Author Archives: Ray Lajoie

New Ham Report May 2026

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Report for 2026-05-01

Ari Klopfer, KC1ZHU – FCC
215 N Valley Rd
Pelham, MA 01002-9770

Paul R Desrosiers, KC1ZLH – FCC
21 Summit St
South Hadley, MA 01075-2530

Harold F Kershaw, KC1ZHJ – FCC
15 Woodside Ter
Westfield, MA 01085-1228

Cyrus Rivera, KC1ZLA – FCC
1191 S Washington State Rd
Washington, MA 01223-9677

Keziah R Kelsey, KC1ZKZ – FCC
1191 S Washington State Rd
Washington, MA 01223-9677

Andrew Dechristopher, KC1ZJN – FCC
1 Wood Pl
Fitchburg, MA 01420-3166

Audrey M Johnson, KC1ZKP – FCC
34 Oakwood Ave
Auburn, MA 01501-1757

Towa Matsumura, KC1ZIN – FCC
PO Box 111
South Lancaster, MA 01561-0111

Alec J Wilson, KC1ZHS – FCC
295 Wigwam Rd
West Brookfield, MA 01585-3208

Abby Neal, KC1ZHZ – FCC
25 12 Dix St Apt 2
Worcester, MA 01609-2787

As a reminder reach out and welcome them to the hobby as well as to the club! Offer assistance to get them on the air and active.

Radio Activity Event Coming!

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When: Saturday June 20 2026 10:00-2:00 (rain date TBD)

Where: Quabbin Hill Observation Tower, Belchertown MA  Google Maps.

Facilities: Plenty of parking. Portable toilets. Bring a chair. Limited # picnic tables.

No: Sorry, no dogs, open fires or antennas in trees. Friends of Quabbin Info.

Food: Coffee and hot dogs provided (while they last). Otherwise, BYO.

WiFi: Available via StarLink. Check sign-in board for password.

Power: This is a battery powered event.  Use ours, or bring your own.  Charging available.

Radios: Bring your own gear and power source or operate ours: IC-7300, 9700, 705.

Antennas: BuddiHex, wire and VHF antennas available.  4 masts available.

GOTA: It’s ARRL Kids Day and Father’s Day weekend. Bring a parent, child or  grandchild.

POTA: US-8391 Quabbin Park

SOTA: W1/CR-013 Quabbin Hill  (parking lot is within the activation zone)

Satellite: Gary Thomas AA1UE will deploy an IC-9700 and portable antennas.

Fox Hunt: Details at a later date.

Flea Market: Feel free to tailgate. Bring something for the Free Table

Talk In: 146.52

Questions/Volunteer: W1BCC Brad Councilman brad@councilman.com 413-773-0670

General Class License Course

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The Western Mass Train and Test Group will be having a General Class License course beginning on June 2 on Zoom.

   Class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9 PM for 6 weeks.

         This is a free course, but you need to purchase the ARRL General Class Manual for your study guide.

**Email Ray Lajoie at ray.aa1se@gmail.com with questions**  **To register go to: https://forms.gle/DuvE1duskwLcJK8M6

Upgrade your license to talk to the world and make friends! Learn new technologies. Volunteer for public service. Great for STEM Learning!                Join us! 

           Get your General Class License Now!                                                                                                                          

Section Manager’s Report May 2026

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Here we are again! Has been a busy month for sure. Seems the project list are getting larger and the stuff you are doing just get’s slower, except the time. Oh well!

   We just had our annual event in Near-Fest. I cannot believe it is now 20 Years old! I have been going to it since day 1. And what’s Near-Fest without rain which happened Saturday morning and pretty much washed out the day for me. Friday was a good turnout and it was great to see many who stopped by to say hi. Hope to see you and more in the fall event. Next stop HamExposition in August.

   Field day planning is likely in full swing now. I will be doing “the tour” as usual. I was actually tempted to take the camper but at 4 dollars a gallon and less than 10 MPG I will likely not do that. Let me know if the location will be different so I can pay a visit.

   Look for the announcement for a general class license course I will be starting June 2 on Zoom. Pass it along to those interested. Just to remind everyone, if you have an announcement like classes, special events, public service, etc. send me a write-up so I can post it here.

   I am looking to see if there is someone who would be willing to volunteer their talents to creating a website and provide some training so yours truly can maintain it. It would be for the license instruction I run and maybe for myself. I do not have great proficiency in this and tell people “Climbing telephone poles do not give those skills” Let me know if interested.

   The NOBARC club is looking to set up a balloon launch and planning is in the beginning stages. I hope they succeed and is successful. The CMARA club is still planning a ARISS event with the Worcester Ecotarium. They had it planned for march but the issue with the astronaut having a medical issue had to push it out to sometime in October. HCRA has put together some foxhunting activities to get those interested in finding “stuff” with radio. Direction finding is a fun sport and a great skill to find noise issues, etc.

   Brad, W1BCC, former president of the Franklin Co. club is having a GOTA_POTA_SOTA day on June 20 At the Quabbin Hill Observation Tower. Email Brad at brad@councilman.com for more information.

   The Technician class license question pool is changing on June 30. A number of questions were changed to provide some clarity which can cause some confusion leading in an incorrect answer. The pool as some mentioned is not “dumbing down” the testing. The actual question changes seem to be minimal and people could still use this version of the manual as long as they review the new questions which are now posted on many practice sites.

   I am very happy to see the emphasis in outreach and mentoring new hams, and providing activities to encourage participation growing among individuals and clubs. Many, along with myself have been talking about it for years and now getting traction. Youth is still a challenge as the almighty cellphone has them hypnotized. We need some good creativity to break that force field. Some school districts are stopping it’s use in schools. Maybe that will help.

   For those active with the league, section, clubs, outreach, I want to sincerely thank you for your efforts! I do see those in the trenches working at it! Keep at it!

73, Ray AA1SE

New Ham List for April

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Clubs, Please review the new hams in your area and extend a welcome and invite and help get them active.

Report for 2026-04-01

Lawrence A Scherpa, KC1ZCT – FCC
24 Tower Ter
Agawam, MA 01001-1407

Robert W McCarthy, KC1ZCK – FCC
196 Elm St
Agawam, MA 01001-2405

Anna M LaChance, K1WTS – FCC
21 Sunset Ave Apt 2
Amherst, MA 01002-2017

Ryan J Crouser, KC1ZGU – FCC
9 Williams St
Easthampton, MA 01027-1937

Edwin J Brennan, KC1ZED – FCC
10 McConnell Ave
Goshen, MA 01032-9602

Wesley N Daningburg, KC1ZDC – FCC
17 Pleasant St
Huntington, MA 01050-9758

Charles E Womeldorf, K2CEW – FCC
116 Ridge Trail Rd
Westfield, MA 01085-1407

Edward A Sagan, KC1ZCV – FCC
PO Box 2
Greenfield, MA 01302-0002

Ralph R Messick, KC1ZFQ – FCC
14 High St
Turners Falls, MA 01376-1707

Kevin M Allen, KC1ZET – FCC
6 Reed St
Leominster, MA 01453-4519

Richard B Haggett, KC1ZHC – FCC
8 Van Ness Ave
Shrewsbury, MA 01545-2629

Emily Rittershaus, KC1ZEV – FCC
8 Van Ness Ave
Shrewsbury, MA 01545-2629

Rohan Das, KC1ZHE – FCC
23 Redland St
Shrewsbury, MA 01545-4375

Kelly McCarthy, KC1ZDH – FCC
15 Maple St
West Brookfield, MA 01585-2923

Shubham Dutta, KC1ZDK – FCC
285 Plantation St Apt 218
Worcester, MA 01604-7728

Jason Kuehne, KC1ZGZ – FCC
9 Windsor St Apt 1
Worcester, MA 01605-4108

Alex Tarallo, KC1ZDF – FCC
34 Somerset St
Worcester, MA 01609-2110

Michael Campbell, KC1ZGX – FCC
4 E Central Street
Worcester, MA 01613-2221

Section Manager’s Report. April 2026

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Hello, welcome to another month. With this one coming around operators’ thoughts of Field Day are dancing in their sleep. Some clubs are looking at new sites and others are securing their usual spots for this year. Planning either way should be in earnest now as how and what to set up, site permits (if any), and the all important porta-potti if needed. The important thing to consider is inviting all those new hams you have invited to their club and mentored to get active. Wait, you did not do that? Why??? Field Day is the best place to have a social event, tech education, show off your setup, eat lots of food to fill up the porta-potty! 😊 And above all try to get those younger hams involved so they can carry on the tradition!

   In 2025 Western Mass. Got 148 new hams licensed. Overall, for the year we still ran at a 0.2% drop in league membership. No one section or division posted increases. I would love to know how many of the newbies became members, and how many were told of the league and their benefits of membership. VE teams need to look at what interaction they do AFTER they pass the test to at least introduce them to a club, the league, a mentor. I know from experience when I got my license, it was “now what?”

   One of the things I have observed is people getting their licenses because they want to be prepared in an emergency. That’s great. The problem is that they are not active and after 10 years, they have forgotten about it and let their license drop. In a time when world events get goofy like they are now, people need to know about what they can do with amateur radio and the need to prepare and practice now, and not when the “stuff” hath swatted the fan. Again, the importance of being proactive and help those to get active and teach them right at the handing of the CSCE! Consider these when you have that VE session, or thinking of a club activity, Field Day, etc.

   Mt. Tom Club has gone through a changing of the guard with the election of a new president, vice president, treasurer. They seem to be moving their meetings to Holyoke Hospital where HCRA holds theirs, and their website is getting a revamp. This is the result of a group participation and supporting each other. There are clubs struggling as they seem to think one person will do it all. That only leads to burnout and frustration and give up. I wish Mt. Tom the best of luck and much success.

   Think Spring! Remember, Field Day will be here before you know it!

Take care and 73

Section Managers Report March 2026

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As all of you know, we got walloped with that winter storm on the 23rd. The southeast and Rhode Island got the brunt of it and is still digging out of it. I remember another one back in 1978. Different areas were pleading mercy. I do not remember how ham radio played a role in it back then, but this time around we were pretty active everywhere providing weather conditions and snowfall reports. It would be interesting to compare the two.

   WMA ARES made an addition in John Rokicki, KC1VMZ as a Asst. SEC. Chuck WS1L has tasked Gil, WK1H with admin and membership duties and John is going to handle net operations. This is largely due to a medical issue Chuck is dealing with and wish him speedy recovery.

   Mt. Tom club regretfully had to cancel it’s hamfest due to low turnout of vendors. They will return again next year. The club has also undergone a leadership change. Sue, the president had a serious car accident and is recovering. She did indicate she was stepping down prior to that. A president, treasurer and vice president have been elected. The hamfest was a long running event and I hope those who bought tables then come back and bring some others along as well. The one problem with this hobby graying out is some of these hamfests are graying out as well. A ripple effect I don’t think anyone has thought of.

   It is great to see that license classes and exam sessions are plentiful lately. I have been transitioning my team to electronic testing as the league is no longer supplying materials. I had the pleasure in Arizona to learn more about ExamTools from Stephen, WM7X who is the guru of it. I was joined by none other than Gordon West WB6NOA. I found the application to be really streamlined so the learning curve not so bad. It will be interesting getting to know this.

   If you have not read about it, the League has made changes to the Section Manager election process. There will be only 1 election a year for all candidates everywhere on their cycle (odd or even years) The terms start on July 1, so that means since I just started my new term, it will be extended another 6 months to June 30 then will be yearly after that. Keep in mind this and other appointments are open and available. Just drop an email if you are interested in volunteering.

   Things are likely going to be more active as the weather warms up (finally!) Clubs should look at group activities such as POTA to get out and operate and show people what we do and CAN do. It also keeps clubs active and interesting and is a great mentoring opportunity for the newbies.

   See you out there!

73, Ray AA1SE

Section Managers Report Feb. 2026

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   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

Section Manager’s Report Jan. 2026

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Hello and Happy New Year! Yes, it did take me a couple of tries to get the right year on the title! It’s only a few weeks of winter and I’m already tired of it.

   Speaking of winter, Winter Field day is approaching on the fourth weekend. This event has been gaining in popularity and activities are being planned both individually and with clubs. If you tolerate the colder temps (I don’t) give it a try. This year I will be traveling to warmer climates in Arizona and attending Quartzfest. This is one of the bucket list things for me. Quartzfest is held in Quartzite, AZ out in the desert. 7 days of radio, fellowship, presentations, cast iron cooking and potluck. Gordon West will likely be there and around 750 others. I will be driving there so I’m sure the sights will be great.

   With the New Year the ARRL has now launched the “Year of the Club” https://www.arrl.org/year-of-the-club theme for the year. One event is the W1AW/x event to celebrate the nations 250th anniversary and promote operating award for WAS for the event. Larry, W1AST our WMA Club Coordinator sent word out to the clubs in EMA and WMA to get clubs to participate in this. I am disappointed to report that NO clubs in all of Massachusetts responded! Larry is now looking for individual time slots from operators. Our first one will be in February. Please contact Larry at w1ast@arrl.net to participate and for more information, go to www.arrl.org to see what they have planned.

   It is now Jan 1st and today I am starting a new term as your SM. I have been at this for eight years now. There have been some improvements during this time although slower than I hoped for. All this time not one challenged me for this position. (I call it a “landslide” victory) This is your section too! You should try and make our section lively and active. Not taking Geritol and napping in your well-worn chair. Get your club to do a POTA activation, be a mentor, have activities that will create an interest in your club and in ham radio. There are lots of stuff out there at your disposal. If you need assistance drop me an email.

   That’s all for now. Stay warm and safe. Remember, glowing tubes creates heat, and also contacts. Take advantage and use it also to promote radio to the future generations. I hope 2026 is really good to you!

73, Ray AA1SE Your Western Mass. Section Manager