Category Archives: SM Report

Section Manager’s Report. July 2026

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   Another year, another Field Day is behind us, and I’m sure those that participated are now recovering and gathering their results. I made the 400-mile tour and visited 8 sites. Some clubs have at one time had a big and active setup, now was drastically scaled back, while others have upped their game and had a very organized group and used their public area very well to promote to the visitors who came to see. Another had just built a building for the purposes of radio to promote, educate and yes, operate. They set up as a class D station. Fortunately, the weather was mostly cooperative. Some areas got some rain and then fog, but overall, it was not extremely hot as in the past. As some of you know, I have been running license classes and it was really encouraging to see students past and present actively participating in Field Day. It really proves that outreach and mentoring can really pay off for the clubs. Make them welcome and get them active. Yes, I do remind them every day about that. Some of those students have become officers of their respective clubs which is a bonus in itself.

   One thing I observed is the use of trailers in Field Day, the cargo type. (even though camping trailers work fine) These trailers can be set up to a simple setup to a full-blown comms center supporting multiple stations. Although this is nothing new to radio, more trailers have been showing up to events in WMA. I myself have one and have built it to serve multiple purposes for myself in various functions. Why do I say this? How about a very elaborate club project? You are setting up power, solar, radio’s, antenna mounting, weight management, computers and networking, etc. Even Starlink has made it possible to get internet from anywhere. New hams can learn so much by having one of those projects. Trailers can hold up to the weather better than tents and easy-ups for sure! Plus, it’s a good PR piece, you show off your skills on building equipment.

   Now that Field Day is over, remember, there is plenty of summer left. That means even though most clubs have taken their break from meetings for July and August, don’t forget to come up with some activities for radio-active fun. POTA is a hot one to do! (was there a joke there???) Even antenna builds and repairing. Anything can work especially if there is burning flesh on the grill 😊

   That’s enough for now, Enjoy the Summer, celebrate America’s 250th, get together with family and friends, anything that creates memories. Have fun!

73, Ray AA1SE

Section Manager’s Report June 2026

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   Well, here we go again! Another summer coming, June has returned and with that..Field Day! Field Day the contest, Field Day the communications drill. I don’t think that debate will ever go away. Regardless what you think it is, it’s an operating event that utilizes both, and you mix in a dose of public relations, promoting, education, comradery, and food. I hope you Field Day incorporates all of it or some parts of it. We all will be praying to the weather gods for good weather for the event. I will again be doing the tour of sites despite the big pinch in fuel cost. Make sure your event is listed in the ARRL Field Day locator site. https://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator. Also, have someone take photos. Send them to me and I will forward to the league and use for next months report.

   Most clubs will be wrapping up their meeting season taking the break for July and August. Remember, there are events going on and clubs hopefully will participate. As I mentioned last month of the event at Quabbin Hill Observation Tower in Belchertown. CMARA had an event for May 30 but unfortunately got washed out. They were going to demonstrate radio at a Wings and Wheels event in Southbridge. Unfortunately, it was rescheduled for, surprise, Field Day! We’ll see what happens there. Mohawk is having various POTA events in and around the greater Gardner area, Quaboag is having a Foxhunt event. A lot of summer activities like these helps the club be healthy and grow. You don’t need much, even having an antenna party at a ham’s house to help them get on the air. You’d be surprised what some burgers and potato salad can do!

   As you are aware, our annual convention is coming in Marlboro. https://hamxposition.org As usual, the committee is doing a great job in putting together a great event. Thursday will feature a magic show. Some great forums are going to give something for everyone. I will be doing my flea market like last year as well as being in charge of it. At least I did not get as baked as previous years!

   I hope everyone has a warm,fun,safe summer season. Support your clubs and participate in this year’s Field Day event. Hope to see you out there.

  73, Ray AA1SE

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

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

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 Report Nov. 2025

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Oh-Oh! Here we go again! Another silly season is upon us. Those of you who complained about the heat can now switch over to the cold side of it.

   Oct 4 was our WMA ARES SET. Chuck WS1L posted an After-Action Report and I will post it on this site. This highlights the fact that we can communicate in an actual event, but this also identified some areas that need a lot of improvement from. Particularly in digital ICS 213 messaging. Also suggested that an Areden mesh network should be developed and utilized to bridge those gaps that the terrain can hinder our performance. Overall, I am encouraged that participation in this activity was better than last year, but we have a lot of work ahead of us. Getting current ARES members to be active more and to get others to join ARES especially where there are dry spots of coverage. The more we improve on this increases our capabilities that will be appealing to our served agencies. Huge thanks to Chuck for the efforts in this activity.

   As most of you know, the league launched the letter writing for the Emergency Preparedness Bill. Efforts are still ongoing and still need your help in sending your letter in and talking it up to ALL hams. Clubs also need to send the prepared letter as well. Don’t procrastinate on this one. The current shutdown should not be a reason for doing it later. I visited a number of clubs to visit and promote this as well.

   It’s nice to see club’s engaging in activities to create activity among the members. The Montachusett Club had a POTA event in Townsend which a number of members participated. The Hampden club has an Auction on Nov. 7 and they are having a Foxhunt build session to make attenuators and antennas. Last month I reported the CMARA club is having an ARISS event in March. There has been a lot of emphasis on club development and hopefully it leads to renewed interest in increase in participation and membership.

   The League has announced in July that 2026 will be The Year of the Club. Two contests have been announced. First one is the newsletter contest.    https://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-year-of-the-club-newsletter-contest-call-for-submissions The other is the Website contest. https://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-year-of-the-club-website-contest-call-for-submissions A new website for YOTC is online at https://www.arrl.org/year-of-the-club. It has also been announced that the W1AW-x state events is coming back. It will be the 100th anniversary of the affiliated clubs for the league. More details coming for this one.

   Lots of stuff going on! I hope all clubs take advantage of the upcoming activities to get more members and get noticed. And especially to get on the air, mentor new hams, have fellowship with others and to have FUN!

   I hope everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving. Stuff your face and then stuff the airwaves. (After the turkey induced nap! 😊)

   73, de 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