Enthusiasts demonstrate uses, wonder of radio

Members of Douglas Amateur Radio Club gathered Saturday to exhibit demonstrations of amateur radio communications, telegraph equipment, electricity and electronics at Lawrence Public Library. Another open house will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 17 in the library’s auditorium.

The goal of the open house was to show children and their parents the role of radio communication in emergency situations. Amateur radio is also a worthwhile hobby, said Earl Schweppe, club member.

Schweppe said he hoped the open house would expose children to amateur radios. The open house is also related to Lawrence Public Library’s “Science Education and Awareness Project,” which will kick off in September. Each month, the library will choose a different scientist to feature to encourage children to learn more about science and math.

Community help: Lemonade stand funds to benefit family’s child

Friends and family of an 11-year-old Lawrence boy dying from the effects of a chromosome disorder will take donations today in exchange for ice-cold lemonade.

The lemonade stand will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Hy-Vee, 4000 W. Sixth St.

Proceeds will go to the family of Zach Frey, who doctors have predicted has just a few weeks left to live. Because he was born with DiGeorge Syndrome, a disorder that has caused him health problems since birth, his mother, Teri Frey, was unable to secure life insurance for him.

Now she needs help paying for her son’s funeral services.

Heather O’Neal, a friend of the Freys, will be at the stand with Frey’s other son, Joshua Graves, 14, and several of Zach’s friends.

O’Neal also has set up a memorial fund in Zach’s name at First State Bank & Trust. Contributions to the fund can be mailed to P.O. Box 701, Lawrence 66044.