Hobbyists And Heros

Amateur radio buffs Paul Bartoszewicz and Gary Webster get together in Gary’s “Ham Shack” to discuss logistics for Vero Beach Amateur Radio Club’s National Field Day held on June 27 and 28. Open to the public, the annual event is informative, interactive and fun. Photo by Denise Ritchie

When Paul Bartoszewicz moved from Atlanta to Vero Beach, he looked for a house that had an extra room where he could set up his amateur radio equipment. The first one on the list fit the bill – and his pocketbook. While Paul wasted no time outfitting his “Ham Shack,” he also checked to see if there were other amateur radio enthusiasts in the area. An Internet search linked him with the Vero Beach Amateur Radio Club – VBARC, call sign W40T – and Gary Webster, a neighbor who had recently relocated from New Hampshire. 

When the two men went to the club’s monthly meeting, they found kindred souls, liked what they heard and signed up on the spot. Since then Paul and Gary have been actively involved with the club that got its start 54 years ago, thanks to a handful of ham operators who met, shared information and made it their mission to provide community service. 

While amateur radio is considered a hobby, it’s also an emergency service. From the very beginning, club members have worked closely with the Office of Civil Defense, the Emergency Management Division of Indian River County and the Red Cross, helping out whenever and wherever needed.