Category Archives: SM Report

Section Manager Report for February 2018

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Hello everyone! I hope you are doing well and looking forward to the warmer weather once again. I know I am. It has been a quiet month section-wise. I do apologize as I have been a bit preoccupied as I am in the midst of moving by mother back home from Arizona so I have been doing real estate stuff on both ends. I will be doing some travelling, but I am an email or phone call away.

I went and visited the CMARA club meeting and after witnessing their first attempt of conducting the business meeting under Roberts Rules which we will conclude is a work in progress, but had some entertaining moments. They had a kit building session that night which was interesting. They also had an impressive turnout of members and they said it was a light night. This club is a fine example of a group that actively participates for ham radio and their club. They will continue to sustain themselves for many years. Great job!

I was at the Marlboro hamfest and was a fun and busy time. When I wasn’t selling the treasures, I was meeting and talking to section members and dignitaries as well. I will be at the Mount Tom Hamfest coming up and am looking forward to meeting more of you. I am planning to not leave right away if anyone wishes to talk about things regarding section matters.

The Help Wanted sign is still out to fill some positions to get the team together to do some great things together in order to make this section more ready and visible to the section as well as the League. Give it a think and consider joining. In particular, we are looking to fill the currently vacant Assistant Section Manager Northwest and Public Information Coordinator appointments, and to replace Section Emergency Coordinator N2YHK who is stepping down.

I am going to be putting together a presentation to show what my job is and the structure I wish to form so that it will be balanced and efficient. I’ll try to make it lively. I know what some of these can be like, Zzzzzz!

For those that saw this, thank you! Please tell others about this website so more of you can see what’s going on.

Thanks again and 73. See you soon!
Ray KB1LRL

Section Manager Report for January 2018

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Hello everyone. This is going to be a regular feature to keep all up to date in the going’s on in our section. Anything of timely importance will be posted separately as normal.

As you are aware my priority has been getting a staff together to fill spots that are vacant or to replace those who wish to step aside. First of all, I would like to welcome Cory Goodall AC1AZ as our SW Mass ASM, and Roland Chaffee KC1VQ as our new SGL. The top of the list is selecting a new Section Emer. Coord. This is an important one as I consider this a cornerstone to the organization. With this we can align our EC staffing to an efficient structure and review and revamp our communications plan. With this plan I look to use this as a means to promote our abilities to the served agencies. It is understandable that ARES is going through a revamp in itself and FEMA may play a part in things, I do ask that this does not be a decision factor. The other position needed is a Public Information Coordinator. This role will be expanded as I will be looking to “get the word out”. Not just to the media as needed but in promotion as well. Also, I have a need for an ASM for the northwest sector.

One thing to consider is these positions may seem like a huge job, my emphasis is going to be teamwork! Everyone working together does make the job easier, it can also make it interesting and also fun. This way also we do not burnout as quickly.

Ok, enough of that. Lately I have been listening to the Paxton repeater more as our ASM, Greg WA1JXR has started a really cool net to teach people CW. He has for the last two weeks had check ins of at least 36 hams and reports of others listening on other receivers! This is huge! This is what our section needs more of throughout and Greg nailed it. Well done! The other thing that encourages me is the amount of new hams and others offering to assist. This, I feel is what keeps new hams interested as they feel there is something more other than just getting their license. This repeater has been a popular one for a long time, and the huge footprint certainly helps. All to often I hear repeaters out there with very little activity. I encourage those to use them more to promote your clubs, assist the newbies and anything else that comes to mind.

One thing I wish to highlight is we do have technical assistance team within our section. This is headed by Brian Arsenault N1FIY. He has a few tech specialist’s available. If anyone is in need of assistance in anything reach out to them. I hear they can’t wait to help.

If there is anything that comes to mind that you wish to let me know, please feel free to email me. I have asked the staff to give me an informal report of their activities and news (or gossip hi-hi). I do want to know what’s going on out there. Remember, I am the voice to the League for you. I also want to thank all those that emailed me in welcoming me to the section. In closing, please consider volunteering for a spot that is available. Together, I want to do good things.

73 to all and Thanks

Ray, KB1LRL