As we approach Thanksgiving Day we can reflect on a few of the many things for which we can be thankful: families, friends we’ve made through amateur radio, various ham activities we’ve been able to enjoy and days of good propagation with many contacts. I am also thankful for all of you who have made our section a good example to traffic handlers nationwide. Your participation and support have been very much appreciated.
As previously reported, there are new recognition awards now available for downloading at https://nts2.arrl.org/recognition-awards/ . Net managers please take note and advise your STM of any deserving recipients. Some certificates can be awarded directly by the net managers. There is also a very nice looking NTS challenge coin awarded to those who have participated in traffic nets and sent activity reports to the STM for 48 months or more. (These months do not have to be consecutive.) I have looked through the reports going back through 2021 and have determined the following folks have earned this award: AJ1DM (RI), KC1HHO, KC1KVY, KC1OIP, KB1SYL, KW1U, N1IQI, N1LAH, W1PLK, W1RVY (WMA), W1TCD. Congrats to all of you. These coins will be in the mail shortly.
With the government heading back to work, I think we can expect to once again see more traffic to new and upgrading licensees. NX9K and N9VC have a new text suggesting sending seasons greetings to family and friends via radiogram. It would be a nice gesture and added traffic for the nets if all our traffic handlers did the same. One way to do this is via the Radiogram Portal. In fact Shawn, N1CVO, informs me he has directed folks to the Radiogram Portal when he delivers radiograms to new licensees, especially those who may not have radios yet. Great idea Shawn! Check https://nts2.arrl.org/radiogram/ for information.
The October traffic report is below. Thanks to all for your participation and support. I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving.
73, Marcia KW1U, Section Traffic Manager
Massachusetts - Rhode Island STM Report October 2025