N1VUX Featured in Boston Globe SKYWARN Article
“Bill Ricker of Dorchester maintains the computer system of a Boston financial institution. But whether at work, or at home, or on the road, he always has one eye on the sky, watching for danger.”
The February 1, 2004 Boston Globe features a well-written article about Bill Ricker, N1VUX and his SKYWARN activities. Entitled Low-tech spotter scans the skies, alert to danger the article talks about Bill’s involvement with the SKYWARN program and how Amateur Radio plays a pivotal role in confirming severe weather. Glenn Field (KB1GHX) of the National Weather Service, who is also interviewed is paraphrased, saying, “[Hams] are essential for verifying what radar images make meteorologists suspect, and for helping increase the lead time residents can be given of dangerous weather.”
“Ricker adds that his radio network can communicate during storms that knock out other communication systems, such as telephones. So he makes a point of trying to keep his radio with him wherever he goes. Basically, says Ricker, ‘I spot wherever I am.'”
The January 31, 2004 
The Massasoit Amateur Radio Association took part in the 100th Anniversary of Flight at Bridgewater State College on December 17. Those who participated were: Allan, K1VQ; Phil, N1XTB; Gil, W1GMF; Bob, N1EDM, Joe, W1JOE. 
ARRL Headquarters gave the Framingham ARA the “thumbs-up” for its spring flea market. 
On January 19, 2004 the ARRL Board of Directors voted to request that FCC amend Part 97 to restructure the Amateur Radio Service and to introduce a new entry-level “Novice” code-free license with HF privileges (see 
On behalf of all the Eastern Massachusetts (EMa) DEC’s and EC’s, I would like to extend a cordial invitation to play in our annual Winter Communications Exercise, scheduled for Saturday February 21st. As most of you know, we are entering our “Nor’easter” season, so it is our annual opportunity to formally evaluate our winter emergency communication skills and readiness. This message will be the first in a series of messages about the exercise.
CCARES will hold its “Operation Big Chill” exercise this Saturday, 31 Jan at 1000 throughout the Cape and Islands District.
“This will be a drill to test our primary stations and other ARES member home stations,” explained District Emergency Coordinator Frank O’Laughlin, WQ1O. “We will attempt to utilize HF NVIS, VHF/UHF simplex FM. We’ll also utilize VHF/UHF SSB and digital modes. And we will attempt communications with other ARES districts and their EOCs.”
Hello to all…
From: Telsey, Steven
Grab your boots and mittens—oh, and your Go-kit for the Cape Cod Amateur Radio Emergency Service’s (CCARES) winter cold weather exercise on January 31, 2004 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Dubbed “Operation Arctic Chill” the exercise will test the ability of Emergency Operation Centers, zone-based relay stations, and field operations teams under freeezing, weather conditions. 
Steve Telsey writes:
Jim Duarte, N1IV wrote:
Steve Telsey, N1BDA wrote:
ZCZC AG03
John Bellissimo, KA1EWN writes: 
A Boston-area ARRL Public Information Officer may be featured on a late-night talk show to promote Amateur Radio. Bill McIninch, KA1MOM phoned in to Jordan Rich’s show on WBZ radio to “put in a plug” for ham radio.