ARRL Sections - Western Pennsylvania

Western Pennsylvania

Contact Information

Section Name:: Western Pennsylvania
Contact:: Joe Shupienis W3BC
Daytime Phone:: 412-259-3235
Evening Phone:: 814-771-3804
Email:: sm@wpa-arrl.org

Basic Information

Division:: Atlantic
Alert:: QST QST QST -- Calling all radio amateurs. This is a severe weather alert for all Western Pennsylvania amateurs.

Now is the time to prepare to provide emergency communications if requested during the upcoming snow event. No ARES member is anticipated to be called to deploy into the storm outside -- this event will be best served by local ARES groups having their local ARES members stay at home and take shifts monitoring the local repeaters and simplex frequencies to communicate with stranded motorists who might be looking for help on our ham radio frequencies if they are out of cellular coverage. Another important activity is to activate each county to have a designated station on the air on our HF net frequencies, both ARES and ACS to relay SKYWARN weather reports and other information as requested by PEMA.
All hams located along interstate highways should periodically identify on 146.52 MHz with their callsigns and locations if there are motorists stranded in stopped traffic or involved in accidents due to impassable roads. Reports of such incidents should be relayed to local 911 centers for that jurisdiction. Be prepared to provide the mile marker, direction of travel, and other pertinent information requested by 911 dispatch.
More information will follow as the conditions warrant.

===

73 and Press ON!

Joe Shupienis, W3BC
Western Pennsylvania Section Manager
Description:: Our Western Pennsylvania Section will celebrate 100 years of service to the radio amateurs and the citizens living in the western 33 counties of our Commonwealth. As we enter our second century, we will celebrate our rich history, and make plans for keeping amateur radio an important part of our communities, by furthering our collective interests in public service, providing trained communicators and technical experts, and continuing to advance the radio art.

In the 21st century we face new challenges and new opportunities to contribute our knowledge, skills and service to our communities, especially with support for STEM curricula in our schools. Our ARRL Field Service Organization of volunteer appointees will continue to stand ready to assist our communities in times of need, acting in partnership with other agencies and volunteer groups.

The impacts of COVID-19 affected many of our WPA Section amateur radio clubs. Sadly, we have lost many friends and mentors, and some groups are noticing sharp declines in membership and participation. We must all make a continuing commitment to support amateur radio activities and encourage people young and old to become active hams.

ARRL is expanding and supporting the efforts of our Field Service Organization volunteers, introducing exciting new projects and enhancing our existing Club, VE, ARES and NTS programs to meet the needs of the mid-21st century. These initiatives will certainly succeed with experienced leadership and enthusiastic support by our WPA Section staff.

As these and other new programs are rolled out, our seasoned team of volunteers will continue our traditions of Service, Integrity and Excellence. By continuing our work to keep amateur radio an important part of our clubs, schools, and communities, there will be no limits to what we can achieve!

73 and Press ON!

Joe Shupienis W3BC
Western Pennsylvania Section Manager
SERVICE ⋄ INTEGRITY ⋄ EXCELLENCE
Links:: WPA ARRL Website, WPA ARRL Facebook Group