Hello, another busy month! But it actually included a vacation for me at Oswego, NY. A few hams got together and did a number of POTA activations along the shores of Lake Ontario. The photo below is at Fort Ontario (photo by Larry W1AST) Great weather and fun.
Once I returned home, I had our usual section manager’s meeting with Mike Walter’s W8ZY and joining us was Dave Minster NA2AA our CEO to reveal the campaign to get the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act passed. This is to change the law regarding antennas in HOA restricted communities. This is a well-planned effort to include a very simple process to get letters sent by all hams to their respective Senators and Representatives. The letters you send are going directly into their hands by the lobbyists for delivery. This is getting widespread promotion by podcasters, and social media and others. I have visited a few clubs to promote this and placed it in our social media outlets. Please help in talking to every ham about it and make sure the letters are sent. For more, go to https://www.arrl.org/current-legislation
The CMARA Club in Holden got some great new as they are going to have the opportunity to conduct a ARISS space station contact with the Worcester Ecotarium. They have approved the plan and are looking at a March 2026 event. More details will follow as they come.
There has been more and more word of POTA activations going on. This is awesome as this activity is still growing like wildfire. This activity is going to play well with the upcoming “Clubs on the Air” program starting in January. Why not when you can put some radios and antennas in a qualified park get some members and play radio. For added fun bring a grill or some treats! There will be more details about the COTA program as it is still getting planned.
Every two years, notice goes out in QST about section manager elections. This year all the section managers that was posted was uncontested and was re-elected, including me. (Your stuck with me! 😊) But I do present one important question, (or two) What if I did not run? Who would take over if I was not able to serve anymore? You need to give this a thought. More and more elected positions are going unopposed. Even directors! Yes, it is a commitment, it is a volunteer job but an important one. There is work involved. All in all, it’s not that hard. I had to learn the job by myself. And there are ups and downs, but overall, I find it to be rewarding. I have met new friends, learned a lot of things, and promoted amateur radio and the clubs in my area. Consider seeking an appointment for my section. I have no problem with anyone taking a job to advance to my position! I will “mentor” you. I am here, talk to me!
So, let’s see what October brings us. Some big contests coming up and of course it is Near-Fest on the 3rd and 4th. The Nutmeg Hamfest is the weekend after. Also, October 4th is our Western Ma SET for ARES. Thanks to Chuck WS1L for the efforts in putting this together. If you can help, contact him or your area DEC.
Enjoy the fall foliage working in your favorite park or to the hamfest and see friends old or new and maybe buy that treasure.
73 de Ray AA1SE