Locust Street in Floyd), you bumped into a fine display of Ukrainian art which Helen brought: etched wooden boxes, ornate beaded necklaces, exquisitely painted matrishka dolls and Ukrainian wooden eggs… an attractive beginning for a second gathering of Floyd County Area Hams.

The hall was lined with an array of hors d'oeuvres and drink, and most everyone was mingling and in conversation, awaiting their chance to speak with Helen and hear her very good English with only a hint of accent suggesting she is not from around here. Just last night she attended the monthly meeting of Roanoke Valley Amateur Radio Club, and we were pleased that some of the members were here today.

The group was later assembled in the FAIRS ECC, downstairs in the historic Shortt building, and we began the meeting portion of the afternoon’s activities. The following individuals were present and conducted the business of the meeting:

David Larsen KK4WW
Gaynell Larsen KK4WWW
Don Clemens KE4UGF (at reception, but absent during mtg.)
Kay Clemens KF4EKH (at reception, but absent during mtg.)
Don Johnson KF4HDW
Donna Johnson KF4HDX
Russ Abbey KG4MAV
Dee Dannewitz KG4VMI
Carmen Hamlin KI4OSJ
Earl Abbott K4GEJ (from RVARC)
Darian Stultz WA4DQ (from RVARC)
Diane Stultz KI4MPR (from RVARC)
Jimmy Viers
Ginny Viers
Jerry Scheeler (traveled to Ukraine in early 90s w/ FAIRS, knows Helen)
Christian Cromer
Audrey Stultz
Aimee Stultz
Anastasia Stultz

Some others, regrettably, were unable to attend.

David Larsen KK4WW opened the meeting with a welcome, and explained the function of the Emergency Communications Center (ECC), which is maintained by FAIRS as a support for Floyd County first responders in the event of an emergency... He demonstrated the use of some items packed in a “jump kit”, which could be easily carried into any area of Floyd County for communications use by a licensed radio operator. He also showed some of the “energy food” packed into a cooler bag, for sustenance during a lengthy tour or while in a remote area.

There were some questions from the group, including Dee’s (KG4VMI) about how we might expect to receive a call “to action”. It was suggested that practiced “check-ins” to the radio net (our local net is on 146.745 each Tuesday night at 9pm) could help us understand emergency procedures/ protocol.

The RVARC members were consulted about the way they addressed group response in an emergency: Russ Abbey noted that area fire stations, rescue, Red Cross and so on had their contact information, as well as via ham radio, should they wish to call upon them for assistance. It was also stated that Roanoke Valley hams were utilized for logistics and as major communications for Roanoke events. Right now, ham radio operators were running a special event station at Festival in the Park.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Focus shifted to ham radio activities a bit further away - in Ukraine- where Helen’s husband Victor is working CW contacts as part of contesting being held during this time. Helen said she had been able to work a contact with him (CW) earlier in the day. Helen has enjoyed her time working the radio, making many US contacts, as part of her visit. When asked what she would be doing if at home, she said “Making soup for my husband”. It’s curious that she has never frozen an already-prepped food, such as soup, but only freezes raw ingredients. “Maybe [she] will try that…”

Since Jerry Scheeler had been a part of a FAIRS team traveling to Ukraine in the early 90’s (as a film producer making video documentary), he commented how he was changed by the visit. He noticed that Ukraine was not at all like many in the US told it to be at the time - he envisioned a cold, dark, oppressive place - but found beautiful architecture, friendly people. He was ready to move!

____________________________________________________________________________________

We discussed some matters of a “miscellaneous” nature, i.e. #1-targeting younger folks for ham radio interest, #2-securing communications capabilities in the event that an electromagnetic pulse should wipe out power grid, etc., and #3- checking into the availability of ARES, other training at VPI.


Finally, we made the decision to participate in the Floyd County Merchants’ Association 4th of July festivities. We will set up an event station, have some hands-on activity, and talk to event-goers about the excitement and service (to the community) of ham radio. Arrangements for a booth will be made, and announcement details sent out. Local hams will cover the time frame for the celebration. This event will serve as the next meeting of Floyd County Area Hams.