Libby, visiting from Portland OR, was surprised and delighted chatting over the airwaves with local Newport County Radio club members during last weekend’s Jane’s Walk Newport RI. Shown here being mentored by Paul Fredette, K1YBE, NCRC-VP.

https://www.centeraquidneck.com/airwaves

Every day across Newport County, amateur radio operators get on the air to talk with one another without needing to rely on the internet or commercial power. This diverse community of FCC-licensed “hams” take advantage of the radio spectrum frequencies allocated to licensed amateurs as part of this critical but invisible infrastructure that is the radio spectrum.

Last weekend’s Jane’s Walk was about sharing the experience of a resilient community forged by a diverse group of local hams licensed since the pandemic, welcomed by a community of old-timers and “Elmer” mentors. We still check in daily on scheduled “nets” to say hello, offer updates about what’s happening in our part of the island, compare notes, and generally learn something new. Any licensed amateur can join in.

It’s also about public service to our community. During bad weather, we have practiced and are prepared to set up Skywarn nets and report relevant information up to the National Weather Service at W1BOX in nearby Norton/Boston. Some of us dig deeper and practice how to send National Traffic System Health & Welfare Radiograms out of the region, should that ever be necessary. Anyone can join this amateur radio community after studying and passing a license exam that does not require knowing Morse Code.

Didn’t make it to last weekend’s Jane’s Walk? The annual ARRL Field Day national amateur radio demo weekend is June 22-23, 2024.

The Newport County Radio Club (W1SYE) will be offering a “Get On the Air” station at Glen Park in Portsmouth, RI. All are welcome to stop by and learn more. Ham radio – the original social media. People talking to people, even if the internet is down. Amateur Radio – Communication when all else fails.

Many thanks to Rebecca Noon and Jed Brainerd from Center Aquidneck for convening Jane’s Walk 2024.

The Airwaves Jane’s Walk was fun and memorable thanks to all the local hams who got on the local repeater to chat with our visitors. Thank you!

Newport native & “Not Yet A Ham” Jed Brainerd from Center Aquidneck, getting on the air!