Victor’s (US5WE/K1WE) Story

Our FAIRS Counterpart in Ukraine Shares a Story about His Exploits with Ham Radio

As our name states we are definitely an international organization. Victor Goncharsky (US5WE/K1WE) lives in Ukraine along with this wife Helen. They are an integral part of FAIRS and have been since the beginning. As you can imagine life in Ukraine is unlike it has ever been before and sometimes it is a needed break to take part in something that brings you enjoyment and a bit of peace. Below is a story written by Victor about some of his exploits in the past two years.

Operation in IARU HF contests in 2023 and 2024 as a part of the HG7T team.
By Victor Goncharsky US5WE/K1WE

In May 2023, we (Alex UT7DX and myself) received an invitation from Tibor Nemeth HA7TM to take
part as guest operators of the HG7T team in the IARU HF contest, which was to be held on July 8-9,
2023.
We agreed and started preparing for the trip, fortunately, there were still two months left before the
competition.
Now, a little about the trip. We agreed to meet in Mukachevo, the native town of Alex UT7DX, on
Thursday 6 July and early in the morning on Friday 7 July to start the first part of the trip by train
Mukachevo – Chop.
Arriving in the border town of Chop in the pouring rain, we ran to the international terminal, bought
tickets for the Hungarian shuttle train Chop – Zahony, which makes several trips in the forward and
backward directions during the day, and after half an hour, having passed the border and customs
control, we arrived at the train station in the Hungarian border town of Zahony.
Volunteers from UNICEF and UNHCR are constantly on duty at the station, ready to help refugees
from Ukraine.
The next stage of the trip was the Zakhony-Debrecen train, tickets for which are free for citizens of
Ukraine. The Hungarian government has allocated 1.5 billion forints to the railways (MAV) for this.
We had to, as they usually do, only pay for the seat.
In the afternoon we were already at the train station in Debrecen, where we boarded a bus and after a
short time arrived at the meeting point with Tibor HA7TM, who, after winding along the forest roads,
brought us to the HG7T position.
The HG7T antennas http://www.hg7t.hu/antennas.html are amazing.
On 10, 15, 20 and 40m bands, these are stacks with independent rotation control for each of the
antennas
On 80m a rotating 3-element Yagi.
On 160m – two phased wire verticals
There are several networked operating positions in the shack.
The transceivers at all positions are the same ICOM IC7610. We had to use them in the Multi-Two Low
Power category.
Friday evening and Saturday morning were devoted to familiarization with the hardware and software.
We had to use the “DXLog.net – Contest logger” program during the contest It turned out to be a
Windows-based, distant relative of the CT by K1EA program that we used in the early 90s and which,
after switching to TR-Log, was long forgotten.
Fortunately, the DXLog.net program has a so-called ESM or “Enter Sends Message” mode, which
allows you to operate, as in TR-Log and TR4W.
The next task that had to be solved was the rotation of the antennas in the PstRotator program. The
available controller ensured the connection of only two control units, so only 15 and 40 meter antennas were rotated by PstRotator .
The computer on which the PstRotator software was installed was located near this position, which a
allowed the operator to set the azimuth with the mouse.
The remaining antennas were rotated by operators directly from the control units.
The next stage of preparation was “on-air getting used to the transceiver”.
Win-Test program was launched and configured in the General QSO mode at one of the workstations.
137 QSOs were made on different bands, LoTW certificate for HA/K1WE was received, QSOs were
loaded to LoTW.
During the “training”, antennae switching and their rotation were practiced as well.
Some side mount rotators allowed the antennas to rotate only in certain sectors.
Contest operation..
On Saturday at 1200 GMT, the long awaited event began.
Band conditions in KN07VN differs little from our KN18/29, so many years of experience in IARU
HF Championships turned out to be quite applicable in the described competitions.
Most of the time we worked RUN, mostly CW on two bands. For our category, DXCluster is
prohibited, so all hope was that the multipliers would call us themselves. Partially, this calculation was
justified, and as a result, the overall multiplier turned out to be quite worthy.
Despite of low power used (100 watt), but thanks to good antennas, the RUN position had callers
almost constantly, both from North America and Japan, and due to the short skip, Europe was calling
all the time. 15 and 20m were open around the clock.
In order to maintain a high rate and collect multipliers, it was necessary to “jump” from band to band
all the time.. Unfortunately, the propaagtion on 10m was not good and it all came down to the search
for multipliers.
The operation was carried out in shifts, SSB operators replaced CW operators and vice versa.
This made it possible to maintain a high QSO rate
The US5WE RUN shift was the last and ended on 21 MHz with two North American QSOs.
The final score has brought the first place in the world and the new world record in the Multi-Two Low
Power category.- 3422 QSOs (768 – SSB, 2654 – CW)

We express our gratitude to Tibor Nemeth HA7TM for the opportunity to take part in IARU HF 2023.
The hospitality of Tibor and his wife Ruzhika was beyond praise.

Next up: 2024 Contest

This year we’ve been invited to take part in IARU World HF Championship from HG7T again.
The route to Debrecen was well known so we have reached the HG7T site easily. The propagation as last year wasn’t good on 10 meters but 15 was absolutely fantastic. The band was open all the night with NA signals being very strong. So it was easy to work the pile-ups even barefoot. Even 6 over 6 over 6 Yagi stack was a magic weapon. As usual, I was at the 15/40m position mainly on CW but some SSB as well.

Alex’s UT7DX shifts were SSB only.

The claimed score was better then last year’s so we are eagerly waiting to see the final results. As for
now we are still on the first place in the world with a new world record.
DX, Multioperator
Two Transmitter, Low Power

HG7T 4,094,250
UW5Y 3,918,510
ES9C 3,913,337
EA1X 3,865,316
9A1P 3,733,324
4X1DX3,507,165
OM8A 3,179,301
LX7I 3,151,200
RM9I 3,011,686
LY4L 2,994,876

2024 FAIRS Newsletter

After Hamvention & ARRL Field Day

Greetings and Report Regarding Humanitarian Efforts

FAIRS – Foundation for Amateur International Radio Service, Ltd. sends greetings after a wonderful time at Hamvention and this year’s Amateur Radio Field Day! Whether in person or on the air, we always love to hear from you!

Sales from our FAIRS booth have helped make some purchases and fund current projects, so we send this report as an update:

In Ukraine, Victor (US5WE) and Helen (UR5WA) Goncharsky continue the FAIRS goodwill despite challenges of the war going on around them. Gaynell communicates during times when they have electricity and access. FAIRS has such a long history with the couple since the early nineties when their international development work linked amateur radio digital communications in Eastern Europe by a USAID grant awarded to the organization. As they and others have need for personal computer equipment and other relief, FAIRS members have been happy to provide support.

Dominica is still rebuilding since Hurricane Maria, and it is time again to be watchful for damaging storms which pass through each season. Hurricane Beryl missed Dominica, but heavy rains and some flooding did occur. FAIRS continues to help with amateur radio and other equipment, gifts of humanitarian aid, and other items that are particularly needed for the people there. Recently, the Youth Group of Floyd United Methodist Church helped pack 7 wardrobe boxes of needed items to be shipped to Dominica.

In Antigua, longtime friend and partner in the work of FAIRS, Josanna Lockhart Brown, was recently presented an award at the Wesleyan Women Awards Ceremony 2024. Her work over many years for the benefit of communities is appreciated.

FAIRS (Foundation for Amateur Intl. Radio Service, Ltd.)

P.O. Box 179 Floyd, VA 24091 540-745-2322

www.fairs.org

2023 FAIRS Newsletter

After COVID-19 & Ongoing War in Ukraine

FAIRS – Foundation for Amateur International Radio Service, Ltd. sends springtime greetings from our headquarters in Floyd, Virginia!

David & Gaynell are excited to be returning to Hamvention this year! This large gathering of amateur radio enthusiasts will be held May 19, 20, and 21, 2023 at the Greene County Fairgrounds in Xenia, Ohio. FAIRS will have memorabilia and collectibles from David and Gaynell’s prior trips to Russia and Ukraine which will be sold to raise funds for the FAIRS organization. This will include a large assortment of Ukrainian eggs purchased in the early 1990s. Please stop by booth 4207 to visit or purchase an item to help our efforts.

Dominica has opened up again following the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re very happy for our friends who live there. FAIRS continues to help with humanitarian aid, sending shipments on a regular basis. Items that are particularly needed are for caregivers of the elderly and ill: Depends undergarments, pads and bed pans, along with diabetic supplies. Funds have been given for student programs and teachers to assist in purchasing school supplies, and for crafting and activities for their students. A packet radio digipeater sent to Gilbert in Dominica helps to connect communications with various points on the island and surrounding islands.

In Ukraine, Victor Goncharsky US5WE utilizes a Raspberry Pi computer sent by FAIRS as a repeater controller. We send our FAIRS friends for distribution food supplies, over-the-counter medications and monetary donations to assist with heating and electric. Gaynell continues to communicate during times when they have electricity and access. It seems to bring them happiness to message with others who are outside of their area. They can hear what the weather is like here, what is going on in our world and it helps take their minds off their situation, even if for a short time. It is hard to imagine what the people are going through, and our thoughts and prayers are with them daily. Let’s all continue to hope that this situation will somehow be resolved quickly to avoid further destruction and loss.

Recently, a special FAIRS member gifted 150 pairs of shoes which were shipped to these embattled countries. Imagine the simple joy of having a pair of shoes when you need them. We want to THANK YOU for continuing to help us provide relief to people around the world. What you do does not go unnoticed and we are very thankful for each of you and your support of FAIRS.

For those interested in communicating with friends in the United States and other countries, we have a communication meeting three times per week on Zello, a communications app. The meetings are on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 7:30 am EST. Please feel free to join us!

FAIRS (Foundation for Amateur Intl. Radio Service, Ltd.)

P.O. Box 179 Floyd, VA 24091

www.fairs.org

540-745-2322

2022 Newsletter – FAIRS Update

Continued THANKS from FAIRS – Foundation for Amateur International Radio Service, Ltd. for your help over the years with our many relief projects around the world.

As many of you may already know, Dave & Gaynell have sold Chantilly Farm Campground & Event Venue. However, because of COVID over the past two and a half years, we have not been able to travel as we used to.

Our last trip to Dominica was in January of 2020, and things shut down just as we returned. However, despite the pandemic, we have continued our mission in helping conduct many relief projects in Dominica. We have made many regular shipments to the island donating radio equipment and needed supplies. We have for many years worked with a non-profit on the island called Love One Teach One and continue to ship needed items there also.

Dominica has been recovering from the effects of Hurricane Maria that hit the island in 2017, leading to many key economic drivers moving off the island such as Ross University, an American Medical School, which decided to shut down operations in 2018. Since 2020 when COVID hit, the island has been almost shut down because of the lack of tourism.

Most of the parents in Dominica lost their jobs during the pandemic, so to help FAIRS has helped support the children with food, shoes, schoolbook bags, and other crucial supplies. We’ve also been helping by sending diabetic testing supplies for those in need of routine testing along with Depends and bed pads for the nursing homes and those in need.

FAIRS has 3 schedules weekly on Zello, a communications app, with FAIRS members in Dominica, Trinidad, and folks here in the United States. It really helps us keep up to date with our friends around the world!

Gaynell communicates almost daily with our friends in Ukraine and will continue to do so as long as they have internet connection. Before the war began, FAIRS made 3 shipments a year to assist in providing radio equipment updates, food, clothing, and monetary help. It is hard to imagine what the people of Ukraine are going through, and our thoughts and prayers are with them daily.

Once again, we want to THANK YOU for continuing to help us provide relief to people around the world. Your assistance never goes unnoticed, and we are so thankful to have such amazing people in support of FAIRS.

FAIRS Document

Dear FAIRS friends, Dave and I just returned from Dominica and I wanted to update you on things down there. We Flew out of Charlotte to San Juan and had to overnight there because there was only one flight into Dominica. We arrived in Dominica and Clement J73CPL met us at the airport. The flight arrived at 5:30 PM so it was beginning to get dark and we had an hour and a half drive across the Island and up to Wotten Waven. To say the roads in Dominica are “curvy” is an understatement!!! The Island is only 32 miles long and 16 miles from the Atlantic to the Caribbean however, there are 3 to 4 thousand foot mountain peaks and there isn’t a straight road from the airport to the Capital Roseau – there are only “S” curves!! up and down the mountains. This was our 32nd trip to Dominica since 1997 and Hetty and Clement make us feel so comfortable –it’s definitely our “second home”. Usually when we’re up on Wotten Waven—we usually call it “water haven” because it rains every hour or so. This year we only had 3 little showers of rain and they came during the night —I could hear them coming over the mountain and one shower even made it to our house!! This year has been their driest in many years. While we were in Dominica we attended the AGM meeting for DARCI (Dominica Amateur Radio Club Inc) and Clement J73CPL was elected President for 2020. We got to meet all the hams at the meeting and enjoyed it so much. In fact, I made “Gay Gay’s Banana Pudding” to go with the other snacks we fixed for the gathering and it was all gone. I started making this years ago and it’s become a tradition to have it at the Amateur Radio Meetings. We also went up to the Club Site several ümes and helped with some of the repair work they are continuing to do since Hurricane Maria. The Club House was really demolished during the Hun-icane —the roof was taken off and the hams have done a wonderful job replacing the roof. The antenna was destroyed and Gilbert J72GPGis very knowledgeable in electronics and while we were there he was able to get the antenna and the rotator repaired and put backup. The Club Site can now be used for molding contacts. For many years FAIRS has been working with Gloria Walsh and her non-profit in Dominica called “Love One Teach One”. We met Gloria about 15 years ago when she was Director for a Children’s Home. After Gloria set up the non-profit, we began working for many years she was given a school room in a school close to a really poor and needy area close to the Capitol Roseau. When the children walked home from school she would furnish a snack and juice and help the children with their homework. Gloria now helps the children set up projects to improve the area like painting old tires to be placed along the roads and planting flowers in them. While we were in Dominica, I got together with an upteen of teens and we painted lots of tables, chairs, cabinets, etc. for a new Pre-School. It was really great to spend time u,ith the teens —I’ve known many of them for years and it was wonderful to see the projects they’re working on and be a part of that work.

FAIRS 29th trip to Dominica!

FAIRS has been in Dominica for 22 years—time flies! Over the years we have seen so many changes down there. For many years Dominica was a British colony but in 1967 they decided they wanted to become Independent! In September 2017 Hurricane Maria hit the Island and totally devastated it. The Hurricane winds were relentless and took almost all of the “green” from the Island and left it bare. Most of the Island was without power for months and even now many areas don’t have running water. The folks we work with in Castle Bruce dont have water and have to walk to the river to transport water home! Many of the homes are still without roofs and still have tarps covering them- Mie roads were severely damaged because Do±icais a volcanic mountainous Island and with the vegetation holding the soil on the mountains every lime they get high amounts of rain, since the mountains have nothing holding the soil, they erode and slide off the mountains and take the roads out. Jn facts the little Village of Wotten Waven where we live while in Dominica, has a slide off the mountain and the main road to the village has been totally destroyed and not passable. The folks in the village have to use a longer alternate way to get out of the village. We had tickets to travel to Dominica in January of 2018, however after Hurricane Maria, our tickets were canceled so we delayed our trip and started sending needed supplies down there. Since the HlüTicane, we have sent many shipments to Dominica— immediately after the Hurricane we sent 2 shipments of solar chargers and many handheld radios for the operators on the Island. The Hurricane made such a huge impact on the folks down there —since then they have held classes and licensed more than 40 new Amateur Radio Operators! Last year after the Hurricane, our Church Floyd United Methodist again did a collection for Dominica and on Palm Sunday the children came in carrying the Palm branches and donated items for the folks in Dominica and placed them on the altar to be blessed. Again this year, our Church will be doing a collection for Dominica and the collection will be blessed on Palm Sunday. We are still doing shipments almost monthly to Dominica. Dave and I traveled to Dominica in February of this year and before we left for Dominica, Sara at Floyd Jewelry called me and said she’d like to help with collecting items to be shipped and I Know The collection was a wonderful blessing for the folks down there. Also, CVS Pharmacy called me and said they had heard we were returning to Dominica and they also donated much needed items for the mission trip down there. We shipped all the items down there and when we arrived they were waiting for us at the port. Several months before our trip, we got a call from Clement Pierre Louis J73CPL — we live with he and his wife Hetty while in Dominica and he informed us that after the devastation cause by Maria, he’d put in a request to the Government for help with setting up an Disaster Communication Center in the little Village of Wotten Waven which is up on the mountain just 4 miles from the Capital Roseau. He was so excited when he called us and said his request had been fulfilled and he asked Dave to order all the equipment needed to set the Center up. Dave ordered the radios, antennas, coax, cable, etc. We were able to get the equipment and needed supplies shipped and we got them out when we arrived in Dominica. Dave and a number of Amateur Radio operators from there in Dominica were able to get the solar system and the Radio station set up! When I attended Hamvention last May, I was approached by Steve Deines ofAlpha Antenna about our work in Dominica. Just after Hamvention, FAIRS received the wonderful donation of the Alpha Antenna which we were able to ship to Dominica and when the Communication Center was set up in Wotten Waven they were able to use the Alpha Antenna there. This time while we were in Dominica, we were able to travel over the Island to see some of the improvements that have been made since the Hurricane, but we also were able to assess the damage still there. This is the first time in the past 20 years that I haven’t driven over the Island, but I didn’t feel comfortable because of the condition of the roads and the roads seem to be narrower! Especially when you’re driving on the left hand side of the road!! ! Dave has been working on securing more much needed equipment for the Island and we will make another shipment to Dominica soon. We will do the humanitarian shipment collected by the Church afterEaster Thanks to all of our loyal members and friends of FAIRS for your continued help with these projects.

FAIRS 59 Foundation for Amateur International Radio Service LTD P.O. Box 179, Floyd VA 24091 0 (540) 745-2322 0 E-mail: n4usa@swva.net o www.fairs.org February 5, 2020

Continued Support For Dominica Following Hurricane Maria

As months have passed since the initial destruction caused by hurricane Maria, several organizations including FAIRS are working to provide continued support. Over the last several months, FAIRS members have been delivering numerous items to the island in an attempt to improve the daily lives of those affected by the storm. Because of the lack of electricity, solar equipment has been a key in having lights and power. Solar chargers, lights, power supplies, and batteries have been delivered over the last few months in order to charge radios for communication and to make daily life a little more comfortable.

Amateur radio operators in Dominica testing new solar equipment

One of FAIRS founders, Gaynell Larsen, rallied the support of her church to provide essential equipment to the people of Dominica. Packages have been sent recently with medical supplies, bed sheets, toothbrushes, silverware, plates, cups, and much more. The items were sent down in waterproof boxes to protect from the flooding issues still rampant on the island. While focus on communications and infrastructure is essential to providing support, Gaynell thought about the small items that had been destroyed in the storm the people of Dominica had been living without for several months.

While this is a problem that won’t be fixed quickly, FAIRS is continuing to help provide aid to those in need in the area. Hurricane Maria devastated the region and has created a constant battle to return life to how it was before the storm. As FAIRS works to help those on the island, donations are always welcome. We are a non-profit organization aimed at making lives better through the use of amateur radio and technology. To learn more about how to donate, please call 540-745-2322. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 179, Floyd, VA 24091

2015 – 2016 Highlights

FAIRS 2015-2016 Highlights

F.A.I.R.S. guiding philosophy over the past year:

To engage communities as part of the goodwill!

To follow are notes regarding the progress made by FAIRS related to goodwill works via amateur radio during the past year:

Local Updates:

On September 19^th, 2015 a special event station for the Floyd Livestock & County Fair was held at Chantilly Farm, the new location of the event. Several operators from Floyd Amateur Radio Society (FARS) attended as well as on-air participants involved.

FAIRS hosted a local groups of Boy and Girl Scouts for the 58^th annual “Jamboree on the Air” or JOTA. The event was hosted at Chantilly Farm and provided opportunities for the Scouts to learn about amateur radio communications as well as enjoy camping at the farm. The event helped the Scouts satisfy the requirements to obtain their Radio Merit Badge. Members from the Virginia Tech Amateur Radio Association (VTARA) were available to help scouts learn about amateur radio and make contacts both here and abroad.

In November, 2015 on Election Day, local trained amateur radio operators provided standby emergency communication support at polling places throughout Floyd County, VA. Officials were pleased to have the communication support and FAIRS was able to provide great coverage by experienced, licensed operators.

In November of 2015 FAIRS and the Floyd County Amateur Radio Club joined local hams together to provide assistance for the annual Veterans Day and Christmas Parades. The group provided radio communications for the events, functioning as spotters and giving parade reports. The group was instructed by net control at the E-911 center. This was a great example of FAIRS providing a public service, with Tom King W4VZH coordinating the effort and David Larsen helping to equip volunteers.

January 31^st, 2016 marked the first Winter Field Day, located on the stage pavilion of Chantilly Farm. The event was used to simulate weather conditions and emergency communication coverage while using batteries and generators for power.

In March, members of FAIRS and the Floyd RACES Group provided auxiliary communications services for elections on Super Tuesday 2016. A communications log was maintained and all precinct tests were conducted successfully.

In May, FAIRS donated a G5RV antenna for Hamvention 2016. This large convention of ham radio operators and enthusiasts was attended by several FAIRS members, operating the FAIRS booth that has been regular at the convention since 1993.

In May Chantilly Farm kicked off its’ event season for 2016 with the venues amateur radio station, N4USA, being fully operational and open for use for visitors. Many special events are planned to take place at the venue, with Floyd Amateur Radio Society (FARS) members providing on-site communication.

In June, FAIRS conducted Field Day at Chantilly Farm with amateur radio operators in the community and members of FARS. Field Day is held annually to simulate and prepare emergency communications services in the event of a disaster. A “Get On The Air” station was also up and running for the event, giving new enthusiasts and unlicensed individuals a chance to see what amateur radio is all about.

During July, FAIRS was a sponsor for a basic electronics program as part of the Art/Maker Camp organized by the Floyd Jacksonville Center for the Arts. Maker camp encourages young kids to use their creative to build and design different things, whether it is woodworking, painting, sculpting, or even electronics! FAIRS helped with adding electronic components to the art the children had made in their week at the camp.

Summer 2016 marked nine years of FAIRS and its supporters sponsoring a summer intern program. Local students Autumn Townley, Amber Ingram, Rina van Blerk, Nate Cleveland, Cord Johnson, Alice Cox, Emily Wilson, and Bryan Dowd were all local paid interns as a result. Bryan Dowd participated in the program in summer 2016.

As of summer 2016, Russ Abbey KG4MAV continues to be head of communication for our local Skywarn net, a network designed to train volunteers within the county. These volunteers are essential as The National Weather Service depends on people to communicate local weather conditions.

A roster of local amateur radio operators has been updated with levels of certification verified and a system of rotating net control including more hams and increased training.

Several updates were mentioned in the FAIRS newsletter this year and distributed to members and friends of the organization.

Work is continuing among local amateur radio operators towards a “Buffalo Mountain Repeater” which would be of great value to the FAIRS and FARS projects. FAIRS has donated funds towards radio equipment for the project.

2014-2016: An Emergency Operations Center has been set up in the County Administration Building. This station functions as a place to back up first responders in the case of an emergency.

Updates Abroad:

In September 2015, FAIRS sent assistance by Love One, Teach One co-founder Tony Williams to the people of Dominica who had been affected by Tropical Storm Erika. The storm caused significant flooding, landslides, and a lack of electrical and communication services for the island of Dominica. Tony Williams has handled the shipping of food and supplies with at least four large barrels being shipped to those in need. FAIRS continues to reach out to individuals and organizations in Dominica to allow for growth, exports, and self-reliance for the locals.

Manjurul Haque S21AM continues to promote FAIRS and amateur radio goodwill in the country of Bangladesh, despite government restriction and control. In 2015 Manjur began a Free Electronics Project Building, a small club in his house to help students develop science projects for a school science fair. Manjur realized that many of the students “are interested about radio, antenna, etc. , but the government cannot see its usefulness for educational purposes.”

At the end of 2015, David KK4WW and Gaynell KK4WWW Larsen made their yearly trip to Dominica to oversee FAIRS foundation projects and assist the community by providing education related to emergency communications. Dominica suffered great loss following Tropical Storm Erika in August, a storm bringing massive floods and landslides. Many individuals are still displaced, as costs for repair are incredibly high. After the storm hit, FAIRS was able to help with disaster relief by shipping food, supplies, and medical equipment, much of which was donated by local Floyd businesses. FAIRS also supports the Dominica Amateur Radio Club, a group dedicated to providing communications to those in need on the island. David and Gaynell regularly stay with Clement and Hetty J73HPL and are always thankful to have such gracious hosts. The Larsens kicked off the new year with a late Christmas party for the children of Love One, Teach One (LOTO, an organization that benefits the children of Dominica capital Roseau. FAIRS provides some of the funding for this organization and members are always pleased to see the great things the LOTO group can accomplish. LOTO leader Gloria Walsh and her daughter purchased and wrapped gifts for the youngest students, with the Larsens providing the food and drink for the event. The Larsens also visited friend of FAIRS Joseph Guiste J73JT, overjoyed hearing that Joseph’s children are attending college, a luxury many Dominicans cannot afford. “We are so excited for her (Josephs daughter) to be studying something she is so passionate about” commented Gaynell Larsen. FAIRS also addressed the growing needs of the people in the Kalinago Territory, an area with needs such as clean water, safe shelter, and education towards health and family planning. The Larsens brought clothes, shoes, baby items, and more to the group, much of it being donated by friends and businesses in Floyd. Along with the flooding and landslide damage, Tropical Storm Erika destroyed a FAIRS radio antenna that had been placed years before. A new beam antenna and a 160 meter Windom antenna were purchased and sent to Dominica, with supplies arriving in early March.

In June, Gaynell and her daughter Lisa worked with Josanna Lockhart Brown from Dominica in providing additional aid to the island. Three suitcases full of supplies were carried on the trip this time

The Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Bangladesh has granted a license renewal to FAIRS Bangladesh to continue their Amateur Radio Service Station S21FHQ. A number of individuals apart of the program have also renewed their amateur radio licenses in the past year.

FAIRS continues to support several projects related to ham radio and charitable outreach. Josanna Lockhart, now ministering in Antigua; Joanna Lockhart, overseeing the Dominicans Against Drugs (DAD) program as well as subsidiary children’s programs as well as Joan Lockhart, overseer of ministires within the Castle Bruce and Kalinago Territory. The Wotten Waven Village Improvement Committee and the “Love One, Teach One” foundation also continue to provide outreach for those in need.

Chantilly Campground: An Amateur Radio Destination Worth Seeing

n4usa-antenna-chantilly — Chantilly Campground owner Dave Larsen with our N4USA Antenna

Chantilly Campground is a ham-friendly events venue with our very own Amateur Radio Station, N4USA, in our Campground office. Guests can hook up to our existing campground antenna or connect one of their own as Chantilly Farm sports plenty of spots to set up a structure for Amateur radio broadcasting. Radio background noise is extremely low, being we are in a rural area with no industrial noise and very few close neighbors. QRP operators love this location for many of these reasons, finding it to be a very usable and fun place to get on the air. Wifi is available from most locations on the farm and many find it is a delight to operate from Chantilly Farm using their own call signs, or our resident station, N4USA.

David KK4WW Curator of N4USA and owner of Chantilly Campground has been a ham operator for 63 years and comments that this is one of his favorite spots in the world to operate from. Being located in Floyd nestles Chantilly Campground in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains with amateur radio operators saying they love our 2,500 foot mountain top elevation. VHF/UHF operators have incredible signals up and down the East Coast.

1546154_1584167648500399_434565941279508545_n — Chantilly Campground N4USA Station

Our camping guests can choose spaces sporting full service with water, 30/50 amp power, and septic if they intend on RV camping or may choose to tent camp on our beautiful 200 acres. Some primitive tent locations do have AC power but there are a limited number of these. We market ourselves as a year-round campground facility with winterized spots available.

Camping in RV spaces 16, 17, 18 or 19 allows guests to hook up their radios to an existing G5RV antenna and enjoy an incredible HF signal from our mountain top location. Guests should feel free to operate directly from their RV if they wish!

Floyd County, VA has many other interesting events and activities that the whole family can enjoy. The area is known for its cultural events with many artists and musicians living locally! Every week there is a variety of events within the county, with a number of art galleries and studios being open for business year-round. For those looking to get active, Floyd is happy to have many miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway stretching through our own county with the Virginia Crooked Road, a cultural cornerstone of Southwest Virginia. Guests may be interested in visiting Chantilly Farm during one of our festival weekends or to participate in other events at our farm.

2013-2014 Highlights

F.A.I.R.S. guiding philosophy over the past year:

To ENGAGE COMMUNITIES as PART OF THE GOODWILL!

To follow are notes regarding the progress made by FAIRS related to goodwill works via amateur radio during the past year:

Latest Local News:

FAIRS is a sponsor of NOT-FOR-PROFIT CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES at CHANTILLY FARM. While Chantilly Farm is a largely for-profit events venue in Floyd County, Virginia, FAIRS often partners to provide a charitable aspect to certain events and/or to provide communications coverage.
As of March 2012, Floyd County High School is home to an official Red Cross designated shelter. It is located in the old gym and the radio station will be located in the coach’s office. The roof is accessible by a ten foot ladder which is stationary in the boiler room to set up antenna. A classroom will be set aside a classroom for crisis counseling. Our local Red Cross leader is William (Casey) Medlock (Emergency Services Associate).
As of May 30, 2012, W4FCV has a 2-meter pair coordinated through SERA on 147.210 with a tone of 114.8. The repeater is located on Harris Hart Road at the school board’s tower in Floyd. Russ Abbey has done the leg work related to this, with the help of local hams. In June 2012 we were presented with possession and care of a 10’ x 12’ equipment building, a 20 KW backup generator, and a huge tower with 4 antennas which were previously abandoned off of Harris Hart Road. Citizens gave a 7-foot rack cabinet and local hams worked on the 2-meter and 440 machines. As of 2013, we have a network of repeaters in use.
Since beginning of school year 2012: We hold amateur radio club at Floyd County High School with call sign N4FCH! Annemarie Radke is sponsor. Weekly and in-school club meetings are held and activities, photos are posted to Facebook for students/members to check for updates and share the page with friends/family. Special speakers, demonstrations, and projects have kept our students coming back and the club is growing! N4FCH participates in School Club Roundup with lots of interest from the kids; they are half way to the ARRL’s worked all States (WAS), and they made several overseas contacts. We have been working with tracking satellites for sat-com as well as working with digital modes. As of May 6, 2013, Floyd County High School Amateur Radio Club N4FCH is an approved affiliate of American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the national association for amateur radio.
In Floyd, at the County Administration Building, we’ve set up an Emergency Operations Center/Station: The equipment has been ordered to get everything set up and running, and the project is progressing. Related to both the tower near the School Board Office and the EOC station, a Memorandum of Understanding with the County has been established and is now finalized. In October 2014, the EOC will function as a critical station in backing up first responders.
2013 – present: Floyd Amateur Radio Society (FARS) offers a number of functioning laptop computers by program entitled “LAPTOPS ON LOAN”. These are loaned for use by high school students of Floyd County who show interest and need by the process of application. This program was initialized by FARS president Tom King W4VZH, who was aware of a need by area students to have laptop computers to assist in studies and to fulfill school and college pursuit obligations. Selected recipients of these computers will have use of them as long as they are active students in high school in Floyd County, with parent permission and a promise to return the computer and not sell it. It is anticipated that this program will level the playing field for students who don’t currently have use of a (laptop) computer outside of the school setting. The project is ongoing and supported by directors of FAIRS.
August, 2014: With leadership by local ham Glen Sage, W4GHS, there is communication between Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and local EmComm groups to form RED teams which would help with communications during the upcoming winter months in emergencies. FAIRS stands ready to support Rapid Emergency Response Teams in our area.

Other Progress locally in ’13-’14:

FAIRS has worked to further ham radio and promote cooperative communications amongst various groups in leadership and in the community (Floyd County). New licensees and members meet once a month on second Saturdays as Floyd Amateur Radio Society (FARS). Members of the society are dues paying and committed to service.

Our communications systems are “portable”, which is often necessary for use in emergency. We call these portable systems (along with packaged supplies and food items) “jump kits” – There are a sufficient number of these stored at FAIRS headquarters ECC in downtown Floyd, Virginia.

Local volunteers have cooperated much more effectively with groups and service organizations from surrounding counties/regions than in previous years. FAIRS continues to operate according to a Memorandum of Agreement with Tom King W4VZH, Floyd County RACES Emergency Radio Officer. Training times and educational outings have been regularly attended.

Kevin W. Sowers is the new Emergency Management Coordinator, and is responsible for organizing emergency services activities within Floyd County. He cooperates with volunteer fire and rescue organizations, and others, and maintains a County Emergency Operations Plan and a Hazardous Materials Response Plan. Kevin is the main contact in county government for FAIRS/FARS and he helps us to effectively serve in our County.

Winlink 2000, a “paperless” system of message handling for radio & emergency communications groups, is entirely implemented and functional, serving Floyd County (070 mhz).

FAIRS continues to operate according to a memorandum of understanding with DERA: The Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response Association (a nationally recognized organization which links professionals, volunteers and organizations during all phases of disaster preparedness and emergency management). This understanding is for the purpose of cooperation in an emergency, and to provide increased assistance.

FAIRS has been present at many local functions with event stations, booths, and press articles to make folks aware of our ability to provide emergency help and training. Highlight events of ’13-’14: FAIRS/FARS On-Air Drills & Celebrations; hosting touring visitors & groups at Floyd Community Amateur Radio Station; Amateur Radio Kids Days & Field Days 2014; as supporter of local music at Oak Grove Pavilion; as supporter and public relations help for Floyd Amateur Radio Society; Simulated Emergency Tests, Election Day Service, Skywarn and Intro to Ham Radio, etc.— we partner with Chantilly Farm to promote goodwill and charity, and to provide communications services.

“Adopt-A-Highway”, initiated in 2006, has been maintained by volunteers. We clean up a section of highway within the County for some additional “visibility” for ham radio and its goodwill efforts.

FAIRS and local amateur radio operators have been host to various foreign and domestic visitors, for the purpose of education and cooperation related to organized goodwill efforts. In June 2014, FAIRS hosted Ghislaine Toussaint-Green, an International Psychology PhD student at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington DC. She is evaluating international projects which involve Dominica, where she is originally from.

For the last 8 years, FAIRS and its supporters have sponsored a summer intern program from initiative entitled “I CAN! … MY DIRECTED THOUGHT FOR THE FUTURE”. Local students Autumn Townley, Amber Ingram, Rina van Blerk, Nate Cleveland, Cord Johnson, Alice Cox and Emily Wilson were paid interns as a result. Nate, Cord, Alice and Emily participated in the program summer 2014.

FAIRS offers books which are disaster preparedness, prevention and basic first aid manuals-An invaluable resource for any home or family! They are being used for public education, as well as educational and promotional materials relating to ham radio and licensing. Also, we provide GPS units and family service radios for use in a variety of applications, with a deposit for security.

Plenty! Portable Produce, a not-for-profit group which produces healthy food items to share in Floyd County, has moved location to 192 Elephant Curve Road. FAIRS continues to support Plenty!, it’s intern(s), volunteers and coordinators to help toward their mission: to nourish community and feed hungry neighbors by growing and sharing food in Floyd County, to value freshness, to be generous and welcoming, and to preserve Floyd County’s land and culture. Plenty! provides access to fresh healthy food and teaches growing and cooking skills in the PlentyFresh! Food Bank, Farm and Gardens, Schools and Gatherings (Karen Day and McCabe Coolidge are co-founders – more information at plentylocal.org). The community garden space at 177 Webbs Mill Road, Rt. 8 at Northside Plaza will be utilized in a different way.
FAIRS and certain members of the community erected a radio tower atop the newly renovated Village Square in the Town of Floyd (now known as The Station on South Locust Street). This tower “connects the dots”, making amateur radio communications continuous over the eastern half of the state. It is to be a public use and attraction, as a service to our citizens and visitors. Emergency communications, a promotion of Town and County, education and outreach are focuses of this effort.
NOW, each week, visitors come to see & inquire about the Floyd Community Amateur Radio Station, using call sign N4USA at the Village Green (in NEW LOCATION, Suites 3 & 4). We are becoming more and more a “spot on the map” and are growing a reputation for community goodwill. You are welcome to stop by when you can. View/operate the station as (or with) a licensed operator, using call sign N4USA. A digital logging program has been initialized to keep track of contacts, and goodwill is growing from our little town over the air waves!
FAIRS participates in activities which educate and financially help startup small businesses, and it is hoped that we can take a positive “next step” toward a prosperous and technology-based future in Floyd floydcountyvirginia.org .
FAIRS was promoted through full-color magazine, FLOYD VIRGINIA during its first 5 years in print. We were instrumental in bringing the publication to Floyd, intended to highlight the “every man” in Floyd County and tell unique stories about our small town businesses and people. FAIRS continues to be promoted through the magazine.
By many methods, such as Facebook, Twitter, web logs (David Larsen and promoter Jason Gallimore are diligent in updating these), videos at lcfvideo.com, live streaming video at www.n4usatv.com, and by both online and “old school” printed newsletters, we try unique ways to stay in touch with FAIRS members and friends.
As of October, 2011, Floyd Amateur Radio Society (FARS) is approved to use as a testing site Floyd Rescue Squad, Station One, 452 Floyd Hwy N, Floyd VA 24091 and is now conducting training and holding special sessions throughout the year such as: Simulated Emergency Testing (SET), Election Day communications services at polling places, and more!

Progress abroad in ’13-’14:

Encouraged community function of existing DARCI headquarters, where construction has been completed. There is a classroom for communications training, restroom facilities, additional communications capabilities, etc. This site continues as center of relief activities during disaster, a place for communications training, and a venue for meeting and public service.
DARCI club members have been instrumental in providing volunteers and training individuals all over the island in communications, emergency assistance, and community service. The number of licensed volunteers has increased exponentially. Trained amateur radio operators deploy to neighboring countries in response to the need/disaster. FAIRS is pleased to be a part of the training these folks have received.
Current and former DARCI presidents Clement Pierre-Louis J73CPL and Clem James J73CI continue to be liaisons for working communications in government.
FAIRS directors David and Gaynell Larsen, and members Tom King W4VZH, Seth Sjoestrom J79/SM0XBI and friend Tore Sandstrom J79/SM7CBS, George Morriss J79KUB and other members have worked countless hours as volunteers over the last several years to update systems, repair equipment, do installations and training, and provide motivational and monetary support.
Communications equipment, supplies and medicines were transported and distributed to many in Dominica. Amateur radio operators/Volunteers from all over the nation have stepped up to help with this.
FAIRS presented repeater cards and battery banks needed to maintain the amateur radio communications system island-wide. Clem James J73CI received them on behalf of the club.
FAIRS gives motivational support to club members multiple times each week.
Reinforced or replaced existing equipment, provided additional power, plus funds for maintenance, services.
Monitored the use of supplied radios for new amateur radio enthusiasts and emergency personnel, plus a central Hf station has been put into service to benefit the community.
Disaster Management Committee functions largely on its own, with request to FAIRS for equipment and communications training from time to time. They are implementing an “emergency plan”, and have established 10 “safe homes”, or shelters in this hurricane-prone village on the Atlantic. We receive report from Chairperson Hyacinth Thomas regularly.
A meeting place has been set up for club use by the Castle Bruce Amateur Radio Club. Facilities have been augmented.
Funds continue to go out in order to sustain programs which benefit the fishing village of Castle Bruce, DA and residents of the Kalinago Territory. Gloria Walsh of “Love One, Teach One Foundation” now has focus in the Kalinago Territory as well as in capital city Roseau.
FAIRS continues to support Josanna Lockhart Brown of DA (we have a longstanding relationship and have supported cooperative programs for children and elderly (Dominica, Jamaica, and recently Antigua); Joanna Lockhart Alexander of Castle Bruce, DA, now over DAD (Dominicans Against Drugs) and subsidiary children’s programs; Joan Lockhart, overseer of ministries within the village of Castle Bruce & to the Carib Territory (Kalinago).
Hyacinth Thomas is a principal related to an additional clinic for the region which services the many needy families in the area, medically.
Learning is provided through a new pre-school program (in a renovated facility in the basement of a church in Castle Bruce). Pilgrim Community Preschool received donated playground equipment/swingset, which has been set in place.
Portable “free clinic” services (or on “pay what you are able” basis) have been implemented by missions workers – FAIRS obtains medical supplies and funding to support free health checks and treatment. Nurse Germain is an example – she may be found outside of Whitchurch Grocery every day except Tuesday.
FAIRS, “Love One, Teach One” and Rotary Club of Floyd are cooperating with the Dominican Rotary toward self-reliance goals of the Kalinago (the preferred name of the indigenous people) Territory. Ways have been identified that we can help the people. It is FAIRS’ plan to cooperate with key members; we hope that they will monitor certain mutual projects once implemented. In 2013, FAIRS delegation made a visit, along with Gloria (LOTO) and Hubert Thomas of the Council office of the Kalinago (the name of the indigenous people of Dominica), to select of their villages on the Atlantic side of the island. They delivered over 120 pairs of shoes for the children, 150 toothbrushes, along with medical supplies and food and clothing items. They worked with the children there, made visits to families and snapped pictures, which they love to receive of themselves. On a separate occasion, Joseph Guiste J73JT of nearby Castle Bruce demonstrated ham radio operations for the people of the Kalinago Territory. The Guiste family is a great help to the Kalinago and to their neighbors at home – FAIRS contributors gifted a sewing machine to Maria Guiste and daughter Goldie as a benefit for them, knowing that the ladies will do some mending for the villagers.
FAIRS gives motivational support to community volunteers multiple times each week.
Progress in the Agricultural Training Project in Castle Bruce.
Regarding the activities of the village of Wotten Waven and the current status of their community building: a new location was provided by the government (we interacted with officials to help toward this result), funds for construction were provided, and a beautiful center with reception/conference area, bathrooms and public-use internet café was dedicated October 9^th, 2009.
A center for learning and computers for shared use has been opened in the village of Wotten Waven. Children, and even adults, can benefit by use of shared computers for work and learning. 6 computers have been set up for monitored shared use.
FAIRS is in continued support of the Wotten Waven Village Improvement Committee, now registered as “Wotten Waven Development Committee (WWDC)”. We are helping toward a proposed “Sulphur River Tour” to citizens and supporters. It is expected to be a unique attraction, perhaps part of a flagship trail project on Dominica, which stands to benefit all of the villagers of Wotten Waven.
FAIRS and volunteers have implemented “helps” which offer school supplies, teaching materials, books and more to school-aged children, who can benefit by better education.
FAIRS is actively supporting “start up” business and entrepreneurialism based on interest and demand, whereby educated locals may seek to “stay” on the island rather than move to other countries/islands with their skills and resources.
FAIRS helped to sponsor goodwill activities for poorer communities as implemented by Hon. Rayburn Blackmoore in 2006. In 2014, a government housing construction project is underway which benefits the people of the Silver Lake community, an area of focus for FAIRS-supported programs. An iPad was given to the people of the small Dominican village of Bioche as a way to generate funds by a raffle.
FAIRS shipped additional radio equipment including a supply of handy talkies, two-way radios, antennas, connectors, coax antenna feed line. Shipped additional training materials and other items.
Bangladesh is still looking toward repeater installation; on hold due to political hindrances. FAIRS stands ready to help when permitted.
Grenada Amateur Radio Club is now recognized as the body to conduct exams for amateur radio licenses. They have a new website GARC.GD/ These islanders have exercised their own disaster preparedness plan, and equipped their volunteers for the job. FAIRS has given radio equipment, literature and funds for outreach. Hi-gain antenna and peripheral equipment have been shipped to Grenada.
FAIRS gives motivational support to club members on a nearly weekly basis.
“Love One, Teach One Foundation” maintains programs which help to feed and tutor many children of impoverished families. FAIRS has given much monetary support, and help with needed items, including furniture, computers, appliances and school supplies. Gloria Walsh, founder, has set up a program which allows individuals to “sponsor a child”. LOTO now has a website, and is progressing toward many of their goals. See photos of program activities at https://www.facebook.com/pages/LOVE-ONE-TEACH-ON-FOUNDATION-INC/118591084826493?sk=photos_stream&tab=photos_albums
“Operation Youth Quake” is a shelter/home for abused and neglected youth. They do a great job there, providing a positive environment and outlook for some in “less than ideal” life situations. School supplies, clothes and shoes, sporting equipment and hygiene items were donated during the course of the past year.
FAIRS has continued support of several worthy projects & individual achievements related to ham radio and charitable outreach:

-Tina Alexander of Lifeline Ministries, who helps with various projects on the island, and serves families with children who have AIDS

-Josanna Lockhart of Castle Bruce, DA, who has finished her education at Caribbean Wesleyan, is married to Orlando Brown and has an infant son named Hesed. They are fulfilling ministry positions in Antigua.

-Joanna Lockhart of Castle Bruce, DA, now over DAD (Dominicans Against Drugs) and subsidiary children’s programs- support for all programs

-Joan L. and other missionaries and churches with outreach to the same, and other, people groups/communities. A focus has been toward the Kalinago people in Carib Territory

-Operation Mobilization: mission teams serving individuals and transforming communities.

January, 2011-present: FAIRS is assisting the small school in Wotten Waven (small village of about 260 persons where FAIRS stays with Clement J73CPL and Hetty J73HPL Pierre-Louis). FAIRS purchased supplies – primer, paint, brushes and rollers – to paint the school and give it a new “updated” look. All of the power washing and cleaning was done by FAIRS and friends. Painting has been completed – beautiful murals on building walls.
There is an ongoing effort by the people of Dominica to be producers of organic products/exports. A meeting was organized with the organic farmers on the island and the FAIRS delegation visited their farms – they hope to help with their goals for self-reliance/increased export in some way.
August, 2011-present: During a visit to Portsmouth, the second largest town in Dominica on the northwest coast, FAIRS directors met with members of Portsmouth Community Watch Foundation, Inc. This group has been established for the purpose of promoting quality of life in their community. Part of that effort includes utilizing amateur radio operators for communication and for security. It is hoped that community citizens will work together to be responsible for things, and not to depend so much on government.
Related to Ghana, monies were raised and items donated, including for fresh water available at a nominal price from government. Communities were served in an outstanding fashion, and the message of the Gospel was shared. Bicycles were provided as a practical form of transport between communities for local missionaries, and a truck for water supply transport was gifted. Other needed items were furnished for the volunteers in service to these communities. New cottage industries have been developed to assist working women and families.
In Haiti, friends of FAIRS and local church members sponsor children in need of the Haitian villages and have given thousands of dollars of support for the building of churches and schools whereby students are taught and then trained to teach others.