BY KAREN BOSSICK

Learn all about ham radios and why they work when everything else fails in a 2-part series starting with So, You Want to be a Ham Radio Operator?

The series will kick off from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, at Hailey Town Center West, 116 S River St. 

Long time operator and instructor Joe Yelda has taught and certified over 300 individuals in more than 35 years as an operator and enjoys chatting with people all over the world.  He will be joined by Todd and Ellen Mandeville, who will share a slide show of their sailing trip from Mexico to New Zealand using a ham radio as their only form of communication.

“Ham radios are amazing,” said Kristin Fletcher, the library’s programs and community engagement manager. “Most people don’t realize that after Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana in 2005 ham radios were the only functioning communication devices in 100 square miles around New Orleans.  Hospitals, some emergency responders and the Red Cross depended on them for over a week.  Nowadays, about 30% of operators are women!”

Ham radios are used locally at some of the backcountry races and by emergency personnel.

Those who wish to go all in, may follow up Thursday’s introduction with a free, hands-on Ham Radio Operator Workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at Hailey Town Center West.

Yelda will again be joined by the Mandevilles in demonstrating how to choose and use an affordable ham radio. The workshop will also explain how repeaters work, share information about the local club, how to become a certified operator and where to take the test.

The workshop is limited so interested parties are asked to preregister by emailing kristin.fletcher@haileypubliclibrary.org.