Robert Benton (center), of TASIS Group, shows Simon Solomon and Sarah Freedman how to properly use the commercial UHF radio system he recently donated to Friends for Rogers. Photo courtesy Friends of Rogers
Robert Benton (center), of TASIS Group, shows Simon Solomon and Sarah Freedman how to properly use the commercial UHF radio system he recently donated to Friends for Rogers. Photo courtesy Friends of Rogers
Robert Benton (center), of TASIS Group, shows Simon Solomon and Sarah Freedman how to properly use the commercial UHF radio system he recently donated to Friends for Rogers. (Photo courtesy Friends of Rogers)

(Sherburne, NY – Nov. 2015) Robert H. Benton of TASIS Group recently donated a commercial UHF radio system to Friends of Rogers for its use at the Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne.

“We are extremely grateful for this tremendous gift,” said Simon Solomon, FOR executive director. “Since 2011, when Friends of Rogers saved Rogers Environmental Education Center from closing, the organization has managed all operations at the center, allowing this vital resource to be preserved – and to flourish.”

The commercial radio system consists of a 10-watt UHF base radio along with the necessary power supply, antenna cabling, and dual-band antenna along with five UHG portable, weather resistant radios and chargers. This system will provide the visitor center with communications that streamline operations by allowing contact between the center and personnel carrying portable radios.

The system will also provide tactical communications for the staff and volunteers in case of emergencies. If a staff member is on a guided tour and an injury occurs, they can quickly apprise the visitor center of the emergency and what resources are needed. If an outside Emergency Service Agency is called and arrives, it can use one of the center’s portables to have direct contact with the staff member at the scene of the incident.

The radios are also licensed for off-site operations and can be used for necessary communications between staff members and volunteers. Some of those operations could include canoe/kayak trips, community celebrations, nature walks, and other similar activities.

Benton will also provide training sessions to all staff and volunteers about the operation of the equipment and radio communications protocols. He provided full documentation to instruct users in how to operate the system, and an emergency binder has been developed that houses forms which will relay information to emergency services in case of an incident.

Benton is president of Tactical and Strategic Intervention Services (TASIS) Group, which is a member of the national association of Amateur Radio. TASIS provides free communication system consulting to community organizations and non-profits. The group does not sell or provide communications gear but will assist and direct the organization as to where the appropriate gear may be acquired.

“Friends of Rogers is successful thanks to the outpouring of support from community organizations such as TASIS Group,” Solomon said. “We greatly appreciate the local support in ‘Saving Our Neck of the Woods.’”

Rogers Center is operated by Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization that offers educational programs for people of all ages. Seasonal hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

By martha

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.