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"There are a lot of things up in the air, so any way to get information is a good thing, and I'm not too old to learn yet," said Bob Neary, a participant in the Clark Fork Valley Amateur Radio Club (CFVAR) hosted Ham Cram. The "Ham Cram" was an event held Saturday with the goal of getting more locals interested in amateur radio. Nine people attended the event to become certified as "hams," so the radio enthusiasts call themselves. The daylong class was taught by Lynn Lanzoni, who works the K-9 unit for the Sanders County Sheriff's Office.

Participants showed up at the Plains Alliance Church at 8 a.m. and took the class until 3 p.m. After that, three members from Missoula administered the test. These individuals are ARRL members and licensed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) examiners, who are certified to give the test. Having three ensures the test will be given fairly, officially and in a way to discourage cheating. "This ensures the legitimacy of the tests," said Lanzoni.

The course covered FCC regulations, how amateur radios work, and privileges new operators have. Saturday's test only certified new participants on the first level, known as technician. There are two other levels operators can be certified in, with the next being "general," and the final being "extra."

The fee for the test was $15, and the amateur radio club hoped it would encourage people to join afterward. The CFVAR club has nearly 16 members and has only been around for about two years. The club has participated annually in the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) nationwide field day, and recently has been recognized as an affiliate organization of the ARRL. The process was slowed because of COVID-19 and the necessity of having to meet several requirements which included: possessing enough members, having written bylaws, establishing officers and the fact that 50% of the members needed to be affiliated with ARRL.

There were many reasons the participants sought to take the class. Neary wanted to participate because he and a few friends, all from Hot Springs, decided to do it together. Will Triplett, also from Hot Springs, said, "In the event of a natural disaster, I want to know what's going on over the hill in Kalispell and Missoula." Triplett said that he wants to keep up with what is going on nationally, even if communications were to go down. He explained that for anyone getting started, like himself, starting simple was good advice.

The CFVAR club also functions as the emergency communications for the county and works with the Sheriff's Office and local Search and Rescue. Anyone interested in getting involved or learning more can contact Lanzoni at 827-2216 or can visit http://cfvar.org.