Category Archives: SM Report

Section Manager Report September 2022

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Hello! Welcome to September! School’s back in session, vacation’s over and club meetings are back for another season.

Just last weekend we had the HamXposition in Marlboro. And as is the theme for this Summer. HOT! I even added an extra treat and volunteered to help set up. I was looking for someone to baste me as I was cooking out there! There were a number of improvements made and still more tweaking needs to be made, (like vendors) the event I feel went well and reports were forums were well received with great subjects presented. As always, it was such a treat to see and talk to many people there. A number have come to me to compliment and thank me for my efforts which is greatly appreciated.

Dave Minster NA2AA, our CEO has been putting forth a great effort in engaging and improving the league to be positioned for the future. As you know the sad reality was, they let it go to a point where a lot of work has to be done to get it to where it should be. These efforts do take time and we as a membership need to be patient while this goes on. Dave has announced 2023 to be focused on volunteerism. This is something that I am very interested in what they do. As you may know, my section and clubs have been struggling to get people to step forward to help out. Section positions are empty as well as club leadership. This is not right and for clubs it could become the untimely end to them. One reason people state is they are busy. During my 10 plus years as club president, 3 years as section manager, I have worked a full-time job, managed 2 houses and my elderly mother. I could use that reason many times but don’t. I’m not saying our situation is unique, other sections and clubs are experiencing the same thing. There are those who grouse and grumble about something then crawl back into their shack and do nothing. My response is, if you don’t like something, get involved! Fix it! Improve it! Be the team player and not be a piece of sandpaper.

In just over 2 weeks we will be in full swing with the BIG E event and glad to say plans are falling into place nicely. There is still a need to have some more volunteers man the booth and assist in promoting the hobby to the public. Remember, this could benefit your club. Go to the https://nediv.arrl.org/ website and go to the links to learn more.

With the new season, I am going to try to visit your clubs personally. Some are time and distance challenged unfortunately. If you are running hybrid or Zoom meetings, email me the links and also email me your newsletters to let me know what your club is up to. I am always interested in what’s going on. If you have a need or inquiry, shoot me an email at ray.aa1se@gmail.com. My ARRL.ORG address does not work. Hope you have a prosperous club season and hope to see you at an event.

73 Ray-AA1SE

Section Manager Report August 2022

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Hello WMA. Welcome to August! I don’t know if you also heard the sonic boom, that’s how fast this year has been going!

Our top story is of course The Big E. Larry W1AST, Fred AB1OC. And myself along with others have been immersed in getting this to be a quality experience for all. Not only have I been building the background displays and counter for the booth, but I have also been tapped to coordinate the stage event for the ARISS contact. Larry is still seeking volunteers to help in all aspects of this event especially manning the booth for various shifts. Those that do volunteer will get their parking and entrance fees covered. Those that do wish to see the ARISS contact and if they bring their license will get in free. (still have to pay parking) Details are still going on so keep up to date by going to the https://nediv.arrl.org/project-big-e/ You can email Larry at w1ast@arrl.net with any questions.

Not to be overshadowed is the other “biggie” which is our upcoming New England Convention in Marlboro August 26-28. This year we are also having the Hudson Division along with us. Reports are the ticket sales have already exceeded last year. Vendor participation looks a lot better too. Go to https://dev.hamxposition.net/welcome-to-hamxposition.html for more info and to purchase tickets. Volunteers are also needed, go to https://dev.hamxposition.net/volunteer.html You get free admission for just 4 hours of your time.

As summer soldiers on and transitions to fall and clubs start to begin their new seasons, now is the time to start thinking about programs for the season. Guest speakers, activities, etc. Try to have a good plan in place to enhance meeting attendance. Members, consider volunteering to help your club. Many clubs struggle to keep a full staff of officers to make it run well. Remember, one per cannot do it all and believe it or not, it’s not rocket science! You may learn a thing or two along the way!

One thing I have been doing during some of my down times is going through some old QST’s that were given me. Lately I have read ones from the mid 60’s. Even though I don’t go through it cover to cover, it is interesting to see how the league as well as the hobby have evolved and how the times have influenced its content. (When was the last time you saw a radio ad with a person smoking a pipe?) I think its good to look back in time and learn from it. For instance, did you know the son of a past US President was the President of the league? QST had a few pages devoted to YL’s in radio. Can the past have an influence in what we do now? I think so!

To wrap this up, I hope to see you at any of the mentioned events. Consider volunteering to these and even to the openings here in WMA staffing. Start planning your club seasons and learn from the past.

See you next month!
73, Ray AA1SE

Section Managers Report for July 2022

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Hi everyone, Field Day 2022 is in the books. My day started at 0730 when I started my travels to Windsor Ma. which is between Peru and Hinsdale. It is a pleasant ride with hills and farms etc. There we find our first stop, the NOBARC club. They were setting up for a 4A effort. Marcia KW1U also stopped by there later on.

From there I visited Franklin, Hamden, Southwick, Central Ma. They all looked to be having active events. Did I mention it was HOT out there! Kudo’s to those who were out in the sun dropping large amounts of sweat on the ground setting up and taking down. Sunday, I visited WECT in Worcester and finished the day at Montachusett and helped with the take down there. Thanks to CMARA for treating me to their dinner Saturday. Montachusett made me happy as there was a new Ham operating a station and her 12-year-old daughter operating the GOTA station. Now that’s mentoring! I think she is going to study for her Tech license soon. She loved it! I hope all the Field Days had a similar experience. I would love to hear about it.

Speaking of mentoring, the license classes I have been conducting with a group of instructors just keeps surprising me. A couple of weeks ago we had a VE session in Gardner and 14 people arrived to take the test, 8 of which were our students. All 14 passed their intended tests! Many of them passed with 100% and a number of them did attempt the next level. One person was 2 questions shy of the trifecta! 2 of our students passed at earlier VE sessions. My hats off the the group of instructors who have put forth the time and effort to tune and tweak our course structure to provide a quality course. We have been developing it ongoing. We’re new and we are learning also. The reward so far is great! We are planning future classes for all 3 license classes.

The Big E event is moving right along and I am happy to report that they received a 10,000-dollar grant to help finance the project. There is so much going into this and with events of this magnitude is help is always needed. Please go to https://nediv.arrl.org/project-big-e/ to learn more. We are also reaching out to all New England states as well. This effort benefits Ham Radio, our clubs, and more.

I have been looking at the league’s web to see if the new ham listings have come out and there has been nothing. The FCC is issuing callsigns and I am not sure if the League is getting them. I have not inquired about it as I know there are issues ongoing. My arrl.org email address is still broke. Please use aa1se@arrl.net or ray.aa1se@gmail.com to contact me.

I hope everyone has a great summer. Do some good radio while cooking those burgers and dogs while working on your tan!

73,
Ray AA1SE

Section Manager’s Report June 2022

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Hi gang! Well, it’s that time of year again. The sound of “CQ Field Day, CQ Field Day” Is dancing in our heads. Load up the radio’s, coax, antennas, and just as important, the grill. June 27 – 29 is the date. So, where will you be? With a club? In your backyard? Mobile? It’s all good. Remember 100-watt max. going forward. Also, the rules the last couple of years still apply. As usual, I will be touring the countryside looking for those elusive club sites. If you want to be found, put yourself in the League’s locator site. As of this writing, there are no clubs in my section posted on it. Please do all you can to invite new hams, make them feel welcome and get them on the air. Remember, there are points to be had for an information table, GOTA and also the educational activity bonus.

My apologies for not posting the new ham list. When the FCC had their issues, the new hams have not been getting processed and the ARRL has not got them. Hopefully when it comes back it will be a BIG list.

Our section has again been stung with resignations. Bob, K1YO and Aaron, KF1G have left their positions. This effectively leaves ARES in ashes again. I will support what is still in place as best I can. This and many positions are continuing to left be unfulfilled and other positions are filled and absent from their duties. I’m looking for new volunteers to these positions that can bring some energy to the mix and help really take us to the next level. Positions are open. Email me if you’re interested or just want to discuss these positions.

It is good to see that there is an uptick in VE sessions and license classes going on again. I cannot underscore enough that mentoring will play a big role in getting them active in the hobby. New hams are the continuation of our hobby. The league is well aware of it now and new programs are starting to aid in clubs being successful. Reach out to myself, Larry W1AST the ACC for assistance.

Last week I had the pleasure of going to my first Hamvention in Dayton. I actually drove there. (13 hours) which from what I heard was a good thing as some people had flight issues on the return. I spent part of the time working the ARRL booth for memberships and the clubs. We were treated to some toasty weather and a lot of people. It is hard to imagine the scope of the event and its size until you go there. This was actually the 70th one they had, and it was reported to bring in 30 million dollars to Dayton’s economy. Believe it or not, I didn’t even see the outdoor flea market! (Too much to do) When people advise you about your feet and foot care, pay attention, trust me!

There is an awful lot going on with upcoming events. There is the 13 Colonies special event in July, HamXposition in Marlboro in August, and the Big E in September. There is a big need for people to help out in these events. Visit their websites to learn more or email me. Please consider donating some time. It cannot be done by themselves!

That’s all for me. Definitely not bored at all. With all that I wrote, I said nothing about what I’m doing personally for the section and for the hobby. I can do it, so wake up Van Winkle or Jiminy Cricket and pitch in!

Till next time,

73

Ray AA1SE

Section Manager’s Report May 2020

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   Hello! We made it through another month. Being busy make it move quickly. Springtime has certainly sprouted activity out here. Question is…where are you? 

   I write this after a little “recovery” from Near-Fest. It was so great to see you all out there. I was there at 0530 waiting to get in to secure my favorite spot. It was great to have Brad W1BCC and Aaron KF1G and his family there alongside me and provided some assistance. Gary K1YTS and crew stopped by for a visit along with Barry W1HFN from MARA. It really is more fun when you are with friends. Next one is October 14 and 15. Hope you can make it then.

   Larry, W1AST has started the promotion of the BigE radio event planned in September. There is so much to do before then. See the flyer below and consider volunteering for some of it. This event does need a lot of people from ALL of New England.

   Some time ago I acquired a bunch of old QST’s that I have been going through and I came across several articles going back over 25 years and more concerning the state of Ham Radio and new ham mentoring and the “old timers” attitude towards new licensees, also with the general lack of participation in clubs. This kind of struck a nerve as I have been a strong advocate for some time now about the very thing. I am sure all of you who read this are probably tired of me preaching about it. The above statement says it all as to why I do! Sadly, I still hear reports of new hams not feeling welcome when they try to join in. I literally heard a comment stating they should be doing more but “I’m too lazy,” In a room of brand-new hams. My question is what had changed in the last 25 plus years? Not much I guess, just the people and the dynamics. To those that are active in many aspects of the hobby, do not let this discourage you, stay with it. If we can get more positives in the mix, it will drown the negatives out. Don’t be afraid to lean on others for ideas, encouragement, etc. This is a hobby of many investments, not just radio’s, antenna’s etc. You invest in people, community, the hobby. Believe me when I say this, I have to remind myself of this every day!

   Clubs at this time are now focusing their meetings on elections and field day. New(er) hams can benefit from this as they can develop skills at field day and grow in the hobby. It can help develop good relations to the club they participate with. Clubs are also looking for leaders to take them into the future. Some clubs have been successful in dusting it off and adding new things to make it lively again inspiring others to join in. There is a huge pool of people inside and out who are willing to help those who take on those positions. Give it a try, you can be a gamechanger.

   That’s about it for now, better get off the soapbox before it caves in hi-hi! Seriously, if I can do it, you can do it. I am by no means a rocket scientist. I utilize my imagination and my resources around me. Joe Dirt (re: the movie) said it best. Life’s a garden….dig it!

Till next month!

Ray AA1SE

Big-E-recruitment-1Download

Section Manager’s Report April 2022

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Greeting’s earthlings! As you may know I had formed a group back in January with 3 clubs to conduct license classes and VE testing. I am pleased to report that the Tech. class has completed and out of 12 people who took the test, 10 passed and 3 of them also took the General and passed also! I think I can call this a success. We are now planning on doing a General License Class. We had the luxury in using the ARRL PowerPoint slides for the tech class, but found there is none for the general and extra class. We are now looking to develop a course ourselves. Quite challenging since we plan on a May 3rd start. With the success of this program, I am now inviting all clubs who has anyone wish to volunteer to teach some of the classes via Zoom to give me an email. The goal for this is to be a growing program and be self sufficient to provide opportunities for growth in new hams for our clubs. I also want a group of teachers to share the task so as not to burn out others causing the program to collapse.

   Earlier in March I attended the Mt. Tom Hamfest in Chicopee and I think there was an air of excitement that we are now getting out and seeing friends face-to-face again. It was great to see everyone there. My hopes are that some clubs who are still shut out of their meeting places get open again, or possibly a new venue becomes available. Remember, GO to the meetings where you can, don’t rely on Zoom all the time. There is so much benefit to being there!

   So, April and warmer weather brings the thought of Field Day. It’s coming faster than you think. One thing to keep in mind is with new hams getting licensed, the first thing you need to do is mentor them right at the beginning. What a way to enhance that and invite the new hams to Field Day. They can use the club callsign and work HF and learn great skills. That is how I got into it, on top of Mt Wachusett. Do something different, hold a class on a mode, antenna, etc. Try a different approach to Field Day. QRP, home-brew, satellites? It’s not all about the scores, it’s having fun! (I’m sure some may argue that point!)

   While I’m in the neighborhood, here is the list of new hams. Each club should look at this and reach out to them and welcome them and introduce them to your club and mentor.

   That’s all for me for now. What have you got going on? Let me know.

Report for 2022-03-02

Ralph B Cerreta, KC1QND
PO Box 749
Cheshire, MA 01225-0749

Michael Leo, KC1QKM
110 Pearl Hill Rd
Fitchburg, MA 01420-2004

Evan Hollander, KC1QKB
70R Milk St
Blackstone, MA 01504-1216

Mozart M Telles, KC1QMR
30 Douglas Hill Way
Douglas, MA 01516-2257

Howard Shpegel, AC1MN
98 Mary Catherine Dr
Lancaster, MA 01523-2958

Nichole R Anderson, KC1QMD
164 Leicester St
North Oxford, MA 01537-1006

Garret Bratica, KC1QJM
2801 Windsor Ridge Dr
Westborough, MA 01581-2358

Christopher P Pinto, KC1QKI
58 Wildrose Ave
Worcester, MA 01602-1123

Benjamin L Antupit, KC1QMU
100 Institute Rd
# 1213
Worcester, MA 01609-2247

Noel H Nieves, KC1QLQ
143 Beacon St
Apt 1
Worcester, MA 01610-1583

73, Ray-AA1SE

Section Manager’s Report March 2022

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   Hello! I don’t know about you, but this has been one crazy month. I think they took the two days and stuffed those activities into the rest of the month. I am looking forward to seeing you at the Mt. Tom Hamfest this Saturday, Bob, K1YO, Smitty, KC1IKA Larry, W1AST and myself will have tables there. Should be a fun time there.

   This month, the Montachusett, Mohawk and CMARA clubs headed by myself (or instigated lol) in a joint effort have started a Zoom Tech License class which is currently attended by 10 students. The goal for this is not only to get people licensed, but also actively mentored to get them on the air and active in the hobby. My hope is this group will evolve and expand. We are learning ourselves and am working to streamline the courses and offer an effective way to present it. If anyone is interested in joining, send me an email.

   It has been observed by club presidents as well as myself there has been a distinct lack of participation among the membership in activities, testing sessions and classes, etc. That is one of the reasons I started the classes. I fully understand the lingering effects of Covid and the impact it has on what we do. We as hams are taught “if it don’t work, fix it!” That also means adapting to a situation. This should also include club activity. Clubs are dying because people are sitting back assuming someone else will do the job or plan the next activity. One phrase club Presidents would love to hear is “What can I do to help?” I know I would! Zoom has in my opinion opened up a lot of opportunities to give clubs not just meetings, but a plethora of content for presentations, trainings, etc. Don’t use it as a crutch. Online or offline, help out your club or you may just click on Zoom one day and it will be gone.

   The League has been active lately in getting key people onboard to bring more communication and resources to the members. One such resource is available grant money. The ARDC has provided the League with a sizable chunk of money and is making it available to clubs. Clubs that have certain projects going and need funding can benefit for up to 30,000 dollars. Stay tuned for more details as they are still working out the details. This is not part of the ARRL Foundation grant program. Stay tuned for more information as it comes.

   As we all look forward to the warmer weather, take some time to try something new, TEACH someone something new. Get together with others and work stations, do a demonstration, etc OUTSIDE. Like my Mama used to say, “the fresh air will do you good!”

Take care everyone.

Ray AA1SE

Section Manager’s Report February 2022

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Hello, I hope you take a few moments out of your digging out to have a read. We have not had a storm like that for some time now. I hope all is safe and well.

The past two storms our ARES and Skywarn groups have activated themselves and conducted nets on 3944 kHz LSB and gathered storm reports for the National Weather Service. Bob, K1YO and Rob, KD1CY came up with this idea to not only use this to provide information to the NWS but also to use it as a training/testing platform for ARES members to see what works or doesn’t, and what do we need to improve on it. I think this was a great idea and my thanks to all who participated. Watch for further HF nets in future storms, usually run on the bottom of each hour.

The Boston Marathon is still looking for volunteers. The announcement is as follows:

Keep your eyes open on your email. ARRL New England Division Director Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC will be holding his first town hall meeting in February. It is refreshing to see communication from division leadership. This was pledged during his campaign and he promised to stick to it. He is already visiting club meetings.

We now have a new ARRL Director of Emergency Management in Josh Johnston, KE5MHV. He has a lofty task ahead of him. Currently he is working on moving to CT. He has been also answering as many emails as he can. Any EMCOMM emails should be copied to Ken Bailey, K1FUG as well.

As you are aware there has been a serious lack of trainings and testings for new hams in the area. One class is starting in Pepperell on the 31st. I have formed a group from the Montachusett, Mohawk and Central Ma clubs to start planning and conducting classes and testings. Our goal is to not only get new hams on board and to mentor them to get on the air, but to create a program that makes it easy to teach and to hopefully get others to become teachers as well. With any luck and some work, we can develop this into a successful and self-sustaining program. This is not restricted to these clubs either anyone wishing to join just send me an email at ray.aa1se@gmail.com

Just a quickie. The Marlboro hamfest will be held on Saturday Feb. 19 at the Charles Whitcomb School. Mask will be mandatory. Hope to see you there.

Lots of stuff going on as you can see. Keep in touch here and elsewhere to stay up to date.

Stay warm!
73 Ray-AA1SE

Section Manager’s Report Jan. 2022

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   Greetings and Happy New Year! Sometimes I think the catchphrase of the year will be “I got all my shots!” We are entering the year with a certain amount of uncertainty. I truly hope this pandemic goes away real soon.

   This year I begin my third term as section manager and with that comes a new director who is already hitting the ground running. He has been meeting with ARRL’s management as well as other directors. There are also some assistant directors coming aboard also. Fred will be doing a lot of communicating so stay tuned. 

   For the past 4 years I have maintained my visibility to the section and visited many meetings. I will be continuing this. One thing I am going to concentrate on is getting an increased amount of education, testing and mentoring. It is my hope that my staff as well as the members will assist in this project. I have spent 2 terms getting the word out. The division is going to focus on the same as well as the league. The voices are being heard. 

   Clubs have become another focus. The league knows clubs are an essential part of its success. They are now looking at ways to assist them. Needless to say, the club membership needs to play a part in this. There are clubs that are not far away from folding their tents. (Division-wide) Clubs need to have activities inside and outside of their meetings. Don’t be afraid to tap your neighboring club for advice. Our esteemed director took a mediocre club and with a collective effort turned it into a nationally recognized powerhouse. It can be done! Getting new hams into the hobby (and keeping them!) will be critical for success.

   Marcia KW1U our section Traffic Manager has been working very hard in maintaining an active NTS network. She has also had her challenges in participation and wants to put the word out that traffic handling is still alive. She has a need for traffic and Net Control operators on various nets not just in WMA but also EMA which she serves as well. Mon-Fri at 6 PM there is a traffic net which is on 146.910 MT Greylock repeater and is linked to EMA on Echolink. We can use Net Control operators as well as the 146.970 Paxton repeater at 9 PM daily also. Sunday mornings there is an HF net at 830 AM on 3944 and, yep, they need operators as well. Consider helping out and you can learn a new skill.

   Bob, K1YO my SEC is putting plans together to start trainings for ARES. He is still short staffed but will be working with the crew he’s got, including myself. NTS will likely be playing a role as well as hopes that EMA and Vermont will join in as well. As the theme, he is looking for help and this is a good avenue to learn new skills. There is a bunch of talent there!

   As you can see, 2022 looks to be a busy one. We all are looking for help in getting our section up to speed. For those who feel they cannot participate in that capacity anymore, consider mentoring a new ham. Read my posts, spread the word. I find it surprising I still get emails about things I write about HERE! As usual, I am available for comments, questions, etc. 

  The best wishes for a fabulous 2022!

73, Ray AA1SE

Section Manager’s Report Dec 2021

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Hi everyone. Yet another year over. (Just about.) The silly season is upon us. I do hope everyone and their families have a happy, healthy, safe Holiday Season and 2022. Clubs have been planning their festivities this month and no meetings. So, it’s been a little quiet this month.

Well, it has been well publicized of who the winner of the New England Director is in Fred, AB1OC. I hope our section will support him and his mission to bringing a fresh perspective to Newington and New England. He has a lot of great ideas and will be looking for assistance in bringing this to fruition.

The Mohawk Club is currently underway in building their club station in the Gardner Police building. The construction of a Rohn 45 tower and running cables for rotors and antennas has started. Hopefully by Spring it will be fully functional.

Also, a bit of news, as of Nov. 19 I am now AA1SE. This was a change I have been thinking of for a while. Problem is this change is as bad as moving! All the stuff I have to update. This call will be better in contests and will play nicely when I crack CW.

I guess if there is anything I may want for Christmas is 1) a greater readership of this website, 2) Hams to participate in activities especially in mentoring, licensing, and their clubs and section. As I start my new term in January, I may have a full plate as programs are likely launching to promote all the before mentioned items from different sources. The League is listening, our voices are getting heard.  Your part will make a difference!

That’s about all I have for this month. Just a reminder to clubs that put out newsletters to send a copy to clubs@arrl.org so they see what’s happening out there.

Once again, Happy Holidays!

73 Ray, AA1SE