Emergency Communications Service at 2008 Lovettsville Oktoberfest

Communications Support at Lovettsville Oktoberfest 2008

Members of the Alpine Dancers of New Carrollton, Maryland

Another Loudoun Amateur Radio Emergency Service & Loudoun Amateur Radio Group Communications Operation
Photographed by John Westerman - WB5ODJ. Edited by Norm Styer - AI2C
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German Heritage In Northern Virginia Lovettsville's heritage dates to the early 1730's and the Treaty of Albany with the Iroquois Nations signed in 1722 that marked the territories of the American indians and provided more safety for the tens of thousands of the arriving white Europeans to North America. In this area, the Blue Ridge Mountains was the dividing line and many settlements sprung up in the Loudoun Valley. These were small farming settlements that were attracted to the rich fertile soil. Our migrating German ancestors traveled through New York and Pennsylvania to settled together here. They were here with other European settlers well before Loudoun County was formed in 1757. Their strict adherence to the Reform Church contrasted with the more dominate English communities. In the 1820's the land holdings of David Lovett were used to create what was called Newtown and later renamed in 1828 to Lovettsville. The Commonwealth of Virginia recognized it as a town in 1836 and Lovettsville was incorporated in 1876. As you can imagine this was a close knit society with rich German traditions with a high regard for family, the church, hard work and community. This culture still resides here around Lovettsville in Northern Loudoun County. At the beginning of this century, there were some 800 folks in some 200 families residing here. This rich German-cultured community celebrate Oktoberfest that began in Munich, Germany in 1810 with great joy, great horse racing, fine food and plenty of beer to mark the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig - later King Ludwig I - and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildurghhausen. You may read more about Lovettsville.

The Call For Emergency Communications Service

John Westerman - WB5ODJ CHOP at Lovettsville Oktoberfest 2008.
This was the second year that John Westerman - WB5ODJ organized our support for the Lovettsville Oktoberfest. As last year, we were responding to a request for emergency communications service from the Loudoun County Battalion Chief Mike Deli and the Lovettsville Fire & Rescue Company 12. Both Tom Dawson - WB3AKD, Emergency Coordinator (EC) for Loudoun County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and Gary Quinn - NC4S, Assistant EC for Loudoun County ARES, outlined the practical experience to be gained and the opportunity to help one of local jurisdictions by supporting this operation. Kurt Reber - KI4FWB also pointed out that this is a PERFECT OPPORTUNITY for those who have recently earned their license to develop public service skills and begin putting that newfound knowledge (and HT) to work.

John Westerman's call for assistance and distribution of planning and status reports were accomplished via the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group's "'QST de K4LRG" eMail Reflector. See his message traffic: August 26, August 27, August 29, September 10, September 22, September 22, September 26, September 27, September 27, and September 28, 2008.

John Westerman - WB5ODJ on the streets of Lovettsville on Saturday morning. Everyone who participated received the very distinct Red LARG cap.
	Put Your Hands Together Clap Your Hands
The "Alte Kameraden" German Band Dancin' to the "Alte Kameraden" German Band Fine music, fine food and fine beer. The streets of Lovettsville - Can you spot the LARG Guys?
And, A Special Thanks From John Westerman Sunday, September 28, 2008 "Many thanks to all who participated yesterday in the Lovettsville Oktoberfest 2008 event. In particular to the following members who gave their time throughout the day to help us with the event coverage, setting up and breaking down the tent and it's contents. David Putman, KE4S - Rick Miller, AI1V - Chuck Graham, KI4IEO - Paul Dluehosh, N4PD - Nancy Dluehosh, KE4RTP Kurt Reber, KI4FWB - Gene Carnicom, KD7IAV - Chris Guthrie, KJ4BRX - Luther Guise, K5NOB - Jeffery Slusher, KE5APC" We all look forward to helping again next year.

The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group Of Northern Virginia & Its Radio Station K4LRG

Communications Support at Lovettsville Oktoberfest 2008

The Call For Emergency Communications Service

A Successful Public Service Event - A Thank You Note

The Lovettsville Oktoberfest 2008