To the Editor: Olsen’s Flight
Your readers heard how Greg Olsen prepared for his successful launch to the International Space Station (U.S. 1, September 28). I wonder how many know that recently Olsen also added “ham radio operator” to his resume. Olsen joined the ranks of the licensed amateur radio operators in the United States and abroad (numbering more than a few million worldwide) who enjoy communicating via radio, amateur TV, orbiting satellites built by hams, and other interesting modes. The Federal Communications Commission granted Olsen the call sign KC2ONX after he passed a standard test of his knowledge of basic electronics, operating practices, and international communications regulations.
People as young as five (with no upper limit in age) have taken and passed similar FCC exams so that they could enjoy this exciting hobby. A group of hams, including myself, are helping the American Red Cross in Princeton with communications support. As we say “When all else fails, ham radio gets through.”
People who are interested in helping in emergencies, talking to astronauts, learning about electronics or just having fun are encouraged to get an amateur radio license. Local hams will start a free six-week license preparation class on Thursday, October 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Mercer County OEM in the Dempster Fire Service Center on Baker Basin/Lawrence Station Road. For information, call Don Wright at 609-737-1723, E-mail aa2f@arrl.net, or check out the website of the National Association for Amateur Radio (www.arrl.org).
Gerry Jurrens, N2GJ
Kingston
Editors’ note: Greg Olsen has safely returned from his space journey.
Good Turns
When U.S. 1 interviewed me a few years ago, I mentioned that the staffing career gives one the opportunity to not only do well financially, but also the opportunity to do good for society. I’m happy to report one of those “do good” situations.
Our staffer Judy Doyle contacted the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey to offer our services in assisting displaced individuals from Louisiana. Apparently, a flyer was handed out at a Red Cross dinner that was held a few days later with Princeton Staffing Group’s contact information.
One who called was Lynda Wilson, a graduate student at the University of New Orleans. She was assisted by the Red Cross in relocating here and is hoping to return to New Orleans in January, when the school plans to reopen. She was thrilled that we were able to place her in a long-term temporary position right away. She came to our office on September 29 and started the temporary position on September 30. She was earning $5.35 an hour in New Orleans, so she couldn’t believe our position paid $12. She’s doing a great job.
Ron Safier
Princeton Staffing Group
Princeton Forrestal Village
