Eastern Massachusetts ARRL

The Sturdy Memorial Hospital received a plaque from ARRL commemorating 25 years of ARRL affiliation this week.

Presenting on behalf of the ARRL was Eastern Massachusetts Affiliated Club Coordinator Frank Murphy, N1DHW. John Benson, N1FLO, SMHARC President, accepted the award.

The Sturdy Memorial Hospital ARC also celebrates its 25th anniversity as a radio club this year. It was formed in the aftermath of the devastating “Blizzard of ’78.”

“Clubs play in integral role in the health and vibrancy of our hobby,” said Phil Temples, K9HI, Eastern Massachusetts ARRL Section Manager.

Temples added, “The Sturdy Memorial Hospital ARC has distinguished itself time and time again as one of the premiere clubs in this section through its public service, its outstanding publicity of our hobby-service to the community, and its continuing affiliation with our national Amateur Radio organization.”

The Homeland Security Advisory Level has been raised to Orange in anticipation of negative activities associated with the US commencing military operations.Please ensure that your home and mobile stations are working properly by participating in weekly nets and occasional simplex nets. Please pay particular attention to your emergency power systems. As before, please carry your handheld radios whenever you can. Remember, you can serve best only when your family is safe and supplied properly. Please visit the DHS website http://www.ready.gov , or the FEMA website, http://www.fema.gov/library/prepandprev.shtm site for further information. Other information about our program can be found on our website, http://ares.ema.arrl.org.

My best to you and your family. 73,

Michael P. Neilsen, W1MPN
EMa SEC
978.562.5662 Admin
978.389.0558 FAX/Secondary

KC1US writes:

Your skills are needed! Put that communications training you have received to good use at Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger. This will be the 35th event with radio operators playing a key role for many years. Last year over 42,000 walkers participated, raising a record 3.2 million dollars. This money funds in part emergency food programs at nearly 400 food pantries, kitchens and shelters throughout Massachusetts. More information about the walk itself or the food programs can be found at http://www.projectbread.org. Our vital support is needed this year more than ever, due to the increased demand on these services.

Using two meter equipment, we will be in key areas tying together the over 1,500 volunteers with the Project Bread walk managers. With better weather coming, it will be a nice day to be outside, helping this worthwhile cause. Positions are available throughout the day along the twenty-mile route from Boston out to Newton and back. We need coordinator shadows, van communicators, operators with walking marshals and at checkpoints. All skill levels of hams are needed. Net control will be using the special event call sign of W4H.

To join in on the fun, you can sign up on line at the Crocker Public Service Group web site http://cpsg.amateur-radio.net/, send a message to W4H2003@amateur-radio.net or call me after 7:30PM at 781-275-3740.

Jean Wolfgang, WB3IOS writes:

“March 31 is the deadline for me to receive nominations for the Hiram Percy Maxim Award. These nominations must come through ARRL Section Managers. Section Managers may nominate a ham under 21 or others can send a nomination to you (SM) for your review. You will find complete information and a nomination form at http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/awards/hpm.html. We had many excellent candidates from last year. Please feel free to renominate those candidates again. We have saved their nomination information and it will only need updating, but you will have to email me concerning your intentions.

“March 31 is also the deadline for me to receive nominations for 3 Technical Awards. Complete information, including links to the nomination form, is found at http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/instructor/instructor/awards.html . The nominations for the Technical awards can be sent directly to me. They do not need to go through the SM. However, I would appreciate if you would spread the word about the Technical awards.

“At this time we have 2 nominees for the Hiram Percy Maxim Award and 2 for the Technical Awards.

“Contact me if you have any questions.”

Jean Wolfgang, WB3IOS
ARRL Field & Educational Services

I’m happy to report that the Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club has been officially renewed as a Special Service Club. Extraordinary clubs like NVARC actively pursue all aspects of Amateur Radio: new ham development and training; public relations; emergency communications; school club support; technical advancement; operating activities; annual reports, etc.

“Through the work of its members, [NVARC] is recognized for its continued efforts on behalf of Amateur Radio and services to its community.” said ARRL Club & Educational Correspondent Marjorie Bourgoin, KB1DCO in a March 1, 2003 letter to the EMA Section Manager, K9HI, Affiliated Clubs Coordinator, N1DHW, and New England Division Director, K1KI.

More information about Special Service Clubs can be found at http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/club/#ssc_program

Junior BARS member, Katherine KB1ITK took second prize at the John Glenn Middle School science fair for her experiment which asked the question: “How does the strength of a radio signal vary when the medium through which it passes and the signal’s frequency are changed?” —thanks, N1QVT

Please proceed to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mass_races_ares_skywarn_general/files/ to view the report. You will need an Adobe Acrobat Reader.

The HSAS Terror Alert Level was lowered to Yellow “Elevated” this afternoon. You may standdown from carrying a H/H if you so desire. Please press the button below to read the press release.Joint Statement of Attorney General John Ashcroft and Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Office of the Press Secretary
February 27, 2003
For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Based on a review of intelligence and an assessment of threats by the intelligence community, the Attorney General in consultation with the Homeland Security Council has made the decision to return the threat level to an elevated risk of terrorist attack, or “yellow” level.

The decision to raise the threat level on February 7 was based on specific intelligence, corroborated by multiple intelligence sources, received and analyzed by the full intelligence community at the time. Today’s decision to lower the threat level was based on a careful review of how this specific intelligence has evolved and progressed over the past three weeks, as well as counter-terrorism actions we have taken to address specific aspects of the threat situation. Among the factors we considered was the passing of the time period in or around the end of the Hajj, a Muslim religious period ending mid-February 2003.

The lowering of the threat level is not a signal to government, law enforcement or citizens that the danger of a terrorist attack is passed. Returning to the elevated level of risk is only an indication that some of the extra protective measures enacted by government and the private sector may be reduced at this time.

We emphasize that the United States and its interests are still at a significant risk of terrorist attack. Detained al Qaeda operatives have informed U.S. intelligence and law enforcement officials that al Qaeda will wait until it believes Americans are less vigilant and less prepared before it will strike again. For this reason, and for the safety and security of our nation, Americans must continue to be defiant and alert. We must always be prepared to respond to a significant risk of terrorist attacks.

The American people serve as our strongest defense against terrorism. We ask all citizens to be aware of any suspicious activity and to report it to local authorities or the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The nation’s Homeland Security Advisory System provides a national framework to inform and facilitate the decisions of federal, state and local government as well as private individuals at home and at work. The system indicates protective measures commensurate with the current threat level to be taken to reduce the nation’s vulnerability to terrorist attack.

At the elevated risk level, significant security measures will remain in place at all federal agencies. Examples of these include:

A focus on critical facilities and vulnerabilities, with security and surveillance tailored to meet specific intelligence reports and security needs.
Continued increased surveillance.
Random inspections of passenger vehicles entering parking lots and restricted parking as necessary.
Continued coordination of emergency plans with state and federal jurisdictions and private sector partners.
One hundred percent identification check of personnel entering facilities.
Screening procedures remain in place for incoming office mail and other deliverables.

We thank all federal, state and local government and law enforcement officials, representatives of the private sector, and individual citizens for your patience and resolve. Know that your efforts are making a difference. And know, as well, that through our collective efforts, we send a signal to those who would do us harm that America stands alert, united, and prepared.

Taunton Mayor Ted Strojny and Richard (Rick) Ferreira the Director of the Taunton Emergency Management Agency presented a Certificate of Appreciation “In recognition of your professional and outstanding support and dedication to the Taunton Emergency Management Agency and the City of Taunton” to the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) volunteers at the City Council meeting of February 25th. The team members were then personally thanked by all the City of Taunton Council members.

—Whitman ARC Spectrum

I’m happy to report that the Falmouth Amateur Radio Association has been officially renewed as a Special Service Club. Extraordinary clubs like FARA actively pursue all aspects of Amateur Radio: new ham development and training; public relations; emergency communications; school club support; technical advancement; operating activities; annual reports, etc.

“Through the work of its members, [the Falmouth Club] is recognized for its continued efforts on behalf of Amateur Radio and services to its community.” said ARRL Club & Educational Correspondent Marjorie Bourgoin, KB1DCO in a February 25, 2003 letter to the EMA Section Manager, K9HI, Affiliated Clubs Coordinator, N1DHW, and New England Division Director, K1KI.

More information about Special Service Clubs can be found at http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/club/#ssc_program

Frank, WQ1O, DEC for Cape Cod/Islands, is reporting that the Oakridge School, Sandwich, MA, is available for our workshop. We’ll need to start as soon as we can after 0830 as we have to be completely out by 1500. Many thanks to W1RBF, for his assistance in securing the location. Directions will be available when we get closer to the date. Contact your DEC or W1MPN, if you would like to attend.

358 AM EST TUE FEB 18 2003

WINTER STORM WARNING CONTINUES TODAY FOR S. NH
AND THE N. & FAR EASTERN PARTS OF MASSACHUSETTS..

THE WARNING INCLUDES THE MONADNOCK REGION OF S. NH
THROUGH NASHUA & DOWN TO BOSTON.BOTH ITS NO. & SO. SHORES. ALSO INCLUDED IS THE ROUTE 2 REGION OF N. MASSACHUSETTS & THE MERRIMACK VALLEY.LIGHT TO OCCASIONALLY MODERATE SNOW WILL ADD A FEW MORE INCHES OF POWDER TODAY TO THE ALREADY WIDESPREAD 1 TO 2 FOOT AMOUNTS COVERING MUCH OF THE WARNING AREA. WHILE THE SNOW WILL NOT BE AS INTENSE AS LAST NIGHT.THE WARNING INDICATES THAT IT CAN STILL COMPLICATE TRAVEL & CLEANUP EFFORTS. THIS IS IN THE WAKE OF WHAT TURNED OUT TO BE.ONE OF THE TOP 10 SNOWSTORMS IN PARTS OF S. NEW ENGLAND.

THE WARNING HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO EXPIRE IN RI.CT AND THE FAR SE PORTION OF MASSACHUSETTS. MOTORISTS WILL NEED TO USE CARE WHEN DRIVING.AS MANY ROADWAYS ARE SNOW COVERED & ICY. BE ESPECIALLY CAUTIOUS ON ANY UNTREATED SECONDARY ROADS.

Marc Stern, WA1R wrote at 4:39 pm ET:

All – Please be advised that the 40 Meter Net has closed for the night due to interference from foreign broadcasters. We may resume operations on 7.263 tomorrow if conditions warrant.

73 and thanks all, Marc, WA1R

W1MPN writes at 3:25 pm ET:

Hello to all…

Pleased be advised that working frequencies today are 3937 KHz and 7263
KHz, due to comm emergency in the Mid-Atlantic states, other traffic,
and conditions.

Michael P. Neilsen, W1MPN
EMa SEC
State EOC

W1MPN writes at 12:22 pm ET:

Hello to all…

I will be co-located with Tom, N1CPE, in the Framingham bunker. Please pass traffic intended to for me the same way Tom described in his earlier email, except use the tactical identification “Eastern Mass” and my call W1MPN.

Please use the same procedures we just practiced a couple of weeks ago.1. Each town should guard the sector RACES repeater, and pass traffic on another agreed frequency (repeater or simplex). Look on the website under “Where am I” button to find your town and RACES/ARES frequency.

2. If no one is net control, please assume those duties until not needed or relieved by a RACES net control station.

3. Coordinate your group or other relay stations on your resource nets. Please move check-ins from the RACES/ARES repeater to your resource
frequency(ies). Use the ones you used for the exercise, as they are still up on the website for you to view.

4. Assist SKYWARN in any way you can with damage reports and wind/snow exceeding guidelines. In the case of Waltham net, make use of the MMRA
network to move your traffic. They are only too happy to help us.

Thanks for your help, and 73,

Michael P. Neilsen, W1MPN
Section Emergency Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts Section
Pager: 1-800-759-8888 PIN 1155084
Admin: w1mpn (symbol for at) arrl.net
978-562-5662 Primary/Voice Mail
978-389-0558 FAX/ EFax Voice Mail