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Amateur radio received positive publicity in today’s Sunday Globe article entitled, “Have We Learned Anything? What the Blizzard of 1978 has taught us about emergency preparedness in Massachusetts.”

The City & Region front-page story by Boston Globe staff writer Peter J. Howe included the following text:

“In 1978, the [Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency] leaned heavily on amateur ham radio operators and citizens-band radio owners to share information. ‘There were people holed up in places that nobody knew about,’ [Peter] Judge [spokesman for MEMA] said, including makeshift shelters that rapidly ran out of food.

“Today, the agency still enlists 30,000 ham radio operators in a kind of emergency-information militia, but has sophisticated Web-based conferencing and information-sharing systems linking hundreds of state and local governmental agencies.”

Eastern MA Affiliated Club Coordinator Chris Smith, K1CJS writes:

Back in the late 1980s/early 1990s, the thought that a club council meeting regularly to pass information and ideas between clubs in the section was conceived and implemented. The birth of CEMARC, the Council of Eastern Massachusetts Amateur Radio Clubs, was the result. The council met at quarterly intervals, and was an effective means of accomplishing the goals of that time–the exchange of information.

Since then, technological advancement and other changes have all but ended the need for quarterly meetings for the exchange of such information. In addition, because of other things we have less and less time to spare to attend those meetings. Lately, it seems we have to have to make time just to work the bands!

In an effort to reestablish a method of contact while not taking away from what little spare time we have, we have taken advantage of the web and the Yahoo Groups website to try to reestablish a common and direct route between clubs and ham operators in the section. The CEMARC group at Yahoo has been started to again provide a common, single channel of communication for all eastern Massachusetts section clubs.

Any ham operator may join the group–the only thing that is needed is a amateur radio call sign which will be verified before access is given. Stop by and give it a look see–and join. Hope to see you there!

In responding to H-4477, numerous amateurs from both Eastern and Western Massachusetts sections are reaching out to their respective house and state legislators.

Framingham Amateur Radio Association president Gordy Bello, K1GB reported communication with his state senator, Susan Fargo, and house representative Koutoujian. He received a return phone call from Fargo on Wednesday.

“Our discussion was obviously about the cell phone bill. She understands our position about the exemption and realizes its importance for public service and, more importantly, safety and survival.”

Bello clarified for Fargo the differences between Citizens Band and Amateur Radio. “She was somewhat aware of the role we play in emergencies and natural disasters. All in all it was a very upbeat conversation.”

Ironically, the existing “driver distraction law” already codified in MA law exempts Citizens Band — but not Amateur Radio operators. Bello suggests that, if H-4477 dies in the Senate, amateurs should consider pursuing some sort of amendment to add Amateur Radio to the existing law.

Mark Rubin, WB1ARZ, director of the Worcester Emergency Communications Team wholeheartedly agrees.

For its February 11, 2008 meeting, WECT has invited two senators — Ed Augustus and Hariette Chandler — along with ten house representatives, including Joe Wagner, sponsor of the original legislative amendment H-4477, and Frank Hynes who amended it for Amateur Radio.

“The invitations were sent via email [January 31] … no responses have been as yet received, though receipt of some emails were acknowledged,” Rubin writes. “[WECT] would be able to provide any representatives who attend a view of Amateur Radio and what we do. During our 15 minute coffee and refreshment break, the opportunity would be there for attending hams to speak with the representatives about Amateur Radio.”

WB1ARZ hopes that “at least a few” of the invitees accept their invitation. He encourages area hams to check the website “as the responses hopefully come in.”

For additional information on the current and proposed laws, contact ARRL MA State Government Liaison Shawn O’Donnell, K3HI. And for information on identifying your state senator or representative, go to http://www.mass.gov/legis/ and search by city/town or by ward/precinct.

The Police Amateur Radio Team of Westford is conducting a kit building project on Saturday, February 23, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 10 Church Street, Westford, MA. The all-day event is aimed at both beginner and seasoned kit builder alike with an emphasis on mentoring, learning, and fun. The club-sponsored kit for this event is the Rock-mite by Small Wonder Labs, a 40m QRP transceiver with built-in keyer.

Just $75 covers everything for a whole day of fun. You get the radio kit, all that hardware, paperwork, and food for that one low price. Seating is limited so reserve your spot soon. Please contact Rich, AB1HD at ab1hd ‘at’ wb1gof ‘dot’ org for reservations or questions.

For further information, visit http://www.wb1gof.org/F_activities/Kit/page27.html.

Members of the Whitman Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) participated in a multi-agency training exercise on January 19, 2008.

A simulated hostage situation at a school involved the use of reverse-911 to inform citizens of the drill and associated road closings. The resources of a dozen nearby towns and communities, along with county and state apparatus and personnel were utilized. Mock hostages and victims were extracted and cared for at a medical receiving area. The town hall was used for a staging, briefing, and rehabilitation center.

Whitman Emergency Management Agency (WEMA) Director Bob Schmitt, KB1MTY activated the Whitman’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 7:30 a.m. where CERT team members assembled and were given assignments. Ten of the 16 CERT participants were licensed Amateur Radio operators.

During the day, radio contact was maintained between the EOC, CERT participants, and fire and police personnel at the drill scene. As many as 30 VHF and UHF radio frequencies were constantly monitored at the EOC during the exercise.

The response of the trained CERT volunteers aptly demonstrated WEMA/CERT and Whitman ARC’s abilities to help when called upon in time of need.

CERT volunteers included: Bob Schmitt, KB1MTY WEMA Director; Bill Hayden, N1FRE, EOC-Radio Control operator; Mike Supple, KB1OEP; Susan Supple; Stacey Supple; Paul Moss, KB1MTW; Ron Stundze, KB1OEQ; Gloria Chiaramonte, KB1OAV; Skip O’Malley, KB1MTZ; Cathy Costello, KB1MTX; Erika LaFlamme, KB1MTV; Rick Peterson KB1OEU; Joan Peterson; Mark Huska; Ted Petersen and Don Taylor.

Photo: Paul Moss, KB1MTW and Mike Supple, KB1OEP operate from Whitman EMA

Thanks, Whitman ARC Spectrum, January 2008

Venture Crew 47 and the North Shore Radio Association have announced a License In A Weekend event in April. The class will be held on a Saturday and a Sunday and “will instruct applicants on topics they will need to know for their Technician Class license.” A special VE session will be conducted for students at the conclusion.

The class will be open to any scouting-related groups or friends and family of NSRA members. More information will come in the next few weeks; check the Crew’s website at http://crew47.nsradio.org/ for the most up-to-date information.

Venturing is a co-ed branch of the Boy Scouts and is open to anyone who is 14 years old and has completed the 8th grade and is under 21 years of age. Crew 47 is chartered to the North Shore Radio Association and meets at 7 p.m. before the NSRA meetings. Anyone interested in joining the crew should send an email to
crew47@nsradio.org.

—Thanks, KB1OHZ, and North Shore RA News, Winter 2008

The ARRL Foundation announces a number of scholarships available to students in Eastern Massachusetts and elsewhere who hold a valid ham radio license. Many generous private individuals and clubs sponsor these scholarships to allow fellow hams the opportunity to further their educational goals. All ARRL Foundation-administered scholarships are intended exclusively for educational use, to provide assistance with costs of tuition, room, board, books and/or other fees essential to the advanced education of the recipient. Some are available in certain regions; others are available to candidates nationwide.

The deadline for ARRL Foundation scholarship applications is February 1, 2008. Applications must be postmarked on or before February 1 and must include the student’s most recent transcript.

The Algonquin Amateur Radio Club has voted to replace and update Amateur Radio books at the Marlborough Public Library. A few months ago, AARC’s Frank McInnis noticed that many of the study guides and operating books were not available or out of date. The books have been received from ARRL and the club will donate them soon.

–Thanks, AARC QRZ, January 2008

Shawn O’Donnell, K3HI, MA State Government Liaison writes on Jan. 23, 2008 at 1930 ET:

Some encouraging news…

I have been forwarded a message from a staff member of Representative Hynes (see below.) Representative Hynes’s amendment was indeed approved by the House. Pending confirmation of the precise text of the amendment, we can declare a tentative victory.

If we have succeeded, our next order of business is a measured campaign to ensure that our exemption survives Senate deliberations.

–Shawn

Thanks to Gordy Bello, K1GB, for forwarding the message from the State House.

At 6:01 PM -0500 1/23/08, bello wrote:
”
From: Verseckes, Michael (HOU) [mailto:Michael.Verseckes@state.ma.us] Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 5:13 PM
To: gge1@comcast.net
Subject: amateur radio

Hi Gordon,

My name is Mike Verseckes and I’m an aide to Rep. Frank Hynes.

I wanted to let you know that the amendment Rep. Hynes filed that would exempt ham radio operators from House Bill 4477 was adopted and the bill was engrossed today. So now it’s on to the Senate where they should take it up some time soon.

Thanks for contacting us.

Mike

[See also: H-4477 Back In The House, Wednesday, 23 January]

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY
_____________________________

MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
400 Worcester Road Framingham, MA 01702-5399
Tel: 508-820-2000 Fax: 508-820-2030
Website: www.mass.gov/mema

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Peter Judge
January 22, 2008
(508) 820-2002

MEMA & UNITED WAY PARTNER TO PROVIDE NEW CITIZENS HELPLINE
The Easy to Remember 2-1-1 to Provide Non-Emergency Information

FRAMINGHAM, MA – The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Council of Massachusetts United Ways (COMUW) have agreed to utilize Mass2-1-1 as the Commonwealth’s primary telephone information call center during times of emergency. The easy to remember 2-1-1 telephone number will be utilized as a resource for human service and public safety/disaster response and planning agencies. It was designed, in part, to reduce the number of non-emergency calls made to 9-1-1.
“Up until now, MEMA has utilized an ‘800’ number staffed by the Citizen Information Service of the Secretary of State’s Office,” stated MEMA Director Don Boyce. “That particular telephone number was activated only during emergency situations.”

With the change, the Secretary of State’s Citizen Information Service staff will now have the responsibility to serve as liaisons between the Mass2-1-1 staff and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Team (MEMT) when the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Framingham is activated for an emergency situation. Mass2-1-1 will provide the latest emergency information and response to rumors through their call center and website.

This new partnership will offer citizens the opportunity for ‘one-stop-shopping’, with access to vital updated disaster information, numerous post-disaster programs, interpreter services, and call tracking of caller locations. Mass2-1-1 will also have the ability to act as the registration site for spontaneous volunteers and donations from the public
during an emergency or crisis.

“The Council of Massachusetts United Ways and Mass2-1-1 are thrilled to be working with our colleagues at MEMA and the Secretary of State’s Citizen Information Service to ensure that the people of the Commonwealth have access to timely and accurate emergency information” said Paul Mina, Executive Director of Mass2-1-1.

Mass2-1-1 was created by The Council of Massachusetts United Ways on behalf of 22 local United Ways serving every community of the Commonwealth. Seven years ago, COMUW embraced the national 2-1-1 program, as established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and initiated by the United Way of America. The 2-1-1 phone number was established by the FCC as a nationwide number to call for non-emergency information and referral services. Currently Mass2-1-1 operates its call center Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 8:00pm with the ability to activate 24-7 during times of emergency in the Commonwealth. More information is available at www.mass211.org.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MEMA provides leadership to: develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats; train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made. For additional information about MEMA, go to www.mass.gov/mema.

Shawn O’Donnell, K3HI, MA State Government Liaison writes on Jan. 22, 2008 at 1457 ET:

H-4477 is scheduled to be considered again by the full Massachusetts House tomorrow. I understand that a number of amendments to the original bill–at least 16 by one rep’s count–have been offered on the bill.

I received reports from several hams whose representatives claimed to have proposed an exemption for us. So a couple of the amendments probably say the same thing. Still, there may be enough amendments attached to the bill to sink it. We’ll know more by tomorrow afternoon, if they keep to their schedule.

Please pass the word–any hams who haven’t already contacted their representatives may want to do so early tomorrow. 617 722 2000 is the switchboard number.

I’ll distribute news tomorrow as soon as it becomes available.

–Shawn

[See also: QST — H-4477 on hold]

“Bo” Budinger, WA1QYM writes on PART-L:

The Police Amateur Radio Team of Westford will be operating a Special Events Station (K1P) in Westford on the Sunday and Monday of Patriots Day Weekend in April. This operation is in the planning stage. Scott (NE1RD) has volunteered to be a co-chairman but we desperately need another co-chairman. Our present thought is that we would operate out of our SUV somewhere in Westford.

Please contact me if you are interested in co-chairing this event. Scott has laid the groundwork and will be supplying equipment. A co-chairman would be involved in lining up operators and loggers, making sure that we have a secure location and making sure we have publicity for this activity.

Shawn O’Donnell, K3HI, MA State Government Liaison writes on Jan. 16, 2008 at 17:11 ET:

This afternoon, WBZ Radio reported that the House suspended debate on the cell phone bill to consider amendments.

This does not mean that the bill is dead, or that it will be altered to our liking–only that we have more time to be sure that any change to the current law does not affect us adversely.

Some hams have been informed that the current bill does not apply to amateur radio operators. My representative, who contacted the authors of the bill on the Transportation Committee, passed along the same reassurances to me. But in making the point, her staff member cited the passage in law that exempts Citizens Band radio. So I suspect that there may be some confusion about CB vs. amateur radio among a few key staff members.

If we could count on consistent regulatory confusion, we might be tempted to leave things as they are. But some day, someone will discover that ham radio is not CB and impose the law on an amateur. So we should continue to ask our representatives to single out FCC-licensed amateur radio operators from the various unlicensed Citizens Band services.
Thanks to all who wrote or called their representatives. I have no doubt that amateurs were key to slowing the progress of this bill. Let’s see this through to a satisfactory resolution, whatever conclusion the legislature reaches on this matter.

Shawn O’Donnell, K3HI
k3hi@arrl.net
ARRL State Government Liaison, Massachusetts

—

Please pass along. Thanks for helping spread the word.

Tomorrow AM, I’ll try to get a message to the lawyers on the Transportation Committee staff with an explanation of the difference between CB and Amateur Radio. –Shawn

Shawn O’Donnell, K3HI, MA State Government Liaison writes on Jan. 16, 2008 at 1145 ET:

Massachusetts Legislation Update: H3679 is now H4477

Today, the House of Representatives of the Massachusetts Legislature may vote a ban on cell phone use while driving.

Yesterday, when the Joint Committee on Transportation met to discuss the cell phone restrictions, the members made significant changes to the bill. The new draft is identified as House, No. 4477. The H4477 leaves in the existing exemption for citizens band radio, but does not mention any other radio service, including amateur radio.

I know you may be tired of explaining the difference between CB and amateur radio, but now’s your chance to do it again.

The new bill’s SECTION 3 goes as follows:

SECTION 3. Section 13 of said chapter 90, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 6, the words, “or mobile telephone”.

The easiest thing for us to ask is that the SECTION 3 be re-written to say:

SECTION 3. Section 13 of said chapter 90, as so appearing, is hereby amended by replacing, in line 6, the words, “or mobile telephone” with “or amateur radio”.

If you want to sound precise, you can mention that they can say, “amateur radio, as defined in 47 CFR Part 97.” CFR = Code of Federal Regulations, by the way.

For your reference, the current Section 13 or Chapter 90 reads as follows:

“Section 13. No person, when operating a motor vehicle, shall permit to be on or in the vehicle or on or about his person anything which may interfere with or impede the proper operation of the vehicle or any equipment by which the vehicle is operated or controlled, except that a person may operate a motor vehicle while using a citizens band radio or mobile telephone as long as one hand remains on the steering wheel at all times.”

Remember: even though there’s an ‘amateur’ in our name, we can still impress with our professionalism. So be patient with staffers who aren’t familiar with the fine distinctions of radio regulation.

Call today if you can. If you don’t know who your representative and senator are, go to

http://www.mass.gov/legis/

and search by city/town or by ward/precinct. Or call your local city/town hall for help.

More details to follow.

Any questions or comments? Contact your ARRL Section Manager or the League’s State Government Liaison, K3HI.

Shawn O’Donnell, K3HI
ARRL Massachusetts State Government Liaison
k3hi@arrl.net
508 561 4045 (before 10PM)