Category Archives: SM Report

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 Dec.2025

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   2025 is coming to a close. A lot happened during the year. Some things I’m still scratching my head over. Some things I am very happy about. I guess everyone goes through that.

   I made a visit to the HCRA auction they had. There was a good crowd and if you need stuff for the flea market table that was the place to be. Stuff was going out the door CHEEP! I think there was one doing just that. I actually walked out with some treasures myself. It was a fun time overall. Only thing I would recommend to those going to these is BRING MONEY!

   The next week I was back in Holyoke and attended a tower take down for a ham that is now in assisted living. The lucky recipient has a 75 foot crank up/tilt over powered tower and tribander that was in really nice shape. It really amazes me what a collaboration of people in ham radio does for the soul especially when the temperatures were on the cold side. One person there who is a current student in my tech class came over and got a ton of mentoring and to his surprise he now has a Kenwood TS 570 and some other things at a really great deal thanks to the owner’s son. People complain about the shrinking numbers in our hobby. This is what we need to do and more of it. Getting them involved, collaborating, offering a great startup rig, making them welcome is what it takes. He is now more determined to pass that test.

   The league is going through some personnel changes with the sudden departure of Mike Walters N8ZY the Field Service Mgr. who was my boss. Josh Johnston KE5MHV the EMCOMM Mgr. is taking that role along with his current one. I guess we will have to see how that move shakes out. Leona Adams, W1LGA who has been assisting Steve Ewald and Mike has now retired after 25 years there. We wish her well in her future endeavors.

   One thing I have observed lately is three clubs have a renewed and increased level of cooperation between them. There has been a renewed resurgence in activity and is sharing resources in hopes to make each other stronger. I know there are a couple of individuals (or more) that have been the heavyweights and I see it infecting others to chip in also to help them. I am watching this with interest. Could this be an answer for other clubs who have become stagnant?

   So now that December is here again, what are you hoping to get from Santa-Ham. Love, Peace? A new IC7300 MK2, a 7610, a K4? There are a few things I would like. Don’t know if I’ll ever get them but it’s nice to dream. One thing we can hope for is love and peace. We ALL can give that freely with Ham Radio and I wish that for all this Holiday Season.

   Be well! 73!

Ray AA1SE

Section Manager’s Report Oct. 2025

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   Hello, another busy month! But it actually included a vacation for me at Oswego, NY. A few hams got together and did a number of POTA activations along the shores of Lake Ontario. The photo below is at Fort Ontario (photo by Larry W1AST) Great weather and fun.

   Once I returned home, I had our usual section manager’s meeting with Mike Walter’s W8ZY and joining us was Dave Minster NA2AA our CEO to reveal the campaign to get the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act passed. This is to change the law regarding antennas in HOA restricted communities. This is a well-planned effort to include a very simple process to get letters sent by all hams to their respective Senators and Representatives. The letters you send are going directly into their hands by the lobbyists for delivery. This is getting widespread promotion by podcasters, and social media and others. I have visited a few clubs to promote this and placed it in our social media outlets. Please help in talking to every ham about it and make sure the letters are sent. For more, go to https://www.arrl.org/current-legislation

   The CMARA Club in Holden got some great new as they are going to have the opportunity to conduct a ARISS space station contact with the Worcester Ecotarium. They have approved the plan and are looking at a March 2026 event. More details will follow as they come.

   There has been more and more word of POTA activations going on. This is awesome as this activity is still growing like wildfire. This activity is going to play well with the upcoming “Clubs on the Air” program starting in January. Why not when you can put some radios and antennas in a qualified park get some members and play radio. For added fun bring a grill or some treats! There will be more details about the COTA program as it is still getting planned.

   Every two years, notice goes out in QST about section manager elections. This year all the section managers that was posted was uncontested and was re-elected, including me. (Your stuck with me! 😊) But I do present one important question, (or two) What if I did not run? Who would take over if I was not able to serve anymore? You need to give this a thought. More and more elected positions are going unopposed. Even directors! Yes, it is a commitment, it is a volunteer job but an important one. There is work involved. All in all, it’s not that hard. I had to learn the job by myself. And there are ups and downs, but overall, I find it to be rewarding. I have met new friends, learned a lot of things, and promoted amateur radio and the clubs in my area. Consider seeking an appointment for my section. I have no problem with anyone taking a job to advance to my position! I will “mentor” you. I am here, talk to me!

   So, let’s see what October brings us. Some big contests coming up and of course it is Near-Fest on the 3rd and 4th. The Nutmeg Hamfest is the weekend after. Also, October 4th is our Western Ma SET for ARES. Thanks to Chuck WS1L for the efforts in putting this together. If you can help, contact him or your area DEC.

   Enjoy the fall foliage working in your favorite park or to the hamfest and see friends old or new and maybe buy that treasure.

73 de Ray AA1SE

Section Manager’s Report. Sept 2025

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Did you hear a loud scream lately? That was August flying by! Wow, Fall is just a few weeks away. It was a busy month for sure.

   Earlier this month I made a road trip and visited the NOBARC hamfest. Saw a number of people there and some treasures getting bought. I did not go there to sell. Instead, I was sitting in on their VE session which is now using the ExamTools web app for administering the tests. This is going to be the new standard as the ARRL is no longer producing any printed materials. Running the test electronically allows for the tests to be graded using your cellphone camera or any camera for that matter which I thought was pretty slick. Also, the paperwork and test results are instantly uploaded directly to the league for FCC processing. It is important before you start is get registered on ExamTools website as you need to get verified as an examiner, get a signature uploaded and a couple of other things. Embrace the future folks! Fear not! You can print out forms and test questions if needed. There are groups that can assist if needed.

   Of course, the big one was last weekend in the HamXposition convention. I don’t have the numbers but what I did hear was the inside vendors was sold out, there were over 60 forums which is more than Dayton and the flea market looked nearly sold out. I was running the flea market this year and with the help of my friend N1MGO, and the volunteers for the entrance. It ran pretty smooth. (I guess I did not goof it up too much! 😊) I did hear a fair amount of positive feedback and a good time was had there. I look forward to next year where I hope to see more growth and variety.

   With September here is the time clubs will be meeting again after their summer break. The ARRL has announced that 2026 will be celebrated as “The Year of the Club” There will be activities surrounding this and they are cooking up some incentives to encourage clubs to operate under their club callsign among other things. Details are in the works so stay tuned. This is a great tool to use to try to build up your club. People want more out of their club than just the usual old business, new business and who’s presenting what. Members need to participate and engage others to be creative and have some great fun. Don’t get discouraged if one thing flops, try something else. Keep trying and you may find that winning solution. What works for one may not work for the other. Invite your neighboring club along too!

   Chuck, WS1L is getting the plans for an upcoming SET for October. This is a great test of how your skills are in an emergency. It also helps to identify what or where we need to improve on. Contact Chuck with any questions or how to participate. I would love to see some good participation from all parts of Western Ma.

   What are your goals for the upcoming season? Upgrading your license? Mentoring a new ham? Learn to handle traffic? POTA activations? The possibilities are many. As they say…Be Radio-active!

   Have a great month!

73

Ray AA1SE

Section Manager’s Report Aug. 2025

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   “I’m melting, melting!” That seems to have been the theme for this month. Pretty sad you have to walk around carrying a meat thermometer with you! And to top it off, I have been dealing with a sore back. Ok, bad news and complaining out of the way.

   So, if you haven’t heard, the board meeting from the league had announced 2026 will be celebrated as the year of the club. There is a committee with Mike Walters, W8ZY that will be coming up with activities and incentives to get clubs more active and on the air especially with the club call signs. Should be interesting and more to follow on that later. The league has also submitted to the FCC it’s comments on the request for the 70cm band by AST & Science. You can post comments to the FCC by Aug. 5.

   Something else I saw which was a surprise was that SteppIR had folded their tents! This will take place on Aug.31. To see the announcement, go to https://consumer.steppir.com/ They cited “Due to emerging factors.”

   So, the big event is close at hand, HamXposition. Lots of people have been looking forward to this including me. This year I will not be having a forum. One reason is the attendance does not really support it and I will also be taking on a new role there as the head of the flea market…OH BOY! 😊 I guess certain people want to see me roast out there more. Yep, I need to take precautions more. So, you will see something different out there but I will still have my treasures out there. Look forward to seeing you all out there. There are a TON of forums that weekend and the prize kiddie is really good. That group did a good job of putting that part together. They really are trying to make this one of the premier conventions next to Dayton, Hamvention, Huntsville.

   Just prior to that, if you want to take a nice ride in the country is the NOBARC Hamfest which will be August 17 at 371 Old Columbia St in Adams. I plan on going, likely just to visit.

   Something new that is starting in the New England Division is the New England and Section Ham of the year awards which will be awarded at the convention. It will be on a separate posting to learn more.

   Hopefully when the weather cooperates a little more and there is a break between events, definitely get out there and play some radio. I need to do the same thing as I need to work on some set ups outside. My tri-bander is junk and need to get that squared away.

   Ok blink your eyes and it will be September and cooler. Then you will complain about the cold! Hi-Hi

Have a great August!

73, Ray AA1SE

Section Manager Report July 2025

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Greetings, I’m sure you are still resting from Field Day, scores are being tabulated, pictures shared, etc. Speaking of pictures, I would like to put together something for the League. Please send me pictures of the weekend’s activities. Thanks.

    Field day was a bit of a mix as I find the number of clubs or groups visited were down. I know of some that have ceased their FD activities and there were others that really pushed on improving their operation and I saw some nifty stuff going on. The CMARA club moved to a new location which was more public accessible and put on a public table to promote Ham Radio to others. Quaboag has a new location in the town common in West Brookfield. This location definitely shows promise in being a great location to show off what they can do to support their town. And the NOBARC club also has new digs not far from where they used to be in Windsor. There was a lot of radio activity with room to spare. I want to extend a “Well Done” to those and all the FD sites this year. Of course, as you unwind from this you are now looking to start planning next year’s event. The one thing I do see is by getting younger people into radio were the clubs that improved the most. Something to think about when starting your club meetings in September. I really enjoyed visiting all the clubs this year. Everyone made me feel welcome when I arrived.

   As I mentioned last month, the nomination period is on for the position of Section Manager. To learn more, go to  http://www.arrl.org/section-terms-nomination-information Don’t be bashful!

   On July 8th, my team is holding a new Technician Class license course on Zoom if you know of someone interested in getting their Ham Radio License, see the flyer elsewhere on this website.

   I guess that’s enough jibber-jabber for now. Have a great time in whatever you are doing this summer and thanks.

73, Ray AA1SE

Section Manager’s Report June 2025

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   I think you would agree with me that most of these weekends you should be operating maritime mobile. My hopes is the weather changes before field day and we get some great weather. Last year was interesting as storms were threatening and occurred during the event.

   Speaking of Field Day, don’t forget to go to the leagues website and enter your event in the Field Day Locator. https://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator As I previously mentioned, I will be visiting the sites and hope to visit all of them in my section.   

   The July’s edition of QST will announce nominations for Section Manager to serve for the next two years starting in January. I encourage anyone interested to visit http://www.arrl.org/section-terms-nomination-information to learn more. Yep, Western Mass is up. Do you feel the need to boot me off the throne? 😊

   As clubs are anticipating summer activities, the theme of the season are POTA parties. Some clubs have had one with great success and others are in the works. They are not hard to put together either. It’s a great way to get the new ham involved with the club and radio.

   Clubs will be wrapping up their meeting season this month which usually involves elections for officers. I have seen some clubs struggle with getting members to fill in the positions. It adds a greater burden to those still in office and it snowball’s, leading to continued erosion of what was once a vibrant club. Don’t let this happen to your club. Get involved! It’s really not rocket science.

   I hope everyone has a successful Field Day and a fabulous, safe Summer. See you at FD or at the convention in Marlboro in August.

73, Ray AA1SE

Section Manager’s Report April 2025

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Helloooo Spring! This is the transitional time where we stop complaining about the cold and start complaining about the heat! 😊 It’s true!

   April brings also the awakening of outdoor activities, antenna maintenance, hamfest’s, POTA activation’s and more. Take advantage and enjoy the outdoors.

   The league has an event on April 18 in Ham Radio Open House which coincides with the IARU World Amateur Radio Day https:/https://www.arrl.org/world-amateur-radio-day/www.arrl.org/world-amateur-radio-day This is designed for clubs and others to go out and showcase amateur radio to the public, students, etc. Go to the site to learn more.

   On the 21st approximately 300 hams will arrive in Boston in the wee hours and get ready to do our part in the Boston Marathon. We work with all the agencies to help keep this event, safe and smooth running. I will be there likely in a medical sweep van doing the route. This is a huge logistical event to make sure the 26 miles run smoothly. Hope to see you there.

   I have observed that there has been an increase in radio license classes and exam sessions. This is excellent and hope all involved does well. I have just concluded a general class course on Zoom which had 15 students participate. VE’s, this is a great opportunity to start mentoring from the handing of the CSCE. Don’t give them the congrat’s and handshake and just let them go. Take the time to talk to them, invite them to a club, give them mentor contact information, give them handouts, make them feel welcome and happy they made the decision to become part of this hobby. If you want a guide you can customize go to this link: https://wma.arrl.org/western-massachusetts-section-mentoring-program/ You can download this and make it your own. Put all your contact information for the clubs in your area, repeaters mentors and more. Give that newbie a good start!

   And of course, we cannot forget a now traditional event and that’s Near-Fest https://near-fest.com/ coming May 2 & 3 at the new location at the Hillsborough Cty. Fairgrounds 14 Hilldale Lane New Boston NH. Can you believe it’s been 18 years when Mr. Mike started it?  Wow! I hope the weather gods will work with us this year.

   Speaking of Hamfest’s, I was at the Mt. Tom https://mtara.org/ hamfest earlier this month and saw the same attendance fall-off as with Algonquin’s in Feb. I wonder what the other hamfest’s are seeing. I know some prices have gone up (like everything else!) I do not know if that is what’s driving it. Support your hamfest event. For some clubs it finances worthy projects and keeps their club running. It was nice to see everyone there.

   I hope everyone has a great April and take that radio outdoors and have fun!

73 Ray AA1SE

Section Manager’s Report Mar. 2025

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Well, another month gone. Not like I’ll miss it. It was challenging with the snow and cold we had. Hopefully the worst is over and the good stuff will return,

   A shout out goes to the NOBARC club in Pittsfield. They have ramped up Tech classes, and VE sessions to boost their club. Eric KA1SUN, Cory N1XWS, and Chuck WS1L and others have been working on boosting the hobby in them thar hills 😊and their efforts are evident! Other clubs can benefit from this as the evidence is showing favorably that outreach and mentoring is working and benefits YOUR club! It does take some effort by all members to make it happen!

   As usual, I was at the Algonquin Hamfest in Marlboro and it was a good one despite the attendance was a bit off. I think the weather scared off some people as a storm was approaching. I know I was quite busy the whole time and I Did spend time doing some mentoring to some newbies. An added bonus to having tables with goodies there. Try it out sometime! The next one is on March 1 in Chicopee for the Mt. Tom club. Hopefully we will have a dandy crowd there. See flyer elsewhere.

   With any luck the function of sending an email via the league to the section members is fixed. YAY! Only been 9 months. Gee a rebirth! I will try it when this gets published.

   Phil, K9HI, Jon K1ILZ the Eastern Ma Section MGR., myself along with other’s have continued to work on the revitalization of NTS. We are currently regrouping and rearranging things to move things forward more. Anyone can go to nts2.arrl.org and see information user accessible video’s, trainings, and more highlighting our efforts. If you want to get involved we would love to hear from you. Just email myself or k9hi@arrl.org to find out more.

   The New England Convention is making some noise as August will be fast approaching. They are looking for speakers and passing out flyers. They were actually at the Marlboro Flea market promoting the event.

   At this point all I can say to end this is COME ON SPRING!!!!!

73

Ray AA1SE