Amateur Radio Club

Dr. Steve Sherman is a retired physician and was first licensed as Ham radio operator at the age of 14, becoming interested in emergency communications and talking to people all over the world using his amateur radio skills. His wife, Mary, is a former Leisure World doctor.

Steve has been involved in teaching Ham radio classes and always encourages people to get their license, not only for emergencies, but as a way to meet new and interesting people.

Steve is a member of the local Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). ARES strives to be an effective partner in emergency/ disaster response, providing the citizenry and public service/safety partners with communications expertise, situational awareness, and capabilities of professional communicators. Steve hopes that more people will get involved because volunteers are needed from every Mutual to assist during emergencies.

Those interested in Ham,General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) and Family Radio Services (FRS) are welcome to attend a club meeting and meet the club’s helpful, diverse and talented members. The LW Amateur Radio Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 9. For more information, call 562-431-6586, ext. 2409 or visit www.lwsb.com/ amateur-radio-service-club.

Ham, GMRS and FRS radios play a vital role in emergency communications. They work without relying on any existing infrastructure, making them ideal in disasters like earthquakes, flooding and wildfires. Beyond protecting oneself and family, people who learn how to use radios to communicate can help others during a communication outage.

The Amateur Radio Club has a GMRS and FRS practice drill Wednesdays at 9:30-9:45 a.m. on Channel 18-0 (Channel subject to change), FRS radios are license-free. GMRS radios require a license and transmit with more power and can communicate over much longer distances. GMRS licenses cost $35, covering a person and their family for 10 years with no test required.

Dr. Mary and Dr. Steve Sherman