Author: Jon McCombie

HAPPY SPRING!  And this weekend, HAMVENTION (Dayton/Xenia)! Wow, the time is really flying past. It’s hard to believe it’s Spring already, but the temperatures are getting reasonable, the flowers are blooming, the pollen level is beyond crazy, and allergy meds have become a required part of the daily regimen! And here on the Cape, the inevitable trickle of tourists has begun. It’s getting harder daily to make left turns, with the increased traffic. And some of our favorite restaurants are awakening from their winter slumber. Let Spring begin! 

* HAMVENTION is Just Around the Corner! 

Sadly, I won’t be attending HamVention this year – maybe next year – but here’s a hearty “safe travels” to all from Eastern MA heading to Xenia. When you get back, please email with stories – even better with pictures! Tell us about that great deal you scored or that long time radio buddy you finally got to have an eyeball QSO with. I love having new material to post on the Section website and in this newsletter. 

* Field Day is June 28-29 

I hope your plan for Field Day 2025 is coming along! It’s coming up quick – June 28-29 this year. The League has all manner of materials to help you and your club get started, including the FD site locator, and the 2025 ARRL Field Day Public Relations Kit [PDF] at https://arrl.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0zMzEwNjY0JnA9MSZ1PTUyNDYxMTkzMiZsaT0zNzcwMTg1MA/index.html   to get you started – including a press release template that you can use for your activation. Full details at https://arrl.org/field-day  

This year I intend to visit as many Field Day sites in person as I can fit in. I’ll be starting Saturday morning in northeast MA (Cape Ann ARA, I’m lookin’ at you), then making my way through the section over Saturday and Sunday. Please, PLEASE register your FD site on the FD site locator on the ARRL website so I can plan my journey. I’m very much looking forward to seeing so many of you!  

* Boy Scout Camp Greenough Amateur Radio Station Grand Opening 

The Barnstable Amateur Radio Club is very excited to announce the Grand Opening of the newly constructed Camp Greenough Amateur Radio Station scheduled for Saturday May 31st starting at 2PM, in conjunction with the Chuck Wagon Event.  The station is located in the basement of the Maushop Lodge.   

This station is the culmination of the efforts by members of the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club, contributions of the American Radio Relay League, and many local businesses and the support of the Cape and Island council leadership. More details at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/05/07/camp-greenough-amateur-radio-station-grand-opening-yarmouth-port-may-31-2025/  

* EMA Hams Developing Ham/STEM Course for Local Private School 

Geoff, W1GCF, is developing a ham course for Al Hamra Academy. Al Hamra is a private school that promotes itself as an “Islamic progressive STEM school.”   The progressive part includes interlocking courses with ambitious curricula.  So, for example, there is an architectural physics course where the instructor will be talking about resonance in structures and the importance of damping it.  Geoff and Andy, KB1OIQ, made a presentation to the school that was very well received. 

The course Geoff is developing is not a typical license course. Most of the course is about introducing students to the concept of Electromagnetism along with underlying electronics and test gear.  The focus is hands on experience rather than requiring too much of the math.  Getting licensed is part of the course, but this is a graded academic course on the physics of electromagnetism.  Contact Geoff at w1gcf@arrl.net with questions and for more information. 

* New Version of Andy’s Ham Radio Linux (AHRL) Available 

Andy’s Ham Radio Linux (AHRL) v26d has been released.  Several software packages were updated (enumerated in the CHANGES file).  Support was added for LMDE6.  For more info and a link to download it: 
 
https://sourceforge.net/projects/kb1oiq-andysham/  

* Reviving the Harvard Wireless Club 

Leo Koerner W1SSS is trying to revive the Harvard Wireless Club, a group of amateur (“ham”) radio enthusiasts. Unlike the student DJs at WHRB, Koerner’s crew operates two-way radios: essentially superpowered, imprecise walkie-talkies. Harvard’s ham radio station is the sixth oldest in the country, founded in 1909. Full story at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/04/29/small-talk-from-afar/  

* 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://hamxposition.org/  

* Recruiting IT/Website Talent to Help Maintain EMA Section Website 

Are you an IT person with some experience with WordPress? Could you volunteer an hour or two per week to help keep the EMA website? I’m looking for someone to provide some backup/relief for our tireless web site administrator, to keep an ear open for goings-on in the section, and to timely post short articles to the site, keeping the news fresh. If you are interested, please email me at n1ilz@arrl.org.  

*  Virtual NTS Traffic Net Going Strong 

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 meets weekly, and held its inaugural session on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET. The VNTN URL is: https://bitl.to/3xj4 The net will be changing time to 8 PM ET soon – stay tuned for details. 

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   

I hope you’re all enjoying the joys that Spring brings, with warmer weather, no more snow, and – lest I forget – ice cream!! Get out there and get those new antennas up or fix the damage from the ravages of winter. Most of all, get on the air and have 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.  

Here is the new ham report as of May 1, listing newly licensed hams. Club officials, please review the list and reach out to those in your footprint and invite, welcome them. To all: please welcome these folks when you hear them on local repeaters. Offer assistance as well!

Report for 2025-05-01

John H Knowles, KC1WPH – FCC
49 Walnut St
Devens, MA 01434-5072

Edward C Maloney, KC1WQB – FCC
130B Groton Rd
Shirley, MA 01464-2359

Rocco R Diverdi, KC1WQD – FCC
1718 Wedgewood Cmn
Concord, MA 01742-2834

Don J Lee, KC1WOV – FCC
416 Harrington Ave
Concord, MA 01742-4034

Gerard Dwan, KC1WSG – FCC
3 Kimberly Way
Haverhill, MA 01830-1460

Katelyn E Gilleo, KC1WSA – FCC
28 North St
Georgetown, MA 01833-2018

Andrew J Jerz, KC1WPC – FCC
28 Wentworth Ave
Lowell, MA 01852-2916

William J Bowhers, AC1UA – FCC
3 Hillside Ave
Amesbury, MA 01913-2213

Michael Sussman, KC1WQK – FCC
13 Youngs Rd
Gloucester, MA 01930-1337

Carla J Saco, KC1WRQ – FCC
11 Estes St
Ipswich, MA 01938-2105

David W Hostetter, KC1WRF – FCC
78 Overlook Rd
Marblehead, MA 01945-1446

Richard H Thibedeau, KC1WRK – FCC
9 Glover Sq
Marblehead, MA 01945-3509

Michael E McTeague, KC1WRE – FCC
200 Central St
Rowley, MA 01969-1316

Nathan M Kerns, KC1WPG – FCC
44 Baron Rd
Franklin, MA 02038-2774

Benjamin E Leith, KC1WNI – FCC
13 Pheasanthill Rd
Norfolk, MA 02056-1735

Roy Levien, KC1WPZ – FCC
24 Grozier Rd
Cambridge, MA 02138-3315

Nicholas Beauchemin, KC1WPR – FCC
74 Putnam Ave
Cambridge, MA 02139-2951

Robert L Pringle, KC1WRL – FCC
485 Foley St Unit 319
Somerville, MA 02145-1268

Robert C Day, KC1WOL – FCC
65 Meredith Way
Weymouth, MA 02188-3507

Jason W Thomson, KC1WQZ – FCC
48 Ruth Rd
Brockton, MA 02302-2512

Thomas J Landi, KC1WOT – FCC
50 Joyce Dr
Plymouth, MA 02360-2368

Ronnie Andersson, KC1WRI – FCC
25 Thoreau Rd
Lexington, MA 02420-1941

Tobias J Chang, KC1WNZ – FCC
3 Apollo Cir
Lexington, MA 02421-7002

Lucas Neves, KC1WRP – FCC
22 Hall St Apt 2
Waltham, MA 02453-5214

Michael J Maxwell, KC1WQQ – FCC
112 Wetherbee Rd
Waltham, MA 02453-7627

Julian M Goldman, KC1WSH – FCC
57 Everett St
Newton, MA 02459-1926

Victoria P Nassikas, KC1WRM – FCC
61 Sheffield Rd
Newton, MA 02460-2120

Martin D Kemp, KC1WRR – FCC
93 Mayflower Rd
Needham, MA 02492-1109

Matthew H Trask, N1AVI – FCC
3 Plantes Lndg
Buzzards Bay, MA 02532-3707

Scott A Bushway, WA1JRR – FCC
3 Longfellow Rd
East Falmouth, MA 02536-7428

Mark W Rogers, KC1WPO – FCC
30 Fieldwood Dr
Sagamore Beach, MA 02562-2321

Michael Tellier, KC1WRY – FCC
7 Weaver St # B
West Wareham, MA 02576-1307

Jack R George, KC1WOD – FCC
25 Beach Rd
West Yarmouth, MA 02673-3702

Edward L Boren, KC1WRD – FCC
52 Baker Lane Ext
East Freetown, MA 02717-1133

Keith J Witherell, KC1WNN – FCC
992 Lees River Ave
Somerset, MA 02726-1339

Scott P McGuire, KC1WOW – FCC
463 High St
North Attleboro, MA 02760-1014

Maeve Carrigg, KC1WPP – FCC
176 American Legion Hwy
Westport, MA 02790-4804

Here is the new ham report as of April 1, listing newly licensed hams. Club officials, please review the list and reach out to those in your footprint and invite, welcome them. To all: please welcome these folks when you hear them on local repeaters. Offer assistance as well!

Report for 2025-04-01

Paul A Willis, KC1WMC – FCC
58 Littleton Rd
Ayer, MA 01432-1745

Keith Ferguson, KC1WLE – FCC
5 Old Country Path
Ashland, MA 01721-1819

Garrett Ferguson, KC1WLD – FCC
5 Old Country Path
Ashland, MA 01721-1819

Heidi Hanson, KC1WLG – FCC
5 Old Country Path
Ashland, MA 01721-1819

Chris Eisenbies, KC1WKQ – FCC
420 Heald Rd
Carlisle, MA 01741-1418

Michel Machado, KC1WKS – FCC
275 Commonwealth Rd
Wayland, MA 01778-5017

Michael V Magee, KC1WLO – FCC
22 Carriage Dr
Chelmsford, MA 01824-4222

Jake Wilson, KC1WKT – FCC
4 Chickadee Ct
Methuen, MA 01844-2381

Robert C Keller, KC1WJA – FCC
320 Atlantic Ave
Marblehead, MA 01945-2730

Thomas C Nolan, KC1WKX – FCC
50 Prospect St
Rowley, MA 01969-1805

Deirdre M Burke, KC1WLK – FCC
2 Green Acres Dr
Mansfield, MA 02048-1661

Michael S Miller, KC1WJP – FCC
5 Hidden Meadows Ln
Wrentham, MA 02093-1685

Thomas H Strange, KC1WLA – FCC
26 Beach St Apt 1
Dorchester, MA 02122-2756

Alex Zhindon-Romero, KC1WJM – FCC
229 Vassar St
Cambridge, MA 02139-4310

Brendan Ryan, KC1WKH – FCC
625 Thomas Burgin Pkwy Apt 406
Quincy, MA 02169-7654

Kameron S Murphy, KC1WIV – FCC
19 S Main St
Carver, MA 02330-1500

Casey Bartlett, AC1TX – FCC
21 Dana Rd
Newton, MA 02465-1144

Seth T Cannon, KC1WIX – FCC
3 Sir Lancelot Dr
Bourne, MA 02532-2382

Jeremy W McPherson, KC1WIU – FCC
17 Dogwood Ln
Cotuit, MA 02635-2408

Jordan M Leary, KC1WIW – FCC
34 Grandwood Dr
Forestdale, MA 02644-1314

Shane L clark, KC1WIY – FCC
96 Scituate Rd
Mashpee, MA 02649-2258

Michael W Kondracki, KC1WKE – FCC
18 Equestrian Ave
Mashpee, MA 02649-2543

Gerald M Desalvatore, KC1WKG – FCC
1100 Route 134 Apt 104
South Dennis, MA 02660-2020

Richard G Bellefeuille, KC1WJZ – FCC
146 North St
Mattapoisett, MA 02739-1235

Corey M Rose, KC1WKD – FCC
258 Baylies St
North Dighton, MA 02764-1336

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!  I hope everyone had a fine time wearin’ o’ the green and being Irish for a day. Drinking Guinness, or Harp, or Jameson’s, or Bushmill’s. And ya’ know, I love a corned beef and cabbage dinner as much as the next guy, but I’ve had enough for a while – maybe a whole year! 

I hope you all made it through the Daylight-Saving Time transition. What a pain! Personally, I’d rather we just picked a time zone and stayed with it year-round, but that’s just me. For those of me that just can’t wake up early, I’m thrilled with the extra daylight in the late afternoon/early evening. And it gives me more operating time before the higher HF bands shut down for the night! Yay! 

* New Ham Report on EMA Website 

Please keep an eye out for the New Ham Report on the Eastern MA website. Monthly, around the 5th of the month, 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! 

* Ham Radio Open House Coming in April 

Ham Radio Open House is coming in April and clubs across the country are urged to participate. 

It’s now possible for a radio club or school to add their station open house to the ARRL Ham Radio Open House Locator. 

The Open House Locator is linked from the World Amateur Radio Day page at www.arrl.org/world-amateur-radio-day or go directly to the locator at www.arrl.org/open-house. 

Details about Ham Radio Open House are at World Amateur Radio Day (https://www.arrl.org/world-amateur-radio-day)  

 * Eastern MA Section Clubs Conduct Ham License Classes 

This month clubs in the EMA Section conducted several Ham License Classes: 

The Barnstable Amateur Radio Club (BARC) on Cape Cod, conducted another successful Technician class focused on First Responders. A week or so later, the Falmouth Amateur Radio Association (FARA) also on Cape Cod, did a training session for Public Service personnel. Details at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/03/17/fara-sponsors-ham-license-class-for-public-safety-personnel/ . And the Cape Ann ARA will conduct a tech-in-a-day session on April 19. Details at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/03/16/cape-ann-ara-tech-in-a-day-session-april-19-2025/ . Big kudos and thanks to all these clubs, helping keep the ham radio hobby alive! 

*  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 meets weekly on Wednesdays at 7pm 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!   

 * 2025 Northeast HamXposition is Coming! 

Mark your calendars! The 2025 Northeast HamXposition is not too 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/ 

 * N1ILZ for a Final   

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.  

Here is the new ham report as of March 1, listing newly licensed hams. Club officials, please review the list and reach out to those in your footprint and invite, welcome them. To all: please welcome these folks when you hear them on local repeaters. Offer assistance as well!

Report for 2025-03-01

Keith Maynard, KC1WFW – FCC
179 Whitney Rd
Ashby, MA 01431-2218

Sai Subramanian, KC1WDS – FCC
2 Jennifer Path
Acton, MA 01720-4177

Gregory S Adkins, KC1WFE – FCC
40 Hillside Rd
Carlisle, MA 01741-1132

Tayler Pitkin, KC1WFQ – FCC
130 Prospect St
Carlisle, MA 01741-1826

Theodore P Fiust, KC1WIB – FCC
54 Fairview Ave
Natick, MA 01760-4269

Gabriel A Bolter, KC1WGK – FCC
PO Box 705
Sudbury, MA 01776-0705

Joseph S Campbell, AC1TR – FCC
65 Prospect St
Woburn, MA 01801-4341

Richard H Boyd, KC1WFN – FCC
3 Redgate Dr
Andover, MA 01810-5919

Ethan Norton, KC1WHH – FCC
4 Tennyson Rd
Reading, MA 01867-1650

Jacob D Boisclair, K9RAV – FCC
194 Fayette St
Lynn, MA 01902-2242

Scott Leblanc, K1WTN – FCC
PO Box 264
Danvers, MA 01923-0464

Liam R Crossen, KC1WEP – FCC
9 Woodholm Rd
Manchester, MA 01944-1041

Camden C Johnson, KC1WDQ – FCC
6 Summit Pl
Newburyport, MA 01950-3804

William F Waters, N1BAV – FCC
54 Gardner St
Peabody, MA 01960-1843

Michael S Sullivan, KC1WEZ – FCC
45 Daniels St
Salem, MA 01970-5657

Brian Bodiya, KC1WIH – FCC
133 Oak St
Franklin, MA 02038-1841

Austin G Swinney, KC1WIC – FCC
16 Stoney Beach Rd
Hull, MA 02045-3317

Peter McNaughton, KC1WHE – FCC
67 Pine St
Medfield, MA 02052-1309

Austin Russell, KC1WGT – FCC
100 Lovejoy Wharf Unit 8C
Boston, MA 02114-2149

Scott Abramson, KC1WGF – FCC
716 Columbus Ave
Boston, MA 02120-2111

Ryan Raschkovsky, KC1WDR – FCC
716 Columbus Ave
Boston, MA 02120-2111

Alicja Mahr, KC1WDN – FCC
7 Greylock Rd Apt 2
Allston, MA 02134-2577

Vera L Berger, KC1WHM – FCC
299 Vassar St
Cambridge, MA 02139-4310

David C Treff, KC1WFV – FCC
21 Mead St
Somerville, MA 02144-2443

Benjamin C Wirz, KC1WET – FCC
17 Palmer St
Medford, MA 02155-1118

Christopher Reeves, KC1WIL – FCC
80 Furnace Brook Pkwy
Quincy, MA 02169-2304

Luke Taylor, KC1WFU – FCC
95 Park Dr Apt B
Boston, MA 02215-5216

Daniel Sheehan, KC1WFS – FCC
1243 Pleasant St
Brockton, MA 02301-2845

Sean J Colby, KC1WEE – FCC
17 State Rd
Plymouth, MA 02360-5101

Sarah E Gregg, KC1WIG – FCC
42 Reynolds Ave
Randolph, MA 02368-3740

Walter Vincent, KC1WIQ – FCC
9 Colby Rd
Arlington, MA 02476-7903

Bright McConnell, KC1WHL – FCC
15 Knox St
Belmont, MA 02478-2644

Camryn M Neches, KC1WGG – FCC
632 Wellesley St
Weston, MA 02493-1066

David G Berube, KC1WEQ – FCC
PO Box 3018
Oak Bluffs, MA 02557-3018

Kathryn E Hautanen, KC1WEJ – FCC
84 Governors Way
Barnstable, MA 02630-1305

Patricia P Semple, WA1SWJ – FCC
67 Rosemary Ln
Brewster, MA 02631-2469

Jeffrey Gruenglas, KC1WEK – FCC
44 Nyes Neck Rd
Centerville, MA 02632-1732

John P Cashman, KC1WFG – FCC
18 Martin Rd
Dennis, MA 02638-2585

Bryan Bourbeau, KC1WEN – FCC
41 Ships Eagle Ln
Osterville, MA 02655-1465

David Nedell, KC1WGU – FCC
1330 Williams St
Dighton, MA 02715-1004

Scott D Kershaw, KC1WEO – FCC
742 Rock St
Fall River, MA 02720-3440

Mark M Oberg, KC1WED – FCC
256 Belleville Rd
New Bedford, MA 02745-5223

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.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  I’m sorry this Section News Update is late – the month just got away from me. And what a month it’s been! Warm weather and cold weather! Snow (but not snowmageddon – yet!). Bitterly cold wind chills! 

* Winter Field Day is NOW! 

Winter Field Day, sponsored by the Winter Field Day Association is TODAY and SUNDAY, January 25 and 26. There are at least 18 sites registered on the WFD site (https://winterfieldday.org/) in EMA, the vast majority of which are Public Locations (accepting visitors). If you’re participating in WFD, GREAT! Please try to get out and visit one or more of the Public Locations. Are you playing in WFD this year? Please write me a paragraph or two about your experience – did you have fun, and what did you learn – so I can publish it in the next monthly update! 

* Whitman ARC WInterfest Was a Success! 

The Whitman Amateur Radio Club held its Winterfest this past weekend, Saturday, Jan 18. I had a great time joining the fun! Though I didn’t find anything I couldn’t live without – my shack is pretty much full to bursting – there were many, many tables full of goodies. I’m sure lots of hams left with happy purchases. And a bunch of hams went home with raffle prizes – yay! 

* Marconi Day Special Event Station KM1CC on Sat, Jan 18 

On Saturday, January 18, the Marconi Cape Cod Radio Club operated Special Event Station KM1CC in Wellfleet, MA, grid FN51, celebrating the 122nd Anniversary of Marconi’s first transatlantic wireless message from the USA. A fun time was had by all, as they made many QSOs and sampled lots of good food! 

* New MA State Government Liaison Appointed 

I’m pleased to announce that WMA Section Manager Ray Lajoie, AA1SE, has appointed Steve Berian, KC1KEZ, to the position of State Government Liaison. Steve will serve both the EMA and WMA sections. KC1KEZ replaces Steve Boyson, N1VLG (SK). Though KC1KEZ is a Western MA appointment, he will serve both WMA and EMA sections.  

Please join me in welcoming KC1KEZ to the position and thanking AA1SE for filling this important position. 

* 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!  I hope everyone has a great Winter season. Batten down the hatches and keep those salt larders full (for sprinkling on sidewalks and driveways).  

Can you write a paragraph or two about your ham radio New Year’s resolutions for 2025? Or just a few words 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.