Monthly Archives: October 2021

Updating ARES Membership Roster – Your Help Needed!

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WMA ARES is in the process of updating our registered Members roster. Below you will find a list of those members who are currently registered as of 10/27/2021.

If you are a member of WMA ARES and do not appear below or need a correction, please drop me a note at k1yo@arrl.net with your name, callsign, and email and I will make the appropriate changes.

Conversely, if you are in the list but want to be removed, please notify me at the same email above.

Thanks in advance and 73!

Bob Meneguzzo – K1YO
SEC – WMA ARES

Last NameFirst NameCallsign
AckleyGwenN1XYZ
AddisonAaronkf1g
AdeltCoryN1XWS
Al-BeikHishamKB1JLW
AlexanderToddKC1OKD
ALVESTOBYKB1CJT
ArchamboScottNot Provided
BarnettDylanNot Provided
BournJoshuaN1ZGA
CannataNickW1NJC
CyrAdamKO4GCH
DaviesTimothyK1RN
DeChristopherMikeN1TA
DionKenKD1KU
DunlapCharlesK1II
ElkinsMaryKB1ME
EwellJohnN1JIE
FarringtonSamuelKC1ENA
FOLEYDAVIDW1TTT
HABERMANNALEXANDERKC1NHG
HayesGilbertWK1H
HicksAmyNot Provided
KinahanTomN1CPE
LavioletteRichardKC1AEO
LosawPaulN1PUA
LukeJeffreyN1NWQ
MauriceBasilKB1PQZ
MeneguzzoBobK1YO
MoralezEdwinKC1BTX
MyersChristopherKb1nek
OborneTomKC1TAO
OquendoVanessaW1IRL
PalmerWilliamKC1PNR
PyraJacobW1JJP
RiceBradleyNot Provided
RichardsonKyleNot Provided
SaccoMatthewKC1JPU
SantanielloJosephKC1PNX
SegersonPhilipNot Provided
SmithCharlesKC1IKA
SmithGaryNot Provided
SpencerLarryN1LWS
St GermainChristopherKC1MAO
StephanGeorgeK1GXS
TarbellJohnKC1GRU
TorresBryanKB2UZY
WindykaKenKB1PKI
WoodhullAlbertN1AW
WyattDaveNot Provided
YoungAdamW1ACY

Upcoming Activities – Western Massachusetts ARES

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Hello Western Mass Amateurs!

This is just a quick note to explain some of the things related to Emergency Services that we will be putting into place shortly.

First, we are going to focus heavily on training and practice for our net operations. Charlie (Smitty) Smith, KC1IKA has accepted a position as Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator and is taking over responsibility for Section net operations. The plan is to establish regularly-occurring training nets, both for simplex and repeater VHF/UHF operations. This will provide a forum for persons interested in participating on nets to learn the proper operational procedures in an environment specifically setup for learning and practice.  This should also be a good entry point for those interested in becoming a Net Control Station (NCS).

Additionally, we are initiating training in digital modes (JS8Call, FLDigi, and WinLink) to enable their use in passing messages as required on HF and VHF. Practice nets will be established and operate on a regularly scheduled ongoing basis for those interested in this type of communications. The training will also focus on getting the proper hardware and software setup and configurations to ensure you have the optimal configuration of your own equipment to operate effectively.

A link to a registration form for digital training will appear on this website so that you could choose which digital mode(s) you would be interested in … we will post a short announcement here on how to access that on the menu choices at the top of the main web page.

Operating nets properly and effectively is of prime importance in an emergency situation. I am currently investigating the communication needs of several agencies within the Section to ensure that what we can provide fits their specific needs. We are planning to hold frequent SET-type events involving those agencies to provide ongoing opportunities to fine tune and focus our combined efforts.

Finally, we intend to reach out – through the individual clubs – for assisting in communications with local public service events of various agencies. This has been a very common activity in the past and it would be great to see it rekindled.

Please watch this website for further developments for all the above.

Stay safe and well !

Vy 73

Bob Meneguzzo – K1YO
Section Emergency Coordinator, WMA ARES
K1yo@arrl.net

Section Manager’s Report October 2021

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   Hello once again! The switch got flipped and fall is here. It’s nice that the temps have calmed down some, but I don’t like what looms ahead. This is the perfect opportunity to get your antenna projects completed before that white stuff shows up. A huge shout out and thanks got to Larry W1AST and Chris W1TRK from HCRA for coming to my QTH and fixing my tri-bander and replacing the rotator. Chris demonstrated some good skills in prep, safety in climbing the tower. Well done!

   On Sept 19, I visited the Picnic and Radio’s event held by the Franklin Co. club on top of Mt. Sugarloaf in S. Deerfield and was treated to great weather, good fellowship and food. There was over 30 people there from 2 clubs and also an unexpected bonus as there were some hams on the observation tower doing the 10 ghz contest. That was interesting to see. Passers by stopped and asked questions and it kept some busy especially Aaron KF1G with technical assistance and general questions while working the POTA event. 

   The above event has inspired me to do something similar as one club is struggling at this time and I am trying to get it back on its feet. On October 23rd I am having a Play Radio Day at Sholan Farms in Leominster. Anyone nearby is welcome to stop by and support our effort. It will run from 10-3. 

   There are clubs still having meetings via Zoom still as some facilities have not opened up their facilities. Others are live once again and are simulcasting with Zoom which helps out and shows a greater versatility in their meetings especially with presentations. A little imagination can go a long way to boost your club.

   Ballots are now hitting mailboxes for the Division election. Please read what the candidate’s messages have and VOTE. We have not seen an election like this in a long time. Speaking of elections, yours truly was re-elected for another two years by another landslide. You guessed it, no one else applied for nomination. It really is hard to determine if this is a result in my doing a good job or that no one really cares. I hope it’s not the latter. When I started this journey, my hopes is to get this area interested in participating in whatever capacity it is. This is still a struggle to this day. Everyone can help in promoting radio, teaching, mentoring, and getting them licensed and active. Making them welcome is a HUGE part of it as well.

   It was great to see everyone at the Convention in Marlboro. It was determined the event was a success despite the fall out of presenters and commercial vendors. The Friday flea market was a huge success in my eye!

   Whew! I had a mouthful to say. Remember I am here still. Questions, comments, etc. Just shoot me an email. I am your representative to the League.

73 All

Ray KB1LRL