FAIRS Volunteers Continue
Goodwill Efforts 2008
FAIRS Continues Goodwill Work – Interest in Ham
Radio Grows
David and Gaynell Larsen
and Granddaughter Amber Thompson...
Just before New Years 2008, a FAIRS delegation-David KK4WW/J79WW and
Gaynell KK4WWW/J79WWW Larsen, FAIRS directors, and their granddaughter Amber
Thompson (who turned 13 in January, a student at Floyd Elementary)- traveled to
Dominica, with the chief purpose of helping specific groups progress in
service to their communities.
“A long trip…”, according to Gaynell, with delayed flights and overnight stays,
“it was cold when we left Baltimore, but was 75-80 degrees in Dominica with
heavy rains in Wotten Waven, where we stay.” A New Year’s Day arrival meant
that nearly all businesses and offices were closed, so the group hiked up to
Trafalgar Falls and then went down to town for a little shopping. Outings with
Dominican friends to the botanical gardens, and a whale watch (saw 7 big whales,
and a baby one!), were highlights.
Work began when Conrad Jederon J73CAJ accompanied the group to headquarters for
emergency communications, to show off recent site improvements: Site security,
some recent construction and A/C electrical, septic and plumbing. Most
recently, FAIRS helped to add a restroom- they purchased commodes, basins, etc.
FAIRS also presented the center with a diesel generator to use for emergency
power. Volunteers continue to be
trained at this facility, and another class of locals has just completed a
course in order to be of service during disaster.
Dominica is prone to hurricanes – Dean was the latest scare, and caused
extensive damage to banana and citrus fruit crops; the heavy rains meant several
mudslides, and 2 deaths are blamed on Dean. “The whole island just waits,
endures, and then cleans up after devastation”, says a Dominican citizen.
The FAIRS group visited the fishing village of Castle Bruce, and carried pizzas
and juice (made “special” by Helen Henry) for the kids; they were really
excited! Joseph Guiste J73JT has been working well with a team of volunteers
for disaster preparedness, and filled Dave KK4WW/J79WW in on all the latest.
They all made a visit to the clinic there (a nebulizer, glucometer & diabetic
testing strips were given, along with other over-the-counter medicines) and,
afterward, Dave met with the some of the 17 new amateur radio operators in the
village. “They are so excited about having their licenses and getting the
radios we sent them. They are on the air every minute and I think really
getting prepared for any emergency that might come along!! Villagers requested
to receive Bibles (readily available in the U.S., but not there); approx. 100
were distributed. Monetary assistance was given to help the children’s feeding
and after-school programs, which have continued in the village for many years
now, with help. A new pre-school program has begun in a newly renovated
facility in the basement of a church in Castle Bruce. Program leaders are
hoping to increase the number of children enrolled, as people become aware of
the valuable service.
The last project “follow-up” was to the Love One, Teach One Foundation operated
by Gloria Walsh. She runs another feeding/tutoring program in an area outside
the capital of Roseau. The children in the “Silver Lick” area in need of a
morning feeding program for the children – they stop there along their walk to
school. Then, when they return in early afternoon, they are fed a little lunch
and helped with their homework. Last year, FAIRS helped Gloria with a summer
project - she had activities for the children each day (this helped keep them
out of trouble, which is a problem, due to a general lack of supervision; some
children do not even live with their parents), and snacks.
At one point during the trip, American visitors (friends of FAIRS from
Radford in Virginia- Denise and Johnny Garrett of Claytor Lake Water Sports)
arrived to see what all the excitement was about on this tiny island. They
came ashore from a cruise ship, carrying a large suitcase of medical
supplies for the hospital (delivered to Ramona and the staff there. How
gracious of the Garretts to do this transport!). They were impressed by the
“sights”, and took lots of pictures; they loved Clement Pierre-Louis’
(J73CPL) gardens, and Ti Gwen Glo Cho as “favorite places”. It seems they
will be going back to Dominica in the future!! More and more volunteers are
spending significant time and resources (there are a few skilled folks
headed to the island by end of January to spend several weeks) to help along
the improvements that the Dominicans have hoped and asked for.
Here at home, in Floyd County and surrounding areas, FAIRS has helped to
increase interest in ham radio and goodwill work. Once she was aware of the
need, Rhonda Vaughn from here in Floyd who gave the nebulizer she no longer
needed which was donated for use in the Carib Indian Territory --they were
overjoyed!!!! Many Floyd County residents are in tune with charitable
activities, here locally and abroad, and supply as they can.
Current ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Services) Emergency Coordinator for Floyd
County, Tom King W4VZH has worked with FAIRS at many functions with event
stations, booths, and by special press-- to make folks aware of our ability to
provide emergency help and training in our local area. Recently, monthly
meetings of the ARES group at FAIRS E.C.C. have been well attended with the
offering of some specialized training. Members of the group practice once a week
on the (air) radio. Operators from the local area and several nearby counties
“check in” for this exercise – Tuesday evenings at 9pm on local ham radio
frequency 146.745 MHz.
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