<strong>Episode 53 — Mike Desmond — Milford Amateur Radio Club <br /></strong><br />We start with a few local updates, then I sit down with <strong>Mike Desmond (W8BEI)</strong> from the <strong>Milford Amateur Radio Club</strong>, the folks behind <strong>Cincinnati Hamfest</strong>, to talk ham radio, why it still matters, and why it’s one of the most reliable ways to communicate when cell service goes down.&nbsp;<br /><br />Interview — Mike Desmond (Milford Amateur Radio Club)&nbsp;<br /><ul><li><strong>Ham radio 101</strong>: where it came from, what it’s used for, and why call signs matter</li><li><strong>How contacts work</strong> (CQ, DX, nets, and why you can’t “call” a country like it’s a phone)</li><li><strong>Licensing tiers</strong> (Technician, General, Amateur Extra) and what it takes to get started</li><li><strong>Emergency comms</strong>: what ham operators can do during disasters when cell towers and lines are down</li><li><strong>Radio etiquette + enforcement</strong> (including “fox hunting” and how bad actors can get found)</li><li><strong>QSL cards</strong>, special event stations, and the collecting side of the hobby</li><li>The community side of ham radio, plus how <strong>Cincinnati Hamfest</strong> helps fund the club and keeps the hobby growing</li></ul>Want to learn more? The Milford Amateur Radio Club meets <strong>the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM</strong> at the <strong>Miami Township Civic Center</strong>.<br /> Cincinnati Hamfest is listed for <strong>August 15, 2026</strong>.&nbsp;<br /><br />In the News<br /><ul><li><strong>Clermont County AEDs:</strong> local law enforcement agencies are set to receive new automated external defibrillators through <strong>Project Heart Restart</strong>.</li><li><strong>Moscow:</strong> the 2025 annual financial report is available for public inspection, plus notice of recently passed ordinances and resolutions (by appointment).</li><li><strong>Loveland:</strong> the police department is hiring a full-time police officer.</li><li><strong>Loveland utility bills:</strong> some January water meter reads may have been delayed due to extreme weather, so March billing may reflect an estimate vs. an actual read.</li></ul>Events roundup<br /><ul><li><strong>Young Innovators: Superman in Ohio</strong> — Feb 26 (4:30 PM), Amelia Branch Library (ages 8–12)</li><li><strong>Maple Murder Mystery</strong> — Feb 27 (5:30–7:30 PM), Pattison Park Lodge (registration required, adults)</li><li><strong>Appalachian Music (Dulcimers)</strong> — Feb 28 (11 AM), Miami Township Branch Library (all ages)</li><li><strong>Raptor Rampage</strong> — Mar 1 (2–3 PM), Clingman Park (free, all ages)</li><li><strong>Bug Bonanza</strong> — Mar 3 (4:30 PM), Bethel Branch Library (all ages)</li><li><strong>Bee Hotel</strong> — Mar 3 (6–7 PM), Bethel Branch Library (registration required)</li><li><strong>Writer’s Group</strong> — Mar 3 (6 PM), Batavia Branch Library (adults)</li><li><strong>Teen Craftapalooza</strong> — Mar 3 (6:30 PM), Goshen Branch Library (ages 12–18)</li><li><strong>Virtual: Intro to Spring Wildflowers</strong> — Mar 4 (6–7 PM), Zoom</li><li><strong>SCAT Tracks &amp; Animal Signs Hike</strong> — Mar 5 (5–6:30 PM), Clingman Park (free, preregistration required)</li><li><strong>Art in the Park: Bamboo Paintbrushes</strong> — Mar 7 (11 AM–12 PM), Clingman Park (ages 12+, registration required)</li><li><strong>King Records &amp; Herzog Studios</strong> — Mar 7 (2–3 PM), New Richmond Branch Library</li></ul>Follow on Facebook &amp; Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Lets-Talk-Clermont-Podcast-61575113991187/" target="_blank">Facebook</a><br /><a href="https://www.instagram.com/letstalkclermont/" target="_blank">Instagram</a><br /><a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/newsletter" target="_blank">Newsletter</a><br /><br />If the show brings you value, consider supporting us!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/donate" target="_blank">Donate</a>&nbsp;