BULLETIN :  Nov. 9, 2011 - #11-001           Project File: 88_11_001.htm

TO: ALL  PARTIES

FROM: Manager, Project 88

SUBJECT: Getting started!

Getting started on the right foot is sometimes difficult! But if we keep in mind the Intent of this Project, we can move forward vigorously!

1. NaCCRA announcement to its member CCRCs that this Project is ongoing, etc (RHW).

2. We must complete a Survey of the large and medium size Continuing Care operations. (Check with NaCCRA for a current mailing list! We need to know the name of the NaCCRA Representative at each location, plus the name of the Executive Director. A simple, 2 page (one sheet) Survey form will be used. The Survey will ask whether they have Amateur Operators as Residents, their age and whether one or more would like to assist on Project 88/Phase One. 

3. The first step will be to subscribe to the Cormac CQ-100 System and have those Hams join in a weekly Net Operation that meets at 28.227KHz at (schedule will be announced). This Net activity will establish the nucleus of an Organizing Group or what I call the MOVERS & SHAKERS!

4. Once we have these Net meetings on the Internet, we will be able to address which locations have Managers/Directors who appreciate the advantages of Project 88 and are willing to invest some time and space in establishing a Complete Senior Communicators Club in their facility. It is important that everyone, who gets behind this project, must help "sell' the concept of a Club activity that establishes a modern Emergency Communications system on-site for the exclusive service to that facility. The Club will be licensed by the FCC. It will hold weekly meetings on the CQ-100 VOIP System. Any Resident interested in an activity that is conveniently located on the campus can, after some simple instruction, use the CQ-100 system to talk with people anywhere in the World. These Nets operate much like a "Roundtable"! A nationwide Network will meet once a month, bringing together all the participating Clubs in the U.S.A.!

5.  MEASURE OF SUCCESS:

PHASE ONE: Identify at least THREE locations where conditions look favorable to setup and operate prototype DEMO CLUB operations that meets the ARAG Standard Station and Internet Salon model. (See GUIDELINES for a List of Equipment and Photos of a typical Club Station.)(in-process)

6. GENERAL ORGANIZATION CONSIDERATIONS:

a.  Our experience in the past two years in trying to develop interest in this Concept in North Carolina has been very disappointing. The key to success of Project 88 lies in finding CCRC Managements who recognize the advantages of a Communications Club created for the purposes stated in our brochures. (A new brochure will be available soon that will list the four advantages to a Communications Club.)

b. We should conduct a review of the 20 larger CCRC operations to determine if they have Residents already there who have valid Amateur Radio licenses. The Ham operators who will be the Custodians should be the younger residents who have a desire to set up their equipment in a  secured Club Room where they can operate Ham radio for their own enjoyment PLUS BE READY TO GO ON EMERGENCY ALERT WHEN DISASTER OR AN EMERGENCY OCCURS!

(MORE WILL FOLLOW)