Hello WMA! I just got back from 24 days on a west coast trip to Arizona. And I came back to this? What was I thinking! It was warm and sunny there! One of the things I wanted to do was go to Quartzfest which is a radio event in Quartzite, 15 min from the California border. This event is seven days in the desert with mountains surrounding it. This event has been going on since 1995 and has grown a little since then. This year it was just shy of 450 people (that actually registered). Some notables were there such as Dave Cassler KE0OG and Gordon West WB6NOA and a few ARRL officials like me. There were a lot of presentations for RV enhancements, Antennas, etc. Also, they had 4 balloon launches, telescopes for stargazing, nightly campfires with someone playing a guitar, a hootenanny, a potluck dinner, there was definitely something for someone. If you want to see more go to https://quartzfest.org/ I could go on and on about it. It was a great time! (I would post pictures but my phone is being stupid!)
The one thing I did there was join Gordon West and learn about ExamTools with Stephen Hutchings WM7X who conducts remote exams daily with his team for 12-14 hours a day. He even had one member drive there from Maine in only 3 days! (yikes!) He has a large crew as far away as Singapore. Stephen is now the leagues go to for training on this platform and is extremely helpful to anyone needing assistance.
The ARRL Board Meeting is now in the books. Shortly after, the news broke that the Atlantic Division Director Bob Famiglio K3RF has been removed as he declined to sign the certification statement as required by Article 46. A lawyer, he also provided some legal advice. As a result of this action, the EPA section manager resigned his post. Yes, I’m scratching my head.
The planned ARISS contact planned by CMARA has been pushed out to around October due to the medical incident by one of the astronauts. It was a little disappointing as it was getting close, but it will happen.
There are our annual two hamfest’s coming up. First one is the Algonquin hamfest which is Saturday Feb 14 at the Charles Whitcomb school in Marlboro. And the Mt Tom event at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee, Sat. Feb 28th. Both good events and I do plan on being there.
One thing I would like ALL the clubs to do is go to the ARRL website and update your club’s information. It should be done every year and it is important to have your president and email correct in order to get information to you if needed. We sent a message regarding the ARRL WAS 250 W1AW event and some did not receive it. Larry, W1AST, our Club Coordinator, needs this to aid in informing clubs of activities and club related information. Also as an affiliated club you need this and to maintain a fifty percent or more membership to the ARRL to maintain that status.
I’m sure there may be something I missed. I’m still getting “New England-fied” again. Have a great month!
73 Ray AA1SE