Section Manager’s Report Nov. 2026

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We have found ourselves into another month. Now we are entering what I call “The Silly Season” That particular kind where we combine thoughtfulness, kindness and giving into the mad-dash rush of gathering stuff to celebrate with and sometimes with a bit of craziness mixed in. I, myself try to reflect on the real meanings of the holiday. Helps keep the sanity in check. 😊 With Thanksgiving only weeks away I want to extend my thanks to all those who have elected to support the ARRL and the Western Ma section. Some deserve special shout out’s as without their efforts and/or leadership this section would not be where we are now:

Gil Hayes, WK1H Gil has been with me since the beginning of my tenure and beyond. Without him there would be no website that you are reading from now. Not to mention the other roles he supports as well.

Chuck Chandler, WS1L Chuck has assumed the role as Section Emergency Coordinator and despite a couple of setbacks has put together an ARES program and support staff that we haven’t seen in a very long time and still developing.

Larry Krainson, W1AST Larry has taken the role as Section Club Coordinator and not only has he been communicating with the clubs, he has gotten the clubs to get their annual reports up to date. He coordinated the 13 Colonies event and the Year of the Club Operating event.

The list is huge, it includes technical support people, traffic handling personnel, Club presidents and other officers, Volunteers from the past who have served, the division staff, the government liaison, the RF detection group we have. So many! I thank each and every one of you! Truly!

I attended a meeting in Springfield with members from the division led by our director, Tom K1KI who provided updates and information of the going’s on with the league and the FCC. We did learn that Phil Temples K9HI is stepping down as vice director to devote more time to writing. (He is published and can find them on Amazon.) There was also discussion about club activity, growth and the usual discussion about attracting hams and membership. As we know, we have a varying idea and reasons for these challenges. Each club has and should look to find what will work for them and share the successes to other clubs.

One thing I wish to mention is as we know, the ARRL’s membership has been on the decline for some time now. All sections in the New England division have been dropping. I have noticed though, in recent months Western Ma. have actually posted increases, not big amounts, maybe 1 or 2 members. We have been the only section in this division to do so. This I feel correlates with the increase in activity by individuals and clubs. The POTA activations as a group, VE and license class sessions. Partnerships at places that can demonstrate the hobby. A space station event, an increase in mentoring to new hams, and more. We need to keep up that momentum. Keep up the great effort and thank you. Hopefully the numbers will grow bigger.

I will finish this by wishing everyone a safe, warm Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy the feast and football!

73, Ray, AA1SE

Worcester Students Talk to Space

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EcoTarium and CMARA bring a live ISS contact to Central Massachusetts

On October 15, 2026, eleven local Worcester students spoke live with NASA astronaut Luke Delaney – KJ5PPF, aboard the International Space Station (ISS) from the EcoTarium in Worcester, Massachusetts. Through an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact, the students asked about life aboard the station and what it takes to be an astronaut, including one memorable question: “How do you make grilled cheese up there?” Delaney explained that the crew has not figured that one out, since the ISS lacks the refrigeration needed to keep cheese aboard. Parents, educators and community members watched and listened. The pass lasted about 10 minutes, but it was the kind of moment that can shape a lifelong interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

A Year in the Making

In April 2025, the EcoTarium applied to host an ARISS contact. ARISS requires host organizations to partner with a local amateur radio club committed to supporting STEM education and the technical side of the contact. The EcoTarium turned to the Central Massachusetts Amateur Radio Association (CMARA), one of New England’s largest and oldest amateur radio clubs, with over 100 active members. Three CMARA board members, Connor Gumbrell, KC1MMT; Tom Gauvin, NE1NH; and George Gumbrell, KA3RLZ, volunteered to lead the effort.

For more than a year, a team spanning NASA, ARISS, the EcoTarium and CMARA met to handle logistics, documentation, student selection and question preparation. When a March 2026 contact was postponed after an unplanned early crew return from the station, the team regrouped and kept students and families engaged until a new date was set.

Building Up to Contact

In the months before the contact, CMARA hosted hands-on events at the EcoTarium highlighting “The Science of Radio” for students, parents, staff and the public, covering basic electronics, kit building, Morse code, satellite communications and ISS voice contacts. Volunteers set up HF and VHF stations on site so children and parents could talk with people locally and internationally, and staff and educators could learn and use the equipment. Nearly two dozen CMARA members supported these programs.

The ISS contact is one visible example of what amateur radio does every day, often behind the scenes, from SKYWARN severe-weather reporting and Boston Marathon communications to hurricane emergency support and licensing classes.

Meet the Team Leads

Connor Gumbrell, KC1MMT, 16, is a senior at Saint Paul Diocesan Junior/Senior High School in Worcester and will graduate in May 2027. He attended his first ARRL Field Day at age 5, earned his Technician license at 10, and upgraded to General at 12. In October 2022 he used amateur radio to contact the ISS and speak with an astronaut from his home. He has served on the CMARA Board of Directors since December 2022 and as Field Day Safety Officer since 2023. He plans to study electrical engineering and robotics in college, a path that began with the curiosity amateur radio sparked when he was five.

Tom Gauvin, NE1NH, got his amateur radio license in 1986 shortly after leaving military service to pursue his electrical engineering degree. Tom has been involved in communications technologies of various types for most of his career. After a time away from

the hobby Tom joined CMARA in 2021 and got his Extra Class License in 2022. Since then, he has held two officer positions in the club and is currently a board member. He is a member of the ARRL Western Mass training team providing mentoring and license prep classes. He is also a Volunteer Examiner. He enjoys DX’ing, portable operating, community service operations, and electronic fabrication.

George Gumbrell, KA3RLZ, was licensed at 13 and has been active for about 40 years in Field Day, contesting and mentoring, serving on the CMARA Board since 2019. A senior director of R&D with 30+ years in medical devices, he develops devices and accessories for advanced life support and patient monitoring. He credits much of his career to earning his license early and the mentorship of local clubs. He mentors engineering students at WPI and volunteers at events including the Boston Marathon.

Thank you to all the CMARA volunteers without whom the “Science of Radio” exhibits and special event station would not have been possible: Bill Acito – W1PA, Greg Algeri – WA1JXR, Jerry Bachand – K1YYT, Aaron Bauch – NE1AB, Pete Bretschneider– KA1QEK, Joel Desrochers – N1KRL, Anna Gauvin – N1ADD, Judy Gauvin – NE1OT, Tom Gauvin – NE1NH, Connor Gumbrell – KC1MMT, George Gumbrell – KA3RLZ, Dick Jubinville – W1REJ, Gerry Kersus – W1GD, Selina Lovett -KC1SDL, Corwyn Miyagishima – KN1OBI, Art Motroni – N1MSK, John Nieman – W1CVO, Jim Singer – N1EKO, Preston Sturdevant – KC1WJL, Jay Zebryk – W1JRZ.

New Hams for September.

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Report for 2026-10-01

Zonghua Chu, KD1ACM – FCC
91 Telegraph Ave
Chicopee, MA 01020-3016

Clifford R Osimo, KD1AED – FCC
83 Whittier Ave
Pittsfield, MA 01201-7343

Stephen Campobasso, KD1ACG – FCC
35 Pine Ridge Rd
Athol, MA 01331-3551

Nathan Hudson, KD1ADF – FCC
24 Welsh Rd
Sutton, MA 01590-1315

Alvin A Reid, KD1AEG – FCC
66 Windsor St
Worcester, MA 01605-2141

Felipe Silva, KD1AFF – FCC
PO Box 81
Hopedale, MA 01747-0081

Section Manager’s Report October 2026

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Hey, did you hear that sonic boom? It was September going by! Just like the squirrels, we are probably gathering stuff and storing it so we can have projects where it’s inside and warm during the winter when we are not napping. Near-Fest is now a memory for this year. I am seeing the event being affected by the economic climate, 4.20 a gallon for gas, and the likely lack of Geritol. (yes, our advancing ages!) I truly hope things do turn around. These are fun events and the event bean-keepers need to keep things on the positive end of the break-even line. One thing to consider, anyone with tables invite someone on the younger side to tag along. What a great mentoring tool. I did see a couple of people with some youth getting educated on various things about radio. Good job mentors!

   So far, the meetings have started and I do see some of them gathering steam for a successful year. CMARA is working hard with the Worcester Ecotarium with their upcoming ARISS contact event coming in a couple of weeks. Shout outs to The Quaboag club and the Mohawk club on their 40-year anniversaries. A fine accomplishment. May they have many more. Mohawk has been putting on POTA activations every couple of weeks in the summer at various state parks in the area. Activities like these can certainly boost a club and keep them active and participating while promoting ham radio to others.

   Remember, clubs have a lot of resources available from the league to assist in membership, benefits, and individual assistance. Most of it is an email away or a phone call. I am also reachable too. No doubt some clubs could use a little help. It also takes individuals to put forth the effort. If you went to HamX in August there was great stuff in the seminars to promote just that!

   I know I have not been visiting club meetings as much as I would like. Yup the cost of fuel is a factor and time can be as well. I have been really busy lately as well. I will definitely work on that.

   That’s enough gossip for now. Remember the nice warm and hot days we had when the cold stuff returns!

Be well!

Ray AA1SE

Message from the Section Traffic Manager

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Hello all,

This is the first traffic report for the Western Mass Section on its own in quite a number of years. We are starting off pretty small, with just one daily local net based in the section, and two reporting stations (one of them being yours truly), so there is definitely room to grow!

That being said, if you are a traffic handler in WMA and are not shown on this report, I invite you to send your Station Activity Report and Public Service Honor Roll information to me by either radiogram or email. In order to make the QST publishing deadline, reports are due by the 6th of the following month.

The report shows nets covering WMA as well as some that cover both Eastern and Western MA. I’ve used a format very similar to what Marcia has been using in her joint section traffic reports.

If you would like to try sending and receiving third party messages (“traffic”), but don’t know where to start, check out these opportunities and resources:

73

Eric, W1RVY

WMA STM

I added this message as the section has not had a real traffic system for a long time. I encourage members, clubs, everyone to consider adding traffic and message handling as part of your activities, not to mention good practice for when “stuff” hits the fan. Traffic handling has been the root of ham radio since it’s beginnings in 1914. Even in modern times, it is still a useful part of the hobby. There are just more toys to play with it! Reporting activities also adds value to justify our hobby and the spectrum the FCC gives us for free as well as to the served agencies who receives our service free to the communities we serve. Contact Eric or myself with any questions or comments.

Thanks, Ray AA1SE

New Ham List Sept. 2026

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Report for 2026-09-01

Harry T Egan, KD1AAS – FCC
257 Walnut Hill Rd
Barre, MA 01005-9545

James Oconnell, KD1ABU – FCC
24 Pine Grove Dr
Pittsfield, MA 01201-4430

Timothy Dillon, KD1ABR – FCC
10 Taconic St Apt 3
Pittsfield, MA 01201-6932

Connor T Jannicelli, KC1ZZL – FCC
3 Apremont St
Adams, MA 01220-1104

Alexander Babbie, KC1ZYY – FCC
65 Church St Apt 3
Lenox, MA 01240-2569

Larry J Bennett, KD1ABM – FCC
380 Goodrich St
Lunenburg, MA 01462-1616

Christopher Vincent, KD1ABY – FCC
9 Coach House Rd
North Grafton, MA 01536-2032

Section Manager’s Report Sept. 2026

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September is here! That means school is in session, Summer is nearly over, and club meetings are now starting up for a new season. I was fortunate to see some activities personally and am encouraged to see some great stuff going on. I also see that some clubs have experienced growth. There are some clubs experiencing some challenges within the leadership. I surely hope everyone works together to resolve the issues and to keep focusing on continued growth and success.

   I just found out that NOBARC just got a grant from the ARRL Foundation. Not a huge one, but meaningful just the same. Congrats to them! There is money out there. Money for MESH projects, club outreach, repeater updates, etc. Something all clubs can look at to finance whatever they may need. The only downside is you have to be a 501c non-profit. Something that requires managing and yearly reports.

   The New England Convention is in the books and early indicators was similar attendance as last year. If you were there you know there was a lot of quality stuff to see and do. The speakers were great also. The committee has been really consistent lately of putting together a great event. One can only hope we could grow to compete with one or two of the “Big Guns.” As usual, it takes a number of people to put this together before, during and after. Consider joining us next year in some fashion.

   I also have seen that Division 1 (New England) has now entered the land of KD1 callsigns. I got my license as KB1LRL in 2004. That’s a lot of years! There are divisions that are well past that in KR and others in that area. I’ll leave that to chew on a little.

   Just as a reminder the WMA website has a list of presenters that is willing to zoom in or visit to enrich the curious minds at a meeting. Go to https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qLesHfit7-elLKXI-e8sQfpiKtNLCmyTirWFdALmRWE/edit?gid=1857305376#gid=1857305376. Let me know if you wish to be added or removed as things do change.

   I have been notified that Greg Algieri, WA1JXR Has taken a position with the ARRL part time in the RF lab. He will be working mostly at home and will be working on stuff that radiates 😊. Because this is a paid position he had to step aside as the Technical Coordinator and the Assistant Section Manager. Greg did say that it is a temporary position with an unknown time. Hope Greg has a lot of fun with this position.

   With September being here, there is a number of license classes starting up. NOBARC has a live one coming up and the WMA team is looking at one in early October. Time frame will be determined when we can get the presentations updated to the new question pool. Keep you eyes open for others and spread the word. Remember, when you have classes and/or VE sessions, start the mentoring process by a warm welcome and resources to get them started in radio and on the air.

   That’s enough gossip Speaking of gossip, let me know of any going on in your neck of the woods.

Take care and 73

Ray, AA1SE

NoBARC Hamfest August 23

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The Northern Berkshire Amateur Radio Club will be holding it’s annual hamfest on Sunday, August 23.  The hamfest will be held at the George Bowe Field (Adams Agricultural Fair Grounds), located directly off of Route 8 in Adams, MA.

Gates open at 6:30 AM for vendors and sellers, 7:00 AM for buyers.  Admission is $5 for adult, kids under 12 are free.  Sellers and vendors cot will be an additional $10. Talk-in will be on the K1FFK Mt. Greylock repeater, 146.91 MHz, PL 162.2. There will be an amateur radio exam session at 9:00 AM at the hamfest, for anyone wishing to get licensed or upgrade.

Further details available on the hamfest flyer.

New Amateur Reports – August 2026

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Please welcome the new amateur radio operator licensees to the Western Massachusetts section!

Edward S Martin, KC1ZWP
180 Pleasant St
Holyoke, MA 01040-2619

Jean M Beebe, KC1ZYD
69 Daytona Ave
Pittsfield, MA 01201-2209

Craig S Senecal, KC1ZWN
14 Nelson St
North Adams, MA 01247-2308

Cole R Whalley, KC1ZXQ
PO Box 126
Turners Falls, MA 01376-0126

Raymond F Pavone, KC1ZWS
61 Healdville Rd
Hubbardston, MA 01452-1146

Robert G Holmes, KC1ZXT
57 Ball Hill Rd
Berlin, MA 01503-1812

Nicholas Joannidi, KC1ZXZ
46 Conservation Dr
Douglas, MA 01516-2163

Sean P Callahan, KC1ZWK
8 Memorial Dr
Northborough, MA 01532-1632

Christopher J Craig, KC1ZWO
14 Summer St
Northborough, MA 01532-2622

Dan J Jones, KC1ZWA
9 State St
Shrewsbury, MA 01545-3358

Chase A Bonneau, KC1ZWR
20 Preserve Way
Sturbridge, MA 01566-2316

Mark A Dalve, KC1ZWD
PO Box 183
West Brookfield, MA 01585-0183

Anya Kipp-Mcgowan, KC1ZYG
PO Box 20893
Worcester, MA 01602-0893