HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! I hope you all had a nice February, including, of course, Valentine’s Day. Staying warm and safe? I’m sorry this update is a little late – I try to get the monthly updates out around the 15th of each month – but the time just got away from me. On a happy note, the Section Manager email blast to all members in the section function is now BACK IN OPERATION so this monthly update is being sent direct to your email, no redistribution requests needed. Yay!
* 2025 Northeast HamXposition is Coming!
Mark your calendars! The 2025 Northeast HamXposition is not that far away: August 21-24, 2025, in Marlborough, MA. This is New England’s premier ham gathering. I hope to have an eyeball QSO with all of you at HamX! More info at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/03/02/2025-northeast-hamxposition-ticketing-hotel-reservations-now-open/
* New Ham Report on EMA Website
I have started a new regular posting on the Eastern MA website: the New Ham Report. Monthly, I will pull the report and post it on https://ema.arrl.org. When you hear these new licensees on your local repeater, reach out and make them feel welcome!
* MMRA Starts Monthly Elmer/Mentor Program
Speaking of making new hams feel welcome, the Minuteman Repeater Association (MMRA) recently started a program that’s very cool: a monthly mentor program via Zoom. Need some help figuring out that new radio? Got questions about repeater etiquette or how to check in to a net? Or are you an experienced ham that wants to give back to the hobby? This is the perfect time/place to go. See https://ema.arrl.org/2025/02/13/mmra-elmer-mentor-forum-second-wednesday-of-each-month/ for details.
* Virtual NTS Traffic Net Began March 5, 2025
Many Technician class amateurs miss out on fun and skills learning of traffic handling because they reside in areas of the country where local traffic nets on VHF repeaters don’t exist. The Virtual NTS Traffic Net (VNTN) seeks to address this problem with the creation of a Zoom-based local traffic net that can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection.
The Net will meet weekly, and held its inaugural session on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM ET. The VNTN URL is: <https://bitl.to/3xj4>
Full details at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/03/05/virtual-nts-traffic-net-begins-march-5-2025/
* Still Recruiting a New Section Youth Coordinator
Sadly, our Section’s former Section Youth Coordinator, Paul K1YUB, is now a Silent Key. I need to fill this important position on the EMA Section Staff. The SYC requirement and job description is at https://www.arrl.org/section-youth-coordinator If you are interested in this volunteer position, please contact me at n1ilz@arrl.org – I’ll appreciate it greatly!
* N1ILZ for a Final
Stay safe and warm out there! We’re officially in meteorological Spring, but you’d never know, looking at the outside thermometer. But it’s only a matter of not too much time before things will get warmer, and it’ll be time to fix antennas. And plan for Field Day! Really. I remain hopeful. Stay warm and get ready for some great Spring fun!
Can you write a paragraph or two about what you’re up to, so I can publish it in the Section Update? Let me know via email at n1ilz@arrl.org!
* For always up-to-date news, please visit the EMA Section website at http://ema.arrl.org
This Section News Update was brought to you by Section Manager Jon N1ILZ.