"Town Meeting" PR Efforts Gain Ground
A representative from the Governor’s office has reached out to the Amateur Radio community in the wake of last week’s perceived “snubbing” of Amateur Radio emergency communications efforts in comments made by the Governor in a televised “Town Meeting.”
According to Eastern MA Section Emergency Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY, Pam Hickman from the Governor’s Office of External Relations telephoned Macedo yesterday. “Hickman stated the Governor’s Office would like to the ‘make the situation right,'” explained KD1CY.
Macedo told Hickman that he and the ARRL/ARES leadership are seeking a “short visit” with the Governor so that they might “describe Amateur Radio and its benefits to the community.” KD1CY says he’d like to use the opportunity to push for an Amateur Radio proclamation during the June, 2006 timeframe, which coincides with the ARRL’s annual Field Day operating event.
“I gave a brief description of Amateur Radio and what we do and tried to give her a flavor of our organization,” noted Macedo. “Hickman has requested pamphlets and information be sent to her office. I will begin working on that as one of my highest priorities.”
KD1CY expects to have a package consisting of ARES/ARRL pamphlets, sample articles from the ARES E-newsletters, a writeup on the Whittenton Pond Dam operation, and other relevant materials sent to Hickman no later than Friday.
“Depending on time constraints, I may also provide a brief, high-level PowerPoint presentation, leveraging material used from the MEMT meetings where we’ve discussed ARES and RACES.”
In a related development, District Emergency Coordinator Steve Schwarm, W3EVE contacted his state representative regarding the Governor’s comments in the Town Meeting program. “[Steve’s] representative sent a response, saying he was going to be contacting the Governor’s office,” reports Macedo. “This is the first I’ve heard of a state rep getting involved with making contact as well.”
A representative from the Governor’s office has reached out to the Amateur Radio community in the wake of last week’s perceived “snubbing” of Amateur Radio emergency communications efforts in comments made by the Governor in a televised “Town Meeting.”
Members of the Marconi Cape Cod Radio Club (KM1CC) will operate special event station W1P commemorating the 107th anniversary of the sinking of the Steamship Portland on November 25, 2005 from 1400 until 2200 UTC. Look for W1P on the following frequencies (Mhz): 7.050, 14.050, 7.260, 14.260.
Roland Daignault, N1JOY writes on BCRA-club list:
Wired News on the web features an article on May 25, 2005 by Mark Baard entitled “Hamming It Up at Radio Meets” archived: 
The Marconi Cape Cod Memorial Radio Club, 
Attendees at a local area “Unschooling” Conference were introduced to Amateur Radio in a “non-teaching way.” The Third 
Dick Marshall, K1KTK writes on FraminghamARA-L@fara.org:
[Bill, N1VUX, is Primary NCS for Northeastern SKYWARN operating primarily on the Waltham repeater. He is also a regular contributor of information on VHF/UHF ducting, using his predictive model. He will also occasionally comment on other unusual atmospheric phenomena affecting communications – W1MPN]
Jim Duarte, N1IV, has been nominated for the ARRL’s prestigious Philip J. McGan Memorial Silver Antenna Award. The McGan award is given annually to the individual who demonstrates volunteer public relations success on behalf of Amateur Radio at the local, state or national level, and will live up to the high standard of achievement exemplified by the late Philip J. McGan.
Pi, K1RV wrote:
FRAMINGHAM —”Imagine that six meters is open and you have 100 watts and a beam at 125 feet to play with!”
