The Westerly Amateur Radio Team and hams from the surrounding areas will be supporting the Surftown Half Marathon on September 12, 2021 in Misquamicut.
Public Service
2021 New England Forest Rally – One Ham’s Experiences
Stan Pozerski, KD1LE, Pepperell, Massachusettts, describes the challenges in providing communications for the New England Forest Rally, a two-day automotive rally that traverses both asphalt and dirt logging roads in Western Maine and Northern New Hampshire.
Franklin Co. (MA) Members To Provide Public Service Communications for Two Events
Aaron Addison, KF1G, writes:
The Franklin County Amateur Radio Club will provide communications for two events soon to take place in our area. We welcome licensed amateurs who would like to join us.
On 20 August, the Franklin County Land Trust will host an off the beaten path bicycle tour, called the Deerfield Dirt Road Rondonee (D2R2). It is part of their fund raising efforts. As the name of the tour suggests, it is mostly over dirt roads, in rural towns of western Franklin County and up into southern Vermont. Radio communications are necessary for key points along the tour where cell phone service is not available. At those points, our communicators will be the only way the Franklin Land Trust staff can send or receive messages to and from the base for the race in Deerfield.
The tour consists of three routes: 100k, 160k, and 180k. The first group of riders start at 6 AM, and the last rider may return as late as 6 PM. We will not cover that entire time period. We will ask radio volunteers to work in shifts. Volunteers may occasionally be asked to bring equipment, water, or food to remote stops along the way
On 29 August, the Connecticut River Conservancy and the Sugarloaf Mountain Athletic Club sponsor a traditional, 26 mile marathon. It starts at the campus of the former Marlboro Community College, in Marlboro, VT, and follows a path along the banks of the Green River, over mostly dirt roads. Our club members, with help from others, will help with the needs of the race staff, many positioned at water stops along the way. We are also there to call for help if needed by runners in distress.
For the D2R2, contact Al Woodhull, N1AW, at aswoodhull@yahoo.com, or 413-773-3522.
For the Green River Marathon, contact Chris Myers, KB1NEK, at camyers@protonmail.com, or 413-625-0344
More information on the Groups.IO site, at FCARC-MA, in the FILES section.
Boston Marathon Needs Your Help
Ray Lajoie, KB1LRL, writes on the WMA ARRL Members Only List:
Hi there, I’m sure you have seen the request around the media, This is the third extension as there is shortage of volunteers. Please consider if you have the time.
Thanks. Ray KB1LRL
Communications for the Boston Marathon is provided by local amateur radio operators. Due to COVID, the 2021 Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, October 11th. Additional operators are still needed. Volunteers will be able to register until this coming Friday.
Don’t delay! Volunteer registration has been extended for a final time and closes on Friday August 6th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Help us get the word out by forwarding this message to your club and other amateur radio operators who wish to volunteer. Most volunteers first learn about the event through word of mouth. If you know new licensees who might like to join us, please make sure to let them know about it. Please forward this to your club email lists, announce on your repeaters and nets, etc.
——————————
ARRL Western Massachusetts Section
Section Manager: Raymond P Lajoie, KB1LRL
kb1lrl@arrl.org
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VJ Day Parade, Moosup, CT, August 8, 2021
Tim Rodgers, KC1TWR, writes on the RASON and TriCityARC mailing lists:
For those available Sunday August 8th late morning and early afternoon who would like to help ECARA out with the VJ Parade on Moosup.
From: John Szamocki <szamocki@charter.net>
Date: Mon, Jul 26, 2021 at 12:43 PM
Subject: [ecara] VJ Day Parade
To: ECARA Reflector <ecara-reflector@groups.io>
Hello All. I know it’s short notice but we need radio ops to cover the VJ Day Parade route in Moosup, Ct on Sunday August 8, 2021. We are looking for a total of 8 volunteers to assist with the parade. Please email me ASAP if you. Can help with this.
73
John Szamocki K1CSP
ECARA President
2021 Boston Marathon Amateur Radio Volunteer Registration Extended
From ema.arrl.org:
Volunteer registration has been open for the Marathon since Wednesday June 16, 2021 at 10:00 AM and the Amateur Radio volunteer registration deadline has been extended to Friday July 30th, 2021 at 500 PM EDT. The race itself is taking place on Monday, October 11, 2021.
For Returning Volunteers:
The BAA sends out an email which provides you with a direct link once registration is open. This email will also include your loyalty number, which is required for sign up. New for this year is that returning volunteers will need to setup an account via the BAA Athlete’s Village.
For New Volunteers:
If you haven’t previously volunteered, or have a friend who would like to volunteer, please go directly to the Volunteer Registration page and follow the instructions for new volunteers which will include setup of an account via the BAA Athlete’s Village.
Don’t delay! Volunteer registration has been extended and closes on Friday July 30th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Help us get the word out by forwarding this message to your club and other amateur radio operators who wish to volunteer. Most volunteers first learn about the event through word of mouth. If you know new licensees who might like to join us, please make sure to let them know about it. Even just a quick mention at your club meeting can be a big help.
We look forward to seeing everyone again soon.
Thank you, and 73,
Boston Marathon Communications Committee
contact@hamradioboston.org
KD1CY: “Boston Marathon Organization Make Up” on RATPAC Online, July 22, 2021

Starts 9:00 PM AST / 9:00 PM EDT / 8:00 PM CDT / 7:00 PM MDT / 6:00 PM PDT / 5:00 PM AKDT / 3:00 PM HST
TOPIC: Boston Marathon Organization Make up
Be sure to see future RATPAC scheduled presentations below
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- Please change your display name to Your First Name, Call Sign and Location, e.g. Dan K7REX Idaho.
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- You may ask questions in chat; please stay on topic while using chat.
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Niantic Bay Trialthlon, Assistance Requested, August 8, 2021
Tim Rodgers KC1TWR, writes on the Radio Amateur Society of Norwich (CT) mailing list:
Communicators are needed. Several checkpoints need to be covered.
If you never participated before please know that this event starts early and ends before noon. You will be sent a Comm Plan that includes a map of where the checkpoints are, and a table with the street intersection information. Before the event we ask that you visit the location of your checkpoint to get familiar with the setting, and where you will park your vehicle. We do not direct traffic, we are emergency communications for those that want a ride back, need bike repair, are hurt, or any other incident. More information will be sent before the event date.
Please include your cell and home phone numbers for the COMM Plan even if you have sent them for previous events. Include your T-Shirt size as well.
If you are available please send an email to: TimKC1TWR@gmail.com
Tim, KC1TWRTim Rodgers KC1TWR
CT ARES Region 4 DEC
Email: TimKC1TWR@gmail.com
Cell and Text: 860-460-7360
Franklin County (MA) ARC Seeks Volunteers for Triathlon Event, August 1, 2021
Dick Merriott, N1RCM, writes:
Franklin County (FCARC) is looking for some volunteers. Are you able to help?: The FCARC is seeking volunteers to provide course communications for the upcoming 2021 Triathlon being held Sunday August 1 at the Greenfield Swimming Pool. If you have some spare time and a mobile radio to reach the KB1BSS repeater, your assistance would be greatly appreciated by the Greenfield Parks and Recreation Department, Triathlon participants and FCARC.
Please respond back to me ASAP and let me know either YES or NO regarding your decision so we can plan appropriately. Volunteers will be receiving more detailed information from me shortly.
Thank you,
Dick Merriott N1RCM
rcmpilot@comcast.net