Section Manager’s Report Aug.2026

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Hi, well for a traditionally quiet month actually turned exiting! The first piece of news is the appointment of Eric Wilhelm W1RVY as the new Section Traffic Manager. Please join me in welcoming him aboard. Eric has been involved with traffic since he got his license and has been a steady participant in traffic nets, and is the First Region Net Manager. For the loyal followers, I have been trying to get this position filled since I started. This section has been quite dormant regarding traffic and my hopes we can get some activity going again. I wish to thank Marcia Forde KW1U DEEPLY for supporting NTS, and Western Ma for all these years. We will continue to work with her in all things traffic as her efforts goes far beyond New England.

   The CMARA club on July 25 put on a very impressive demonstration of ham radio at the Worcester Ecotarium. Earlier they joined together to conduct an ARISS contact event, which is now scheduled for October. This demonstration featured CW demonstration, N1E special event station, an ARISS table, lots of brochures and information, etc. This was an impressive setup indeed! Other clubs can benefit although does not have to be to this scale, quite simply, partner with a venue or event, use your available resources. Just get out there. It provides a club activity, outreach, public service, or just plain FUN! You can see more about this event on a separate post here.

   Now that August is basically here, all thoughts are turning to HamXposition. https://hamxposition.org/ We now are looking for great attendance, education, fellowship, and of course fun. Yours truly will again this year will be in charge of the flea market and tabling my array of treasures which seems to be growing. In the past I used to have a section meeting but due to the timeframe and low attendance I have not been doing that. That does not mean I’m not doing section stuff. Feel free to come to me and chat, indoors or out. The one thing that I enjoy doing selling at the flea market is the opportunity to talk to members, and mentor new hams looking for advice and maybe locating something for their new found hobby. The convention is still looking for volunteers to help out. There are many things to help with and 4 hours will get you a free lunch or an entrance ticket. You can volunteer on the website and pick your time and job. Setting up and take down is one of the biggest needs. (I know that first hand! 😊)

   I am happy to see some good activity going on with some clubs this summer. We have been talking about this for some time and now it’s bearing fruit. Some clubs have invited other clubs to join and I can certainly encourage that more. We talk about it often, doing it is another thing. Just simply in the words of Larry the Cable Guy….” Git ‘er Done!”

   Take care and hopefully will see you at HamXposition!

73, Ray AA1SE

HamX Calling for More Volunteers

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Thanks to everyone who has reached out to volunteer and/or let others know about volunteering!

Currently I have about 40 people, which includes some who are planning to, but are not in the database yet and I am following up with.

We can always use more, esp for Saturday, where we have the biggest need.

Here is the link to the details, which includes the link to volunteer:
https://hamxposition.org/volunteer-with-us/

Please spread the word…and thank you!

73 Barbara KC1KGS
—
Barbara T. Irby
HamX Volunteer Coordinator
kc1kgs@hamx.org

Radio event in Worcester

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The Central Massachusetts Amateur Radio Association (CMARA) is partnering with the EcoTarium (the former Worcester Science Center) on their upcoming October ARISS contact. As part of the EcoTarium’s STEM education efforts CMARA is running a special event station at the science center where we are demonstrating Amateur Radio in action and educating visitors about “The Science of Radio.”

Our pilot event was put on in June and based on the success of that we planned three additional dates over the summer: Saturday July 25th, Saturday August 22nd, and Saturday September 26th. At each event we will be operating under the N1E call sign and running a variety of exhibits on different aspects of Amateur Radio and the science behind it. Our July event coincided with the EcoTarium’s Robert Goddard Rocket Day, and we pulled all the estops out with seven different exhibit tables staffed and educating museum guests about propagation, modulation, modes of operation, kit building, and of course the ARISS program. Along with the special event station we will be doing new and different things with each of the remaining two events in order to expose the museum guests to as much of the science behind radio as we can.

The EcoTarium originally applied for an ARISS contact in the Summer of 2025. One of the requirements of the application process is that they partner with a local Amateur Radio club. That’s where CMARA comes in. They reached out to us and the club agreed to partner with them. Three club members were chosen to represent the club: George Gumbrell, K3RLZ, Connor Gumbrell, KC1MMT, and Tom Gauvin, NE1NH.  George, Connor, and Tom have been meeting with the Ecotarium and the ARISS team regularly since then working on all the planning and preparation that goes into an ARISS contact.  NASA originally slotted the EcoTarium for a March 2026 contact. Unfortunately, due to the illness of one of the ISS crew members several ARISS contacts had to be postponed and rescheduled to later dates.  The museum’s ARISS contact is now slated for the second week of October. Because the stations orbit is frequently adjusted and due to the complexities of research scheduling the exact day and hour of the contact will not be finalized until the week before. In the interim CMARA is assisting the museum with STEM education and the museum is partnering with a local Worcester school to select a group of school kids who will have the opportunity to ask one of the ISS crew members questions during one of the stations 8-minute passes over one of several Amateur Radio Ground Stations located in various places around the globe.

For more information about the Ecotarium or ARISS you can visit their websites at:

·         EcoTarium: www.ecotarium.org

·         ARISS: https://www.ariss.org/

To find out more about The Central Massachusetts Amateur Radio Association you can go to their website: https://cmara.org/

CMARA member George Gumbrell, K3RLZ, speaking to a young museum visitor at our Satellite exhibit
CMARA members Greg Algeri WA1JXR, John Nieman, W1CVO, Jerry Bachand, K1YYT, and Dick Jubinville, W1REJ, at our CW and Kit Building Exhibits
CMARA member Pete Bretschneider, KA1QEK, Elmering some new CW Operators.
In the background, CMARA members Preston Sturdevant, KC1WJL, and Joel Desrochers, N1KRL, at our 2M operating position and Corwyn Miyagishima, KN1OBI, and Will Lentlie, N1FTL, at our HF Digital operating position.
 
Inside the well appointed trailer operating the N1E voice station. Band conditions not so hot though.

New Amateur Reports – July 2026

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Please welcome the new amateur radio operator licensees to the Western Massachusetts section!

Thomas A Warner, KC1ZSL
14 Pleasure Ave
Pittsfield, MA 01201-4214

David W Malgeri, KC1ZUX
200 Lakeshore Dr
Winchendon, MA 01475-1014

Brandon Deluca, KC1ZVI
182 Farm St
Blackstone, MA 01504-1323

Oldden C Fox, KC1ZVA
174 Providence Rd Apt 507
Grafton, MA 01519-1542

Dylan J Bonneau, KC1ZUS
20 Preserve Way
Sturbridge, MA 01566-2316

Jeanpaul Bonneau, KC1ZUW
20 Preserve Way
Sturbridge, MA 01566-2316

Evangelia H Pitsillides, KC1ZVF
6 Roseville Ln
Worcester, MA 01603-1848

Michael Pitsillides, KC1ZVG
6 Roseville Ln
Worcester, MA 01603-1848

Chester C Hoyle, KC1ZRH
209 Sunderland Rd
Worcester, MA 01604-2455

Christian A North, KC1ZVJ
121 Francis St
Worcester, MA 01606-3119

Alexandra A Van Gelder, KC1ZRU
5 Berkshire St Apt 2
Worcester, MA 01609-3325

Charles Linton, KC1ZVN
10 Hillside Ave
Southborough, MA 01772-1262

Lori Leinbach, KC1ZVO
10 Hillside Ave
Southborough, MA 01772-1262

Appalachian Trail Golden Packet Challenge

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Hi Western MA ARES folks,

On July 18th the Appalachian Trail Golden Packet challenge will take place. APRS-enabled amateur operators will establish and utilize an APRS-based network from Georgia to Maine, and one hop along the trail is Mt. Greylock!

Our regular Mt Greylock operator just had a medical emergency and cannot participate this year.  We are looking for someone who may be interested in operating from Mt. Greylock on that day (usually between 10am and 1pm). We can provide the radio if you do not have a Kenwood D710.

If you are interested in helping out, please let me know as time is running short and we’d love to get you trained up quickly.  Reach out to me directly at kc1vmz@gmail.com for more information.

Thanks!
– John KC1VMZ

Section Manager’s Report. July 2026

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   Another year, another Field Day is behind us, and I’m sure those that participated are now recovering and gathering their results. I made the 400-mile tour and visited 8 sites. Some clubs have at one time had a big and active setup, now was drastically scaled back, while others have upped their game and had a very organized group and used their public area very well to promote to the visitors who came to see. Another had just built a building for the purposes of radio to promote, educate and yes, operate. They set up as a class D station. Fortunately, the weather was mostly cooperative. Some areas got some rain and then fog, but overall, it was not extremely hot as in the past. As some of you know, I have been running license classes and it was really encouraging to see students past and present actively participating in Field Day. It really proves that outreach and mentoring can really pay off for the clubs. Make them welcome and get them active. Yes, I do remind them every day about that. Some of those students have become officers of their respective clubs which is a bonus in itself.

   One thing I observed is the use of trailers in Field Day, the cargo type. (even though camping trailers work fine) These trailers can be set up to a simple setup to a full-blown comms center supporting multiple stations. Although this is nothing new to radio, more trailers have been showing up to events in WMA. I myself have one and have built it to serve multiple purposes for myself in various functions. Why do I say this? How about a very elaborate club project? You are setting up power, solar, radio’s, antenna mounting, weight management, computers and networking, etc. Even Starlink has made it possible to get internet from anywhere. New hams can learn so much by having one of those projects. Trailers can hold up to the weather better than tents and easy-ups for sure! Plus, it’s a good PR piece, you show off your skills on building equipment.

   Now that Field Day is over, remember, there is plenty of summer left. That means even though most clubs have taken their break from meetings for July and August, don’t forget to come up with some activities for radio-active fun. POTA is a hot one to do! (was there a joke there???) Even antenna builds and repairing. Anything can work especially if there is burning flesh on the grill 😊

   That’s enough for now, Enjoy the Summer, celebrate America’s 250th, get together with family and friends, anything that creates memories. Have fun!

73, Ray AA1SE

Calling for Volunteers for HamXposition in August 2026!

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Calling for Volunteers for HamXposition in August 2026!

Thank you to all the dedicated volunteers who make HamXposition possible! Your smiling faces and eagerness to help make a difference to the attendees.

I’m reaching out to invite you to volunteer (again) this year! Here is the link to the form. https://registration.hamxposition.org/volunteer/

We have a big need for help again this year and have a number of positions for volunteers.

ASSIGNMENTS?

This year, based on your feedback, we have made it easier for you to indicate on the form if you would prefer a particular assignment–when I put out the list closer to the event, it will indicate an assignment, but, please note, we may have to have people switch as the need arises. The form defaults to “no preference”, so if you are willing to do any volunteer role, just leave it as is (and we appreciate those who are flexible!!)

As before, if you have restrictions re sitting/standing, please indicate that in the comments.

Below are the general descriptions of roles (there may be others as the need arises on site):

  • NO PREFERENCE (available for anything)
  • Ticketing/Registration
    • Selling tickets
      • Convention
      • Thursday magic show
      • Dinners Fri/Sat (if available)
    • Distributing tickets to those preregistered
    • Selling flea market spaces
    • Giving vendors info on arrival
    • Organizing cash/bringing it to safe area
    • Wayfinding/resource/answering questions
  • Exhibit Hall Entrance
    • Confirming that only appropriate people get in before allocated times
  • Exhibit Hall Lunch Runner (Saturday)
    • Collecting lunch orders from vendors and delivering food
  • Flea Market-outside
    • Set-up
    • Selling flea market tickets
    • Help bringing cash back to safe area
  • Setup (Thursday)
    • Outside
      • Signage
        • Parking
        • Handicapped area
        • Speaker area
        • Direction Finding
      • Cones/barriers
    • Inside
      • Video/audio equipment in each room
      • Signage outside each room
  • Takedown (Sunday)
    • What has been put up during set-up
    • Outside-signage and cones
    • Inside-forum rooms AV equipment
  • Ushers
    • Preparing tickets for Thursday magic show/Friday dinner/Saturday dinner
    • Preparing tickets for Sunday prize drawings
    • Taking tickets at the door for events listed
  • AV/Forum Support
    • Assist with technical problems in rooms
    • Help speakers with issues

TIME SLOTS?

  • 2 hr time slots available
    • Thursday Aug 13 8-10am, 10-12, 12-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8pm
    • Friday Aug 14 8-10am, 10-12, 12-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8pm
    • Saturday Aug 15 8-10am, 10-12, 12-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8pm
    • Sunday Aug 16 8-10am, 10-12, 12-2, 2-4pm

PERKS?

  • Option 1 – work 4 hours or more on one or more days – free admission

OR

  • Option 2 – for each day you work 4 hours or more (Thu, Fri, Sat) 1 lunch voucher. (up to three).
    • Lunch vouchers can only be redeemed on Fri and Sat during lunch.
    • For Sunday, since there is no lunch available, you get a free prize drawing entry instead.

NEED TO MAKE CHANGES?

If you want/need to update your preferences, please re-enter the database and update it there-I will receive your updates.

Please reach out with questions. I look forward to seeing you there!

73, Barbara KC1KGS
kc1kgs@hamx.org
Register to volunteer

New Ham Report for June

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Here is the latest list of new hams. 15 of them! Please reach out to them and invite them to your club, and especially to Field Day!

Report for 2026-06-01

Robert D Walker, KC1ZQO – FCC
73 Leo Dr
Chicopee, MA 01020-2114

James R Gustafson, KC1ZQN – FCC
218 Batchelor St
Granby, MA 01033-9738

Paul F Lucchesi, KC1ZNM – FCC
154 Elm Street
Holyoke, MA 01040

Linus M Kuplast, KC1ZOO – FCC
PO Box 411
Southampton, MA 01073-0411

James E McCabe, KC1ZQY – FCC
PO Box 1941
Warren, MA 01083-1941

Scott A Sullivant, KC1ZNZ – FCC
PO Box 102
Westfield, MA 01086-0102

Richard C Ostrander, KC1ZMZ – FCC
16 Grove St Apt 2
Adams, MA 01220-2161

Michael D Bartos, KC1ZQZ – FCC
4 Wells St
Erving, MA 01344-9705

Christopher Mabry, KC1ZMV – FCC
101 Ayer Rd
Harvard, MA 01451-1412

Cooper B Baron, KC1ZNG – FCC
8 Poor Farm Rd
Harvard, MA 01451-1450

Ben Baron, KC1ZNS – FCC
8 Poor Farm Rd
Harvard, MA 01451-1450

Judith L Odonnell, KC1ZMM – FCC
18 Morgan Rd
Hubbardston, MA 01452-1603

Alexis Santos, KC1ZMU – FCC
348 Prospect St
Leominster, MA 01453-3415

Joseph J Guastella, KC1ZQE – FCC
81 Wyola Dr
Worcester, MA 01603-1632

Lexi Haley, KC1ZNF – FCC
14 Buckingham Rd
Worcester, MA 01605-3625

Section Manager’s Report June 2026

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   Well, here we go again! Another summer coming, June has returned and with that..Field Day! Field Day the contest, Field Day the communications drill. I don’t think that debate will ever go away. Regardless what you think it is, it’s an operating event that utilizes both, and you mix in a dose of public relations, promoting, education, comradery, and food. I hope you Field Day incorporates all of it or some parts of it. We all will be praying to the weather gods for good weather for the event. I will again be doing the tour of sites despite the big pinch in fuel cost. Make sure your event is listed in the ARRL Field Day locator site. https://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator. Also, have someone take photos. Send them to me and I will forward to the league and use for next months report.

   Most clubs will be wrapping up their meeting season taking the break for July and August. Remember, there are events going on and clubs hopefully will participate. As I mentioned last month of the event at Quabbin Hill Observation Tower in Belchertown. CMARA had an event for May 30 but unfortunately got washed out. They were going to demonstrate radio at a Wings and Wheels event in Southbridge. Unfortunately, it was rescheduled for, surprise, Field Day! We’ll see what happens there. Mohawk is having various POTA events in and around the greater Gardner area, Quaboag is having a Foxhunt event. A lot of summer activities like these helps the club be healthy and grow. You don’t need much, even having an antenna party at a ham’s house to help them get on the air. You’d be surprised what some burgers and potato salad can do!

   As you are aware, our annual convention is coming in Marlboro. https://hamxposition.org As usual, the committee is doing a great job in putting together a great event. Thursday will feature a magic show. Some great forums are going to give something for everyone. I will be doing my flea market like last year as well as being in charge of it. At least I did not get as baked as previous years!

   I hope everyone has a warm,fun,safe summer season. Support your clubs and participate in this year’s Field Day event. Hope to see you out there.

  73, Ray AA1SE

New Ham Report May 2026

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Report for 2026-05-01

Ari Klopfer, KC1ZHU – FCC
215 N Valley Rd
Pelham, MA 01002-9770

Paul R Desrosiers, KC1ZLH – FCC
21 Summit St
South Hadley, MA 01075-2530

Harold F Kershaw, KC1ZHJ – FCC
15 Woodside Ter
Westfield, MA 01085-1228

Cyrus Rivera, KC1ZLA – FCC
1191 S Washington State Rd
Washington, MA 01223-9677

Keziah R Kelsey, KC1ZKZ – FCC
1191 S Washington State Rd
Washington, MA 01223-9677

Andrew Dechristopher, KC1ZJN – FCC
1 Wood Pl
Fitchburg, MA 01420-3166

Audrey M Johnson, KC1ZKP – FCC
34 Oakwood Ave
Auburn, MA 01501-1757

Towa Matsumura, KC1ZIN – FCC
PO Box 111
South Lancaster, MA 01561-0111

Alec J Wilson, KC1ZHS – FCC
295 Wigwam Rd
West Brookfield, MA 01585-3208

Abby Neal, KC1ZHZ – FCC
25 12 Dix St Apt 2
Worcester, MA 01609-2787

As a reminder reach out and welcome them to the hobby as well as to the club! Offer assistance to get them on the air and active.