District 1 OHIO ARES

Hazelwood radio operator connects to others worldwide: Helen Schlarman wasn"t hamming it up when it came to broadcasting directions to James McDonnell Park from her amateur radio station, call letters WOAKI. Her voice was clear and concise. "I have to do this periodically," Schlarman said Saturday while seated under a warm pavilion crowded with other ham radio operators. The St. Louis and Suburban Radio Club was holding a two-day "Field Day" at the park - part training exercise, part showcase for ham radio - as part of Amateur Radio Week nationwide. At 88, Schlarman, of Hazelwood, is the oldest member of the club, but she says she"s a novice behind the microphone.