RSVP Office Staff


	THE TORRANCE RSVP OFFICE Where it all happens!

(Text by Pete Porter - Photos by Margaret Porter)

The RSVP Office is always a hive of activity. When you walk in the door, the first person you are likely to see is Claire Gall as she mans the front desk just behind the counter.
Claire told me that she is at her station on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 9:00am to 1:00pm. She is the first point of contact for anyone coming through the front door and, although many of her customers are RSVP volunteers, she also has to direct those seeking help from the people in the "Focal Point" office that also shares space in the building.

The RSVP Office is always a hive of activity. When you walk in the door, the first person you are likely to see is Claire Gall as she mans the front desk just behind the counter. Claire told me that she is at her station on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 9:00am to 1:00pm. She is the first point of contact for anyone coming through the front door and, although many of her customers are RSVP volunteers, she also has to direct those seeking help from the people in the "Focal Point" office that also shares space in the building.

However, as the RSVP office is open Moday - Friday, from 9:00am to 4:30pm (closing at 3:00pm on Fridays), it would certainly help if a qualified volunteer could man the front desk on those days when Claire isn't there. So if you think you have the necessary skills please give Hope a call at 320-3322.

The post of Office Coordinator is held by Elaine Galarza. Elaine is always on hand to help Hope with the many tasks that are involved with the every day running of the organization. Elaine has her own office and it is well equipped with its own computer etc.

Hope also has her own office and is very busy these days as she starts to set up a permanent station dedicated to "Homeland Security" within the city of Torrance.

Hope told me that, when it is completed, the station will involve up to four people. In the event of an emergency, detailed information will be obtained via contact with a group of Torrance Amature Radio Association (TARA) at the local police station. This information will then be relayed from the RSVP office to approximately 25 local radio hams who would then be responsible for notifying Neighborhood Watch Block Captains so that they can take any necessary action. One of the first priorities would be to alert any housebound or disabled neighbors as to what is taking place.

Hope told me that, when it is completed, the station will involve up to four people. In the event of an emergency, detailed information will be obtained via contact with a group of Torrance Amature Radio Association (TARA) at the local police station. This information will then be relayed from the RSVP office to approximately 25 local radio hams who would then be responsible for notifying Neighborhood Watch Block Captains so that they can take any necessary action. One of the first priorities would be to alert any housebound or disabled neighbors as to what is taking place.

Volunteers Bob Burns and Herb Stark were hard at work in the back office just starting to set up the Disaster Network facility while I was getting the information for this Newsletter. I met Herb again when I went back the next week and he was happy to show me how it is all starting to come together. He told me that he is anxious to get in touch with any volunteers that are familiar with Amature Radio operation and said that he will be setting up classes for any that are interested in obtaining their Amature Radio License. Please contact the office if you would like to find out more or contact Herb by e-mail at stearman@juno.com . It is hoped that a much more detailed article on RSVP's Homeland Security involvement will be the subject of next month's Newsletter.

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