Community
Resilience
On Air
Prepared Communities Are Safe Communities
Building community resilience and preparedness through radio communications across Waynesboro, PA and surrounding communities.
Building community resilience and preparedness through radio communications across Waynesboro, PA and surrounding communities.
Blackskye Community Radio, Inc was formed in April, 2025 with a mission to strengthen local resilience through reliable, community-based communications.
Our emphasis is practical readiness, real-world communication capability, and empowering community members with the tools and training needed to communicate when it matters most.
Join the Association →Maintaining reliable radio repeaters with off-grid power to help ensure community-wide radio coverage at all times.
Conducting a weekly Neighborhood Readiness Net to maintain systems readiness and to train citizens on how to communicate in a coordinated manner, use proper radio etiquette and procedures, and test personal radio equipment.
Providing resources to help citizens obtain a GMRS license, communicate during an emergency, and how to harness radio technology for personal use.
Maintaining a respectful and inclusive association welcoming to all members of the community.
Blackskye Community Radio Association operates two active nets serving our community. All licensed GMRS operators are welcome to participate regardless of location.
A weekly information net with check-ins, announcements, and general comments from participants. The net serves to monitor repeater coverage and community participation to verify readiness, and to provide an opportunity for practice using and testing personal radio equipment.
A contingency net that may be activated during severe weather events and other situations that pose safety risks to our communities. Its primary purpose is to provide situational awareness by gathering and relaying real-time information such as weather conditions, infrastructure impacts, power outages, road hazards, and general safety concerns.
Real-time status of our repeater network.
Whether you're new to GMRS, a seasoned radio operator, or a community member who just wants to be better prepared — there's a place for you at Blackskye Community Radio Association.
Hi, I'm Derek! Founder and President of Blackskye Community Radio, Inc. Thank you for being here.
I'm a lifelong resident of Waynesboro, PA and love the community I grew up in. I believe that readily accessible and resilient alternative communication systems are crucial in helping ensure safe communities.
My communications and emergency preparedness experience comes from a career in emergency services spanning three decades, and from time spent as an amateur (Ham) radio operator. Currently, I work as a paramedic in the Waynesboro and Chambersburg areas.
My aspiration is that Blackskye Community Radio evolves into a sizable, beneficial, and enjoyable community for all. I hope to hear you on the air!