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 8^th, 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

   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

Hi there, yes, I am a little late this month as I wanted to give a report on Near-Fest that was just held. Despite the few showers that kept our tarps busy, overall, the event went well. I cannot tell you that even where I was which I called the “Cheap Seats” It is really encouraging to see many people stop at my table and say hi to me. I did and do receive feedback and constructively use it. And I believe I mentioned it before here but having the table gives me the opportunity to mentor hams in a big way. (It also helps me from spending money too!) 😊Next adventure is the convention in Marlboro. https://hamxposition.org/ August 21-24. Hope to see you there!

   The nice weather is upon us and with that our thoughts turn to Field Day. Plans are underway fast and furious. I do plan on doing the tour again. Always a fun time to visit the sites and see everyone in action. If there is a site I do not know of please let me know so I can stop over.

   License classes and test sessions are plenty. Every time I poke around the net or email, I see another new one spring to life. I will not say much but do not miss the opportunity to welcome and mentor those that have succeeded and help those that want to come onboard. To those that put these together, THANK YOU!

   The Hampton County Radio Assn. https://hcra.org/ is having a Share the Knowledge session on Foxhunting May 17 at 10 AM At the Holyoke Medical Center, 575 Beech Street Holyoke, Ma. Any Ham regardless of experience or membership can join in. HCRA has had some big Foxhunt events in the past. Go to the website or Facebook for more. If your club has an event coming up, let me know and I can post it on the WMA website.

   There have been a number of Hams that have become Silent Key lately. One of note was Jack Noble W1JWN. In my early days as a Ham, it was Jack that I heard on the Western Mass Emergency Net. (Sundays at 0830 on 3944 KHz) He had done that and was involved with the Red Cross and other EMCOMM functions. I have heard a bunch of things that Jack has done throughout his time. He will be missed by many. 73’s and rest well, Jack.

   That’s it for this month. Hope to see you soon live or on the airwaves.

73

Ray AA1SE