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

  To FOCUS on COMMUNITY and to invite others to BE A 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:

 

Progress locally in ’12-’13:

 

• 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 both in suite 9 of Floyd Village Green and 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 (now, 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 ’12-’13:  FAIRS/FARS On-Air Drills & Celebrations; hosting touring visitors & groups at Floyd Community Amateur Radio Station; Amateur Radio Kids Days & Field Days 2012 & 2013; 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, 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.
• For the last nearly 7 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 T., Amber Ingram, Rina van Blerk and Nate Cleveland were paid interns as a result, and Amber, Rina and Nate participated in the program summers 2012 and 2013.
• 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, and are available for sale at half-cost through the Center (Village Green suites 8 & 9).  Also, we provide GPS units and family service radios for use in a variety of applications, with a deposit for security.
• Floyd Community Garden (177 Webbs Mill Road, Rt. 8 at Northside Plaza) has been established for use by individuals and organizations –as a wholesome activity, and/or to produce healthy food items to share. Plenty! has rehabbed the space at Northside Plaza, has taken on board 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).
• 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 Floyd Professional Center, Suites 8 & 9). 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 of the “Floyd Professional Center” in the Village Green (201 East Main Street, Suites 8 & 9). The FPC functions as an incubator for small businesses, and it is hoped that the Center will be 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.  
• 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.
• October, 2011: Floyd Amateur Radio Society (FARS has been approved for 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!
• 2012: 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.
• March 2012: Floyd County High School is now 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).
• May 30, 2012: W4FCV now has a 2-meter pair coordinated through SERA on 147.210 with a tone of 114.8. The repeater will be 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.
• Beginning of school year 2012: We were approved for a new amateur radio club at Floyd County High School!  Annemarie Radke is sponsor.  Weekly and in-school club meetings commenced, we obtained call sign N4FCH (Floyd County High) and have 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!  February 11^th-14^th, 2013:  N4FCH participated in School Club Roundup held February 11^th-14^th with lots of interest from the kids; we did well considering it was our first time out.  The kids are half way to the ARRL’s worked all States (WAS), and they made a contact in France that they were excited about. 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.
• Fall 2012: In Floyd, at the County Administration Building, we’ve been authorized to 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.
• 2013: 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.  FARS received applications and completed the selection process during the first part of opening semester, Fall 2013.  The project is ongoing and supported by directors of FAIRS.

 

 

Progress abroad in ’12-’13:

 

• 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.
• 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.
• “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 a newborn son named Hesed.  They are

pursuing full-time 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 was recently 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.

 

 



Hands-On Projects Help To Hone Skills-

FAIRS Supports Invention, Creativity & Resourcefulness

It is no secret that amateur radio operators are often innovative, experimental and “gadget-lovers” at heart.

FAIRS has taken initiative over the course of recent years to help those with technical interests and    talents to flourish, especially here at home in Floyd, VA.

At FCHS Amateur Radio school Club, elmers are teaching basic electronics to the student members using Radio Shack Basic Electronics Learning Lab Kits.  Partners or small groups work together to follow instructions and complete a series of tasks/circuits to achieve desired results.

By paid intern program         “I CAN! … MY DIRECTED THOUGHT FOR THE FUTURE”, FAIRS has given support to high school, college and post-grad students to help further their education in course work, independent study and/or trips abroad.  FAIRS is pleased to be a part of their success stories.

Bryan Dowd, a student intern and host at N4USA and Bugbook Historical Microcomputer Museum, is helping to organize projects and work with guests.  He values the stories behind the technology and the inner workings of each piece.

He is assisting FAIRS as they partner with local Jacksonville Center for the Arts to put on a “Maker” Camp this summer.  Attendees will be shown how to incorporate simple electronics in some of their art pieces.   According to Bryan, “Many youth know very well how to operate modern day electronic devices, but have no idea how they work or what makes them work.  This camp will impart knowledge about  some simple wiring and circuits and will be a part of finished creations campers will take home and enjoy. During the camp they will also experience the interesting world of amateur radio. Many of our volunteers are licensed operators and will gladly demonstrate radio communications”.  Keep up with FAIRS on Facebook for more information on upcoming activities.

 

Scout Clubs Visit N4USA to Experience      Amateur Radio, Earn Merit Badges

FAIRS and local hams host several special events each year with the goal of reaching young people through amateur radio.

In early summer 2014, ARRL Kid’s Day was held at Chantilly Farm (2697 Franklin Pike SE, Floyd).  Youth and their families were invited to  visit the station and talk to each other nationwide on amateur radio.

In October, the annual “Jamboree on the Air” or JOTA brought Scouts and Girl Scouts to enjoy the outdoors, camp on farm grounds and meet people from all over the world over the airwaves. Adult leader Don Barker encouraged the kids and provided   photo (left).

Director David Larsen and members of Floyd Amateur Radio Society have demonstrated amateur  radio and provided training using call sign N4USA.  Several troops/packs have visited Floyd Community Amateur Radio Station and the museum in Floyd.

Plenty! Has a New Location—

FAIRS Helps Support the Community

FAIRS is a long-time supporter of the Plenty! group whose    mission is to nourish community and feed hungry neighbors by growing and sharing food in Floyd County.   Director Gaynell Larsen donated several turkey casseroles and baked vegetable dishes for distribution at Thanksgiving, and FAIRS has helped to support Plenty! in their new facilities at 192 Elephant Curve , Floyd, VA 24091.  Plenty! delivers fresh/food bank foods, and  creates school and community gardens.  Director David Larsen supplied video coverage of a special community event on December 16th, 2014 which thanked local supporters and celebrated the gift of a new FREE tractor to Plenty! by Yanmar Tractors and Kelli and John Higgs of T&E Small Engines.

Now, Jonathan Vandergrift, manager of Plenty! Farm, is working with the Virginia Tech chapter of  Habitat for Humanity to build wings onto a log barn to house equipment.  FAIRS directors have committed to gift a discer for use by the group, and David has delivered it in time for spring 2015 farm use.

FAIRS is Linking Arms w/ Hams of Virginia Tech Amateur Radio Club (VTARA)

Beginning in May, 2014, FAIRS began a relationship with Nathaniel Frissell W2NAF and members of the Virginia Tech Amateur Radio Association, VTARA, when they made a visit to Floyd:  … in part to Tour the Computer History Museum (http://bugbookmuseum.blogspot.com/, run by Dave, KK4WW) and to visit the N4USA Amateur Radio Station… Russ Abbey, KG4MAV, of FARS helped to arrange and host and he deserves a special thanks for his ongoing commitment to outreach through amateur radio!

Regular communication is ongoing with members from the Virginia Tech Amateur Radio Association (VTARA).  They have cooperated toward various projects and have made themselves available to help with Scout gatherings, assisting individuals in making amateur radio contacts.

Frissell has also been a great contributor to efforts at the museum.  He is a great energy for amateur radio.  We wish him well in his future pursuits!

 

 

 

 

 


 

 
 
  

2006 Gallery

2007-2008 Gallery

2009 Gallery

2011 Gallery

2012 Gallery

2013 Gallery

2014 Gallery

2015 Gallery

Each year, FAIRS directors David and Gaynell Larsen travel to the small island country of Dominica in the Eastern Caribbean. This year, they traveled with their granddaughter Jacqueline, and she had the opportunity to gain a new perspective of the world. The purpose of their visit was to encourage program leaders supported by FAIRS (Foundation for Amateur Intl. Radio Service, Ltd.), to visit foreign friends and to try to make a difference in the lives of others.

Throughout the year, FAIRS works to gather items that we take for granted such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shoes, reading glasses, jewelry, band aids, diabetic supplies, and many other things which they deliver to those who have need in Dominica. FAIRS members also provide support to specific families they have met personally, heard about through project reports and past missions, or who they know need assistance. David and Gaynell take such items to these families: clothing, necessities and even a laptop computer.

Gloria Walsh is director of the Love One Teach One (LOTO) Foundation which benefits school-aged students in the capital city of Roseau. FAIRS has supported the foundation in a variety of ways. To show appreciation, a welcome party was thrown for the group as they arrived by LOTO students and leaders, held at the local Botanical Garden. The party was a great opportunity for David and Gaynell to meet the students which are supported by FAIRS and its members. FAIRS provided funds for a weekend youth camp for students involved in LOTO programs. Though students in the United States have the opportunity to go on field trips for travel and education while in school, Dominican students often do not have such opportunities, and transportation is an issue.  There was much cooperation to put on the camp, and the FAIRS group was happy to pay a visit to the attendees.  The focus of the camp was on leadership, self-esteem, abstinence, relationships and building family.   The theme was “Strengthening Minds for a Better Tomorrow.” Students were invited to take part in many games and activities throughout the weekend.

FAIRS has been working alongside citizens of the village of Bioche toward the construction a community building. The construction is now complete, and regular meetings are held there which the townspeople attend. These meetings are helpful for the community to have a voice and citizens can have a say about what happens within the village. Plans are in the works for a summer reunion. The goal of the reunion is to get people who used to live in the village to come home, visit, and see the progress that has been made.

In the small mountain village of Wotten Waven, FAIRS helps the Wotten Waven Primary School with maintenance and school supplies.  Jacqueline was excited to meet with students and to see how school is for them.

David worked with the amateur radio operators on the island and completed routine repair on critical amateur radio equipment. These repairs help keep communication over the airwaves at the best quality that it can be. David provided training for proper use of the equipment. FAIRS helps to sustain their communications infrastructure by repairing or replacing equipment as needed and helping or funding toward repairs. The goal of this work is to ensure quality communications, and to help those who have an interest in operating amateur radio to have the opportunity to take part in it.

A current project which is in need of support is for the benefit of indigenous people of Dominica in the Kalinago Territory.  Specific families and communities have need of the most basic items as clean water and a weather-protected place to sleep.  Education toward health and family planning are also priorities.  It is the hope of FAIRS director Gaynell Larsen to fulfill some of these needs as she and David continue to direct the Foundation’s mission to advance global goodwill through amateur radio.

 

Dominica 2015

FAIRS has been promoting goodwill through amateur radio since 1991, and has served communities both locally and abroad. We’re an IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation, and thankful for our members and supporters. Their gifts of tax-deductible money, equipment, etc. have made them an important part of the Goodwill works!

Now we’re highlighted as a local non-profit for Give Big NRV! You may give online through Click & Pledge https://cfnrv.givebig.org/c/NRV/a/fairs

FAIRS directors David (KK4WW) and Gaynell Larsen (KK4WWW) are recently home from a mission trip to the Eastern Caribbean island of Dominica. They were accompanied this time by grandson Dustin Thompson- a first mission trip and his first time flying!

The group carried large suitcases stuffed with medical and school supplies, shoes, clothes, and items requested by program leaders who carry out work on the island which is supported by FAIRS.

After taking time to activate a phone and organize parcels, the delegation went about making visits and distributions.  FAIRS met with Gloria Walsh of “Love One, Teach One” (LOTO) Foundation, who is currently helped by Peace Corps worker Carrie Katz fromGreensboro,NC.  The Foundation helps numerous children and youth enrolled in after-school feeding & help programs.  FAIRS gave classroom items, shoes, toothbrushes and Bibles.  A movie night was planned for LOTO kids from theSilverLakearea, where the Dominican government has a housing construction project underway, designed to improve living conditions for the people there.

FAIRS also contributed to an effort for helping teens cope with emotional challenges which many of them face.  A youth retreat and weekend seminar is being conducted by LOTO and associates to educate against bullying, acting out and destructive tendencies.

Other Peace Corps workers joined with the team to visit Hubert Thomas of the Council office of the Kalinago (the name of the indigenous people ofDominica).  A special afternoon was a treat for the children he works with in the villages.  They watched a movie, had snacks and juice, and Dustin passed out bracelets made by his sister Carly along with Bibles he collected with help from his church members at Pleasant Valley COB and the Gideons.  FAIRS provided coloring books and crayons, and gave dentistry items which were a gift from a dentist in our area.

Teaching materials and a CD player were gifted to Wotten Waven Primary School.  Pictures and video were made which chronicle the transformation of the building and grounds and the school’s progress over time, with some help from FAIRS and community volunteers.  You may see this story and others at www.floydradio.net. For videos of the mission trip click here.

FAIRS continues to work with members of the Dominica Amateur Radio Club, Inc. (DARCI) – support has been given for equipment repairs and checks of emergency radio communications systems. An amateur radio operator from Vermont was visiting, using the Club station and accommodations.  David and Gaynell had a “person-to-person exchange” with Brian Machesney K1LI who travels the world expanding his circle of friends – they discussed growing amateur radio activity on this important “hub” island (because of its location and communications resources).  Day tours for operators from the cruise ships which dock in Dominica, and additional living space at the club site which may be utilized by visiting hams were ideas.  The team will work on improvements which are found to be feasible for the club.

FAIRS interacted with other countries in the Caribbean during the course of their visit –equipment was shipped, installed and is reported to be in good working condition.

One highlight of this trip was to be able to spend time with Joseph Guiste J73JT, a long time friend of FAIRS, and his family.  They live in the fishing village of Castle Bruce.  FAIRS gave much-needed funds donated by friends from Floyd – Dave worked on Joseph’s radio and set up a Magic Jack for telephone communications to the U.S.  Clothes, shoes, over-the-counter meds and creams, band-aids and much more were given for the benefit of the children in the village.  Bibles were given to the local baker to fulfill a request, and a computer and office supplies were given to community leaders.

Leisure time was spent taking in the sights of Dominica.  The group enjoyed a trip up Indian River, to historic Fort Shirley and to the therapeutic hot sulphur springs of Ti Kwen Glo Cho.