Monthly Archives: January 2022

Western MA Emergency Net Operations for Winter Storm Izzy

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The Western MA Emergency Net will operate tomorrow as a part of the SKYWARN operations form Winter Storm Izzy. This storm system we have coming up is a quick hitting but potent storm system for our area.

For portions of western and northwest Massachusetts, we will see the snow heavy at times with the potential of 5-9″ before a change over to sleet/freezing rain and possibly rain. Wind gusts of 40 MPH coupled with the snow and ice may bring some pockets of tree and wire damage. In Eastern Massachusetts, we are preparing for the potential of damaging winds and heavy rainfall with coastal flooding at the coast. Wind gusts of up to 65 MPH are likely especially in heavy rainfall that can bring the wind down to the surface.

A good chunk of the snowfall will occur overnight and then for a few hours in the early to mid-morning. Snowfall reports would be helpful particularly in locations in northern Worcester and Middlesex counties through Franklin, western Hampshire and western Hampden counties as well as changeover of precipitation type and any storm damage. Higher elevations may see the heaviest snowfall from this event.

In response, above and beyond the normal 2M VHF SKYWARN nets which will run at the top of each hour tomorrow morning, the Western MA Emergency Net will start at 6:30 AM with hourly call ups on the bottom of the hour thereafter until its no longer needed (likely 12:30).

All SKYWARN participants are welcome to check in to either the VHF nets or WMEN on or around 3944 kHz LSB with weather reports that meet reporting criteria. For this particular storm, WX1BOX is particularly interested in the following information on each call up:

  • Measured snowfall
  • Measured ice accretion (if any)
  • Current precipitation
  • Current temperature (if available)
  • Precipitation changeover time (if changes occured since last report)
  • Measured wind gusts of 40 MPH or greater
  • Any storm damage (wind or combo of snow/ice/wind)

The latest SKYWARN storm response messages can be seen on wx1box.org. Applicable reporting criteria can also be reviews on wx1box.org.

New WMA Amateur Licensees January 2022

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Congratulations to the latest new hams of Western Massachusetts:

Kenneth Wiley, KC1QBF
PO Box 1004
Warren, MA 01083-1004

Eric H Niergarth, KC1QCR
9 Ashley St
# 1
Westfield, MA 01085-3801

John Giovanoni, KC1QAU
48 Athol Richmond Rd
Royalston, MA 01368-8901

Francis G Sobieski, KC1QAT
PO Box 125
South Deerfield, MA 01373-0125

Linnea Gardner, KC1QDA
180 Russell Hill Rd
Ashburnham, MA 01430-1315

Michael F Bedard, KC1QBE
30 Dean St
Worcester, MA 01609-3115

Charles H Kolbenson, AC1MI
95 Whitney Rd
Phillipston, MA 01331-9724

Sovan Gusack, KC1QDL
PO Box 617
Westborough, MA 01581-0617

Maxwell L Friedman, KC1QGG
100 Institute Rd
# 2190
Worcester, MA 01609-2247

Nicholas Smith, KC1QFB
404 Wattaquadock Hill Rd
Bolton, MA 01740-1224

Christopher C Wenck, KC1QDQ
55 Grove St
Milford, MA 01757-3367

Boston Marathon Volunteer Registration Opens on January 5

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After a successful 2021 marathon this past October, we’re right back into planning mode for the 126th running of the Boston Marathon at our more traditional time frame on Monday, April 18, 2022.

Volunteer registration will open for the Marathon on January 5th, 2022. Please make sure to whitelist volunteer@baa.org to make sure you receive all BAA communications.

How to Volunteer
For returning volunteers, you will receive an email from the BAA with a direct link to register via the BAA Athlete’s Village.

If you haven’t previously volunteered, or have a friend who would like to volunteer, please go directly to the Volunteer Registration page on January 5th and follow the instructions for new volunteers.

Guidance on the Sign Up Process

  • On Step 3 – Select “General”
  • On Step 4 – Select “Yes, I am an Amateur Radio Operator”
  • Provide your call sign and what your equipment is in the appropriate boxes.
  • On Step 5 – Select “Apply as an Individual”
  • On Step 6
  • Select “Amateur Radio” as the Job Type regardless of what segment you wish to volunteer for.
  • On the next page you will be able to select the race segment.
  • If you want to add additional ARO assignment preferences select “Yes” to select another job and then an assignment type.  You can choose up to 3 job type requests.
  • On Step 7 – Confirm all selections are correct.

A few notes for volunteers:

  • Almost all ARO positions are single person assignments.  We are not able to group people on a single assignment, but we will try to accommodate which segment you are assigned to to allow for similar start/end times.
  • All volunteers must be fully vaccinated this year.  Details on how to provide proof of vaccination will be provided when assignments are given out.  Medical exemptions may be requested and will be reviewed by the BAA individually.

Don’t delay! Volunteer registration closes on Friday, February 18. Help us get the word out by forwarding this email to your club and other amateur radio operators who wish to volunteer. Most volunteers first learn about the event through word of mouth. If you know new licensees who might like to join us, please make sure to let them know about it. Even just a quick mention at your club meeting can be a big help.

If you have any questions about the upcoming volunteer registration period, or the 2022 Marathon generally, please get in touch anytime. Volunteering at the Marathon is a big job and we appreciate the time and effort everyone puts into it. We’re happy to do what we can to make your work fun, comfortable, and effective.

We look forward to seeing everyone again soon.

Thank you, and 73,

Boston Marathon Communications Committee
contact@HamRadioBoston.org

Western Mass Traffic – New Year, New Schedule, New Time

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Happy New Year to all in the Western Mass section. Effective with this new year, the Western Mass Traffic Net will meet at a new time. Effective Monday January 3, 2022 there will be one session daily Monday through Friday, at 6:00 PM local time. The net will continue to meet on the Mt Greylock 146.91 K1FFK repeater thanks to the Northern Berkshire Amateur Radio Club, with Echolink access via the K1FFK repeater thanks to Dave Foley W1TTT. The main purpose of the net is the handling of NTS traffic with liaison to the First Region Net. Training will be available to anyone interested. Check with Peter KD2JKV (kd2jkv@gmail.com) or Marcia KW1U (kw1u@arrl.net) for details.

Also note the Heavy Hitters Traffic Net links the K1FFK repeater to the Minuteman Repeater Network at 10:00 PM daily Sunday through Friday for statewide coverage. To those with HF capability there is a statewide traffic net called Mass Rhode Island Phone net which meets on 3978 Khz +/- at 5:00 PM daily Monday through Saturday.
Message handling is one of the mainstays of amateur radio and handling formal record traffic is what we are about. It is fun and rewarding to have the knowledge needed if required in an emergency. Everyone is invited to check it out. Hope to see you there.

73, Marcia KW1U
STM EMA and WMA

Section Manager’s Report Jan. 2022

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   Greetings and Happy New Year! Sometimes I think the catchphrase of the year will be “I got all my shots!” We are entering the year with a certain amount of uncertainty. I truly hope this pandemic goes away real soon.

   This year I begin my third term as section manager and with that comes a new director who is already hitting the ground running. He has been meeting with ARRL’s management as well as other directors. There are also some assistant directors coming aboard also. Fred will be doing a lot of communicating so stay tuned. 

   For the past 4 years I have maintained my visibility to the section and visited many meetings. I will be continuing this. One thing I am going to concentrate on is getting an increased amount of education, testing and mentoring. It is my hope that my staff as well as the members will assist in this project. I have spent 2 terms getting the word out. The division is going to focus on the same as well as the league. The voices are being heard. 

   Clubs have become another focus. The league knows clubs are an essential part of its success. They are now looking at ways to assist them. Needless to say, the club membership needs to play a part in this. There are clubs that are not far away from folding their tents. (Division-wide) Clubs need to have activities inside and outside of their meetings. Don’t be afraid to tap your neighboring club for advice. Our esteemed director took a mediocre club and with a collective effort turned it into a nationally recognized powerhouse. It can be done! Getting new hams into the hobby (and keeping them!) will be critical for success.

   Marcia KW1U our section Traffic Manager has been working very hard in maintaining an active NTS network. She has also had her challenges in participation and wants to put the word out that traffic handling is still alive. She has a need for traffic and Net Control operators on various nets not just in WMA but also EMA which she serves as well. Mon-Fri at 6 PM there is a traffic net which is on 146.910 MT Greylock repeater and is linked to EMA on Echolink. We can use Net Control operators as well as the 146.970 Paxton repeater at 9 PM daily also. Sunday mornings there is an HF net at 830 AM on 3944 and, yep, they need operators as well. Consider helping out and you can learn a new skill.

   Bob, K1YO my SEC is putting plans together to start trainings for ARES. He is still short staffed but will be working with the crew he’s got, including myself. NTS will likely be playing a role as well as hopes that EMA and Vermont will join in as well. As the theme, he is looking for help and this is a good avenue to learn new skills. There is a bunch of talent there!

   As you can see, 2022 looks to be a busy one. We all are looking for help in getting our section up to speed. For those who feel they cannot participate in that capacity anymore, consider mentoring a new ham. Read my posts, spread the word. I find it surprising I still get emails about things I write about HERE! As usual, I am available for comments, questions, etc. 

  The best wishes for a fabulous 2022!

73, Ray AA1SE