Section Manager’s Report Oct. 2025

   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

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

   “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

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

   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

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

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  

Section Manager’s Report Feb. 2025

Hello! I’m sure by now a lot of you are getting a case of cabin fever. February is kind of a transition month where there may be some decent days in which to get out and do something. Hopefully one thing on the list is a visit to the Algonquin club’s Hamfest coming up on Feb 15. I always look forward to that to see friends, sell some treasures, and one thing I do is use it as an opportunity to do some mentoring. I hope other sellers do the same thing. Especially when someone just passed their test and is exited to get started.

   I got the opportunity to go visit some clubs last month. It is nice to see new faces in attendance. One thing I do observe is some clubs are thin with attendance and are adding Zoom to the meetings to get others in attendance and to have guest speakers from distances present to the club. I am seeing that clubs that is showing some growth are the ones actively interacting with new hams helping to get started an on the air. Now that it’s come back, we do publish the new ham report on our Western Ma. website. Clubs should have someone looking at who is in their footprint and reach out to them. VE teams are encouraged to get an email address on a separate sign-up sheet so you can email the club presidents that this person passed. I have been doing it…IT WORKS!

   I know we are a little early but clubs are starting to look ahead to Field Day. A couple of clubs are going to new sites in June. Let me remind those that if you are having a group field day, please let me know where. I like to visit and meet and greet people and observe your operation.

   You may not have noticed but on the WMA website you see my name with the articles published. I have been working with Gil, WK1H, our webmaster and am learning how this WordPress thing works. Gil has been keeping an eye on me so I don’t blow anything up. This is to assist Gil with content when he cannot due to family or business. See, Even I can be mentored in things. Many thanks Gil!

   Anyone that is a VE, in the January QST (p.78) and elsewhere, the announcement came out that They have started transitioning to an electronic platform using ExamTools.com. You will be able to use that to conduct your sessions and will automatically upload the results. No more mailing! They will be phasing out sending exams and forms also. This all will take place during this year. VE liaisons should be discussing this to your team to learn the new procedures and look at how you will be administering the test’s. The good thing is you can still do paper along with electronic at least for now.

   That’s enough mischief for now. Hope to see you at Marlboro or Mt Tom hamfest’s or at a local club near you!

73

Ray AA1SE

Section Manager’s Report January 2025

Hello, the celestial odometer has clicked off another number! I hope everyone has a Happy New Year. Now the question is, will it be boring or exciting. As they say, time will tell.

First off, I received the news that Steve Boyson N1VLG passed away. He was the State Government Liaison for Eastern Mass. He also assisted WMA as that position could not be filled. The SGL position is described as such:

The section’s State Government Liaison is the primary contact for all governmental affairs having the potential to affect amateur radio. The SGL helps inform legislative and regulatory entities of the importance in amateur radio considerations in each bill, and potentially helps muster a section wide amateur radio publicity campaign to bills as needed. Requires full ARRL membership. The WMA SGL will be expected to work in lockstep with the EMA SGL as they would both be working to the same goals with the same state government.

If there is anyone interested in this please contact me. Ideally, both Massachusetts ARRL sections could have their own SGL. EMA had graciously assisted us and I appreciate that. That voice representing us is important!

As January 1 approaches we also have a changing of the guard in our division director as Tom K1KI takes over once again. I wish to thank Fred AB1OC for his three years of dedicated, hardworking service. I know one item on Tom’s agenda is to get the Tech class HF privileges that the FCC has sat on for years finalized, approved and placed in operation. This can be a huge step in getting more techs on HF to keep them active and advancing themselves in the hobby.

Usually, I look at the New Year and look at what kind of mayhem I can cause this year. 😊 I am still continuing to run license classes with a General class course coming soon. One thing is my club visits has fallen off largely due to my mother’s health issues and did not want to stray too far. Hopefully I will be able to get out and see you again.

One thing I am going to work on is increasing activity with traffic handling. I am asking nets to look at generating traffic to other hams and taking messages and delivering them. Many nets call for check in’s and ask if there is any traffic. This does have the potential to wake up the nets as there is more activity. Traffic can be within the net, between clubs, even section and country-wide. I have been presenting and hosting Zoom sessions on traffic and NTS and am planning more. I do have training materials available on the nts2.arrl.org website under training and documentation. The ema.arrl.org has a section worth looking at under National Traffic System. Contact me for any questions or for more information.

The next thing is the continuing saga of the practice of mentoring. (yah! That same ole rodeo) I continue to see where mentoring has had positive effect on that new ham. I have interacted with some new hams that have passed the exam at my session. I see firsthand the level of interest when you take an interest in them. Ok, it’s a little effort and with persistence it WILL pay off for your club. There is more to a club than going there to gulp down coffee and treats! Be an important part and participate to help the club grow with members and activity. Remember who taught YOU when you were a newbie.

Ok, the soapbox is creaking a little so I need to get off of it! My hopes are we can work together in raising the needle and keep the momentum moving. Thank you to all the participants in 2024 and hope we have bigger numbers in 2025! You know where I’m hiding.

73,
Ray AA1SE

Section Manager’s Report December 2024

Here we go again! Another silly season is upon us. Where between contacts we are writing Santa Ham for that special toy to find under the tree. Hmmm, someone needs to write a Holiday special we can see every year.

Of course, I use this time of year to assess how we have been doing so far as a section. I can honestly say we moved the needle a little. There has been a growing emphasis on new hams and mentoring. I have been pushing mentoring more and it is starting to catch on. I have also been getting VE’s to be more proactive when that person has passed the test. I have been encouraging clubs that, in order to grow their clubs, they need to have an active part in this. Not just have an old-geezers social circle and talk about the ham that has become SK.

Another thing that has gathered renewed interest is our ARES program. Chuck WS1L recently had the WMA SET and was met with some good activity reports and a number of people who have joined ARES and have taken the ARRL EMCOMM courses and the ICS ones as well. Chuck has done a yeoman’s job of setting up the baseline standard for it and set up the email service so everyone gets notified. There is good stuff to build and expand on the program. Keep it up!

The Mt. Tom club has been experiencing a very nice growth spurt due to an increased presence in Facelessbook and some good outreach. This is what somebody’s efforts have produced. Other clubs can learn from this. Well done people!

The election for director is now over and Tom K1KI has been elected back into that role. This did come as a bit of a shock for me. My hopes are that whoever is on the board take this role and chart the direction for the league to best benefit Amateur Radio, the organization, and its members. It can be a daunting task, but if they put aside their differences, and egos and work together, good things can be accomplished. No one person cannot be the cause, cure and blame for what’s been happening lately. This also includes the membership not just in WMA but NATIONWIDE! We ALL need to work together!

I am looking at 2025 with optimism based on what we have done this year. We all need to play that part however small in a hobby that has brought joy to a lot of people to bring more people, teach more people, let them know that ham radio is a happy, healthy hobby to be in. And with that, it is my hopes ALL of you have a very Happy Healthy, Safe season.

73 to all,
Ray AA1SE