THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, March 20, 1996 TAG: 9603190086
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Jody Snider
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Medium: 82 lines
When the 1990 flood swept through Oil City, Pa., Joe Roth wasn't trying to find shelter or protect his home.
Roth was clutching a hand-held ham radio, trying to find people who were lost in the flood and assessing damage for officials who were without phones.
In 1995, when Hurricane Felix skipped along the East Coast, then darted back to sea, Roth and other amateur radio operators were ready in Isle of Wight, willing to help in any way they could.
``We have the manpower, ability and skills to pull up communications very quickly,'' Roth said. ``Amateur operators pride themselves in their self-taught emergency procedures, self-discipline and technical know-how when our community needs us the most.''
Ham radios can be operated with batteries or generators when power is down. They also can be plugged into car radios and phone lines to transmit messages.
Roth, president of the newly formed Western Tidewater Radio Association, said the local network of amateur radio operators is a crucial link between officials and the public when disaster happens.
The Western Tidewater club has 27 members from Isle of Wight, Sussex, Southampton, Surry and Greensville counties, and Franklin.
The club meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month at Church of Christ Central on South Church Street in Smithfield.
Members are licensed by the FCC and train with the National Weather Service to assist officials with weather-related disasters. They also perform a yearly drill with the Surry Nuclear Power Station.
In addition, they work community functions like the Isle of Wight County Fair, helping to locate people on the fair grounds and finding help for those who may need medical assistance.
The club recently created an Internet home page that allows users to get information on area emergency services, weather information, the club's newsletter and information on a variety of ham radio topics.
``We boast that we're the first club in the region to do that,'' Roth said.
For more information, call 365-0114. The club also can be e-mailed at this address: wtra(AT)visi.net
Name: Joe Roth.
What brought you to Isle of Wight County? Communications industry, specifically cable. However, I'm no longer in that industry.
Birthdate: Oct. 18, 1957.
Hometown: Pittsburgh.
Fondest childhood memory: Family vacations.
Marital status: Married.
Children: Three.
Pets: One dog and one cat.
First job: Property and security coordinator for First Seneca Bank in western Pennsylvania.
Current occupation: Branch manager for Langley Federal Credit Union, NASA branch.
If you had a choice, what other type of work would you be doing today? High technology/emerging technology.
Favorite hangout: The Internet.
Favorite night out on the town: Quiet dinner and movie.
Favorite food: Sauerbraten or prime rib.
Favorite drink: Crown Royal.
Favorite movies: Movies with Arnold Schwarzenegger or ``Star Trek.''
Book you wish everyone would read: ``The Demming Management Method.''
What's your idea of a perfect vacation? Two weeks in the Caribbean.
I can't resist: Chocolate.
Few people know that: I can sing well.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? Pay off bills and invest for education.
What is the best advice you've ever been given? ``Life has no problems, only challenges.'' - Brian Tracy.
What do you think is the best thing about yourself? My positive mental attitude.
What achievements are you most proud of? My daughter. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
by CNB