June 24, 2023 Proclaimed as “Amateur Radio Day” in Massachusetts

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A proclamation issued by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy  proclaims June 24, 2023 as “Amateur Radio Day” in the Commonwealth.
 
The document recognizes the “significant role in developing worldwide radio communications” by the “approximately 13,000 amateur radio operators that dedicate their time, equipment, and knowledge to assist their communities.”
 
The proclamation was secured thanks to the efforts of MA State Government Liaison Steve Boyson, N1VLG.
 
Paper copies of the proclamation will be distributed to Western MA Section Manager Ray Lajoie, AA1SE, and Assistant Section Manager Tom Walsh, K1TW. Ray and Tom will display the proclamation while visiting various Field Day visits throughout the sections.
 
The proclamation will be listed along with other proclamations across the country on the ARRL Headquarters website at <http://www.arrl.org/proclamations>.
 
 
Image of MA Amateur Radio Day 2023 proclamation

AB1BY Receives 2023 NEAR-Fest Scholarship

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ARRL Foundation logoAbigail Findchum, AB1BY, of Nashua, New Hampshire, has been selected “from an outstanding group of applicants” for the New England Amateur Radio Festival Scholarship in the amount of $2,000. 

In a letter dated June 1, 2023, from ARRL Foundation President David Norris, K5UZ, to NEAR-Fest’s Michael Crestohl, W1RC, Norris thanked NEAR-Fest for making the scholarship possible and “for aiding a student Amateur Radio operator in his/her pursuit of their higher education.” [NEAR-Fest NH Facebook page]

 

Amateur Radio Month in New Hampshire Proclaimed by Governor Sununu

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NH State House, ConcordPaul Stohrer, W1FEA, writes on the NH ARRL members list:

 

AMATEUR RADIO MONTH JUNE 2023

WHEREAS, Amateur Radio represents an organized, volunteer communications public service asset, duly authorized by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission; and

WHEREAS, Through research and experimentation, Amateur Radio has contributed to the advancement of radio technology; and

WHEREAS, The New Hampshire Section of the American Radio Relay League (NH-ARRL) has a Memorandum of Understanding with New Hampshire’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management to provide backup communications capabilities in times of disaster; and

WHEREAS, Licensed Amateur Radio operators in New Hampshire, using skills developed through practice and radio equipment built or purchased themselves, form a vital communications network under the auspices of the American Radio Relay League — New Hampshire Amateur Radio Emergency Service (NH-ARES) program; and

WHEREAS, The Amateur Radio Emergency Service continues to work toward providing critical communications assets for the public good, in times of local and national emergencies and at numerous non-profit public service events held throughout the year; and

WHEREAS, Beyond providing public emergency assistance, New Hampshire’s\ Radio Amateurs contribute to international friendship and goodwill by way of their daily communications throughout the world in pursuit of their education and skill; and

WHEREAS, During the weekend of June 24-25, New Hampshire Amateur Radio operators will join thousands of other amateurs throughout the United States and the world in sharpening their operating skills under emergency conditions in an annual preparedness exercise known as “Field Day;”

NOW, THEREFORE, I Chris Sununu, GOVERNOR of the State of New Hampshire, do hereby proclaim the month of JUNE 2023 as AMATEUR RADIO MONTH in New Hampshire and call this to the attention of all citizens.

—
Raul “Skip” Camejo – AC1LC
Public Information Coordinator
ARRL New Hampshire Section
PO Box 206
Ashland, NH 03217
603-707-9848

ac1lc@outlook.com
ac1lc@arrl.net

——————————————————————–
ARRL New Hampshire Section
Section Manager: Peter J Stohrer, W1FEA
w1fea@arrl.org
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Ham Volunteers Needed to Staff The BIG E Booth, September 15-October 1, 2023

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Project Big E logoLarry Krainson, W1AST, writes:
 
We are doing another ham radio booth at the Big E this September. The dates are Friday, September 15th through Sunday, October 1st. The goal is to introduce ham radio to the general public, show that it is still relevant, and to interest the public in signing up for ham courses.
 
Just like last year there are two shifts per day with each one being 6 hours long.  Each shift requires 3 people in the booth this year.
 
We are making changes in the layout of the booth to make it more friendly to the public in the hopes to draw more people in. 
 
We have applied for another ARDC grant and if we get it, we can reimburse the cost of admission and parking for everyone. We do hope to get another grant.
 
Last year the booth spoke to approximately 1200 to 1300 people about ham radio. We hope to do the same or more again this year.
 
As clubs you are welcome to show your banner on the day or session you are there as well as bring a few items to showcase what your club is about to the public.
 
We are asking that you spread the word to your club members and try to get a group together to staff the booth for a session or the whole day. OR just ask your club members to sign up for a session to help staffing the booth. Last year we have over 100 volunteers from clubs all over New England. Will your club be one of them this year?

Please follow this link to sign up or if you are a club and want a certain day/session that is still available, please email Larry, W1AST direct at W1AST@arrl.net or if you have any questions about the booth.

 
We do have a groups.io group at:  https://groups.io/g/ProjectBigE
 
Sign up here:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvo1vUzuuJTHbTtDLeApQQD1m4ZzX9kVe_hF2416e6apho3g/viewform
 
Help to make this year’s Ham Radio Booth at the Big E a success, please volunteer!
 
73,
 

Larry, W1AST

  • ARRL WMA Affiliated Club Coordinator
  • HCRA President
  • Visit my Ham Radio club website at: www.HCRA.org
  • Team K2H – 13 Colonies Massachusetts State Manager
  • Project Big E 2022 & 2023 Organizer
  • Proud Member of ARRL, FCARC & YCCC
  • 413-348-3289
  • W1AST@arrl.net

Maine Mesh Network Communication Update #4

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Maine iconMaine ASM Cory Golob, KU1U, writes:

Mesh Network Communication Update 4
Monday June 5, 2023

Bill NG1P went to Blackstrap Mountain in Falmouth on Thursday June 1, 2023 to get the site online. The Switch and Point-to-Point dish were installed. The dish is pointing at Brunswick, however, they are not optimized at the moment. The connection will be improved when the smaller
lightweight dish for Brunswick comes in.

The key task is making sure we do not have to visit sites more than once (to keep costs down). We do not have permission to install panel antennas at the moment, only an agreement in place is to install one antenna. Waiting for approval on panel antennas.

The Falmouth Site is operational and shows up on the Mesh dashboard, however, signal strength will be low until equipment comes in for Brunswick.

Lightweight Dishes are expected to arrive at the end of June. The Rocket Radios are not due to arrive until September.

The next step will be to start making a path from Brunswick to either Litchfield or Wales, depending on which site makes it easier to approve getting equipment installed. Talks are being held to use the Litchfield site.

The green light has been given to build the connection between Dixmont to Dedham.

Bill NG1P has submitted an invoice for the tower work done on Blackstrap in Falmouth and is pending payment from MARF. There is a major concern about the tower costs. When quotes were obtained it was $100 per hour once the climber arrived on scene plus travel costs, but the travel cost on the initial bill showed the $100 per hour as part of travel time. The grant will not be sustainable for the project at this rate. If anyone knows of insured climbers that can keep the costs more in line with what was quoted, please contact me.

We are also seeking assistance from people who can help out going to tower sites and assist with installation and also those who are interested in helping with the programming of equipment. Please let me know if you are interested, or know somebody, who may be interested in these duties. This should not be a one person job and it would be nice to see the community pitch in to offer technical assistance.

Respectfully Submitted,
Cory Golob

HamXposition 2023  Online Ticketing is Now Available

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HamXposition logoHamXposition Vice Chair Bob DeMattia, K1IW, writes:

 
Come join us at the Best Western Hotel and Conference Center August 25 through 27 for New England’s largest full service ham convention.  We have your traditional flea market and exhibitor area, but also have a full complement of seminars and presentations including our special Friday and Saturday dinner-speakers.  We also offer a tech-in-a-day class, VE exams and fox hunts.
 
Come visit our website to see all we offer—and to buy your tickets.
 
 
 

New England Division Town Hall Meeting, June 15, 2023

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ARRL logoFred Kemmerer, AB1OC, writes on the New England ARRL members list:

Phil Temples K9HI, our Assistant Directors, and I will hold our next New England Division Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, June 15th, at 7 pm ET. The purpose of the meeting will be to provide you with an ARRL update, get your thoughts on what we should be focusing on, and answer any questions that you might have about the ARRL and what we are doing on behalf of ARRL members here in New England.

We plan to spend a good deal of our time together answering your questions. If you’d like to send us a question in advance, you can do so via an email to ab1oc@arrl.org, or you can just plan to ask your questions during the Town Hall Meeting.

We will hold our Town Hall Meeting via a Zoom Webinar. You can get a personal link to join the Town Hall Meeting via the following link (paste the link in your browser to register) –

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_e5ufUAYVQFaVOzWXr8O0XQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

We hope to see you on June 15th!

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ARRL New England Division
Director: Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC
ab1oc@arrl.org
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New Hampshire Amateur Radio Operators Prepare For Annual Field Day Event (Press Release)

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 30, 2023

For more information contact :

Skip Camejo, Public Information Coordinator, New Hampshire Section ARRL

603-707-9848        AC1LC@outlook.com

Or individual club contacts listed below.

***************************************************************************************

New Hampshire amateur radio operators prepare for annual Field Day event.

Every June, more than 40,000 amateur radio operators, known as “hams” throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio’s science, skill and service to their communities. Field Day combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills all in a single event. Field Day has been an annual event since 1933, and remains the most popular event in ham radio.  Field Day 2023 will be held on June 24th and June 25th.

The slogan for the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) “When all else fails, amateur radio” is just as important now as it has been since amateur radio first began in the early parts of the 20th century.  The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) regulation governing amateur radio states as the basis and purpose “(a) Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has recently entered into an updated Memorandum of Agreement with the ARRL . The agreement will enhance cooperation between ARRL’s emergency communications program, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®), and FEMA in providing disaster communications. The agreement emphasizes the importance of skilled Amateur Radio Operators in times of crisis and the role of ARES leadership within the emergency communications space.  In March 2023 FEMA released the final version of the NIMS Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Functional Guidance, which includes amateur radio in the response program and national emergency preparedness. 

Field Day provides valuable experience and training to enhance the efforts of these federally licensed amateur radio operators in practicing for their emergency communication response capabilities.  It should be noted that in the event of an emergency, amateur radio operators provide this service utilizing their own or club owned radio equipment at no cost to the public or other responding emergency service agencies. 

A number of New Hampshire amateur radio clubs and organizations are planning events to help educate the public as to the value of amateur radio to the community for emergency communication response as well as the fun aspects of the hobby.  Members of the public are invited and encouraged to visit one of the Field Day events.

As of this date the following events are planned.

The Granite State Amateur Radio Association will be holding Field Day at  972 Back Mountain Rd Goffstown, NH.  They typically have a “Get on the air” or GOTA station and a fox transmitter hidden on the grounds for fox hunting demonstrations. Last year they lead members of the public on a short fox hunt using radios to find the hidden transmitter.

Contact: William Arcand ph: 603-600-6469 email: w1wra@w1ra.net  Club website: www.gsara.org

The Lakes Region Repeater Association will be holding their Field Day event at 151 Old Route 109, Moultonborough, NH  They will have a GOTA station and the public will be able to observe operators involved in contest events. They are planning on running a contest period for 24 hours, with no breaks. The contest officially ends at 2pm on Sunday.

Contact: Rich Kumpf ph: 508-259-7600 email: WF1V@ARRL.NET Club website: www.W1BST.ORG

The Great Bay Radio Association will be holding their Field Day event at the Milton Town Beach in Milton, NH. 

Contact: Jeffrey Zajicek ph: 603-833-1087 email: n1xuq@w1fz.club  Club website: www.w1fz.club

The Cheshire County DX Amateur Radio Club will be holding their Field Day event at the  Mt Caesar School 585 Old Homestead Hwy
Swanzey, NH.  The Cheshire County Club will be offering a GOTA station.

Contact: Jeff Mungovan ph: 603-680-1978 email: Jeff.mungovan@yahoo.com  Club website: www.ccdxarc.org

The Nashua Area Radio Society will hold their Field Day event at 1 Memorial Drive Hudson, NH.  They will be including a GOTA station in addition to radio demonstrations.

Contact: Jonathan Turner ph:617-470-1739 email: ac1ev@arrl.net  Club website: www.n1fd.org

Additional information is attached to this release from the ARRL regarding Field Day.

END

*************************************************************************************************************

Raul “Skip” Camejo – AC1LC
Public Information Coordinator
ARRL New Hampshire Section
PO Box 206
Ashland, NH 03217
603-707-9848

ac1lc@outlook.com
ac1lc@arrl.net

SKYWARN Training 2023 Schedule Update for June 2023

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SKYWARN logoRob Macedo, KD1CY, writes:

The following is updated SKYWARN Training information with a couple additional classes for the month of June in Acushnet and Walpole MA.

Additional SKYWARN Training classes are in planning. This includes the following locations:

Northeast HamXposition in Marlborough, Mass (Late August 2023)
Gardner MA
Tolland CT

The following is the latest 2023 NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN Training Class Schedule for the early Summer season. Please distribute widely to anyone interested in becoming a SKYWARN Spotter and we will update as additional classes are confirmed!

Saturday June 10th, 2023 – 1000 AM-1230 PM:
Acushnet Council on Aging
59 1/2 South Main Street
Acushnet, MA 02743
Taught by: Amateur Radio Coordinator
Co-sponsored by: Acushnet Office of Emergency Management
Registration is required via Eventbrite at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/skywarn-weather-spotter-training-tickets-618421905567

Tuesday June 13th, 2023 – 630 PM-830 PM:
Walpole Town Hall – Select Board Meeting Room
135 School Street
Walpole, MA 02081
Taught by: Amateur Radio Coordinator
Co-sponsored by: Walpole Emergency Management Agency
Registration is required via Eventbrite at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/skywarn-weather-spotter-training-tickets-645313117907

Again, we will provide updates when new SKYWARN training classes are added to the schedule.  Also, if specific groups are interested in a live or virtual class, the Amateur Radio Coordinator team would be able to support those groups as needed. Thanks to all for their support of the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN program!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org 
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