Congratulations to the latest new hams of Western Massachusetts:
Aleksandr Baraban, KC1QGT
131 Ashley Ave
Apt B5
West Springfield, MA 01089-1333
Matthew T St George, KC1QHG
60 Kenwood St
Pittsfield, MA 01201-5661
Dennis Juhasz, KC1QHJ
74 Upland St
Unit C
Worcester, MA 01607-2003
Richard S Quimby, KC1QHD
100 Institute Rd
Worcester, MA 01609-2247
ARRL will present a webinar on the evening of Thursday February 17 at 8pm ET (0100Z Feb 18) on Amateur Radio and AUXCOM support to the Department of Defense.
Use this zoom link to attend:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83781154615?pwd=L0NOY0hEV0tBdmNDWVNNeWRaVXJ5dz09
Check out the ARRL link below for more detail:
This webinar will coincide with the start of MARS Exercise 22-1, which should provide opportunity to practice these skills.
Tom Kinahan
US Army Military Auxiliary Radio System
Region One Director
aaa1rd@usamars.us
Hello, I hope you take a few moments out of your digging out to have a read. We have not had a storm like that for some time now. I hope all is safe and well.
The past two storms our ARES and Skywarn groups have activated themselves and conducted nets on 3944 kHz LSB and gathered storm reports for the National Weather Service. Bob, K1YO and Rob, KD1CY came up with this idea to not only use this to provide information to the NWS but also to use it as a training/testing platform for ARES members to see what works or doesn’t, and what do we need to improve on it. I think this was a great idea and my thanks to all who participated. Watch for further HF nets in future storms, usually run on the bottom of each hour.
The Boston Marathon is still looking for volunteers. The announcement is as follows:
Keep your eyes open on your email. ARRL New England Division Director Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC will be holding his first town hall meeting in February. It is refreshing to see communication from division leadership. This was pledged during his campaign and he promised to stick to it. He is already visiting club meetings.
We now have a new ARRL Director of Emergency Management in Josh Johnston, KE5MHV. He has a lofty task ahead of him. Currently he is working on moving to CT. He has been also answering as many emails as he can. Any EMCOMM emails should be copied to Ken Bailey, K1FUG as well.
As you are aware there has been a serious lack of trainings and testings for new hams in the area. One class is starting in Pepperell on the 31st. I have formed a group from the Montachusett, Mohawk and Central Ma clubs to start planning and conducting classes and testings. Our goal is to not only get new hams on board and to mentor them to get on the air, but to create a program that makes it easy to teach and to hopefully get others to become teachers as well. With any luck and some work, we can develop this into a successful and self-sustaining program. This is not restricted to these clubs either anyone wishing to join just send me an email at ray.aa1se@gmail.com
Just a quickie. The Marlboro hamfest will be held on Saturday Feb. 19 at the Charles Whitcomb School. Mask will be mandatory. Hope to see you there.
Lots of stuff going on as you can see. Keep in touch here and elsewhere to stay up to date.
Stay warm!
73 Ray-AA1SE
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:
The latest SKYWARN storm response messages can be seen on wx1box.org. Applicable reporting criteria can also be reviews on wx1box.org.
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
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
A few notes for volunteers:
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
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
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
Hi everyone. Yet another year over. (Just about.) The silly season is upon us. I do hope everyone and their families have a happy, healthy, safe Holiday Season and 2022. Clubs have been planning their festivities this month and no meetings. So, it’s been a little quiet this month.
Well, it has been well publicized of who the winner of the New England Director is in Fred, AB1OC. I hope our section will support him and his mission to bringing a fresh perspective to Newington and New England. He has a lot of great ideas and will be looking for assistance in bringing this to fruition.
The Mohawk Club is currently underway in building their club station in the Gardner Police building. The construction of a Rohn 45 tower and running cables for rotors and antennas has started. Hopefully by Spring it will be fully functional.
Also, a bit of news, as of Nov. 19 I am now AA1SE. This was a change I have been thinking of for a while. Problem is this change is as bad as moving! All the stuff I have to update. This call will be better in contests and will play nicely when I crack CW.
I guess if there is anything I may want for Christmas is 1) a greater readership of this website, 2) Hams to participate in activities especially in mentoring, licensing, and their clubs and section. As I start my new term in January, I may have a full plate as programs are likely launching to promote all the before mentioned items from different sources. The League is listening, our voices are getting heard. Your part will make a difference!
That’s about all I have for this month. Just a reminder to clubs that put out newsletters to send a copy to clubs@arrl.org so they see what’s happening out there.
Once again, Happy Holidays!
73 Ray, AA1SE
Hi Folks,
Craig Shea from the Sutton Chain of Lights is again requesting assistance with communications to coordinate the trolleys for their annual event. We’re looking for about 10 ham radio operators to ride the trolleys and help keep them on schedule moving people around between stops.
We will meet at 08:30am on Sat 12/4/2021 in Sutton (location TBD – likely the Sutton High School). The event runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm, although the final trolley drop off may be as late as 5:00pm. Lunch is provided.
You should bring a radio capable of 70cm operation with DPL/DCS, as we’ll likely be using the Westboro and Uxbridge 70cm repeaters. Portable mobile setups work well, but you need to provide your own power, and mag mounts don’t work on fiberglass vehicles. HTs with gain antennas can work as well. Radios and accessories can be provided, if necessary.
If you are available to help out, please email me at johnrugg@gmail.com. Call with any questions – 508-982-0617. If you are only available for part of the day, we can cycle you in and out as necessary. Thanks!
John, N2YHK