Beginner’s Corner August 2014

 Beginner’s Corner August 2014

 Come Work the Dog Show

Twice a year, GARS, in conjunction with Gwinnett ARES provides parking coordinators for the Cherokee Rose Dog Cluster in Atlanta. This is the main fundraiser for both organizations. I encourage ALL GARS and ARES members, BOTH new and old, to set some time to help work the dog show. Here are several reasons to do so:

 1. The income from the dog show helps fund the GARS repeater system, the Georgia QSO Party, Field Day, Satellites in the Park, etc.

2. It is a great opportunity for a new ham to “get his or her feet wet” being on a net.

3. The repeater is in use is a low powered repeater, and no one out-side of the dog show will hear you. If you are new and make a mistake, you will be among caring friends.

 4. No one cares if you do make a mistake,

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5. You can actually see the ARES repeater up close.

6. It is a great chance to “play radio”.

7. The work is not hard.

8. It is fun to do.

9. You will get a nifty ARES hat to wear, if you don’t already 2have one.

10. For working the dog show, we often get a (small) free meal. Yes, it isn’t a whole lot, usually a hot dog, chips and a small drink, but, hey, it’s free.

11. Most workers to not have to stand for long periods of time.

12. The fresh air is good for you.

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13. You get to see all the dogs.

14. You can sign up for a four-hour shift, if that is all you can do. Many sign up for eight hours.

15. Even if you do not have a radio, we can still use you.

16. You are needed.

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Items to consider bringing with you:

· Hat (GARS Orange Hat if you’ve got one)

· Rain gear

· Something to keep your radio dry, if it rains

· Flashlight, if you are on the early shift (and extra batteries)

  · Hi-visibility orange or green safety vest (available at Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Northern Tools, etc)

· Whistle

· Sun screen lotion

· Comfortable shoes

· 2meter handheld radio if you have one (not required) and instruction manual so you can change the frequency, if required.

· Name badge, if you have one

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· GARS apparel (jacket, shirt, hat, etc)

· Snacks and water (GARS delivers water to the volunteers as needed. There are food vendors on site Chair (just in case you are lucky enough to use it)

73,

de David Harden, KJ4CMY