You can also read about past events in our News Letter page
Scroll down page to view all news items for 2006, 2007, and 2008
08/14/08 - UPDATE: SUV in Lake Quinsigamond: See 2 Vehicles Recovered. Worcester T&G.
08/06/08 - Wednesday. SUV drives into Lake Quinsigamond. See Worcester T&G for details.
See Update on SUV Lake Quinsigamond. UPDATE: See WRSP Gallery Page for recovery picture.
07/31/08 - IMPORTANT Information concerning Lake Quinsigamond and Lake Lashaway. On Wednesday, 30 July, the Milfoil weed treatment has started on Lake Quinsigamond (click on 'Lake Quinsigamond' for map area of treatment) focus more in the Flint Pont, Bliss Bay area south of Sunset Beach and also Ramshorn Island. If you see an Air Boat on the lake dumping chemicals, this is the treatment process. Should be completed by 2 August. Also, Lake Lashaway has high bacteria levels. See article from the Worcester T&G, Beach area closed.
07/31/08 - For the MRSP Team. Read Article on Mt. Wachusetts concerning Snow-boarders.
07/26/08 - Saturday. Our Rendezvous Party on Blake Island with the US Power Squadron was allot of fun and it was good seeing everyone. We had representation from the USPS, USCG Auxiliary and our WRSP Team Members. It was a great day for an outing out on the Lake and I certainly had a good time. I will post some pictures on our WRSP Gallery Page. Thanks to all that attended!
07/22/08 - National Hurricane Center. All Skywarn and Communications personal be aware of Hurricane Nets activating this evening for Hurricane Dolly hitting the Brownsville, TX area. Ham operators check the VoIP Skywarn Hurricane Net. Also see WX4NHC and Hurricane Frequencies
07/10/08 - See Article in todays Worcester T&G concerning the drowning yesterday.
07/09/08 - Lake Quinsigamond and for those that called me last night. There is another reported drowning at Quinsigamond State Park last night around 2100. It was until early this morning Divers from Worcester Fire Department found the victum. This is the second drowning this year out on the Lake. ALL SKIPPERS/CREWS PLEASE NOTIFY THE SHREWSBURY POLICE if seeing a swimmer heading into the middle of the Lake from Quinsigamond State Park. We have issues on this in the past. We can warn the swimmers, but since we are NOT Law Enforcement, please call the Shrewsbury PD.
07/08/08 - To all Boaters using Lake Quinsigamond. Note change of our Patrol activity. Due to the high cost of Fuel, we are limiting our Patrol sweep of the entire Lake by 50%. Basically, this means we are not going up-and-down as often, but posting our Vessel at the Corazzini Ramp and MCL (Marine Corps League) to conserve Fuel consumption. We are asking Boater to use our NOTIFICATION Cell Phone on our WR3 Vessel to call us when needing assistance on the Lake during our Patrol Hours. Cell phone number is 508.414.7676. We will still be Patrolling looking for disabled Vessels, and we will still be going into Flint Pond. This will cut our Fuel consumption. We will still assist at the Corazzini Ramp.
07/03/08 - We are proud to announce we are currently developing a Web Page for the newly developed Holden CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) in Holden, Massachusetts.
06/27/08 - Comms Team. Read Ham Radio People Always at the Ready. Good article on Ham Radio and our associate, Mark Rubin of W.E.C.T. (Worcester Emergency Communications Team). Don't forget this weekend is FIELD DAY for all Amateur Radio Operators worldwide. See ARRL.
06/26/08 - We would like to Thank BEMIS Associates Incorporated, Shirley, MA, for their generous Donation to our WRSP Program. These Funds will support our Fuel Requirements for our patrols out on Lake Quinsigamond. The support from local businesses is greatly appreciated. We want to thank Glen Wians, one of our WRSP Skippers for his help in getting this donation.
06/26/08 - We had an Article done in Worcester Living Magazine for our WRSP Program out on Lake Quinsigamond. Great exposure to the WRSP Team and good 'PR' for Boating Safety out on the Lake. Note: A few corrections to this article. Our WR3 Patrol Vessel is only 18 Feet and we are not doing Jet Ski Patrols at this time. Also, we do not pull-over reckless boaters or Jet skiers; however, when we see reckless operations out on the Lake we record the Registration number and advise the Shrewsbury or Environmental Police. We are NOT Law Enforcement. But WCSART appreciates the spirit of the Article as it helps inform boaters using Lake Quinsigamond of our WRSP all-volunteer program.
06/25/08 - LQC (Lake Quinsigamond meeting). WCSART and the LQC will be forming a steering committee to look into the possibility of having either a permanent or mobile beacon structure to be installed at the Cement Pilings where buoys 4&5 are located. This is only a fact-finding committee only. This area of the Lake is very dangerous to boaters that are not aware of the low-ground area. WCSART appreciates any input from the public as to what could be built. Email your ideas or opinion to wcsarteam@cs.com. Also, approval for CAUTION Buoy 15 to be installed East of Heron Island.
06/25/08 - FOR SALE: See 1955 Wooden Thompson Sea Coaster. This Boat is one-of-a-kind, excellant condition. This Vessel was used for two years as our active Duty WR0 Vessel and the ole gal was well known icon out on the Lake. Due to logistics, extra inventory of boats, I need to pass along to someone who loves wooden boats. Visit our Gallery Page to see pictures and the above Flyer.
06/24/08 - Interesting Article in yesterdays Worcester T&G called 'Police Crackdown on Lake Watercraft.'. All Skippers and Crews doing our active duty WRSP Program please read this article.
06/16/08 - Monday: Our Remote ELT Receiver on 121.5 on Mt. Wachusetts went off three times today date/time stamp at 0345, 0715, and 0930. We called AFRCC and drove to the top of the Mountain but nothing was heard. We were later advised by AFRCC the mission was closed about 1400 due the no signals further heard by the third Satellite pass. CAP was notified..
06/15/08 - Communications: Interesting developement in Canada for SAR Frequencies. Please visit the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Site and read about Search and Rescue Interagency Frequency.
06/14/08 - Welcome Aboard our newest member, Gail Wiles. Gail will be joining our WRSP Team as an active 'Crew' member on our WRSP program out on Lake Quinsigamond. Gail is also a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and brings much knowledge to the Team.
06/12/08 - Another Buoy will be added to the Lake area in an area that warns CAUTION when going into the cove behind Heron Island. This Island is located off Sunset Beach in the South Basin. Buoy number #15 will be place inside the cove area. Boaters get a false sense of depth when in that area. There have been 4 reported boats running aground in that area. Buoy placed after LQC approval.
06/11/08 - To those that have inquired about this News Item: Yesterday afternoon Joe Apicella and Bill Latimer were out on the Lake doing Buoy Maintenance on Buoy #4. We did a quick round on the Lake and put our WR3 Vessel in around 1730. There was a drowning on the Lake near Regatta Point State Park that evening. Rescue crews were called around 1930 (7:30pm) and the victim was found about 8:30pm and pronounced dead. That very same day we witness swimmers going to the middle of the channel from Quinsigamond State Park and warned them of the dangers of swimming out too far from shore. All WRSP personal while doing patrols be sure to keep a sharp watch for swimmers and notify the Shrewsbury Police Departement if you feel there is an unsafe condition for a swimmer. See the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Wednesday, June 11, 2008 edition for further information.
05/27/08 - End of Memorial Day weekend Report. This was an extremely busy weekend for the WRSP Team. It was the final spring QRA Rowing Race out on Lake Quinsigamond. Our WR3 Vessel assisted in all the races this year since 29 March. All the Buoys have been placed on the Lake with an additional adding of Beacons on Buoys 4&5 at the Cement Pilings for night-time visual aid to boaters. For Safe Boating week, we had a two-day Safe Boating Booth set up down at the Corazzini Ramp to hand out Flyers on Boating Safety, promote 'Paddle-Smart' for Canoes and Kayaks, hand out Massachusetts and Lake Quinsigamond Boating Laws, and to advise the public of our Water Rescue Safety Patrols now starting. Sunday and Monday the WRSP Team was busy out on the Lake. We ended the patrols Monday late afternoon with 2 tows, 6 jumpstarts, stuck anchor assist, retrieved 2 boats that went adrift, numerious trailer and boat assists at the Ramp (it was extremely crowded). We saw WR4 (The Barrons), WR7 (Scott Norton) out on the Lake, and WR2, WR9, and WR3 Vessels were used this week. Visit our Picture WRSP Gallery Page for happenings this weekend. The season has finally started! Check our Schedule Page for WRSP duty patrols. Remember..Boat Safe!
05/15/08 - Thanks to Linc Pearson, John Bianchi, Bob Moore, Bill Latimer, Glen Wians, Steve Cronin and Paul, the Buoys have been placed out on Lake Quinsigamond. Buoys 4 & 5 located near the cement pilings south of Coast Guard Island will have lighted flashing red Beacons so Buoys can be seen at night. This is a very dangerous shallow area, and there has already been a boat accident on the pilings this year. See our Lake Map for information where Buoys are placed, or go to Buoy Locations.
05/13/08 - BONE MARROW DRIVE. To all that may wish to help: Sturbridge Police Officer Kevin Mercier's son Nicholas age 7 is going through his 2nd bout of Leukemia. They are looking for potential bone marrow matches. Please contact the Sturbridge Police Association, 346 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA 01566 (Officer Joseph Lombardi, President) if you can help. This drive is for all individuals of ALL BLOOD TYPES. Contact Detective Mark Saloio at 508-347-2525 ext 112 for further info.
05/12/08 - FOR THE COMMS TEAM: Strong Earthquake hits China. All Ham Operators stand-by. A magnitude 7.8 earthquake hits Sichuan, China today at 0628UTC Chinese Radio Sports Association reports Frequencies:14.270, 7.050, and 7.060 MHz are preserved for Amateur Radio Emergency Service in the Rescue Operation. Please keep the frequencies clear for emergency traffic usage.
05/05/08 - Watching the LQC (Lake Quinsigamond Commission) Meetings on Worcester's Channel 12 Cable TV. See Worcester Government Channel for Schedule. LQC meets last Wednesday of the month at the Shrewsbury Town Hall, Massachusetts.
05/05/08 - For the Comms Team. Our Monthly propagation Check-ins on our 60 Meter Net on 5403.50Khz has been very interesting. This evening we had a station from W. Yorkshire, UK (in England) give us a 5-7 report. Station G0HNW, Paul, gave us a great report. 60 Meters is active!
04/27/08 - For the SAR Team (MRSP Team) and members of WECT that assisted on the December 4th Search & Rescue in Allentown, NH. The Hooksett hunter was finally found off the Reservoir Trail in Bear Brook State Park this weekend. Further news can be obtained in the UnionLeader.com
04/22/08 - Tuesday. Today I had a meeting with Police Chief James Hester and Officer Richard Fiske at the Shrewsbury Police Department. It was a very good meeting and the outcome had some good ideas (some do's and don'ts) for our WRSP Team to incorporate in our operational agenda while patrolling the Lake. One good outcome is to let boaters know the Shrewsbury Police Vessel (as well as all our Patroling volunteer boats) will be monitoring Channel 16 Marine Band Radio. Communications out on the Lake will be greatly improved. It is my goal for all WRSP Team members to be on the same 'page' as to what is expected of our Group while assisting the Boating Public. We have the support of the Shrewsbury Police Department, so all WRSP Team members realize we are 'not' Law Enforcement, but an all volunteer organization to aid and assist the boating public out on the Lake..
04/20/08 - Sunday, Westboro, MA. Update: For the SAR DF Team and MRSP Teams that were notified late Friday evening and Saturday morning about the apparent possible Airplane crash in Westboro. I was notified today that it did not happen and the plane was spotted near St. Lukes Cemetery circling near some tree lines but eventually started heading east after the engine started. This was an unusual notification because we could not verify the information, but my thanks to those that responded to the alert and stoodby. Our Remote ELT receiver on Mt. Wachusetts did not 'trip.' This was a false alert, but these things happen. It's always better to be cautious and ready to respond.
03/06/08 - Saturday and Sunday the WRSP Program started its first seasonal Patrol service out on Lake Quinsigamond by assisting in the QRA (Quinsigamond Rowing Association) Races at the DRC (Donahue Rowing Center). Bill Latimer & Joe Apicella 'Skippered' and 'Crewed' both days on patrol. Lake conditions were good for the race but windy and cold. Our WR3 Vessel was brought out of winter storage and used for patrol. Our Vessel was given a Radio that the Race Chase Vessels used so we could communicate with the chase boats, start & finish line, to enhance communications if an Emergency situation happened.This year our Team will assist in all the QRA races out on Lake Quinsigamond during the spring race schedule. All 'Crews' are needed, See schedule and volunteer for a time-slot. WR9 Vessel is in the process of getting repaired and ready for the season.
03/30/08 - Sunday, was the last seasonal MRSP Patrol Scheduled on Mt. Wachusetts for 08. My thanks to the MRSP Team headed by Chris Maider for their participation this year. Mike Ahern headed the last patrol on a clear sunny (windy) day on the mountain top. Our Team was short-handed this year due to some members moving out of the area and we only patrolled for 11 weekends since December. One notable assist was the weekend myself and Mike Ahern assisted a Japanese family of 5 (First time on the Mountain in snow-shoes, children under 12 years old) that got disorientated on the Jack Frost Trail in very icy conditions...we walked them down via Echo Lake Road entrance and drove them back to the Ranger Station Parking lot. We hope to increase our volunteer members by next year. WRSP Team activation for Water Rescue Operations will start next weekend assisting in the QRA Races.
03/30/08 - MarineUSA Fishing Expo went very well for our WRSP Team. Bill Latimer, Joe Apicella, Glen Wians, Hernan Claros and Don Brickman attended the show and Linc Pearson from the LQWA stopped by. We were able to get information out to the boating public about our Water Rescue Service out on Lake Quinsigamond, show our new Maps of Lake Quinsigamond, and introduce the US Power Squadron programs for boating safety and upcoming classes in Boating Safety and Piloting. It was a great show for the fishing enthusiast and we thank Marine USA for allowing us to setup our booth.
03/26/08 - Wednesday evening: For our WRSP Team. Bill & Brenda Latimer, Joe Apicella, attended the LQC (Lake Quinsigamond Commission) meeting where we presented our annual proposal for operations out on Lake Quinsigamond for the 2008 season. This is our 4th year of operation. We were once again approved by the Board of Directors to continue on with our program after concluding a meeting with the Shrewsbury Police Department to finalize operations and schedule procedures. I want to thank all the volunteers this year and welcome aboard our new 'Skipper' and 'Crew' members.
03/21/08 - For you Hikers out there, and the MRSP Team. If you can get up on top of Mt. Wachusetts this weekend early morning around 0600-0630 you can witness a spectacular view of the Moon setting in the West and a clear sunrise in the east. Trails are in good shape, still covered with snow, but easy access from Pine Hill Trail or Harrington Trail. It is worth the 'walk' to the Top of the mountain.
03/18/08 - NOTICE TO MARINERS: NEW BUOY DEPLOYED NEAR BUZZARDS BAY ENTRANCE TOWER. The National Data Buoy Center has recently deployed a 1.8 meter Discus Buoy approx 2 miles southeast of the Buzzards Bay Entrance Tower. The new Buoy number is 44070. The exact coordinates of this Buoy are 41.38N and 71.01W. 44070 only reports wave and ocean current observations. Wind data can be retrived from Buzzards Bay Entrance Tower, identifier is BUZM3. For additional information regarding this Buoy contact the National Data Buoy Center at 228-688-2805.
03/16/08 - Sunday: We have gotten several Emails about this and I just want to give an update on the situation. Today there was a fatal Skiing accident over at the Mt. Wachusetts Ski area around the lower Balance Rock Trail early afternoon around 12 noon. A teenager was killed in the accident. Apparently, the individual went off the trail and hit a tree. This did not happen on the Hiking Trails our MRSP Team patrols. Just another warning that Skiing, or cross-country skiing, can be dangerous if you are not careful, and use good judgement. Safety Tio: SPEED KILLS...please use caution when skiing, especially if you go off a normally used trail. We have assisted several cross-country skiers that have lost control and went off the road hitting a tree or snow covered bush. Be careful, Safety First !!!
03/14/08 - I am proud to announce this. As many of our old members of WCSART know this individual. Maj. Joe Zwirblia was named Squadron Commander of the Years for the Worcester Composite Squadron, US Air Force Auxiliary CAP Program. I have known Joe over the past decade and he certainly deserves this prestigious recognition. Congratulations to Joe for a Job well done...
03/08/08 - Saturday. Bill & Brenda Latimer, and Joe Apicella (our WRSP Coordinator) attended the US Power Squadron Worcester County Sail and Power Squadron Luncheon over at O'Connors. It was good seeing all the active members that promote Boating Education and Boating Safety to the Public. Bill Latimer was voted-in to take-over as the new Squadron Commander for the 2008 season. Both Bill Latimer and Joe Apicella are members of the US Power Squadron.
02/27/08 - An item of interest. For those of you visiting this site from other SAR Groups, and have an interest in Professional Tracking Services, please visit Fernando Moreira Professional Tracking Services. You can access the site via our 'Link' page or go to [www.searchandrescuetrackers.com]
02/09/08 - We have added to our Main Page window a section called Hiker Update. This is for Hikers that traverse or cross-country ski up on Mt. Wachusetts. There are 'real-time' reports from our MRSP Team that patrols the mountain. One of our members trys to get out on Friday late afternoon and early Saturday. The info is then passed to our webmaster for weekend updates. Check back weekly for conditions.This service will continue during our active MRSP Program which ends the first of April.
02/05/08 - Got an Email from Chris Gagnon, one of our WRSP Team Crew Member and SAR Team member. Sad to say, Chris has moved from Worcester and he will be missed. I have known Chris for many years and enjoyed working with him doing ELT Missions and crewing for WRSP out on Lake Quinsigamond. The whole Team wishes him good luck in his new endeavors. Also, Robert Harper, one of our WRSP crew member has now joined the MRSP Team and will be up on Mt. Wachusetts assisting on our MRSP weekend Patrols.
01/27/08 - Several Items. State Issues Fish contaminant advisory notice. Lake Quinsigamond was not on the list. See the News Article in Sundays Paper Telegram & Gazette B section.
For our Communications Personal and Ham Operators. Beacon Hill House and Senate passed the Ban Hand-Held Cell Phones and Text Messaging Bill (H4477) See: Boston Herald Article.The Bill leaves intact a Law that allows use of a CB as long as one hand remains on the steering wheel at all times, and it adds amateur radios to the exemption. Good news for emergency communications. MORE INFO
Update: Bill H4477 is 'stalled' for the moment. Check back for further information.
01/22/08 - Item of interest to all our 'Medical Qualified' Members whether you are a member of our WRSP or MRSP Program and are qualified as an EMT or First Responder, or have other medical qualifications, please look into the Worcester Regional Medical Reserve Corps. You can go to their Web site via our Link Page or go to [http://www.worcesterregionalmrc.org]. Some of you have asked me about this organization and I highly recommend visiting their site for information. If we get a group of interested personal, Mendy Johnson, WRMRC Program Consultant, will come and give an informal session on what the WRMRC is all about. Please Email me for any interest.
01/19/08 - Saturday evening. Congratulations to Joe Apicella, our WRSP Team Coordinator and active US Coast Guard Auxiliary member for getting the Division 10 Most Mission Hours Award given at the USCG Auxiliary COW (Change of Watch) Dinner Banquet. This was from the recent deployment on active duty aboard the USCGC Escanaba. Joe is also a Member of the U.S. Power Squadron.
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More News Items below....
12/17/07 - Monday evening. Joe Apicella and Bill Latimer attended the Marine Corps League of Worcester monthly meeting where a Certification of Appreciation was given to the Corps for their support and assistance to our Water Rescue Safety Patrol Program this past season out on Lake Quinsigamond. Our WRSP Program sincerely appreciates the support from the Worcester MCL, and a donation was made to the MCL that went towards the Detachment's Scholarship Fund.
12/13/07 - Sad news to report, Mac Reynolds, our MRSP Coordinator has been transfered to Denver, Colorado and will be leaving our MRSP Team in January. Mac's family is from the Bolder area and we will miss Mac and his fun-loving ways. Mac has kept our Mountrain Rescue Safety Patrol Team active and we wish him well on his Job transfer. Chris Maider, one of our WRSP 'Skippers' has volunteered to take over as MRSP Team Coordinator for the 2008 season. Chris is very experienced in wilderness training and has good knowledge in SAR techniques. We look forward to seeing Chris up on the Mountain-Top this year and we are hoping to have more patrols this year. As a matter of fact, at time of this writing a Nor'easter heavy snow storm is in our area. This may be our first weekend of Patrols.
12/10/07 - Bill & Brenda Latimer attended the WECT (Worcester Emergency Communications Team) Dinner Banquet held over at Barbers Crossing in Sterling, MA. What a great time we had and it was an enjoyable evening meeting all the Team Members of WECT and 'Hams' we have worked with in several SAR Missions this year as well as Emergency Communications and NET check-ins.
12/10/07 - Dispatch to the Sterling area to silence an ELT. Remote Receiver on Mt. Wachusetts on 121.5 MHz had a 'hit' in the area. Information relayed. No other signals heard.
12/06/07 - For our Amateur Radio Operator Members. This was forwarded to me by WECT Member, Brain Brennan, KB1OJH. This is what Amateur Radio is all about in Emergency Communications. See and view this Link. This states it all:: [http://www.kptv.com/weatheralert/14776224/detail.html]
12/04/07 - Tuesday and Wednesday WCSAR Team was dispatched to Allentown, NH for a missing person search. Also, members of W.E.C.T. (Worcester Emergency Communications Team) assisted in the search by providing Team Members for two days for Communications support. See article in the Union Leader New Hampshire Newspaper on the many volunteers that assisted in this search. More.
12/01/07 - For our Military Members please note the following. SALUTING BILL passed on 25 July 2007, allowing veterans and servicemen out of uniform to be able to salute the U.S. Flag instead of placing the right hand over their heart. This Saluting Bill gives The U.S. Flag the proper honor and respect it deserves. (Info from The Word News Letter, USMC League of Worcester)
11/26/07 - This year we did not have a Year-End Banquet for the WRSP Team due to the busy Holiday Season and scheduling; however, we would like to recognize the following individuals and organizations for their support to our program and Certificates of Appreciation for outstanding assistance have been sent out to the following: Angela Snell, Shrewsbury Parks & Recreation Department. Paul Norton, Environmental Police, Joe Apicella , WRSP Coordinator, Linc Pearson, LQWA (Lake Quinsigamond Watershed Association) and the Worcester Marine Corps League Detachment 144. Also, Certificates of Appreciation have gone out to all the active WRSP Team members who supported our program this year. Your dedication and support have greatly aided the Public for boating Safety out on Lake Quinsigamond. Active members this year were Joe Apicella, Paul Marsters, Chris Maider, Glen Wians, Don Brickman, Robert Harper, Scott Norton, Hernan Claros, Denis Brown, John & Cheryl Barron. I also want to thank the Worcester, Shrewsbury, Environmental Police and Board Members of the LQC (Lake Quinsigamond Commission) for their support and assistance to our WRSP Program and John Mullaney from Regatta Point Sailing Club for Monitoring Marine Radio Frequencies for Emergencies. My sincere thanks for a Job well done! (Bill Latimer). A nice rendition write-up was done in the LQWA News Letter, Vol. 9, Issue 1, November 2007.
11/07/07 - Wednesday evening. Bill & Brenda Latimer, and Joe Apicella attended the Worcester County Sail and Power Squadron Dinner Banquet over at Tweed's Pub in Worcester where Bill Latimer was the guest speaker and gave a Power Point Presentation on our WRSP (Water Rescue Safety Patrol) out on Lake Quinsigamond. The United States Power Squadron promotes Boating Safety to the public. We had a great time and thank all the members and Brian Morissette, Event Chairman, for having us out.
11/04/07 - Sunday, Lake Quinsigamond, was the last official Patrol for the WRSP Team. WR3 Vessel with Joe Apicella & Chris Maider and WR9 Vessel with Glen Wians & Bill Latimer assisted in the last Rowing Race in the early morning at the DRC along with Paul Norton of the Environmental Police. That afternoon with the help of Scott Norton WR7, Linc Pearson, Steve Cronin and 'crew' Billy Bonofiglio using his new Pontoon Boat, the Shrewsbury Police Department, did remove all the Buoys out on the Lake for the winter; therefore, concluding our WRSP season for 2007. I would like to thank all those that assisted in this program this year for the volunteer services...a job well done!
10/23/07 - Wednesday. Sturbridge, MA. The WRSP Team attended the Massachusetta Recreation and Park Association Awards Luncheon. The following Team members were present. Bill & Brenda Latimer, Don & Emily Brickman, Joe Apicella, Glen Wians, Sue Merchant, and Chris Maider. See our Gallery Page for team Picture of the event. The Team was Awarded the Special Citation Award Plaque. This was a great honor for our organization and we thank the MRPA for recognition of our volunteers in our WRSP (Water Rescue Safety Patrol) Program out on Lake Quinsigamond.
10/15/07 - Congratulations to the WRSP Team. We have been notified by the Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association that we have been Awarded a 'Special Citation Award'. This Award is given to a person or organization that has in some special way helped in promoting recreation & leisure services within the State of Massachusetts. Our Organization was specifically selected for our role in founding the Worcester County Search & Rescue Team Water Rescue Safety Patrol. We have been invited to the Annual MRPA State Conference Awards Luncheon in Sturbridge, MA 23 October 2007 for this momentous occasion. My sincere thank you for all the Volunteers in our WRSP program for your dedication in making our Water Rescue Safety Patrol a success on Lake Quinsigamond.
10/14/07 - Busy weekend for the WRSP Team. WR3 (Bill Latimer & Joe Apicella) and WR9 (Glen Wians) Vessels assisted in the Rowing Races out on the Lake. Very windy and Cold. Also, WR3 was used to assist on the Ramshorn Island Cleanup operation sponsored by the LQWA (Lake Quinsigamond Watershed Association). See LQWA Website for Cleanup details. Great Job by all those that assisted.
09/25/07 - This is great information that was relayed to me by Dave Morin, USCG Auxiliary not only as a good 'Safety Tip' but a informative News Item worth reading. See Sponge Bob Stops Sinking Vessel.
09/03/07 - Labor Day Cookout at Ramp was great for all. Our final official Patrol season ended Labor Day weekend and it was good to see Team Members and their families come over to the Corazzini Ramp for a great cookout. From Chicken, Hamburgers, Hot-Dogs, Sausage, and many of the baked-good goodies, the food was plentiful. It was a busy weekend for the boating public, and it is sad to see it all come to an end for this season for our Water Rescue Team. We will be out on the Lake until the end of October on a volunteer Crew status only and we have been asked to assist on several races in October as well as removing the Buoys. Check our Schedule page for September and October scheduling and please visit oor WRSP Picture Gallery page to see the WRSP team in action and pictures of our Labor Day Cookout. My thanks for all those that came to the cookout and supplied all the food and drinks for the Team Members and crews. Great to see everyone...!
08/30/07 - New Maps of Lake Quinsigamond now available to the Public. This is the first official Map made of this Lake in over 60 years. This is a Bathymetry, Pictorial, Navigation Aids Map of the entire Lake as well as Flint Pond. Map can be purchased through our Web Site at our MAP_LQ Page and we will have local Vendors in the Worcester, Shrewsbury area selling the Maps (to be posted on our site).
All proceeds from the sale of these Maps will help support our Water Rescue Patrol program.
08/12/07 - Glen Wians, Vessel (WR9), was put into service this weekend operating during our Sunday Patrol schedule. See WRSP Gallery page to see Glens Vessel. Another Water Rescue Volunteer.
07/21/07 - Important news Tip I want all our WRSP Team Members and others in the boating community to be aware of. I usually do not mention WRSP or MRSP Patrol items on our current News Page, but please visit our Safety Tip page, scroll down and read International Distress Flag.
This is very good information to be aware of if you own a recreational vessel.
07/07/07 - The SAR Team was dispatched to Gardner, MA for a Missing Man search early Saturday morning. Some of our Team Members were made Team Leaders for the massive public search. There were over 170 volunteer searchers from the surrounding area and other agencies assisting. The search concluded Saturday afternoon after the subject was found. See Article: Worcester T&G. Also, W.E.C.T.. (Worcester Emergency Communications Team) was involved supplying Team Members for Communications assistance for the search. Amateur Radio played an important part in facilitating communications between the Ground Teams and Mission base. Excellant participation by all.
06/06/07 - The Worcester T&G did a nice news article on our WRSP Program. With the recent water safety issues that have happened in the area, the timing of the article was good to get the information out to the public about our Water Rescue Patrols. See Link to Volunteers Aid Boaters in Peril.
06/04/07 - All WRSP Vessels and Boaters using Lake Quinsigamond. Please be aware of 'rocks' being thrown at passing boaters getting close to the Public Beach area at Lake Quinsigamond State Park in the south basin of the Lake. Several fishing boats, including our WR3 patrol vessel have been struck by rocks when approaching the beach area. Watch for swimmers in the middle of the channel..
06/03/07 - All boaters using Lake Quinsigamond. Be advised enhanced communications monitoring is being established. WCSART has donated Marine Band and FRS Radios for monitoring, and the following areas now have Radio Communications capabilities. Locations are at the Corazzini Public Boat Ramp (when opened), Regatta Point Sailing Club, and the Marine Corps League of Worcester. Channel 16 Marine Band Radio and Channel 2 FRS (Family Radio Service) will be monitored. All WRSP Vessels, when on patrol at the posted schedule hours, will also be monitoring these frequencies.
05/29/07 - Memorial Day weekend was the start of our WRSP Program. The Team was busy over the weekend helping out during the QRA Races, finishing up the placement of the new Buoys, and patrolling the Lake. The Lake was very busy at the Ramp, and the usual problems with boaters putting their vessels in for the first time of the boating season. Our WR3 and WR2 Vessels were out on patrols resulting into 4 tows, 3 jump starts, repairing a broken fuel line, and assisting swimmers. Also noted was the patrolling of the new Shrewsbury Police Vessel and new Shrewsbury Police Jet Ski PWC that is making a more visible presents on the Lake to enforce the Boating Laws and LQWA Regulations.
05/24/07 - Communications update for boaters using Lake Quinsigamond. Today we donated a Marine Band Radio to Regatta Point Sailing Club and Paul Norton of the Environmental Police. Our goal has been to have access to Emergency situations using Marine Band Radios, Channel 16, to augment our response capibility out on the Lake. All WRSP Vessels will be monitoring Ch.16 out on the Lake during sortie patrols, and a Marine Radio will be monitored at the Corazzini Ramp shed. With Law Enforcement also monitoring Ch.16, boaters have a way to contact someone during a boating emergency. Our Emergency Contact Phone number listed below will also default to a voice mail box with 'other' numbers you can call during an Emergency out on Lake Quinsigamond. To date Marine Band Radios have been donated to the Shrewsbury and Worcester Polce Patrol Vessels..
05/23/07 - IMPORTANT: ALL BOATERS USING LAKE QUINSIGAMOND. Our Water Rescue Safety Patrol Vessel now has a Cell Phone assigned to the Boat. While the Vessel is on Patrol, and you have an emergency, you can call our Water Rescue Patrol Boat at the following Cell phone Number:
508-414-7676
Also note our Vessel monitors Channel 16 Marine Band and Ch.2 FRS (Family Service Radio)
05/22/07 - CR Environmental (Chris and John) were at the Corazzini Ramp at Lake Quinsigamond to start the side-scan sonar to map Lake Quinsigamond. Once the data is process, an official Nautical Chart will be made and available to the public. WCSAR Team will update the progress of this ventuure.
05/04/07 - Joe Apicella, our WRSP coordinator and member of USCG Auxiliary 10-01 Flotilla, has volunteered to serve active duty on the USCGC Escanaba for two weeks. Joe will be doing 'cook' duties while on board. Keep track of news about Joe by visiting Freds Place or the USCGC Escanaba.
Check out our Gallery WRSP Picture page for updated pictures of Joe on active duty. See the Pressrelease dated 5/16/07 about Joe's activity by clicking on NEWS RELEASE.
04/28/07 - ALERT UPDATE: Test received this week confirm Bacteria levels measured are at a safe level for Boaters and Swimmers to use both Lake Quinsigamond and Flint Pond.
04/25/07 - To all WRSP Members. Bill Latimer, Brenda Latimer, Joe Apicella, along with Linc Pearson attended the LQWA Meeting at Shrewsbury Town Hall where the Commission Board headed by Ken Polito, voted on our organization taking on the issue of Mapping Lake Quinsigamond. The Board has approved this process and WCSAR Team Inc is now in contact with CR Environmental to start this process to survey the Lake with side-scanning Sonar to get depth readings to develope a Nautical Chart of Lake Quinsigamond. Process should be completed by the end of May and a Map may be available to the public by June of this year. WCSART Inc will have the exclusive Copyright of the Map to be sold to the public. Profits made from the Map will off-set our future operational cost for SAR venues.
04/20/07 - ALERT: Lake Quinsigamond Ramps closed. All Boaters, Swimmers, should avoid using the Lake due to high bacteria levels detected from the Route 9 Bridge, south to the Islands until further notice. Nancy Allen, Shrewsbury Public Health, notified our Organization today at 1617 about the condition of the Lake. USCG Auxiliary and WRSP Members please note and cascade to your Group.
04/16/07 - For all boaters wanting to use Lake Quinsigamond. The Public Ramp, Corazzini Boat Ramp located on the North area of the Lake will be closed April 29, May 5,6,12,13, and 20 due to the QRA Races; however, the Boat Ramp at Flint Pond on Rt.20 in Shrewsbury will be open to access the Lake.
04/01/07 - All USCG, Airforce Auxiliary Units, and others doing ELT, EPIRB, PLB type searches. If you have the latest DF Unit from Ltronics, you may want to check the serial number of your unit.
Ltronics has recalled all new Elper DF tracking Units with serial numbers less than 30171 for upgrades, and to repair some known problems. Since we purchased one of the 'first' of these Units, we have sent our Unit back for modification and repair; however, we never had a problem with our DF System.
Go to their Web Site for further information. WCSART has the Elper, Tracker, Vecta2 DF Units.
03/21/07 - Bill Latimer, Joe Apicella, and Chris Maider attended the LQWA Meeting held at the Shrewsbury Town Hall. We once again proposed our WRSP Program to the Commission Board and was approved for the upcoming season to operate our Water Rescue Safety Patrol out on Lake Quinsigamond. This will be our 3rd season the program has been operational. We look forward to another year assisting the Boating Public out on the Lake. We plan to expand our operation and will be looking for more volunteers to help assist in this program. If interested, and you have a passion for the water and you like to help others, please contact us at wcsarteam@cs.com for further information.
03/19/07 - See NEAR-Fest for the new HossTraders Amateur Radio Festival May 4th and 5th 2007.
03/02/07 - To our WRSP Members, there is an Article about our program published in The Ensign, the Magazine Publication by the U.S. Power Squadron. Our Power Squadron Members, and all the Members and Crews of our WRSP Program can be proud you are part of a program that is the first of its kind in the Nation. I look forward to another season out on Lake Quinsigamond. See link above.
02/28/07 - Joe Apicella and Bill Latimer attended the LQWA monthly meeting. To all our WRSP Members, we got a chance to meet the new Shrewsbury Chief of Police, James J. Hester, who has replaced Chief Wayne Sampson. I would like to take this time to thank Wayne Sampson for the support he gave to our WRSP Program for the past two years and we look forward to working with Chief Hester on our Water Rescue program out on Lake Quinsigamond.
02/24/07 - Mt. Wachusetts. The MRSP team was in full force this weekend doing training patrols on all the Trails on Mt. Wachusetts. Mac Reynolds and Mike Ahern even took the long West Side Trail to the Top. Max Lombardo with a guest 'walker' Candice, and Chris Maider did a patrol late Saturday afternoon. Chris, who is a WRSP Skipper has now joined the MRSP Team. Unfortunately, we have not had many patrols due to the 'no' snow conditions. A training weekend is Scheduled for Mt. Monadnock in NH to be posted for this month. This will be the last Mountain Rescue training until next year.
02/15/07 - For our Communications Team and Ham Operators, sad News. The Annual Hosstraders Swapfest in Hopkinton, NH is discontinued and October 2006 was the last event. Please go and visit the Official Hosstraders Web site for final information to this decision. WCSAR Team Members have gone to this event for many year, and it will be greatly missed.
02/10/07 - All Communications, Skywarn personel. Check out the Skywarn Hurricane VoIP Net that can be accessed via the Internet. This tool is very useful for persons needing immediate Hurricane information combining Echo-Link & IRLP with Amateur Radio Communications and Computer technology. Go to our Link page to get the access link called 'Hurricane Skywarn VoIP Net.
02/09/07 - Team Members needing Business Cards, or hand-out replacement Cards for WRSP/MRSP please contact by Email on how many replacement Cards you need. New Download Page added.
02/08/07 - Due to the Emails received asking about PDA Web browsing, our Webmaster has now added a Menu Page for PDA and Blackberry Web Browser users. This PDA Main-Page is 'text' friendly, and will allow viewing on PDA's and Blackberry's. There will be a 'selection' to our Web pages via the PDA main page. Browsing our Web site will be the same with the exception that many of the Graphics and Pictures will not 'show-up' on your PDA, but all 'text' and 'links' can be viewed.
01/24/07 - Change of Web Site 'entrance' to Main Page. Due to hacking issues and security purposes, the Web Site 'index' page has been changed. All other Pages remain the same.
01/09/07 - To all WRSP, USCG Auxiliary, and USPS Members, note this News Release:
PUBLIC COMMENT SOUGHT ON FATE OF LONG RANGE NAVIGATION SYSTEM
The Land Based Navigation System may be decommissioned this year.
The US Department of Transportation, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, is seeking public input on the fate of the Long Range Navigation System, otherwise known as LORAN-C.
The land based navigation system, operated by the US Coast Guard, may be scheduled for decommissioning later this year. At question is whether the system should be decommissioned, maintained, "as-is" or upgraded to an enhanced LORAN system (eLORAN), which could be used to either as back-up to the GPS (Global Position Satellite) System, or a complimentary system to GPS.
The public is invited to submit their thoughts and comments, which must be received on or by February 7th of this year. Visit www.navcen.uscg.gov/eLORAN/E6-22421.pdf or call the US Coast Guard Info Line at 1-800-368-5647 to submit comments.
01/07/07 - Mt. Wachusetts, Princeton, MA. Mac Reynolds, Mike Ahern did a MRSP survey Patrol to the Mountain Top from Rt.31 near Echo Lake. The unusual weather temperature was 65 degrees, sunny, warm and dry. There was absolutely no snow, and it appears the snow-shoe patrols for Mt. Wachusetts this year may be at a minimum; however, with that being said, there were allot of hikers taking advantage of the mild sunny weather. We estimate there were more than 50 hikers up on the Mountain Top, a spectacular day with a great view. No Snow at the Wachusetts Ski area.
01/03/07 - Bill Latimer has been appointed as Flotilla Commander for the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Worcester Flotilla 10-01. Bill replaces Joe Antinovitch who has been the Commander for the past two years. Joe is also a member of our organization and has been very instrumental in our WRSP Program.
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More News Items below
12/31/06 - All Hams note: We have changed our NET Schedule time and frequency for VHF/HF. Our HF NET is now on 5405.00 KHZ / USB (60 Meters) at 1930 Hrs/EST the 1st Monday of each month. Set your dial to 5403.50 Khz. VHF NET on 146.58 at 1900 Hrs/EST on the 1st Monday of the month. This HF change was due to the QRM on 75 meters and the 60 Meter spectrum is a good frequency to use. with less QRM and Traffic pileups. See the ARRL Web page for further info on 60 Meters at (www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/faq-60.html)
12/16/06 - For Communications personal: With todays elimination of the Morse Code Exam requirements for Amateur Radio Operators, the FCC concluded that the disparity between the operating privileges of Technician Class Licensees and Technician Plus Class Licensees should not be retained, the FCC said in its public notice. "Therefore, the FCC, in today's action, afforded Technician and Technician Plus Licensees identical operating privileges." No more Code (CW) requirements for Amateur Radio License.
12/14/06 - Gallery Picture page goes on-line today. Will be adding pictures as we get them from Team Members, and adding Pictures from our Computer Files as we reformat picture pixel settings.
12/03/06 - Our First Mass Emailing of the Meridian Ledger News Letter started this month. The News Letter will now be posted on our News Letter Web Page and hard-copy mailed to those that still want to receive the News Letter by Mail. Also, a Picture Gallery Web Page is now under construction. Check our Front Page to access these new pages.
11/30/06 - To all WRSP Members. Our Organization had a very nice write-up in the Lake Quinsigamond Watershed Association November 2006 News Letter. I cannot thank enough the WRSP Members that took time out this season to assist in this program out on Lake Quinsigamond. A job well done...! If you are not a member of the LQWA, please contact wcsarteam@cs.com for a copy of this News Letter..
11/11/06 - Mt. Wachusetts, Princeton, MA, nine of our fourteen MRSP Team members attended our first picnic Awards gathering. We started at Harrington Farms and hiked to the top of the Mountain. What a spectacular day and view, and the weather couldn't be better, clear and cool. The BBQ Ribs were great, and Mike 'A' gets the 'Falling Rock' Award. Good group discussion of plans for this years program once the winter conditions set in. My thanks to all those that have supported this MRSP venue. Special thanks goes to Mac Reynolds for keeping the Team intact and spearheading our program.
11/07/06 - WCSART is planning its annual Celestial Navigation Class to be held over at the Stoddard Army Reserve Center 'tentatively' scheduled 18 January 2007. This is a Thursday evening. Our Noon and midnight siting exercise will be held at Moore State Park in Paxton, MA that following weekend. This class fills up fast and is only limited to 15 people this year. We will be using the Davis System basic Celestial Kit which can be purchased on-line. Contact wcsarteam@cs.com for more info.
11/04/06 - Mt. Wachusetts. What a great day to do an exercise, clear, cool and the visibility was endless. The MRSP Communication Team tested out our new FRS and MURS Radios to connect using eQSO PMR446 VOiP technology to connect with other Teams. We were able to connect and speak with a Team in England and the local area, proving that handheld radios can communicated anywhere in the world using VOiP technology. There was also an AREA, RACES drill in Massachusetts that several of our Team members checked into. The Team also marked the trails going to the top of the Mountain for winter operations when the snow covers the ground. And once again, the MRE No.11 has got to go!
Remote ELT Receiver Alert. Signal too weak suspect signal in New Hampshire.
11/02/06 - Sterling Inn, Sterling MA. Our year-end Dinner and Awards Banquet was a great time for everyone. Thirteen of our nineteen WRSP members attended our Banquet and 'Certificates of Appreciation' was given to all the Team Members. Two special Awards, 'Meritorious Service Award' was given to Joe Apicella for outstanding service and dedication to the program, and the 'Bent Prop' Award was given to Chris Maider. Look forward to next years program, and I cannot thank enough all the members of our WRSP Team for their assistance and dedication to our organization.
10/28/06 - Rainy, Wet, Cold, did not sway the Comm Team for testing our new FRS/MURS/GMRS Radios out on Mt. Greylock using Wireless, Internet Connection via Skype and eQSO. We were able to successfully connect MURS to eQSO Gateway where a Team Member out in the field could 'talk' on-line to a Team Member at Home using their Computer. Mac Reynolds, Josh McPhearson, Pete Travis were involved on the Mountain Top and Bill Latimer connected at home using Skype and eQSO. This technology will be useful in the field during any disaster where Communications is essential to real-time access to the Internet and individuals anywhere in the world. Skype can now be downloaded to an existing PDA or Blackberry. Go to their Web page for download details.
10/20/06 - It is our pleasure to host and create a Web Page for the Rutland CERT Team and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 10-01. You can access these sites via our Front Page Links.
10/18/06 - Bill Latimer attended the Worcester Airport (ORH) disaster drill by joining W.E.C.T. (Worcester Emergency Communications Team) as a Team Member of WECT. It was an excellent opportunity to work with Airport and Emergency Response Units during a practice disaster event.
10/15/06 - Thanks to Pete Travis, the following individual, Michael Ahern, got his biannual check ride using a C-182 at Sterling Airport. To date we have four Pilots in our VPP (Volunteer Pilot Program).
10/14/06 - Team Members (WRSP) Joe Apicella and Scott Norton assisted in removing the Buoys on Lake Quinsigamond. Assisting with Linc Pearson, Steve Cronin, and other individuals that live out on Lake Quinsigamond, using Scott Norton's Vessel (WR7), did remove and store the marker buoys (at the Shrewsbury Police Boat House) out on the Lake. This is a messy job as the buoys accumulate 'slime' that is hard to maneuver onto the Vessel. WCSAR Team WRSP Program places/removes the Marker Buoys on Lake Quinsigamond on an annual basis.
10/02/06 - Annual Meeting held at the Outback Restaurant, Shrewsbury, MA
09/05/06 - This past Labor Day weekend was our last 'official' WRSP Patrol out on Lake Quinsigamond for the season; however, unofficial patrols will continue on through October until the Lake draw-down scheduled end of October or early November. Please visit the LQWA Web page for further info on the Lake draw-down for this year. My sincere thanks to all those that participated in our WRSP Program. From Log entries this season, we had 42 tows, 18 Jump Starts, 3 assist to swimmers, 2 Medical Emergencies, 1 boat fire assist, 4 Sailboat assistance, and much support at the Corrizzini Boat Ramp.
08/17/06 - Lake Lashaway, E. Brookfield, MA our Organization was requested to provide a Chase Boat during the Annual Kenyon Cup Sailboat Regatta held by the LLSC (Lake Lashaway Sailing Club) by Terry Fraser, Club President. Our Vessel along with 2 other boats acted as 'Rescue Rangers' to assist the Y-Flyer Sailboats during the race for any Emergencies that may have occurred. The Race was a three day event over the weekend. Our new Water Rescue Vessel (WR3) with Bill & Brenda Latimer pulled the duty for the requested patrol.
08/07/06 - The Following individuals are now qualified to 'Skipper' our new Water Rescue Safety Patrol Vessel. Joe Antinovitch, Joe Apicella, Hernan Claros, Chris Maider, Bill Latimer. After a brief training session and 'check-ride' of the Vessel, these individuals are now qualified to pilot our Patrol Vessel.
07/28/06 - This weekend is our first Patrol using our New Angler 173 Patrol Vessel. Our Thanks to Doug Russell Marine in Worcester, MA for their assistance in our Organization acquiring this Boat for our Water Rescue Program. Qualifications for 'Skippers' and 'Crews' will start ASAP. We have been offered Mooring at Sunset Beach for operations. For the next several weekends the Vessel will be on a 'Shake-down' cruise to see what equipment and performance we can expect from the boat.
05/28/06 - Starts our first WRSP Sortie Patrols out on Lake Quinsigamond. Our first Patrol is dedicated to John Kilcoyne, who has served 45 years in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and has been very helpful in assistance to our organization. Our Patrols run from Memorial Day Weekend until Labor Day weekend. Joe Antinovitch is our appointed WRSP Coordinator for the program. Patrols will run Friday evenings 1700-1900, Saturdays 0800-1800, Sundays 0800-1800.
05/26/06 - Our Organization WRSP Program was commissioned for placement of the Navigation and Marker Buoys out on Lake Quinsigamond. Bill Latimer, Joe Apicella and Linc Pearson placed the Markers in 'shallow' areas and 'caution areas out on the Lake.
05/05/06 - WCSART was invited to join Phoenix Bay Path Squadron, Air Force Auxiliary program, out at the Hamiliton Rod & Gun Club in Sturbridge, MA to Demo and Instruct on the latest L-Per DF (Direction Find) equipment by Ltronics. This is the latest state-of-art DF Equipment used to find ELT's, EPIRB's, and PLB's. WCSAR Team is the first organization in the NE to have this current technology.
Our thanks to Les Dutka and Joe Zwirblia for having us out.
04/22/06 - Letchworth State Park, Portageville, NY, Spring ComFed hosted by the New York Federation of SAR Teams. Our Team was asked to demo the latest L-per Direction Find unit from Ltronics for PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) type searches. My thanks to Dan Groth, President of the Massasauga SAR Team for having us out. The testing of the latest DF unit (for a mock PLB search) was beyond my expectations and the DF Team to locate the 'Target' did extremely well in rainy weather.
04/17/06 - Remote ELT Receiver Alert - Team drove to Mt. Wachusetts. Could not get bearing on signal. Suspect airborne Aircraft heading out of area. Repair work on Remote Receiver to eliminate false signal Alerts or weak signals out of State. Signals are restricted to the Central Massachusetts area only.
04/15/06 - Long Pond, Rutland, MA. Bill Latimer along with the Rutland CERT Team, joined CMSART (Central Mass Search & Rescue) on victim extraction. The Life Flight Helo was scheduled to assist in the training exercise. Excellent training by Team members of CMSART.
04/13/06 - Joe Apicella, John & Cheryl Barron, Don & Emily Brickman, Mike Johnston, Hernan Claros and Bill Latimer attended a WRSP Dinner Meeting at Chili's Restaurant in Shrewsbury to discuss operations for our Water Rescue Safety Patrols for the upcoming season. Allot of good and new ideas were introduced and we look forward to another good season for our WRSP Program.
04/08/06 - Sad News. Max Lombardo, our current VP (Vice President) of WCSART has step-down from his position. Max has been a long-time friend and supporter of WCSART. His friendly manner and organizational skills will be missed. Max plans to spend more time with his family and endeavor in other volunteer areas. We wish him all the best! Max will still remain a member of WCSART.
04/08/06 - Rutland State Park, Massachusetts. Attended the Rutland CERT Team training missing person exercise. Good group participation from the Rutland CERT Team Members.
04/06/06 - Remote ELT Receiver Alert - WCSAR Team tracked to Gardener Municipal Airport. Notified AFRCC of signal. Signal went away. Suspect a/c being worked on.
04/04/06 - Remote ELT Receiver Alert - WCSAR Team tracked to UMass Hospital Helo Pad. Airforce Auxiliary Units already on site to secure same.
04/03/06 - Remote ELT Receiver Alert. Notified Airforce Auxiliary Unit in Rhode Island and gave bearing of signal so Ground Team Units could track.
04/01/06 - WCSAR Team now has a Web based VOiP Teleconference Chat Room set up for all Team Members and other SAR Organizations that need to use this type of Technology. Everyone needs to load PMR446 Gateway user Software provided on our Web page. Basically, you can 'conference' multiple groups, real-time chat using your Computer. Our Server is wcsarteam.no-ip.org and we have Rooms set up for CERT, SAR Teams, WECT, WRSP Team, MRSP Team. This is a Free Service. On a note along with PMR446 eQSO we recommend everyone to load the latest SKYPE, internet telephone where you can call 'anywhere' in the world for free using your Computer or Blackberry. Our Skype telephone number is WCSART and we are on 24/7. This is a very good tool for world wide communications. We used this service when Peter Travis was assisting in the Tsunami disaster in Malaysia March 05 and it was the only 'phone' service available in Hurricane Katrina, Ivan, Charlie devastated areas our Team assisted in. Please download Skype from our Web Site front page.
03/19/06 - Joe Antinovitch, Joe Apicella, Joe Peterson, John Kilcoyne, Bill Latimer attended the NESBC (New England Safe Boating Council) at the Marine Corps League in Worcester, MA. It gave us a chance to met with Officials and current Officers of NESBC. We presented our WRSP Program and offered our assistance to promote Safety in this venue. I encourage all WRSP members to join and support NESBC.
03/18/06 - Joe Antinovitch and Bill Latimer are current members of the Rutland CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) in Rutland, MA, did attend a CERT Team exercise with the Hubberston and Gardener CERT Teams at the old Firehouse Station No.3 in Gardener, MA. It was a 'mock' earthquake exercise and it proved to be a valuable training session.
03/17/06 - Mt. Wachusetts. Our Remote Receiver on 121.5 Mhz to receive ELT/EPIRB/PLB signals is now operational. We are the first organization in the world to have a remote receiver site that will actually 'call' a programmed Cell Phone to alert our Group if a signal is picked up on 121.5. Basically, when a signal for more than 10 minutes is heard, the receiver is programmed into a Laptop Computer that is programmed to call a Cell Phone when the signal is heard. At that point, a WCSAR Team member can drive up to Mt. Wachusetts and get a DF Bearing on the signal and Alert AFRCC or members of the Airforce and Coast Guard Auxiliary programs if a Mission is in progress (usually, WCSART hears the signal before AFRCC is notified by the Satellite 'hit'). WCSART has a dedicated DF Team that can also be dispatched to find the ELT or EPIRB. WCSART has the latest state-of-art DF Equipment from Ltronics and Tracker Corporations, and has our own-design DF Equipment that can be used.
03/15/06 - The Team was put on Alert for a missing person search in Westfield, MA. After the Team assembled, we received a call that the subject was found. Great team response.
03/02/06 - Mac Reynolds is now heading up our MRSP (Mountain Rescue Safety Patrol) Team. This years program has not been active due to lack of snow; however, the Team is on Patrol Status. Team Members have held Snowshoe training on Canon Mountain in northern New Hampshire.
02/02/06 - WCSART Incorporated, Bill Latimer, presented a $500.00 Grant Check to the 102nd Composite Squadron, Airforce Auxiliary Squadron in Rhode Island where Max Lombardo (our VP) is a current member. That same evening Bill Latimer gave a Safety Lecture on Water Safety to the Group and introduced the Waterway Watch program.
01/22/06 - Our Ground DF Team was alerted for an ELT going off near Nashua, NH on 243.0 Mhz. Mission was cancelled after calling AFRCC and being told no further signals were heard.
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