Back to Western North Carolina this Friday March 13, 2026 for another

Emergency Radio Communication Workshop

Does your community have emergency preparedness plans?

This one does.

Right now, we're at maximum seating, so a 2nd workshop is scheduled.

I believe we had over 30 folks attend the Emergency Radio Communication Workshop in Gaffney, SC this past Tuesday Feb 17th. at the Senior Center. We'll be scheduling another workshop within the next couple of weeks. WOW

Project Helene empowers communities to stay connected and prepared through the life-saving capabilities of ham radio. By fostering community resilience and teaching disaster preparedness, we equip individuals of all ages, especially children, with the skills and tools to effectively respond to emergencies.

Our mission is to inspire a culture of volunteerism, strengthen local networks, and prepare the next generation to lead with confidence during times of crisis.

On Saturday January 10, 2026 we had unbelievable success again! We had 3 or 4 folks with laptops helping navigate through the FCC websites. With our updated list of GMRS repeaters in WNC and ETN Jack KR4HNX programmed an incredible number of HTs! Jessica Miner Lafon who rode up with me from SC stepped in to help overcome the need for more copies of handouts while assisting folks with their radios. Little 10-year-old Maggie KR4FTN helped with the sign-up sheet and distributing material. Becky Garland, my new best friend was beyond pheromonal! She sat every moment with a small group of the folks attending, making sure they understood everything, reinforcing all the material. Ross F has already sent me updated material. Outside in the rain, Mike Harrison conducted a 'check-point' run on his way home. He'd drive a mile, pull over, check-in with net control (12 year-old Caleb). In the Buladean Rec Center parking lot, we had selected a particular frequency. Caleb would confirm the transmissions with Mike, direct him to QSY to the Buladean repeater. One he was cleared move on to the next mile post/ land mark. This provides folks an appreciated of line-of-sight and the value of a repeater at 4000'. Vicki (the other one) was not lacking in her bear hugs and unlimited optimism. She runs the clinic there. A huge Thank you to Mike Hopson for coordinating the repeater. And an enormous Thank You to Andy Hotchkissfor the repeater sight up on Amber Ranches. But people, I want to thank Jennifer Graff. She is probably the most capable person I know to 'make things happen'. Also, Pops makes the best coffee. Please forgive me, I know I've left some folks out. Thank you ALL again. Vicki AD3i WRWT612

Emergency Radio Communications 2026

WORKSHOP

Saturday January 10, 2026

11am to 3pm

At the Buladean Community Resource Center

12190 NC-226, Bakersville, NC, United States, North Carolina

Over the past several months several additional GMRS repeaters have been added throughout the Western NC, and Eastern TN areas. The most recent 2-way radios distributed include the updated information. I'd like to upgrade any of the radios that were distributed as far back as last fall. This will improve your chances of contacting someone when the need arises, and that need will occur.

In addition, we had a very successful Community participation event in Buladean, NC. Several folks hopped into separate vehicles, 2 per car. Each drove in different directions, testing who could reach whom at each mileage check-point. Incredibly Jennifer was able to reach the TN border! This is vital information WHEN you've lost cellular and/ or internet service.

So. If you're interested in a 'refresher' course, updating any and all of your radios, going through the information for the first time, or second time, simply reply to this email. This event is totally free.

Knowledge is power, and communication is paramount for sharing that knowledge. Please spread the word with others. The more folks we get involved, the better we all can respond to disasters, fires, power outages, etc.

Participate. You're going to say one of two things:

1) I am glad that I did. or

2) I wish that I had.

Please, don't choose the latter.

Contact info: Vicki@stemarc.org 704 219-2707 or

Jennifer: Buladeancommunitycenter@gmail.com

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In recognition of the upcoming anniversary of Hurricane Helene, I would like to announce the following: Special Event Station N2G

This will be a week-long event from Sept 26th thru Oct 3rd. Initially running 5pm to 9pm on the Mt Mitchell repeater. Folks can bring forth their experiences (good and bad). Brand new hams will finally get their voice on the repeater, etc.

A schedule will be posted of the net controllers and their selected time slot for the Mt Mitchell 2-meter repeater.

Lynn KI4ZEK has agreed to be the opening net controller, as he was there that terrible Friday night.

I know there are several new hams who played critical roles on the ground who will be signing up, as well. If needed, we'll extend the hours.

Additional volunteers as net control are: myself AD3i, Randy N2GE, Lynn KI4ZEK, Gabe W4VDX, Dan K2DMG, Kenny KQ4GIA, Scott W4EV, Roman KQ4STJ, David WE4JC, Billy W8BRD, Lynn KQ4SFF, Michael (Kahuna) KJ4GPT, Travis KQ4LBA, Steve N0JJO, Nate W4NDK, Thomas K4SWL, and Chet KE4VXC, Steve KO4GSM.

If you would like to assist with this, please let me know as soon as possible.

Email: VfCarnes@gmail.com . Send texts to 803 681-0668, email. Or any other way you know to contact me. Your comments and stories will be read on the air.

Western North Carolina will NOT be forgotten. Vicki / AD3i

About Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene (2024) had a particularly devastating impact on the southern Appalachian Mountains, where the combination of the storm’s torrential rainfall and steep terrain led to catastrophic flooding. As the hurricane moved inland after making landfall in Florida, it quickly weakened but remained powerful enough to cause severe and widespread damage across Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas. In the Appalachians, already vulnerable to landslides and flash floods due to mountainous terrain, the rainfall caused rivers to overflow, submerging homes, roads, and infrastructure.

This region experienced unprecedented flooding, with many communities cut off from rescue efforts due to washed-out roads and bridges. The damage to property, livelihoods, and infrastructure has created long-term challenges for recovery, requiring extensive rebuilding efforts. In addition to immediate relief efforts, ongoing help is needed to support the recovery process, including providing housing, food, and rebuilding materials, as well as addressing the mental and emotional toll on the affected communities.

The long-term need for disaster relief in the southern Appalachian region remains critical. Many residents are still displaced, and rebuilding efforts are expected to continue for years. Nonprofit organizations, local governments, and volunteers are working tirelessly to restore homes and infrastructure, but continued financial and material support is crucial to ensure that these communities can recover fully.

Project Helene is a division of stemarc.org

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