Local club observing World Amateur Radio Day April 19

Retired businessman Lee Goodrich adjusts his portable radio antenna that will be used April 19 for the World Amateur Radio Day activity held at the Cadillac Wexford Public Library. Goodrich is the organizer of the free event.

 Photo courtesy of lyn cryderman

CADILLAC — The Cadillac Wexford Public Library is partnering with the Wexaukee Amateur Radio Club to observe World Amateur Radio Day on Saturday, April 19 in the library’s parking lot.

Club members will set up two portable radio stations at the south end of the library’s parking lot on 411 South Lake St. and encourage people to stop by from noon until 2 p.m. to see amateur radio in action. Information about the hobby will be provided, including how to obtain the required Federal Communications License to become an amateur radio operator.

“The actual date is April 18, but we felt Saturday provided a greater opportunity for local residents to see what Amateur radio — also known as ham radio — is all about,” club president Lyn Cryderman said.

“We are pleased to co-sponsor this event for the community,” Library Director Tracy Logan said. “It’s yet another way we can be a source of interesting information for the community.”

It was on April 18, 1925, that the International Amateur Radio Union was formed in Paris. Its primary purpose was to protect radio frequencies on the shortwave spectrum from being overtaken by commercial and other radio interests. For the past 100 years it has worked tirelessly to defend and expand frequencies allocated to amateur radio.

Over the weekend of April 18-20, amateur radio operators from around the globe will conduct various events to inform the public about this “hobby with a purpose.” Globally, there are more than 3 million amateur radio operators, including 750,000 in the United States.

Amateur radio began in this country as a way to ensure the nation would have a robust supply of trained radio operators who could assist emergency personnel with communications services. A favorite mantra among hams: “When all else fails ... amateur radio works.”

“During disasters such as the September 11 terrorist attack, wildfires in California, and various weather emergencies, ham radio operators have worked alongside first responders, when cell towers and other forms of communication were compromised,” Cryderman said. “But the rest of the time, we simply enjoy taking with other amateurs locally and around the world which helps maintain our radio skills.”

clamphere@cadillacnews.com