Author Archives: Gilbert Hayes

New Amateur Licensees December and January

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Congratulations to the latest new hams of Western Massachusetts:

Timothy L Johnson, KC1OJL
PO Box 31
Southampton, MA 01073-0031

Michael S Maruk, KC1OHK
25 Potter Mountain Rd
Pittsfield, MA 01201-1079

Flavia R Mastellone, KC1OHX
PO Box 207
Williamstown, MA 01267-0207

Rachel L Schmoyer, KC1OHY
278 Stow Rd
Harvard, MA 01451-1907

Josue Valentin, KC1OLK
113 Prospect St
Chicopee, MA 01013-4027

Todd Alexander, KC1OKD
202 Reservoir Rd
Westhampton, MA 01027-9613

Brian D Strout, KC1ONA
15 Stirling Dr
Wilbraham, MA 01095-1941

Daniel Conroy, KC1OLR
54 Primrose Dr
Longmeadow, MA 01106-2532

Thomas Jahl, KC1OKK
PO Box 126
Petersham, MA 01366-0126

Peng Bai, KC1OMW
54 Howard Hepburn Dr
Sunderland, MA 01375-9496

Stephen Levin, KC1ONF
31 Royalston Rd
Warwick, MA 01378-7805

James Williams, KC1OLT
1 Oak Hill Rd
Fitchburg, MA 01420-1000

Fabrizio Laporta, KC1OKM
8 Flagg Rd
Hubbardston, MA 01452-1308

Michael J Aschettino, KC1OKT
22 Nathan Dr
Clinton, MA 01510-1339

Bradley J Pontbriand, KC1OKV
PO Box 301
East Brookfield, MA 01515-0301

Roger P Proctor, KC1OLD
58 Keith Hill Rd
Grafton, MA 01519-1315

Michael E Paul, KC1ONZ
176 Maple Ave
Apt 3-33
Rutland, MA 01543-1332

Matthew T Pandina, KC1OKH
12 Fairview Rd
Westborough, MA 01581-1105

Ian J Winiarski, KC1ONS
115 Drumlin Hill Rd
Bolton, MA 01740-2021

Fall Boston Marathon Date Announced

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This just in from the BAA to all its volunteers. More details on the BAA announcement on their website.

We hope you are safe and healthy. We wanted to provide you a short update on 2021 Boston Marathon plans in light of today’s public statement from the Boston Athletic Association (BAA).

The BAA statement can be seen here:
https://www.baa.org/fall-2021-boston-marathon-date-selected

Per the BAA, a Boston Marathon race date for 2021 has been set for Monday October 11th, 2021, which is the Columbus Day holiday, and a virtual option will also be offered. This race date assumes that the Massachusetts statewide reopening plan will allow road races at a large scale such as the Boston Marathon to take place. Additional details, including field size for the in-person race, registration dates for runners and volunteers, safety measures and protocols, and participant requirements that will be in place, are still being determined and will be communicated when available.

Our team continues to be engaged with the BAA at both the Organizing Committee and Medical Committee levels regarding the 2021 Boston Marathon. We have continued to meet regularly as an Amateur Radio Communications Committee in an attempt to review some of the issues of past events to more proactively address them for this year’s 125th running of the Boston Marathon..

Over the next few weeks, in addition to our proactive review of some of the issues seen in past marathons, we will be working with the BAA to send out a survey to our volunteers to gauge how comfortable you would be, given your specific personal situations, to participate in this year’s marathon on the October 11th, 2021 date. The availability and comfort of all volunteers, including Amateur Radio Operators as part of the thousands of volunteers of our race, is very important. These surveys will help inform the Communications Committee and the BAA of what r services our team can offer them this year.

There are still many details to be finalized and will be forthcoming as stated in the BAA press announcement. We will keep you posted as updates become available and questions are answered. We will continue to release updates as appropriate in coordination with the BAA. Thank you for your continued support of the BAA and the Boston Marathon.

As always, we welcome your correspondence and questions on volunteering to our general mailbox: contact@hamradioboston.org.

Thank you, and 73,

Boston Marathon Communications Committee
contact@HamRadioBoston.org

Amateur Radio Booth Proposed for “The Big E” in 2022

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Hampden County Radio Association president Larry Krainson, W1AST, is coordinating an effort to organize an amateur radio booth at “The Big E” in West Springfield, Massachusetts for 2022. The exhibition runs for 17 days from September 17 through October 3, 2022. 

According to Wikipedia, “The Big E,” formally known as The Eastern States Exposition, is billed as ‘New England’s Great State fair.’ It is the largest agricultural event on the eastern seaboard and the sixth-largest fair in the nation.”

W1AST says the 2016 event had 1.4 million visitors, and over 1.6 million visitors in 2019. “If just one-tenth of one percent of attendees sign up for ham classes, that would be 1,600 names to distribute to all New England clubs. We would all benefit and grow ham radio.” 

There hasn’t been a ham radio exhibit/booth at The Big E in over ten years.

Larry envisions a ham radio booth that would demonstrate the many aspects of ham radio, as well as an avenue for people to sign up for information and courses in their local area.

Some of his ideas include:

  • an EMCOMM display
  • DMR and/or other digital mobile mode demo
  • Digital HF modes on a big screen
  • A special event station (W1E or N1E or similar) with unique QSL cards
  • SSB, CW and digital modes
  • Demonstrate portable stations for field operation (i.e., Parks On The Air, Summits On The Air)
  • Highlight youth in ham radio

W1AST says he’d like to see clubs from different states staff the booth during “State” days and theme days. 

“If there is enough interest, we have lots of time to plan.”

Such an undertaking can succeed only if there is a sufficient number of volunteers and radio clubs who agree to participate in the event.  A special Groups.io mailing list group has been established to promote exchange of dialogue and ideas for the event. To join, send an email to ProjectBigE+subscribe@groups.io.

NEAR-Fest XXIX May 2021 Deerfield NH Cancelled!

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Dear Friends of NEAR-Fest…..

I am sure that just about everyone knew this was coming but this makes it is official.

Given the current Coronavirus situation with new cases reported every day at astronomical levels (on January 8th there were 7,110 in Mass. alone) and the fact that the vaccination process is running behind schedule we have decided that April 30th/May 1st 2021 is far too soon to hold NEAR-Fest XXIX and guarantee that it will safe for all.  Consequently I have this day notified the Deerfield Fair Association that we have decided to cancel it.

This decision was not taken lightly but it is also a no brainer.  There are no options.  As you know this is the third NEAR – Fest that had to be cancelled because of Covid-19.  The good news is that NEAR-Fest XXX is scheduled for October 15th and 16th, 2021 and, for the first time since this started, I am fully confident this will be our grand “NEAR-Fest Homecoming!”

Advance tickets and parking passes that were sold for NEAR- Fest XXIX will be valid for NEAR-Fest-XXX.  However anyone wanting a full refund may have it.  Email w1rc@near-fest.com for details. 

For more information visit http://forum.near-fest.com/index.php?topic=1522.0

73 and see you all on October 15th! 

Mister Mike, W1RC
Benevolent Dictator
New England Amateur Radio Festival, Inc.

Section Manager Report January 2021

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Hello everyone and Happy New Year! I guess we can all agree we won’t regret 2020 going bye-bye. But a new chapter opens up and we can all hope our dreams, plans, hopes can be realized without much resistance. Myself, I cannot complain, I made some pretty good achievements last year. I learned CW finally and now I need to hone it more so I can get on the air with it. Also, a new career and some home improvements. I’ve been a busy boy!

I do want to apologize as I forgot to announce a new staff member to our ranks. Mike DeChristopher N1TA has become our new Assistant Section Manager. Mike has a background in contesting and once had the position as ARRL contest manager in Newington. He is also a member of HCRA. He will be overseeing the western end of the state and he will be a great addition to our staff. Welcome aboard, Mike!

And as usual we still have some holes to fill in our staffing. Maybe it is a New Year’s resolution to become part of it. Shoot me an email to see what is available. Both Myself and ARES are seeking people to join.

As you are aware the latest scuttlebutt for discussion is the new license fees coming up. The FCC dropped the price down to $35 instead of $50. There were over 190,000 comments sent to the FCC and it did have some impact but not ideally what we want. You can see the R&O at this link. Thanks to all who sent in the comments.

As mentioned last month, our website has a new look and feel having been moved to a new system. We are now looking at incorporating our ARES membership database into our new website, so it is all managed from a single system, making it easier for everyone. Stay tuned on more announcements and instructions about that!

With the new year is also a big time for contesting as there are a number of big ones for the next two months, starting with Straight Key Night tonight. Also the RTTY Roundup this weekend. This is a great way to fatten up your log and maybe get that elusive award you are looking for. It is also a good way to hone skills that you are new to or to dust off your equipment and get back into it. I am just a casual contester which is fine with me, but there are others that really get into it to test their skills and beat scores, etc. Whatever works for you, get into it and enjoy yourselves. Share your experience with your fellow club members.

I hope you all have a productive and prosperous new year and make the best of it! Let’s be hopeful that at least some of the hamfests come back!

Best 73,
Ray KB1LRL

Boston Marathon Volunteer 2021 Update

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Boston Marathon Communications Committee writes:

We hope you are all safe and healthy. We also hope you are having an enjoyable holiday season despite the impacts of COVID-19. We wanted to provide you a short update on 2021 Boston Marathon plans in light of today’s public statement from the BAA.

The BAA statement can be seen here: https://www.baa.org/2021-boston-marathon-updates 

Our team has been engaged with the BAA at both the Organizing Committee and Medical Committee levels regarding the 2021 Boston Marathon. We have also been meeting as an Amateur Radio Communications Committee over the course of the Fall to be ready for a potential Boston Marathon event in the Fall of 2021 and attempt to review some of the issues of past marathons more proactively and address them given the delay in a potential race to the Fall of 2021. 

Given the uncertainties brought about by the recent surge in COVID-19 along with how quickly a vaccine can propagate to the general populace, the BAA has pushed back their decision on a Fall race date to early 2021.

We will continue to update you as things change regarding a potential 2021 Boston Marathon race and what changes that might entail in light of the COVID-19 impacts. When the BAA is once again able to resume the Boston Marathon, we hope to see you again as part of the Amateur Radio Volunteers, presuming it is safe for you in your personal situation.  

We will keep you posted as updates occur and attempt to get updates out as appropriate in coordination with the BAA. Thanks to all for their continued support of the BAA and the Boston Marathon.

As always, we welcome your correspondence and questions on volunteering to our general mailbox: contact@hamradioboston.org.

Thank you, and 73,

Boston Marathon Communications Committee
contact@HamRadioBoston.org

Newcomers Roundtable Net Starting on the NoBARC Repeater

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North Berkshire Amateur Radio Club (NoBARC) is once again starting their Newcomers Roundtable on the Mt. Greylock Repeater.

Specifically, the net is to provide a forum for new ham radio operators to ask questions, learn how to operate in a net environment, and meet hams that have been around for a while with plenty of experience and advise to share.

The net is held on the first Sunday of the month and if proven popular may also be held on the third Sunday as well.

The net meets at 6:00 PM local time. The net meets on the Mt. Greylock repeater, 146.91/-600, 162.2 CTCSS. Also you can connect with Echolink at K1FFK-R. For more information contact Net Manager Dave Foley W1TTT.

New Amateur Licensees October and November 2020

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Congratulations to the latest new hams of Western Massachusetts:

Kimberly Lane, KC1NYK
500 Riverglade Dr
Apt E
Amherst, MA 01002-3673

Noah R Loebel, KC1NXU
77 S Maple St
Hadley, MA 01035-9736

Michael D Laferriere, KC1OCA
21 Ely Rd
Monson, MA 01057-9580

Alan R Seidner, KC1OCT
82 Thayer Rd
Greenfield, MA 01301-9630

David M Bellew, KC1OBX
95 Shawna St
Fitchburg, MA 01420-3683

Wayne D Nasiatka, KC1NYQ
123 Bickford Hill Rd
Gardner, MA 01440-2344

Sean M Walsh, KC1OCM
129 Sunny Rd
Lunenburg, MA 01462

Robert B Campbell, KC1OAB
308 Oxford St N
Auburn, MA 01501-1121

Robert V Aldenberg, KC1OAR
399 Whitney St
Northborough, MA 01532-1100

Danian Zheng, KC1OBV
1 Elizabeth Dr
Westborough, MA 01581-3833

Harrison Zheng, KC1OBZ
1 Elizabeth Dr
Westborough, MA 01581-3833

Moises Rodriguez, KC1OAY
124 Houghton St
Worcester, MA 01604-3938

Stephen Frasier, KC1OFO
10 Wildflower Dr
Amherst, MA 01002-3427

Jeffrey Smolen, KC1OEL
114 Cedar St
Sturbridge, MA 01566-1356

Lindsey A Gilman, KC1OFY
133 Glenview St
Upton, MA 01568-1219

Bren A Phillips, KC1OFZ
133 Glenview St
Upton, MA 01568-1219

Thomas Caraceni, KC1ODZ
25 Granite St
Apt 3R
Webster, MA 01570-2455

David Silva, KC1OCW
52 Country Club Blvd
Apt 112
Worcester, MA 01605-1509

Steven C Price, KC1ODA
39 Gibbs St
Worcester, MA 01607-1457

Section Manager Report December 2020

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Hello once again. Sorry I’m a little late as the new job is putting a different spin on my weekdays.

As we near the end of 2020 it certainly places a lot of “what-ifs” to the new year, so many thing’s that will drive our livelihoods and our lives, My wish is to find normalcy in all facets of it, as I’m sure you all do as well.

I attended a Zoom meeting with the Hampden County Radio Association along with fellow invitees Fred, K1VR, our New England Division Director and Vice-Director Phil, K9HI. This was actually their virtual Holiday party. Fred gave us some information and fielded some questions from the group. It was a fun time and appreciate Fred and Phil for joining in.

Here is a little bit of breaking news. We are working on a new website and this is actually going to combine the crusty, dusty ARES website into our new website which is under a new host. The revamp also will remove the singular owner/admin and place it with a group that will share control and adapt to personnel changes as years go on. This will also be a huge improvement on how ARES is accessed. It will be much easier to apply, report, and maintain databases. Huge thanks go to Gil WK1H, Grant KC1KCE, and Aaron, KF1G for their collective web talents for putting it together. Also, thanks to Bob K1YO for instigating this! Hi-hi. Stay tuned, more to follow.

I hope that everyone has a safe, healthy, fabulous Holiday season in the best possible way. Take some time and warm up your shack and get on the air for a while.

Stay well and 73!
Ray KB1LRL