Clubs

On behalf of the Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association (CAARA), I’m excited to announce our participation in the 2025 ARRL Field Day, a nationwide annual event that showcases the fascinating world of amateur radio. We invite the public to join us on Saturday, June 28th, 2025, from Noon to 5:00 p.m., at our clubhouse, located at 6 Stanwood Street in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

What is Field Day?

Field Day is more than just an event for ham radio operators; it’s an emergency preparedness exercise and a chance to highlight the vital role amateur radio plays in our communities, especially during times of crisis. When traditional communication systems fail, amateur radio operators, or “hams,” can provide crucial communication links.

During Field Day, CAARA members will operate our radio stations, attempting to make as many contacts as possible with other amateur radio stations across North America. This simulates operating under challenging conditions, honing our skills in effective communication.

Join Us!

We welcome everyone, from curious onlookers to aspiring hams, to visit our clubhouse on Saturday afternoon. You’ll have the opportunity to:

• See amateur radio in action: Observe experienced operators making contacts around the country.
• Learn about emergency communications: Understand how ham radio can be a lifeline when other systems are down.
• Try your hand at transmitting: Under the guidance of a licensed operator, you can even get on the air and make a contact!
• Discover the hobby: Learn about licensing, different modes of operation, and how to get involved in amateur radio.

ARRL Field Day is a fantastic opportunity to see firsthand the dedication and ingenuity of amateur radio operators. We look forward to sharing our passion with the community and demonstrating the value of this essential public service.

For more information about CAARA or the Field Day event, please visit our website at http://caara.net or contact us at info@caara.net.

Sincerely,

Brandon Hockle, NQ1W

President, Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association

Courtesy Needham Patch:

Wellesley, MA – 6/20/2025 – The Wellesley Amateur Radio Society (WARS) will participate in the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day exercise on 28-29 June 2025, at the Needham Memorial Gazebo, 92 Rosemary St, Needham, MA 02492, demonstrating the critical role amateur radio plays in emergency communications and public service. The public are invited to visit our demonstration between 2-6 pm on Saturday and 9 am – 12 noon on Sunday to learn about amateur radio Field Day and the WARS club.

Field Day is amateur radio’s premier annual event, bringing together thousands of radio operators across North America to test their emergency preparedness and showcase their ability to communicate without relying on traditional infrastructure. During the 24-hour exercise, participants operate from temporary outdoor locations using emergency power sources to simulate real-world disaster conditions. Clubs compete with each other on Field Day, by earning points based on the number of contacts made and bonus points for emergency preparedness activities. The real value, however, lies in the training, fellowship, and public education that Field Day provides.

“Many members of WARS will be participating in Field Day by erecting antennas, connecting radios, and making contacts around the US” said Club President Charlie Bures. “The public is warmly invited to stop by and see amateur radio in operation. We’ll be most happy to demonstrate our operations and

answer any questions. We expect to have at least 3 stations operational in various modes, such as voice, Morse code, and the newer digital modes.”

Amateur radio operators, known as “hams,” are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission and have a long history of providing emergency communications during disasters. Recent examples include support operations during Hurricane Ian, the Texas winter storm of 2021, and numerous wildfire evacuations across the western United States. Locally our club assisted in the Boston Marathon by providing communications infrastructure.

The WARS Club meets every third Tuesday of the month at Kingsbury Room of the Wellesley Police Station, 485 Washington St. (Rte 16), in Wellesley. For more information about amateur radio or the club’s activities, visit the WARS club website: https://ema.arrl.org/wellesley-amateur-radio-society/ or contact the Club President by email: c.bures@comcast.net

About Amateur Radio 

Amateur radio is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. People use ham radio to talk to friends, conduct emergency communications, experiment with electronics, and even communicate with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Information about amateur radio is available from the American Radio Relay League at www.arrl.org.

About Wellesley Amateur Radio Society 

The WARS club is celebrating its 75^th anniversary in the upcoming year, having served the local community and greater ham community. Currently the club has over 50 members and the Club’s radio callsign is W1TKZ.

https://ema.arrl.org/wellesley-amateur-radio-society/

https://www.arrl.org/field-day

https://ema.arrl.org/field_day/ClubDetail.php?club=WARS

https://maps.app.goo.gl/q99xCh5ygyahznMU7

Mark it on your calendar – ARRL Field Day is just two weeks away!  Once again this year, the Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club will participate from the Heald Street Orchard in Pepperell (entrance is adjacent to 112 Heald Street).  We will be setting up Saturday, June 28th after 9 AM, with operation from 2 PM Saturday June 28 th through Sunday June 29th at 2 PM.

We will feature four operating stations – an HF phone station (primarily for voice operation), an HF CW station (primarily for Morse code and data operation), a VHF/UHF station (which will also communicate via satellite), and a GOTA station.  GOTA stands for “Get-on-the-Air”.  This station is specifically set aside for unlicensed operators (operating under the supervision of a licensed operator), newly licensed hams, and generally inactive hams.

Besides the Field Day stations, there will be educational activities, social activities, food, etc.  Something for everyone!  Please come and join us.  Bring your family, friends, kids, and grandchildren.  Everyone is welcome.

Attached is the official press release which will give you more information.

I look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Bruce, K1BG

978-772-2773 or bruce.blain@charter.net