Summer is officially here along with its heat and potential storms. Field Day is coming up in a few days. and it is looking like moderating temperatures but chance of rain. To those, especially, who will be taking part, stay tuned to Rob, KD1CY’s weather forecast. Take precautionary measures to keep safe as required and enjoy the weekend.
The traffic Handlers Picnic will soon be here. I hope you set aside the date, Sunday, August 3 beginning at 12 noon. The place is 44 Raymond Rd, Concord MA. I have put in my usual request for good weather and my shade tree which gives plenty of cooling shade is still standing . As noted previously, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs and Italian sausages will be provided along with my daughter-in-law Susan’s fantastic baked beans. Bring your beverage of choice and a lawn chair if you have one (I have a few for anyone who does not.) If you care to bring something to share that would be welcomed, but not required. We always end up with plenty of food. Meet the folks you have worked on the radio and enjoy the camaraderie.
Official Relay Station Appointments: I am happy to report that Mike, W1VEG has recently been appointed an ARRL Official Relay Station (ORS). Also, as reported last month, Neil, N1HAN, Jack, KC1SJK, Matt, KC1VXV and Scott, AC1TR had been recommended for this appointment and now it is official. Congrats to all and thanks for all your efforts in training and handling radiograms on the traffic nets. Hopefully you will all have heard from ARRL regarding your appointment. If not let me know. If any ORS in Eastern Mass is looking for an ORS certificate to decorate your wall, I can make that happen if you just let me know.
The Virtual NTS Training Net (VNTN) continues to operate every Wednesday at 7 PM Eastern Time. Shawn, N1CVO has been conducting training and anyone interested in learning more about traffic handling, no matter your experience (or non-experience) level is welcome to participate, even if it is just to listen – no pressure. The URL is https://bitl.to/3xj4.
Northeast HamXposition is coming up August 21-24. While I’m a bit behind the eight-ball in planning, I would like to see an NTS presence there. How much might depend on how much help is available. Let me know of your availability so I can plan accordingly. Of course we will have the usual Meet and Greet. I would also like to have a table, if I can get one, with information about NTS and hopefully a demonstration of the Radiogram Portal. To have a table however requires folks to be there. This is particularly where I might need help.
Don’t forget to check out the NTS Letter, published by ARRL. See https://nts2.arrl.org/ntsletter/ for details and an archive of all previous issues.
Thanks to all for your participation and support.
73, Marcia, KW1U, Section Traffic Manager
Massachusetts - Rhode Island STM Report for May 2025 (1)